Fenwick's Window 2024 theme revealed as The Twelve Days of Christmas

After weeks of anticipation and a grand countdown, this year's Fenwick's Christmas Window has been unveiled with the theme being The Twelve Days of Christmas, inspired by the Chris Riddell story of the same name.

The renowned Newcastle department store never fails to impress during the festive season and this year is no exception, with experts tirelessly working for weeks now to bring the 2024 theme to life. Hundreds of Teessiders take the trip to the Toon each year, often as a family tradition for generations.

The windows on Northumberland Street were kept hidden from public view to maintain the surprise element. Fenwick's Window is a tradition that spans back decades, with themes in the 1970s including Camberwick Green, Rupert, Sooty and Aladdin; while the 80s brought festive joy with A Christmas Carol, Alice in Wonderland and Arabian Nights.

READ MORE:Smirking arsonist hurled petrol bomb inside 'terrified' elderly couple's South Bank home

READ MORE:Mayor tell of importance of Middlesbrough remembrance events that are 'crucial for community'

As we moved into the 90s, families gathered to see everything from Santa's Christmas Party to a Fairytale Christmas and then came 2002's Christmas in Another World - the year of the Aliens!

Other displays in the 00s included Oliver Twist and The Night Before Christmas, while displays from the last decade range from Paddington to The Wind in the Willows in 2020; the first year the Fenwick reveal transitioned to an online format due to the Covid pandemic.

Last year's display was based on The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. This year's theme, unveiled on Sunday at 6:40pm, is The Twelve Days of Christmas, reports Chronicle Live.

The area around the window was cordoned off, allowing only invited guests and competition winners to witness the unveiling in person. However, families worldwide could watch the event online.

Those in attendance were treated to a festive production featuring dancing elves, a saxophone player, and an appearance by Santa Claus himself. Online viewers also got to enjoy the show, followed by an interview with creator and illustrator Chris, who discussed his Twelve Days of Christmas story.

Chris expressed his delight at being given the honor, saying: "When I was asked by Fenwick if I could transform one of my favourite Christmas carols into a Fenwick window series, I was intrigued by the process. I got to work and created a character 'Foggy the Partridge', who's on a journey to make his Christmas wish come true. My drawings and narrative have been brought to life through brilliant 3D creatives and fantastic moving characters - with the support of traditional mechanical movement. I'm absolutely thrilled with what we have created and hope everyone enjoys the windows as much as I do."

The magical journey through Fenwick's Christmas Window takes us on Foggy's mission to locate Santa and help his pear tree flourish. Starting in the Broom Cupboard of Santa's workshop, where our protagonist cares for his struggling sapling, visitors are led through Foggy's adventure via a series of captivating scenes.

For breaking news in your area direct to your inbox every day, go here to sign up to our free newsletter