Experience the winter wonderland of Durham

With award-winning group-friendly attractions and accommodation, Durham transforms into a winter wonderland where groups can enjoy a truly classic Christmas.

You can soak up the seasonal atmosphere at one of the county’s many festive markets, including the annual Durham Christmas Festival with its street entertainment and themed markets. 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. Light up your visit with AGLOW, Auckland Palace’s dazzling light trail, or immerse yourself in unrivalled festive splendour when the Palace opens its doors this December for a very special new Christmas event, where groups can explore sumptuously decorated rooms. Families can enjoy Santa-themed journeys on the Weardale Railway, and from candlelit concerts to carol services, groups will enjoy the incredible setting of Durham Cathedral.

Durham’s group-friendly accommodation across the county have decked the halls so visitors can enjoy party nights, festive meals and more. From festive afternoon tea at Lumley Castle Hotel to themed evening entertainment at Bowburn Hall Hotel, Hardwick Hall Hotel, Marriott Durham Royal County, Ramside Hall Hotel, Radisson BLU Hotel, and special seasonal menus at Park Head Hotel.

With so much festive fun on offer, excellent accommodation options and coach parking facilities, Durham is the ideal winter destination for groups.

Event Details 

Durham City

Durham Christmas Festival, Durham Market Place. 6-8 December. The perfect combination of Christmas shopping and seasonal entertainment in the unique and stunning setting of Durham City Centre. Free

Durham Cathedral, Durham City.  Advent Procession Saturday 20 November and Sunday 1 December, 6pm. Experience the cathedral by candlelight with evocative readings, stunning music and lots of incense to mark the start of Advent.

Durham Cathedral, Durham City. Blessing of the Crib and Lighting of the Christmas Tree

Sunday 15 December. A family favourite service where the lights on the cathedral’s giant Christmas tree are lit, and the nativity scene is blessed.

Lumley Castle Hotel, Chester-le-Street. Throughout December you can indulge in a delectable Festive Afternoon Tea which includes a glass of heartwarming mulled wine, tea and coffee, delicious finger sandwiches, and sweet treats.

Radisson Blu, Durham City, December 2024. Relax and enjoy a festive afternoon tea or get on your dancing shoes and enjoy one of the many ultimate party nights that will without double get you into the festive spirit.

Ramside Hall Hotel, 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 light trail which illuminates the skies of Bishop Auckland with 20 incredible displays including some of the largest light installations in the country.

Beamish, The Living Museum of the North, Beamish 24 November- 24 December.  From the Georgian period through to the 1950s, delight in traditional decorations, tasty yuletide treats, festive music and lots of fun activities to help you count down to Christmas.

Park Head Hotel, Bishop Auckland, 2-23 December. The Park Head kitchen will have you in the Christmas spirit from the first bite as the chefs create seasonal menus what will feed your festive feeling.

Bowburn Hall Hotel, Twilight Christmas Market, Bowburn 27 November. Visit the stunning Bowburn Hall Hotel for an evening of Christmas shopping with twenty market stalls, festive food, drinks and live music.

Hardwick Hall Hotel, Sedgefield 17 November-January 2025. The festive season at Hardwick Hall Hotel kicks off on Sunday 17November with a Christmas Fair followed by six weeks of festive fun from Sundays with Santa to Disco Fever parties.

Durham Dales

Raby Castle, Staindrop.  Christmas Market 30 November-1 December. Wander through the beautifully decorated stalls nestled within the castle grounds, where you’ll find a delightful array of unique gifts and festive treats.

The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle. Winter Market 13-15 December. The galleries and grounds of the Museum are once again set to come alive with aromas, sights and sounds of the ever-popular annual festive market.

Christmas Town, Bishop Auckland, December 2024. Back for another year this time with a promise to be bigger and better than ever before.  Christmas Town is an annual celebration of Christmas at the heart of Bishop Auckland, with free and ticketed events for all the family to enjoy.

Weardale Railway, Stanhope. All aboard – join the Santa Express! The Weardale Railway’s festive Christmas train with live onboard performances from our Christmas cast and crew including our conductor, Santa and Mrs Claus, and our team of cheeky elves! The train runs 22 times throughout November and December.

Durham Coast

Dalton Park, 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 throughout December is sure to take the stress out of shopping.