Where to find Santa in Durham this Christmas

There's no better way to get in the festive spirit than taking your children to meet Father Christmas. Across the county you'll have plenty of chances to meet him and create festive family memories to cherish forever.  

A traditional Christmas at Crook Hall and Gardens, Durham City
Sunday 1, every weekend and Monday 23 December 

Come along to meet Father Christmas, Frosty and his elves for a magical family day out. Play games with the elves, get crafty, complete the festive treasure hunt around the decorated hall and gardens, say hello to Frosty the snowman, sit in Santa’s sleigh and Father Christmas himself. 

Christmas at Beamish, The Living Museum of the North 
Every day until Tuesday 24 December 

Discover unforgettable yuletide celebrations of the past at Beamish Museum. Meet Father Christmas in his cosy grotto and say hello to his friendly reindeer at Pockerley Waggonway. Get your skates on at the ice rink, try out the sideshows at the fairground, enjoy tasty festive treats and discover how Christmas was celebrated by the people of the past. 

Father Christmas Hardwick Park, Sedgefield  
Saturday and Sunday, 14-15 and 21-22 December 

Visit Father Christmas in his specially decorated yurt, explore Hardwick Park on the Christmas themed park trail, try your hand at arts and crafts activities and listen to festive stories. 

Fireside Stories with Farther Christmas at Raby Castle 
Various dates throughout November and December 

Join Father Christmas and his friendly footman as he recounts a Christmas classic from his favourite fireside chair in the beautifully decorated Grand Entrance Hall inside Raby Castle. Mrs Bauble the castle groom and Elvis the cheeky Christmas pony will be on hand to help too. Gather round the roaring log fire as Father Christmas meets each child and gives them a special gift to put under the Christmas tree. 

Magical Christmas Experience at Adventure Valley 
Every weekend and Friday 20, Monday 23 and Tuesday 24 of December 

Enjoy an enchanted Christmas journey – walk through the winter wonderland, see the brand new ‘The Fabulous Christmas Cracker’ show, get creative with Mrs Claus and meet Santa as a family in his magical grotto. 

Santa’s Enchanted Wonderland Grotto at The Bowes Museum 
Various dates throughout December 

Head to Santa’s workshop and help the friendly elves make some Christmas crafts before meeting Santa in his cosy sitting room and receiving an early Christmas present to take home. 
 

Santa’s Lodge at Prince Bishops Shopping Centre, Durham City  
Every Friday to Sunday, Monday 23, Tuesday 24 December

Explore your favourite high street stores and find the perfect Christmas gift at Prince Bishops Shopping Centre. And take your little elves along to visit Santa Claus at his very own lodge, where all children will receive a gift for free! (donations welcome). Visit the Christmas craft cabin and try your hand at making snowman baubles, tree decorations and other Christmassy crafts.  

Visit Father Christmas at The Witham, Barnard Castle
Saturday 14 and Saturday 21 December 

Enjoy a wonderful family experience as you meet Father Christmas in his reindeer-pulled caravan and make your own gift to takeaway during a Christmas craft session. 

Visit Santa at Dalton Park, Murton  
Every weekend and Friday 20, Monday 23 and Tuesday 24 of December 

Enjoy a spot of Christmas shopping at the North East’s biggest outlet shopping centre and pop in to see Santa in his traditional grotto to tell him what’s on your secret ‘wish list’. 
 

Click here to view the full list of festive events taking place in Durham >>