Returning for a second consecutive year, Riddell has collaborated with Fenwick to reimagine the Victorian classic as part of the department store’s annual celebration of storytelling, community and festive creativity. The window follows 2024’s reinterpretation of The Twelve Days of Christmas, also designed by Riddell.
Set in Victorian England, the 2025 display follows Ebenezer Scrooge through a series of transformative encounters with the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come. The story culminates in the warmth of the Cratchit family’s home on Christmas Day, depicting Scrooge embracing the spirit of the season alongside Tiny Tim and the family.
Chris Riddell said: “I was thrilled to be asked to produce designs for Fenwick’s Christmas windows again this year. The theme of A Christmas Carol was so rich and resonant with the ghosts and Scrooge and a host of Dickensian characters, I couldn’t resist the challenge. The amazing team went to work on my drawings and have turned them into 3D tableaux that are breathtaking. I can’t wait to see them come to life in the iconic Fenwick Christmas Window!”
This year’s display features a series of intricate scenes beginning at Scrooge’s office on Christmas Eve, where Bob Cratchit works by candlelight as carollers sing outside. The narrative unfolds with visits from the three ghosts, culminating in a joyful Christmas morning scene.
Fenwick has emphasised the role of detailed craftsmanship in bringing the display to life. Fabrics were carefully selected to match Riddell’s original sketches, vintage items such as period-appropriate pottery and cards were sourced, and costumes were hand-sewn over four months by a dedicated seamstress.
The production effort included six sculptors and four scenic painters, who transformed 100 metres of faux walls and floors into Dickensian London. Nine digital screens were incorporated into the design to add a modern touch while preserving the historical aesthetic.
Mia Fenwick, Executive Deputy Chair, said: “Our 2025 Fenwick Christmas Window has been brought to life by the extraordinary talent of Chris Riddell, who returns for a second year following the success of our 2024 collaboration. This year’s reimagining of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol combines Chris’s distinctive artistry with our team’s craftsmanship to create a celebration of storytelling, creativity and festive spirit.”
In addition to the visual spectacle, Fenwick has again partnered with The Glasshouse International Centre for Music to develop a bespoke soundtrack.
James Thomas, Director of Royal Northern Sinfonia & Classical Music, said: “For the fourth consecutive year, The Glasshouse is collaborating with Fenwick to celebrate the season in style. This year, we’re pairing Fenwick’s iconic festive window with a special performance by Royal Northern Sinfonia, conducted by James Weeks.
“The window, featuring Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, is the perfect backdrop for the festivities. To complement the display, we’ve commissioned Ian Anderson to create a unique arrangement of the classic carol God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen. Having worked with us previously for the BBC Prom with JADE, Ian’s expertise ensures the music will shine alongside our orchestra.”
A commemorative bauble inspired by the theme will be available to purchase in-store at Fenwick Newcastle and online. Additionally, two exclusive chocolate bars – the Jacob Marley Bar and the Past, Present, Future Bar – created in collaboration with The Chocolate Smiths, will be on sale in The Christmas Shop and Fenwick Food Hall from 3 November.
The Christmas Window Reveal took place on Sunday 2 November in front of invited guests, including families from Fenwick’s partner schools, hospitals and charities, as well as ballot winners selected to witness the unveiling.
