A Magical Night at Fenwick's Window 2016

*We were invited along to Fenwick's as their guest on launch night

This post contains spoilers about Fenwick's Window 2016 so if you don't want to know what the theme is, avert your eyes now! I've only included a couple of photographs of the window itself but I will be revealing the theme.

The grand reveal of Fenwick's window is a HUGE deal in Newcastle, in fact make that the North East. There is always a lot of speculation over what this year's theme is going to be and the rumours start as soon as the big white boards cover up the store's huge windows on Northumberland street. There were signs all around Fenwick, building up to the big reveal and even Darth Vader himself was advertising the event. 

We headed down to Northumberland Street just after 4:40pm (we were super grateful to have a reserved VIP spot - definite career highlight for me!) and I was amazed at the crowds. Everyone was really in high spirits as Metro Radio's Brian Moore entertained us all and we all sang along to our favourite Christmas hits in unison.

There were a few gasps from the crowds as the countdown began and snow started falling from the sky. It was magical and Harry, Heidi and Jack couldn't believe it. 'All I want for Christmas' started playing and Brian Moore started a countdown from 10..........

The wait was over. Yeah! We can reveal the theme for this year's Fenwick's Window is Beatrix Potter. The window designs are absolutely beautiful.  Jack was being his usual crazy self and I was solo parenting so this is the best photo I could manage of all three of them in front of the window! Haha I am sure I will laugh at it in year's to come. We definitely need to revisit and take another pic........

As always, the details in the window are phenomenal. It's hard to take it all in and I would definitely recommend visiting a few times over the festive season to get the most from it.

The story books of Peter Rabbit and friends have literally been brought to life.

The mouse scene was definitely my favourite. FAR too cute. Almost makes me want a pet mouse of my own.......

Then at the end there was a special treat for launch night and we were thrilled to meet real life Peter Rabbit.

After visiting the window we headed upstairs to level 3 for dinner in the Northside Diner. Located in the middle of the toy department, it is a fantastic place to take the family for a 'treat tea' after the window. The diner has a real 50's vibe and is the perfect spot to chat about your favourite parts of the window and which characters you liked best.

 They serve special hot chocolates for kids in the diner, which were a must for us after standing out in the cold. Of course my three asked for the full works with cream and marshmallows. Yum!

The kids dined on big bowls of pasta and I went for a pulled pork burger. All delicious and served quickly by the attentive staff.

The dessert menu is very reasonable and Jack and I enjoyed American style waffles whilst H & H went for ice cream. The staff were fab with the kids and told them about the free jukebox in the corner of the diner. Heidi couldn't resist seleting the next song.

The Northside Diner is fun and friendly. We really enjoyed it and I love their booth-style seating.

A trip to Fenwick's isn't complete without a mooch around the toy department and the kids took great delight in listing all of the toys they'd like to add to their Christmas list. Harry has developed a real love of reading this year and I love that he headed to the book section first. Yeah! It's nice when you realise you are getting at least one thing right.

We also spotted this supersized hulk mug which we decided would be perfect for Steve in the mornings.

I love, love, love Fenwick's Christmas department and even if you aren't planning on buying anything, you must visit just to have a look around (find it on level 2). It truly is Christmas heaven!

We found some elf on the shelf clothes and props which might come in useful.......

Heidi's checking Santa's naughty list

We bought these hot chocolate stirrers for Christmas eve last year and would highly recommend. They are really cute and on offer at 3 for £6 (find them in the food section of the Christmas department on level 2).

Then finally, you'll find some special Peter Rabbit themed gifts on sale too which tie into the window's theme. I love the initialed mugs and boxed Peter Rabbit. Beautiful and what a way to remember your visit.

There is also a bit of a secret hiding in the Christmas Department this year. Mrs Tiggy-Winkle has her very own pop-up cafe serving festive sandwiches, cakes, drinks and more. Find out more from New Girl in Toon here. 

We picked up a few treats - our advent calendars, a few Peter Rabbit themed items and a snowy owl. Time had flown by and it was sadly, time to go home.

We really had such a magical night at Fenwick and visiting the window with the kids at night is definitely one of my favourite traditions. Let me know if you've visited and your thoughts on this year's theme.