Discover 12 Festive Experiences Across the Culture County

Enjoy festive fun across the Culture County with 12 unforgettable Christmas experiences, from the buzzing Durham Christmas Festival to a spectacular light trail on the grounds of Auckland Palace that will dazzle and delight. This season, Durham is truly alive with festive spirit. We picked out 12 festive highlights below:

Christmas at Auckland Project

Experience the magic of Christmas at Auckland Palace from 21 November. Explore 12 beautifully decorated rooms, including the State Rooms, St Peter’s Chapel, and Private Apartments, adorned with festive elegance. Marvel at exquisite interiors, stunning artworks, and seasonal touches throughout. Plus, don’t miss the breathtaking Neapolitan Nativity, a monumental 18th-century Baroque masterpiece set in a lifelike Neapolitan scene.

The Plotters’ Forest Enchanted Christmas Trail at Raby Castle Park and Gardens

From 22 November step into a world of festive wonder this Christmas with the Enchanted Christmas Trail at The Plotters’ Forest, located within the stunning surroundings of Raby Castle, Park & Gardens. Twinkling lights, joyful music, and magical touches throughout the woodland makes this a must-visit family experience.

AGLOW at The Auckland Project

A festive family adventure -AGLOW returns to The Auckland Project this winter, running from 21 November. Step into a winter wonderland as Auckland Palace’s dazzling light trail once again transforms the skies above Bishop Auckland, and this year promises to be bigger, brighter, and more magical than ever before.

Christmas Sparkle at Durham Market Place

Get ready to kick off the festive season in style with Durham Christmas Sparkle, a magical evening filled with live music, dazzling entertainment and plenty of Christmas cheer! The heart of Durham City will come alive on 30 November with sparkle and song, and enjoy performances from fantastic local acts, special guests and a warm, family-friendly atmosphere that’s sure to get everyone into the festive spirit.

Raby Castle at Christmas

Step back in time to experience a traditional family Christmas at Raby Castle. For the first time in over 50 years the ground-floor rooms will be beautifully dressed for the festive season, with evergreens, gifts and of course, sumptuous Christmas trees. Starting on 22 November you can discover eight rooms, telling the story of Christmas Day at the castle, from the daybreak thrill of opening a Christmas stocking to an evening of elegant dining and Christmas games.

Forest of Light at Beamish Hall Hotel

At night, when the moon takes its place in the sky the Forest of Light comes to life. Forest of Light will starts on 22 November and is a captivating, illuminated experience set within an enchanted ancient woodland.  The forest is a world filled with illuminations, music, interactive props and projections to dazzle and amaze. A unique experience not to be found anywhere else.

Bishop Auckland's Christmas Town

Experience the magic of Christmas Town and step into a world of festive wonder at Bishop Auckland’s Christmas Town, running from 4 to 7 December. Four unforgettable days filled with twinkling lights, enchanting markets, live entertainment, and the magic of Santa’s Grotto. Now in its 5th year, Bishop Auckland’s Christmas Town has become a much-loved tradition, transforming the town each December into the Christmas Capital of the North.

Christmas at Beamish Museum

Travel through time and celebrate Christmas across the ages at Beamish. From Georgian traditions at 1820s Pockerley Old Hall to festive Edwardian streets in The 1900s Town, enjoy decorations, music, and seasonal treats. Visit the 1940s Farm for homemade gifts and ration recipes, then discover 1950s celebrations at Spain’s Field Farm. Browse stalls, snap a festive photo in the Edwardian studio, and even start your evening early with a classic film in the 1950s cinema. A magical journey through history awaits at Beamish Museum from 22 November.

Durham Christmas Festival

Durham Christmas Festival returns with the perfect combination of Christmas shopping and seasonal entertainment, in the unique and stunning setting that is Durham City Centre from 5 to 7 December. Don't miss the Craft & Producers' Marquee on Palace Green, the Festive Outdoor Market in Durham Market Place, and an extended Street food Market on Palace Green Infront of Durham Cathedral, this year with seating.

The Bowes Museum Winter Market

The Bowes Museum’s Winter Market is taking place from 12 to 14 December. Each year, this festive highlight transforms the museum and its grounds into a seasonal wonderland, with over 100 artists, designers, makers and food and drink stall holders. This event encourages visitors to support both local and regional stallholders selling a wide variety of unique products, perfect for festive gifts.

Festive Poetry Walk at Crook Hall Gardens

Experience a festive poetry walk, admiring the scenery at Crook Hall Gardens on 13 December and 21 December. Stroll through the wintery gardens, pausing to enjoy peaceful poems, yuletide yarns and snowy sonnets. Each walk is about 50 minutes long, with plenty of stops.

A Christmas Carol at Durham Cathedral

On 17 December experience a festive evening as theatre arrives at Durham Cathedral. As the clocks strikes midnight on Christmas Eve, the miserly and cold-hearted businessman Ebenezer Scrooge embarks upon a journey through his past, present, and future, learning along the way to appreciate the true meaning of Christmas. A festive treat for all the family, Dickens’ beloved tale of redemption is brought to the stage at Durham Cathedral in an authentic and joyful adaptation from Operation Moonlight.

Discover even more festive experiences across the Culture County.