I visited Newcastle Christmas Market on its first day and here's why it has a whole new vibe this year

When I arrived in town on Saturday morning for the launch of Newcastle Christmas Market there was already a buzz, with a small crowd gathered around the Monument for an official ribbon-cutting to mark the opening of this year's festive treat.

Having been a regular at the market over the years, I was keen to see what was different this time around, with the market having expanded to include a new Christmas Village in Old Eldon Square. And I'm already impressed at the sight of 'North Pole' igloos directly ahead of me.

There are six of them, encircling Grey's Monument on a lawn of artificial grass, and I climb up a few steps to have a proper look and see inside. Decked out in fairylights and florals, with furry throws over wooden bench seats, the igloos are warm and inviting - their heating was particularly welcome on such a cold day and it made them more cosy than I expected.

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From their elevated position, the igloos - which are available to pre-book - have great views and if you pick the right one you can see down Grey Street or else take in the hustle and bustle of the market. And during my morning lookaround, the surrounding area became increasingly busy.

Those who have visited the festive market in the past will find a familiar layout, with a little town of chalet-like stalls, all decorated with lights and greenery, set out around the top of Grey Street and Grainger Street and, while I'd happily have cosied up in an igloo for a while, I'm instead checking out the gift stalls and soon find I'm having to squeeze my way through shoppers who are looking at everything from knitwear and jewellery to Geordie gifts and such unique ideas as Japanese Herbarium Bottles which I find include tiny decorative florals under glass.

And there's food to be had everywhere. The familiar Grill Tower, topped with Nativity figures, is back and was kept busy cooking up bratwurst for waiting customers while I spotted lots of local street food favourites.

Most of the 35-plus traders this year are local and they span a great range. The Moosenwirt alpine bar is an annual favourite and is back in its usual spot where several people are already gathered around fire pits with their drinks.

I make my way to Old Eldon Square and here I find a whole new experience. The Christmas Village, a market first, puts the green on an equal footing this year with its family-focused attractions. The fairground carousel is the first thing to catch the eye and then there's its giant Christmas tree opposite a double tipi where Santa will be hosting story sessions throughout the season.

I have a look inside the tipi and it's clear how much attention to detail has gone into this new kids' experience. Santa and his elves really look the part and next to them cushions and seating are laid out in readiness for the growing queue of children waiting patiently outside.

There's an Elf School on the green and an outdoor Rockin' Robin performance stage where families can book a mix of festive sessions. As I passed, I saw Mickey Mouse had dropped in for a surprise visit too.

There were soon lots of people milling around and they had a pick of food and drink stalls here too. The Christmas Market can be expensive of course - which city's isn't - and I saw food dishes advertised at £12 and mulled wine from £6 but there are cheaper snacks to be had and this is a season for treats after all. And gift-wise, you might well find things here that you haven't seen anywhere else - and most are locally made.

Local company EVNT Inspirations has been working with Newcastle City Council and business improvement district company NE1 Ltd on this year's new attractions and the additions bring a big boost to the city's Christmas Market. While we've had igloos in the city before, these ones right in the centre really add to the festive scene.

Christmas music is playing everywhere. I'm looking forward to visiting the market again when it gets dark; the festive lighting comes alive and I'm expecting the aroma of mulled wine in the air. The city's Christmas illuminations, which include a canopy of lights like stars above Moosenwirt, add to the atmosphere and just down the street the Theatre Royal is getting in on the act this year too, thanks to NE1 support, with sparkling lights entwined around its pillars.

I reckon there should be congratulations to all involved as Newcastle has upped the game this year. The market, which will be open from 10am daily until 8pm and 5pm on Sundays, will run until December 22.