By Daniel, 11, Lia, 11, and Meg, 13.

The glowing window brought merry and light to a cold, dark winter night as we walked along a retelling of the classic: Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol. 

Every year, Fenwick creates an attraction for the local people of Newcastle, decorating their seven windows on Northumberland Street with extravagant scenes from well-known children’s stories. It’s been decorated from stories like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Charlie and Lola, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.  

This year’s decoration managed to showcase the story in short frames, complete with all the ghosts and Tiny Tim. It’s easy to follow even when you aren’t familiar with the story.  

“I thought it was very vibrant and it was extremely colourful,” says Daniel, 11, who didn’t know the story very well. “I thought it was a unique and interesting story from the extravagant scenes displayed.” 

“I feel inspired to watch some of the movies after looking at the window.” 

Some of the standout scenes included the level of detail to the Ghost of Christmas Present and when Marley appears to Scrooge at start.  

“I liked when Marley’s ghost appeared. It was there and then it wasn’t with some sort of 3D element,” says Lia, 11. “I couldn’t figure out how they did it.” 

A key part of the window included a book which highlighted parts of Dickens’s book. The text disappeared and reappeared, like the ghosts who appear to Scrooge.  

“It felt magical but also a little bit difficult to read,” said Daniel.  

“I agree, the text was a bit confusing sometimes especially when you were trying to read and it disappeared,” said Lia.  

“I liked how it used the books to guide people who hadn’t seen the story. It kept those who don’t know it in mind,” said Daniel. 

This year, Fenwick collaborated with illustrator Chris Riddell to create amazing and visually accurate portrayals of the iconic characters. Chris also worked with Fenwick last year on their Twelve Days of Christmas display.  

“I thought the designs and illustrations were really fantastical and detailed,” said Meg, 13. “It really helped to bring the story to life.” 

Our favourite character design was Scrooge. He looked very pale and contrasts the bright warm colours from the rest of the story. It really reflects he’s having the worst night of his life. 

Fenwick’s Window captures the essence of Christmas to those who celebrate and is a staple of the Winter season. Everyone feels the wonder and excitement through the fantastical elements of the window.  

It brings the whole community together, we can’t wait to see what next year’s window brings. 

This was created by young people as part of the Headliners Young Journalist programme. This project was made possible by the Million Hours Fund.