| November 2, 2025

Fenwick Christmas Window 2025: A Christmas Carol

As the festive season approaches, Fenwick Newcastle once again invites visitors into a world of storytelling, artistry, and Christmas magic. This year, our iconic Christmas windows have been reimagined by Chris Riddell, celebrated author and illustrator, bringing a playful, heartwarming twist to Charles Dickens’ timeless classic, A Christmas Carol.

Riddell, returning to Fenwick after collaborating on last year's Christmas window - The Twelve Days of Christmas, has crafted a window display that captures the essence of Dickens’ story while adding his signature charm and wit. The result is a series of seven windows that guide visitors through Scrooge’s journey from grumpy miser to benevolent benefactor, blending intricate illustrations with immersive 3D scenes.

Chris Riddell, Author & Illustrator, comments: "I was thrilled to be asked to produce designs for Fenwick’s Christmas windows again this year. The theme of A Christmas Carol was so rich and resonant with the ghosts and Scrooge and a host of Dickensian characters, I couldn’t resist the challenge. The amazing team went to work on my drawings and have turned them into 3D tableaux that are breathtaking. I can’t wait to see them come to life in the iconic Fenwick Christmas Window!"

Discover Scrooge's journey as a miserly man is transformed by the ghosts of Christmas into someone who finally understands compassion, joy and the spirit of giving.

Window 1: Scrooge’s Office sets the scene on a cold Christmas Eve. Outside, carolers sing, while Bob Cratchit works nervously at his desk. Inside, Scrooge grumbles and mutters his infamous “Bah, humbug!”—a curmudgeonly introduction that sets the stage for the transformative adventure ahead.

By Window 2: Scrooge’s Bedroom, the mood shifts as Marley’s ghost appears, draped in heavy chains and warning Scrooge that he will be visited by three spirits. “You must change your greedy, selfish ways,” Marley intones, launching the story into its magical, moral journey.

The subsequent windows guide visitors through Scrooge’s encounters with the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. In Window 3, the Ghost of Christmas Past whisks Scrooge back to the joy of his youth, revealing happier times and lost love. Window 4 shows the Ghost of Christmas Present in a glowing room of festive cheer, demonstrating the warmth, generosity, and laughter that embody Christmas. Window 5, the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, confronts Scrooge with a chilling vision of greed, loneliness, and even his own death, prompting him to reconsider his life and choices.

The final two windows capture Scrooge’s redemption. Window 6 reveals him opening his window to golden sunlight and the bustling joy of Christmas morning, while Window 7 celebrates the transformed Scrooge spreading kindness and generosity, embracing the Cratchit family, and embodying the spirit of the season.

Every detail of this year’s Christmas window has been crafted with extraordinary imagination and care. Weeks were spent perfecting each scene, from selecting fabrics that mirrored the original sketches to sourcing vintage treasures, including pottery, Christmas cards, and carpet. A dedicated seamstress lovingly created the costumes over four months, ensuring every stitch captured the warmth and wonder of the story.

Behind the scenes, artistry met precision as the production team brought Chris’s enchanting drawings to life, carefully balancing scale and perspective with the help of a talented sculpting team of six and four scenic painters. Across 100 metres of hand-crafted faux floors and walls, and with nine digital screens adding a touch of contemporary sparkle, the result is a world where craftsmanship, creativity, and Christmas magic meet in perfect harmony.

Our iconic Christmas windows have long been a tradition in Newcastle, drawing visitors from across the UK and beyond. This year’s display combines Riddell’s artistry with meticulous craftsmanship, turning each window into a miniature theatrical experience.

James Thomas, Director of Royal Northern Sinfonia & Classical Music, shared: 'For the fourth consecutive year, The Glasshouse is collaborating with Fenwick to celebrate the season in style. This year, we’re pairing Fenwick’s iconic festive window with a special performance by the Royal Northern Sinfonia, conducted by James Weeks.

The window, featuring Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, is the perfect backdrop for the festivities. To complement the display, we’ve commissioned Ian Anderson to create a unique arrangement of the classic carol God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen. Having worked with us previously for the BBC Prom with JADE, Ian’s expertise ensures the music will shine alongside our orchestra.'"

The 2025 Fenwick Christmas windows invite visitors of all ages to step into Dickens’ world, experience the magic of storytelling, and celebrate the transformative power of generosity, kindness, and festive cheer. From Scrooge’s “Bah, humbug” to Tiny Tim’s heartfelt blessing, this year’s windows are a reminder of why the magic of Christmas endures.

Re-watch the moment the Fenwick 2025 Christmas Window was revealed on the Fenwick Official YouTube channel and visit the Christmas windows on Northumberland Street until early January 2026.