If you're in Newcastle city centre over the next few weeks then chances are you will have to walk through the Christmas market.
The popular attraction is bigger than ever this year, with more than 40 stalls spread out across Grey Street, Grainger Street, and Old Eldon Square. The market officially opened to shoppers on Saturday, November 19, bringing with it all the sights and delicious smells of the festive season.
We headed along on opening day and set ourselves a budget of £20 to spend at the market to see if it was enough to feed two people - and whether it was worth it.
READ MORE: Newcastle Christmas Market 2022 dates, location, opening hours, bar and stalls
A bratwurst from the grill tower is a Christmas market staple visit for many. However, we thought we would try the food and drink from some of the North East businesses that make up the bulk of traders at this year's event.
Although we headed down to the market early, a large queue had already formed at Acropolis, the Greek street food chain founded in Newcastle. The business was one of the most popular traders at the Christmas market last year and has made a welcome return to the event with a stall on Grey Street.
Our photographer chose a chicken gyros wrap, made up of grilled Greek pitta bread filled with chicken, fries, tomatoes, and onions, topped with Tzatziki, chili, and the chain's 'signature sauce'. The wrap will set you back £9, but it is certainly worth it as its huge size made for a filling meal.
We then headed to Meat: Stack, Newcastle's cult burger business, which also has a stall on Grey Street at this year's event. Although it offers a tempting Christmas special called 'Dip Harder', featuring stuffing and cranberry, I kept things simple and went for the classic burger. It cost £8 and features a sizeable pattie with 'stack sauce' and lettuce, as well as a box-load of chips.
Just like the gyros from Acropolis, the burger also made for a tasty and substantial meal that left me feeling full and that I had got my money's worth. The two meals set us back £17, leaving £3 to grab a drink.
If you're after a cold drink, then Geordie Bangers is a good shout, offering soft drinks for just £1.50 alongside their menu of tasty sausages. However, on a cold and wet day, I was looking for something warmer. I headed along to North Shore Coffee, who offered just the ticket with a perfect cappuccino for £3.50.
While we were 50p over budget, we felt that we had done well to get two large lunches and a drink for £20.50 when we all know Christmas markets can be notoriously expensive. The only downside of the market it's that there's not a designated seating area, making it very much a lunch or snack on the go.
But for those who just want to spend £10 and are after something sweet or a drink to enjoy while they browse the stalls then there are plenty of options to choose from ranging from brownies and churros to pints and mulled wine.
Take a look at our full guide to this year's Christmas market here to plan your visit before you go.
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