Where to find Santa in Durham

You don’t have to book flights to Lapland to see Father Christmas this year! With December only a few days away, the festive season will definitely be in full swing and what better way to start enjoying the Christmas season than taking the kids to see Farther Christmas?!  

Check out our quick guide of some of the places you can find him in Durham. 

Adventure Valley Winter Wonderland 

Meet Santa and receive a golden ticket to use in his toy shop at Adventure Valley's annual Winter Wonderland. You'll also get creative with Mrs Claus, bounce on the winter inflatables, ride on animals and train to become an elf! Various dates and times until Monday 24 December. 

Beamish – The Living History Museum of the North 

Experience the magic of a traditional Christmas at Beamish Museum, where you'll discover the amazing sights, sounds, smells and tastes of Christmas past. You can meet Father Christmas in his cosy grotto at Pockerley Waggonway, take to the ice on a real ice rink, and pick up a quirky gift at the Beamish Bazaar. Various dates and times until Monday 24 December. 

Crook Hall and Gardens Traditional Christmas  

Come and see Santa, Mr Frosty and the elves at Crook Hall and Gardens, in Durham City. Make your own Christmas decorations to take home with you and even take part on a fun snow ball fight with Mr Frosty and the elves. Saturday 1 December, various times. 

Hall Hill Farm Santa Weekends

Santa will be popping along to Hall Hill Farm again this year, a beautiful farm surrounded by the stunning rolling Durham Dales. Meet Santa and ride in his sleigh, make your own decorations, watch a Christmas puppet show and ride on Santa's tractor ride plus lots more! Every weekend in December, 10.30am - 4pm. 

Holmside Park's Christmas Adventure

Have a truly magical time at Holmside Park, where you can even have breakfast with Santa. Walk through the winter woodland to find Santa's grotto, receive a special gift and reindeer dust from Santa as well as delicious cookies and hot chocolate from Mrs Claus. Every weekend throughout December and Christmas Eve, various times. 

Prince Bishops Shopping Centre 

Visit Santa Claus in his Woodland Lodge at Prince Bishops Shopping Centre in Durham City. and receive a special gift. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout December and Christmas Eve, 11am - 4pm. 

Raby Castle

From festive fireside stories with Farther Christmas around the castle's grand fireplace to high tea and breakfast with Mr and Mrs Claus, there's lots of festive fun to be had at Raby Castle. 

Fireside Stories with Father Christmas, 1 - 22 December various times.

High Tea with Father Christmas, 1 & 2, 5-7, 12-16, 19 and 23 December, 4pm.

Breakfast with Father Christmas, every weekend throughout December, 9am. 

Santa Cruises with Prince Bishop River Cruiser

Yo Ho Ho climb aboard the Prince Bishop River Cruiser in Durham City for a very special cruise. Enjoy the beautiful scenery Durham City as you travel along the River Wear with Santa and friends. Various dates and times throughout December. 

The Bowes Museum Santa's Grotto 

Visit Santa's workshop in The Bowes Museum, where his friendly elves will help you make some Christmas crafts, then meet Santa Claus himself in his cosy grotto where each child will receive an early Christmas present. Saturday 1 - Friday 21 December, 10.30am - 1pm, 2-5pm at weekends and 3.30-6pm during weekdays.