Christmas magic has arrived on Newcastle’s Northumberland Street, as Fenwick officially unveils its highly anticipated 2026 Christmas Window, bringing the enchanting world of The Gruffalo’s Child to life in a spectacular festive display. 

Created in partnership with Macmillan Children’s Books and Magic Light Pictures, this year’s window celebrates one of the nation’s most cherished children’s stories, combining imaginative storytelling, intricate craftsmanship and a sprinkling of Christmas magic to create a memorable experience for visitors of all ages. 

For generations, The Gruffalo’s Child, written by Dame Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, has captured the hearts of young readers with its tale of curiosity, courage and adventure. Now, Fenwick has reimagined the beloved story with a festive twist, inviting families to rediscover its magic in a truly spectacular setting. 

Along the way, she encounters familiar faces Fox, Owl and Snake, as the story unfolds through a series of animated scenes filled with charming details and winter wonder. 

As the adventure reaches its thrilling conclusion, the little mouse casts a giant shadow beneath the moonlight, startling the Gruffalo’s Child and sending her scurrying back through the snowy forest. With Santa’s sleigh gliding across the night sky, the scene takes a wonderfully festive turn. 

The journey ends in the warmth and comfort of home, where a twinkling Christmas tree, beautifully wrapped presents and a glowing fire await. Finally, the Gruffalo’s Child snuggles up beside her father, bringing the magical tale to a cosy close. 

The result is a heartwarming celebration of Christmas, childhood imagination and the stories that bring families together. 

The display captures the distinctive charm of Axel Scheffler’s illustrations while celebrating the imagination and warmth of Dame Julia Donaldson’s storytelling, transforming the familiar pages of a much-loved book into a captivating, immersive experience. 

Dame Julia Donaldson said: 

“It’s wonderful to see The Gruffalo’s Child brought to life in such a magical way at Fenwick. The Fenwick Christmas windows are such a loved tradition in Newcastle, and I’m delighted that the story will be part of creating special memories for families this year. I also hope the windows inspire children and families to discover, or rediscover, the joy of reading together.” 

Illustrator Axel Scheffler added: 

“It’s a real pleasure to see the world of The Gruffalo’s Child brought to life on such a grand scale. From the snowy forest and much-loved characters to the movement within the windows, it’s wonderful to see my illustrations transformed into something so imaginative and full of life. I hope families enjoy discovering all the little details and that the windows bring plenty of smiles to children and grown-ups alike this Christmas.” 

From literary classics to enchanting Christmas adventures, the annual reveal has become one of the region’s most treasured traditions, attracting visitors from across the country and reaching audiences around the world through Fenwick’s annual livestream. 

Following 2025’s A Christmas Carol, illustrated by Chris Riddell, this year’s display continues the tradition of celebrating beloved stories through extraordinary visual displays. 

The spectacular 2026 reveal took place on Sunday 1 November, with families and friends gathering to share in the excitement. Children and families from Fenwick’s partner schools, hospitals and charities were among the special guests, alongside lucky winners of the Christmas Window Reveal ballot. 

For those unable to attend in person, the celebrations were also shared live on Fenwick’s official YouTube and Instagram channels, spreading a little Newcastle Christmas magic to audiences across the UK and beyond. 

Mia Fenwick, CEO of Fenwick, said: 

“For generations, the Fenwick Christmas Window has brought people together to mark the start of the festive season across the North East and beyond. It's a moment we're incredibly proud of and one that means so much to everyone at Fenwick. This year, we're bringing Dame Julia Donaldson's wonderful storytelling and Axel Scheffler's iconic illustrations to life in a celebration of the power of stories to spark imagination and inspire a love of reading. We hope the windows create magical moments and lasting memories for families this Christmas.” 

This year’s musical accompaniment offers a playful reimagining of Edvard Grieg’s In the Hall of the Mountain King. Performed by Royal Northern Sinfonia and conducted by James Weeks, the arrangement by Ian Anderson brings a festive flourish to the familiar composition, weaving together sleigh bells and playful animal sounds to complement the action unfolding in the windows. 

James Thomas, Executive Director of Royal Northern Sinfonia and Classical Music at The Glasshouse, said: 

“There’s something really special about being part of Fenwick’s Christmas Window. It’s a tradition that means so much to people across the North East, and we’re delighted that Royal Northern Sinfonia can help bring the story to life through music once again. 

“Grieg’s In the Hall of the Mountain King is such a wonderfully dramatic piece, and Ian’s arrangement gives it a playful festive twist. It’s been great fun bringing all those little musical details together, and we hope families enjoy discovering them as they watch the story unfold.” 

The bespoke soundtrack adds to the sense of wonder, creating a multi-sensory festive experience that brings together music, movement and storytelling. 

Available to purchase at Fenwick Newcastle and online at fenwick.co.uk, the keepsake offers a special way to remember the 2026 Christmas Window and celebrate a much-loved story. 

There’s also a meaningful charitable element to the collaboration, with a donation from bauble sales going to the National Literacy Trust. The contribution will support the organisation’s work to improve literacy and inspire a love of reading, extending the window’s celebration of storytelling beyond the festive season. 

With its enchanting woodland scenes, familiar characters, captivating soundtrack and heartwarming festive finale, Fenwick’s 2026 Christmas Window is a beautiful reminder of the magic that stories can bring to our lives. 

Whether you’re revisiting a childhood favourite, introducing little ones to the world of The Gruffalo’s Child for the first time or simply enjoying one of Newcastle’s most beloved Christmas traditions, this year’s display offers a wonderful reason to pause, gather together and embrace the festive spirit. 

After all, some of the most magical Christmas memories begin with a story.