It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Newcastle as the city's annual market takes shape.
Preparations are well under way for the popular festive market , which will be much bigger than we've had in previous years.
Wooden chalet-style stalls are being set up around Grey's Monument and attractions will also spread along Blackett Street and Northumberland Street.
![](https://i2-prod.chroniclelive.co.uk/incoming/article17242699.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/0_Newcastle-Xmas-market-begins-to-take-shape.jpg)
The market, set to open on Saturday, will feature more than 70 stalls offering artisan cheeses, homemade chutneys, mead, jewellery, clothing, art and home accessories as well as mouth-watering treats.
Visitors will be able to sample currywursts from Germany, waffles from Holland, paella from Spain and crepes – both sweet and savoury - from France.
There will also be a 30m toboggan slide, a traditional carousel and a ski lodge-themed bar.
![](https://i2-prod.chroniclelive.co.uk/incoming/article17242518.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/0_Newcastle-Xmas-market-begins-to-take-shape.jpg)
The shopping stalls and attractions will be open until Christmas Eve, while the street food and drink stalls will remain until New Year's Eve.
Stephen Patterson, of business improvement district company NE1, has previously said: "As the North East’s number one retail and leisure destination, it is right that the city delivers a festive offer that we can all be proud of.
"This year’s Christmas Markets will be a huge part of this. It signals a step change in the city’s approach to Christmas, something we are excited to build upon in the years to come."
To see how the preparations are coming along, watch the video above.