The Fenwick Christmas Window is one of the North East’s most beloved family traditions, globally renowned for its stunning designs and captivating stories each year.
The Northumberland Street department store manages to keep its theme under wraps until the big reveal at the start of each November, and this year’s window delighted families by bringing to life the iconic children’s tale: The Gruffalo’s Child.
Written by Dame Julia Donaldson and expertly illustrated by Axel Scheffler, The Gruffalo’s Child was published in 2004 as a sequel to the hugely successful 1999 children’s book The Gruffalo. Both novels have since been made into animated films, utilising Scheffler’s outstanding illustrations to translate the stories to the screen.
This year’s Fenwick Christmas Window sees Scheffler’s illustrations come to life, telling the story of The Gruffalo’s Child through stunning visual displays, including some incredible moving animatronics. Visitors can see The Gruffalo’s Child’s venture through the deep dark wood as they walk along Northumberland Street, accompanied by a truly festive soundtrack which was recorded in partnership with the Royal Northern Sinfonia.
Both Donaldson and Scheffler were in attendance at the reveal on Sunday 1st November, much to the delight of those successful in acquiring tickets. Dame Julia Donaldson revealed to Fenwick that she is “delighted that the story will be part of creating special memories for families this year” and that she hopes the windows “inspire children and families to discover, or rediscover, the joy of reading together”.
Axel Scheffler, who has partnered with Donaldson on many of her books, including Room on the Broom, Stick Man, and The Highway Rat, told the department store that it is “wonderful to see [his] illustrations transformed into something so imaginative and full of life”. He added that he hopes “the windows bring plenty of smiles to children and grown-ups alike this Christmas”.
Fenwick’s 2026 Christmas Window is free for the public to view throughout the festive season.
