12 Christmas Activities across the Culture County

Discover 12 Christmas activities across the Culture County this festive season. From learning how to bake the perfect mince pie at Raby Castle to making traditional Christmas cards at The Story, Durham has a Christmas activity or craft fair to ignite your creative spark. We have picked a few highlights below…

Christmas wreath workshop at Lumley castle

Create a Christmas wreath as unique as you at Lumley Castle from 30 November –3 December. Immerse yourself in creativity and Christmas joy as you learn step by step how to create a luxurious festive wreath that you can proudly display on your door. The workshop will take you through each of the making stages using techniques and traditional festive dried fruits, berries, pinecones and stylish coloured ribbon.

Indoor Christmas Craft Market at Trimdon

Explore the Indoor Christmas Craft Market at Trimdon Station community centre on 30 November. The craft market will have a range of stalls selling, homemade soaps, resin crafts, jewellery, suncatchers, and personalised gifts. The perfect spot to pick up Christmas presents while enjoying a lovely afternoon with some amazing sellers.

Festive flower demonstration at Durham University Botanic Garden

Do you want some new ideas on how to decorate your home this Christmas? Then the festive flower demonstration at Durham University Botanic Garden on 1 December is a great place to start. Watch, learn, then create a fantastic festive flower arrangement that’s ready to take centre stage in your home this Christmas.

Creative Christmas Evening at Raby Castle

Head to Raby Castle Park and Gardens on 4 December for a festive evening of wreath-making, Estate grazing, and Prosecco in the newly restored, character-rich Riding School. It’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate the festive season, enjoy excellent company, and experience a beautiful venue at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens, tickets to this event are required.

Mince pie masterclass at Raby Castle ­­

Step back in time on 4 December and immerse yourself in the festive spirit with a mince pie masterclass in the magnificent Raby Castle. Set in the atmospheric Medieval Kitchen, this hands-on workshop offers a unique opportunity to learn the art of crafting traditional mince pies. Guided by the Estate Chef, you will explore the history and origins of this classic Christmas treat, uncovering the secrets of the perfect pastry and delicious fillings.

Make Your Own Wreath at No. 42

Enjoy the Christmas wreath-making workshop on 5 December. Enjoy hot chocolate and mince pies as you create a stunning wreath using fresh greenery from Auckland Palace grounds. You will be guided through each step to ensure your wreath is a showstopper! By the end of the session, you’ll have a beautiful, handcrafted wreath to deck your halls.

Durham Christmas Festival

Durham Christmas Festival will return to Durham City on 6-8 December, the festival is the perfect combination for Christmas shopping and seasonal entertainment in the unique and stunning setting that is Durham City Centre. With fabulous markets, the Craft & Producers’ Marquee on Palace Green and a Festive Outdoor Market in Durham Marketplace, the city will be full of festive music and special events to get everyone in the festive mood. From seasonal storytelling, to Carols for all in the Cathedral.

Artist Makers: Festive Creations at The Bowes Museum

Join artist Jane Young at The Bowes Museum on 7 December and get into the festive spirit as you use the collection and landscapes of the museum as inspiration to create festive decorations. The decorations you create will be great to take home and place on your Christmas tree or to give as a personalised gift to friends or family.

Christmas Crafting at The Story

Get crafty at The Story on 12 December. Regardless of prior crafting experience this is a perfect chance to design and create your own personalised traditional embroidered Christmas cards that you can send to friends or family or have them on display at home.

Step Back Into Christmas at Seaham Town Hall

Immerse yourself in this Victorian themed Christmas experience on 14-15 December at Seaham Town Hall. You'll make and create festive take home treats from the Victorian period giving you great insight into a Victorian Christmas. You can also meet Father Christmas himself and end it all with a staging of A Christmas Carol.

Christmas free family drop-in activities at The Story

'Oh no it isn’t, oh yes, it is!’ Join The Story for festive family fun as you explore the history of County Durham pantomimes and how they compare to the panto we see today.  Enjoy themed Christmas crafts on 15 December where you will learn all about County Durham’s Christmas past.

Christmas Craft Workshop at Durham University Oriental Museum

Find out how Christmas is celebrated around the world and decorate ceramic Christmas decorations to take home. Taking inspiration from objects on display across the Oriental Museum's galleries, visitors can get creative all season long and leave with a personalised decoration that will elevate your festive decorations at home. The workshop will take place on 21 December at the Durham University Oriental Museum.

Don't worry there are plenty more Christmas activities to discover across the Culture County this festive season, discover more here.