The Gruffalo's Child revealed as Fenwick's 2026 Christmas window in Newcastle
Dame Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's story is now on show on Northumberland Street
The Gruffalo's Child has been chosen as the story for this year's Fenwick Christmas window in Newcastle.
The 2026 display is based on the children's book by Dame Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler.
It was created in partnership with Macmillan Children's Books and Magic Light Pictures.
What the window shows
The window follows the Gruffalo's child as she goes into the deep, dark wood while her father sleeps.
Set against a snowy woodland, she tiptoes through the forest in search of the Big Bad Mouse and meets Fox, Owl and Snake along the way.
The little mouse then casts a giant shadow in the moonlight, which frightens the Gruffalo's child and sends her scurrying back through the snow.
Santa's sleigh glides across the night sky as she returns home to a Christmas tree, wrapped presents and a glowing fire.
The display ends with the Gruffalo's child snuggled up beside the Gruffalo.
Fenwick said months of planning, design and production went into turning the story into a series of animated scenes.
What the creators said
Dame Julia Donaldson, author of The Gruffalo's Child, said: "It's wonderful to see The Gruffalo's Child brought to life in such a magical way at Fenwick. The Fenwick Christmas windows are such a loved tradition in Newcastle, and I'm delighted that the story will be part of creating special memories for families this year. I also hope the windows inspire children and families to discover, or rediscover, the joy of reading together."
Axel Scheffler, illustrator of the book, said: "It's a real pleasure to see the world of The Gruffalo's Child brought to life on such a grand scale. From the snowy forest and much-loved characters to the movement within the windows, it's wonderful to see my illustrations transformed into something so imaginative and full of life. I hope families enjoy discovering all the little details and that the windows bring plenty of smiles to children and grown-ups alike this Christmas."
Mia Fenwick, CEO of Fenwick, said: "For generations, the unveiling of the Fenwick Christmas Window has marked the start of the festive season, bringing families together from across the North East and beyond. Bringing The Gruffalo to our windows has been a long-held ambition, and we couldn't be more delighted to make it happen in such a special year for this much-loved character. Dame Julia Donaldson's wonderful storytelling and Axel Scheffler's iconic illustrations have captured the imaginations of children around the world, and we can't wait to bring their world to life this Christmas in a celebration of the magic of storytelling."
The reveal
The window was revealed on Sunday 1st November, with families and friends gathering on Northumberland Street.
Invited guests included children and families from Fenwick's partner schools, hospitals and charities, along with winners of the Christmas Window Reveal ballot.
The moment was also broadcast live on Fenwick's official YouTube and Instagram channels.
The Christmas Window Reveal has been a tradition on Northumberland Street for more than half a century.
Last year's display was based on A Christmas Carol, illustrated by Chris Riddell.
The music
Fenwick has again worked with Royal Northern Sinfonia, based at The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, on a specially recorded soundtrack.
This year's music is a reimagining of Edvard Grieg's In the Hall of the Mountain King.
It is performed by Royal Northern Sinfonia, conducted by James Weeks and arranged by Ian Anderson.
Sleigh bells and animal sounds have been added to the piece.
James Thomas, Executive Director of Royal Northern Sinfonia and Classical Music at The Glasshouse, said: "There's something really special about being part of Fenwick's Christmas Window. It's a tradition that means so much to people across the North East, and we're delighted that Royal Northern Sinfonia can help bring the story to life through music once again.
"Grieg's In the Hall of the Mountain King is such a wonderfully dramatic piece, and Ian's arrangement gives it a playful festive twist. It's been great fun bringing all those little musical details together, and we hope families enjoy discovering them as they watch the story unfold."
How to see it
The Gruffalo's Child window can be seen on Northumberland Street in Newcastle until early January 2027.
The reveal can be watched again on the Fenwick Official YouTube channel.