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You are here > Home > What's On > Family Events

Family Events

For guaranteed fun for all the family check out our list of events taking place across the county.

Whether you are looking for things on this weekend, or looking for what's on today, we have all the amazing events for a great days out with the kids.

Create lasting memories with your loved ones at Durham's family-friendly events. Explore a diverse array of kid-friendly activities, family festivals, and interactive outings that cater to all ages. From educational workshops to entertaining performances, Durham offers a vibrant calendar of events designed to bring families together. Stay informed about the latest family-friendly happenings, and plan your weekends with the exciting array of cultural and recreational activities that Durham has to offer.

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Number of results: 101

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  1. St. Cuthbert's and St. Aidan's Christmas Fair Poster with illustrations of Mary, Joseph and Jesus in a crib, along with Christmas wreaths and baubles.

    Remove Christmas Fair from your Itinerary

    Christmas Fair

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Durham

    Parish Christmas Fair – Framwellgate Moor

    Come and join us for some festive fun at St Cuthbert's with St Aidan's Christmas Fair!

    Enjoy a warm welcome, a variety of stalls, Christmas gifts, seasonal treats and refreshments. Whether you're looking…

    Dates

    From:
    28 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 13:00
    More info for Christmas Fair
  2. A close up image of Santa smiling with a bucket of popcorn.

    Add Movies and Magic - The Grinch to your Itinerary

    Movies and Magic - The Grinch

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Durham

    Snuggle up in your PJ’s, get comfy to watch the fabulous festive movie The Grinch, be in awe and entertained by our magician and enjoy endless popcorn, hot dogs, pizzas, potato wedges and Christmas stotties!

    Dates

    From:
    29 Nov 2026Open 14:30 - 18:00
    More info for Movies and Magic - The Grinch
  3. Santa Claus delivering presents under the Christmas tree.

    Add Breakfast with Santa to your Itinerary

    Breakfast with Santa

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Chester le Street

    Share a magical morning with the big man himself! We’ve teamed up with Make My Day Events to bring you the ultimate Christmas experience - a festive breakfast filled with sparkle, songs and a sprinkle of Santa magic

    Dates

    From:
    22 Dec 2026to23 Dec 2026Open 09:30 -
    More info for Breakfast with Santa
  4. An illustrated poster for A Christmas Carol, with Scrooge in a top hat.

    Add A Christmas Carol with Alfie Joey - Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens to your Itinerary

    A Christmas Carol with Alfie Joey - Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Children/Family events

    Bearpark, Durham

    This December, feel the chill of Christmas past, the urgency of the present, and the hope of a future redeemed as Alfie Joe, performs his own solo version of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens; a timeless tale, told like you’ve never seen it…

    Dates

    From:
    6 Dec 2026
    More info for A Christmas Carol with Alfie Joey - Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens
  5. Close up of a festive table spread with lit candles and winter foliage

    Add Advent Candle Wreath Workshop to your Itinerary

    Advent Candle Wreath Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Staindrop

    Join Deborah from Periwinkle Barn in the Conservatory at Raby Castle for a festive Advent candle wreath workshop, with beautiful views across the Walled Gardens as your backdrop. In this seasonal session, you’ll create a traditional wreath…

    Dates

    From:
    22 Nov 2026Open 10:30 -
    More info for Advent Candle Wreath Workshop
  6. A group of cartoon characters from The Grinch, surrounded by green sparkles.

    Add The Grinch & Friends Festive Family Show to your Itinerary

    The Grinch & Friends Festive Family Show

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Carville, Durham

    Join The Grinch and friends live on stage. Enjoy magical fun and games played with on stage characters like Snow White, Sleeping Beauty and Elsa singing LIVE! Numerous stage games and prizes, balloon drops and more, includes photographs and meet and…

    Dates

    From:
    20 Dec 2026Open 12:00 - 16:00
    More info for The Grinch & Friends Festive Family Show
  7. An adult and small child walking hand in hand down an autumnal path.

    Add Grimm’s Fairy Tales Reimagined Art Trail to your Itinerary

    Grimm’s Fairy Tales Reimagined Art Trail

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Durham

    Step into a world where familiar fairy tales are transformed into imaginative works of art this winter. Explore a collection of fairytale-inspired art installations at Crook Hall Gardens. Art students from Durham Sixth Form Centre drew inspiration…

    Dates

    From:
    21 Nov 2026to28 Dec 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
    More info for Grimm’s Fairy Tales Reimagined Art Trail
  8. The illustrated Snowman flying with a child.

