A new walking advent calendar featuring 24 festive window displays has launched across Jesmond, with organisers aiming to boost community spirit and support local businesses throughout December.

Organisers reveal a different decorated window each day and update the online map to help residents follow the trail. The project is led by Jesmond Methodist Church in partnership with the Jesmond Community Forum, other churches and businesses, and will culminate in a Christmas Eve celebration at the church.

Alex Wilkinson, lay pastor at Jesmond Methodist Church, told JesmondLocal the aim was to share the Christmas message in a way that all residents could enjoy. “Christmas can at times feel dark with the shorter days and longer nights… we’re always thinking creatively about how to share hope and joy”, he said.

The idea was inspired partly by a daily nativity display the church created during the Covid Christmas lockdown, and partly by a member of the congregation who had seen a similar walking Advent calendar elsewhere.

Wilkinson said community involvement was central to the project. “We don’t live in isolation in Jesmond – we’re part of a vibrant, diverse community,” he said. “Partnering with businesses and organisations helps create something that people, whether of faith or none, can engage with.”

Businesses and residents have responded positively, Wilkinson added. “For the businesses in the area, we knew it could boost their profiles during what can be a tough time. Most places thought it was a great idea and wanted to get involved. We’ve loved seeing people follow the trail, visit the website for the next location and share their own photos.”

Jesmond Library is also part of the trail, with a Christmas tree display adorned with handmade ornaments crafted by the children of St Katherine’s School. Gill Lawrence, library volunteer and lead for children’s activities, told JesmondLocal: “It is lovely to be making things with the children, especially in our screen-driven society.”

Resident Karen Holland said, “It is such a lovely way to spread the word of Christ and add a bit of festivity to the area. The grandkids are loving looking out for new displays every day.”

The walking advent calendar will conclude with a 4 pm event on Christmas Eve at Jesmond Methodist Church, featuring carols, nativity scenes, refreshments and prizes for those who can identify what all 24 windows represent.

Wilkinson said the church would be open to running the trail again next year. In 2026, Jesmond Methodist Church will celebrate 125 years on its St George’s Terrace site and hopes to partner with local groups, including café 1901 and the library, to host a street party.

Find daily updates regarding the walking Advent calendar on their online map and on Instagram at @JMC_Newcastle.