Durham transforms itself into a winter wonderland, with award-winning attractions for groups and accommodation. Groups can enjoy a classic Christmas in this winter wonderland.
You can enjoy the festive atmosphere of one of the many markets in the county. The annual Durham Christmas Festival, with its themed markets and street performances, is a great place to start. Also experience award-winning attractions including Raby Castle, Auckland Palace, and The Bowes Museum in their festive glory as they host Christmas markets featuring local produce and hand-made gifts. You can also pick up some bargains at Dalton Park – the region’s biggest outlet shopping centre.
For a truly unique experience head to Beamish, The Living Museum of the North for their annual Christmas season, where guests can discover the sights, sounds, smells, and delicious tastes of Christmas past. Auckland Palace has a dazzling light show called AGLOW. Or you can immerse in the splendour of Christmas when the Palace opens it’s doors for a special new event this December. Groups will be able to explore lavishly decorated rooms. Weardale Railway is a great place for families to enjoy Santa-themed trips. Groups will also enjoy the amazing setting of Durham Cathedral, with candlelit concerts and carol services.
Accommodations in Durham are group-friendly and have decorated the halls to allow visitors to enjoy festive meals, party nights and more. Lumley Castle Hotel offers festive afternoon tea, themed evening entertainment is available at Marriott Durham Royal County Hotel, Ramside Hall Hotel and Radisson BLU Hotel. Special seasonal menus are also available at Park Head Hotel.
Durham is an ideal winter destination. With its festive fun, excellent accommodation and coach parking, it’s the perfect winter destination.
Event Details
Durham City
- Durham Christmas Festival, Durham Market Place. 6-8 December. Durham City Centre offers a unique combination of Christmas shopping, seasonal entertainment and a stunning setting.
- Durham Cathedral, Durham City. Advent Procession, Saturday 20th November and Sunday 1st December at 6pm. Experience the cathedral in candlelight with evocative texts, stunning music, and lots of frankincense as Advent begins.
- Durham Cathedral, Durham City. Blessing the Cribs and Lighting the Christmas Tree
- Sunday, 15 December. This is a family favourite service, where the lights of the cathedral’s giant christmas tree are lit and the nativity scenes are blessed.
- Lumley Castle Hotel in Chester-le-Street. Enjoy a festive afternoon tea in December, which includes a glass or two of mulled wine and a selection of finger sandwiches and sweets.
- Radisson Blu, Durham City, December 2024. Relax and enjoy an afternoon tea, or put on your dancing shoes to enjoy one of many ultimate party nights.
- Ramside Hall Hotel in Durham City. Festive dining, pantomimes, and New Year’s Eve celebrations – there’s something for everyone throughout December.
Vale of Durham
- AGLOW at Auckland Palace Bishop Auckland 22 November – 31 December Enjoy the dazzling trail of light that will illuminate Bishop Auckland skies with 20 incredible light displays, including some the largest light installations of the country.
- Beamish The Living Museum of the North Beamish 24 November-24 December. From the Georgian Period to the 1950s, enjoy traditional decorations, tasty yuletide snacks, festive music, as well as lots of fun activities.
- Park Head Hotel in Bishop Auckland, 2 – 23 December. Park Head’s kitchen will get you in the festive spirit as soon as you take your first bite. The chefs will create seasonal menus that will feed your festive feelings.
- Bowburn Hall Hotel Twilight Christmas Market. Bowburn 27th November. Bowburn Hall Hotel hosts an evening of Christmas shopping, with twenty market stalls and festive food, drinks, and live music.
- Hardwick Hall Hotel Sedgefield 17 Novembre-Janvier 2025. The Hardwick Hall Hotel’s festive season begins on Sunday 17 November with a Christmas Fair, followed by six weeks full of festive fun, from Sundays with Santa through to Disco Fever Parties.
Durham Dales
- Raby Castle Staindrop. Christmas Market 30 Nov-1 Dec. Browse the beautifully decorated stalls within the castle grounds to find unique gifts and festive treats.
- The Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle. Winter Market 13-15th of December. Winter Market 13-15 December.
- Christmas Town in Bishop Auckland, 2024. Back for another year with the promise to be bigger than ever. Christmas Town is a celebration of Christmas in the heart of Bishop Auckland. There are both free and ticketed activities for the whole family.
- Weardale Railway, Stanhope. All aboard – join the Santa Express! Weardale Railway’s festive train for Christmas with live performances onboard from our cast and crew, including our conductor and Santa Claus, as well as our cheeky elves team! The train runs on 22 occasions in November and throughout December.
Durham Coast
- Dalton Park in Seaham. Shoppers can embrace the magic of Christmas and enjoy the official launch of Christmas at Dalton Park on Friday 15 November. Sparkling lights, late-night shopping events and festive entertainment will take the stress out shopping in December.
