Introducing 2024’s Tyneside Christmas Cards
I can’t quite believe I am writing this already, but it’s already autumn - which can only mean one thing: Christmas is coming.
The cold air and darker days haven’t deterred my wonderful customers from visiting us at the Cullercoats gallery. For the last few months, I have been busy working on several brand-new Christmas card designs for 2024, all inspired by our beautiful coastline and all the people who call it home.
All of these cards are sold individually and in mixed packs of 6 & 12 - ideal if you want a variety of designs to send to your loved ones. You can browse the full collection online or in our shop, but here are a few favourites to get you inspired this winter:
King Eddie's Festive Sea Swim
Sea swimming has had a huge resurgence over the last few years. From our little gallery in Cullercoats, we’ve seen people travel from far and wide to brave the icy cold North Sea before popping for a warming brew at Cullercoats Coffee or The Boatyard.
This card is inspired by the festive thrillseekers who are enjoying a moonlit cold sea dip under the watchful eye of the iconic Tynemouth Priory. This is a lovely card for friends who enjoy sea swimming and want to share that memory.
Festive Flask on the Beach
Whether you’re a keen sea swimmer or simply keeping your hands warm after a beach walk, nothing quite gives you that warm fuzzy feeling like a hot brew overlooking the sea. Cullercoats Bay holds a special place in my heart as it is so close to my gallery, and we’ve made many a memory there.
This card depicts two friends enjoying a flask of tea on a calm winter night under a full moon. This is a lovely card to give to a friend who you’ve enjoyed a cuppa with this year.
Snowtime at Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade
The next landmark will need no introduction to locals. The Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade Watchouse has stood proud over the mouth of the Tyne for over 100 years and recently underwent major redevelopment work to restore the property to its former glory.
The card stops the beautiful blue and yellow building on a snowy night, with a peaceful robin nestled on a bare branch in the foreground. Robins are, of course, always associated with the festive period - but did you know they are also believed to be the souls of lost loved ones paying you a visit?
Festive Surf on Tynemouth Longsands
We all know someone who braves the North Sea all year round in search of that perfect wave. Tynemouth Longsands, in particular, is known for attracting keen surfers from all over the country, and it boasts a warm and friendly community of amateurs and professionals.
This card shows one particularly keen surfer embarking on a twilight surf on a snowy night in Tynemouth.
Sparkling Sky at the Spanish City Dome
Another very famous landmark that was fully restored is the Spanish City. The Art Deco landmark dates back to the early 1900s, when it welcomed ballroom dancers and, later, thrillseekers to its funfair.
In recent years, the Spanish City has become a hub for local businesses, including a cafe, pub, and fish and chip shop. But it’s more than just a venue for commerce; it’s a Tyneside institution that is recognised all over the world. This card shows the Spanish City dome in all its glory, surrounded by sparkling displays of colour dancing magically in the night sky. This would be a lovely card to send to someone who is living away from the North East, as it will bring a slice of the region to any mantelpiece.
Tyne Bridge Illuminations & Angel of the North Skyward Splendour
There are two more cards with beautiful swirling fireworks in the sky. One of the Tyne Bridge, and another of the Angel of the North.
2024 has been quite the year for Tyneside’s humble Tyne Bridge, as it has spent much of it undergoing huge restoration work. The bridge itself is synonymous with the region, and it’s great to see the structure getting the much-needed investment.
Either of these cards would be lovely gifts for people living away from home, or for even a friend or family member who completed the Great North Run, having run that very bridge themselves alongside 60,000 other people.
Like all of my Christmas cards, these fireworks cards are blank inside, so you could give them to a loved one for a New Year or another celebration card.
Buy the Tyne Bridge card | Buy the Angel of the North Card
St Mary's Lighthouse at Christmas
Another Tyneside institution undergoing some much-needed TLC in 2024 is St Mary’s Lighthouse. The famous white landmark was built in the late 1800s, and only decommissioned in 1984. In recent years, it has become a wildlife haven for crabs, seals, and birds.
This card shows the lighthouse on a cold, wintery night, lit by the glowing full moon. A robin is perched on a signpost in the foreground, directing walkers to the island and back towards the seaside town.
Snowtime at Seaton Sluice
Keen walkers will recognise this popular route at the base of Seaton Sluice beach. Small colourful fishing boats rest on the shores, while the popular Kings Arms pub welcomes festive revellers who have hiked along the sand dunes on a snowy winter night.
Cullercoats RNLI Christmas card 2024
For the 5th year running, I have created a Christmas card to raise money for the Cullercoats RNLI. The incredible charity helps hundreds of people every year and keeps the shores of North Tyneside safe for all. These cards are £5 per pack of 10, with all money going to the RNLI. Keep your eyes peeled for the special cards arriving in the online shop and on our gallery shelves in October.
Business Christmas cards
Want to send these cards to your clients this Christmas? We’re offering a bespoke printing service to corporate businesses who’d like their own personal message printed inside. There’s a minimum order value of 50 cards, and all corporate orders must be placed by the end of October.
Get in touch with us direct, or pop into the shop to chat about corporate cards.
Don’t forget; you can browse and buy all of our Christmas cards on our online store or visit us at our gallery on St Georges Road, Cullercoats - we’re open Wed - Sun, 10am to 5pm.