    Add The Snowman with Live Orchestra - Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens to your Itinerary

    The Snowman with Live Orchestra - Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Bearpark, Durham

    Step into the wonder of the season with a heartwarming performance of The Snowman — perfect for all ages. Enjoy a live orchestral accompaniment by the Durham Music Youth Orchestra as they bring the beloved animated film to life, complete with the…

    Dates

    From:
    12 Dec 2026
    More info for The Snowman with Live Orchestra - Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens
  9. Three glowing Christmas trees in an elegant room at Raby Castle

    Add Raby Castle at Christmas to your Itinerary

    Raby Castle at Christmas

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Staindrop

    Raby Castle is opening it’s doors for Christmas for the second time in five decades to showcase the castle decorated for Christmas, designed by custodian and creative director, Lady Barnard.

    Dates

    From:
    14 Nov 2026to3 Jan 2027Open 11:00 - 16:00
    More info for Raby Castle at Christmas
  10. Santa standing in front of a stone building waving

    Add Breakfast With Santa - South Causey Inn to your Itinerary

    Breakfast With Santa - South Causey Inn

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Stanley

    Create unforgettable festive memories with a magical morning at South Causey Inn’s much-loved Breakfast With Santa event! 

    Dates

    From:
    5 Dec 2026Open 09:00 - 11:30
    From:
    12 Dec 2026Open 09:00 - 11:30
    More info for Breakfast With Santa - South Causey Inn
  11. A person dressed as a festive elf, looking up and smiling in front of a lit up sign which reads, 'Grotto' decorated with baubles.

    Add Bishop Auckland's Christmas Town to your Itinerary

    Bishop Auckland's Christmas Town

    Type

    Type:

    Children/Family events

    Bishop Auckland

    Unlimited Family Fun at Bishop Auckland's Christmas Town. Little faces lighting up, a view of the Christmas lights from the Ferris wheel and the excited call of "can we go on again?" Make memories together at Bishop Auckland's Christmas Town,…

    Dates

    From:
    3 Dec 2026to6 Dec 2026Various Opening Times
    More info for Bishop Auckland's Christmas Town
  12. A couple performing ballet on a festive stage

    Add Crown Ballet: The Nutcracker - Empire Consett to your Itinerary

    Crown Ballet: The Nutcracker - Empire Consett

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Consett

    The beloved Christmas classic returns! After last year’s acclaimed tour, Crown Ballet® brings back its dazzling production of The Nutcracker, Tchaikovsky’s timeless masterpiece.

    Dates

    From:
    14 Nov 2026Open 14:30 -
    More info for Crown Ballet: The Nutcracker - Empire Consett
  13. A large circular standing wreath in an autumnal forest landscape.

    Add The Mischievous Elves of High Force Waterfall to your Itinerary

    The Mischievous Elves of High Force Waterfall

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Forest In Teesdale, Barnard Castle

    This Christmas, step into a world of festive magic at High Force Waterfall. As you wander through the enchanting woodland trail,  you’ll discover that something has gone terribly wrong…

    Dates

    From:
    14 Nov 2026to3 Dec 2026Open 10:00 - 15:00
    More info for The Mischievous Elves of High Force Waterfall
  14. Alexander Armstrong and Aled Jones standing side-by side in blue velvet suits against a festive background.

    Add The Big Christmas Sing A-Long with Aled Jones and Alexander Armstrong - Durham Cathedral to your Itinerary

    The Big Christmas Sing A-Long with Aled Jones and Alexander Armstrong - Durham Cathedral

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Durham

    Get ready to lift your voices and celebrate the festive season as The Big Christmas Sing-a-Long embarks on its debut UK tour in November and December 2026. Starring much-loved performers and presenters Aled Jones and Alexander Armstrong, this…

    Dates

    From:
    2 Dec 2026Open 19:30 -
    More info for The Big Christmas Sing A-Long with Aled Jones and Alexander Armstrong - Durham Cathedral
  15. An illustration of a bed floating under water with a man smiling whilst being hooked onto a fishing line, surrounded by fish. With the title that read

    Add Grand Cinema: Bedknobs and Broomsticks (PG) to your Itinerary

    Grand Cinema: Bedknobs and Broomsticks (PG)

    Type

    Type:

    Film

    Stanley

    An apprentice witch, three kids, and a cynical magician conman search for the missing component to a magic spell to be used in the defense of Britain in World War II. Transport yourself to the golden age of cinema with a nostalgic afternoon in our…

    Dates

    From:
    30 Dec 2026Open 13:45 -
    More info for Grand Cinema: Bedknobs and Broomsticks (PG)
  16. South Causey Monthly Dog Walk

    Add South Causey Monthly Dog Walk to your Itinerary

    South Causey Monthly Dog Walk

    Type

    Type:

    Dog-Friendly

    Stanley

    Join the South Causey Dog Walking Club every 1st Saturday of the month at 10 am for a picturesque stroll through the beautiful Beamish Valley. 

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Various Opening Times
    More info for South Causey Monthly Dog Walk
  17. Poster for 'The Nice List', text which reads 'Tom Rolfe Production Proudly Presents, A Magical Family Santamime.' A large festive book open with red r

    Add The Nice List! Santamime to your Itinerary

    The Nice List! Santamime

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Barnard Castle

    Step into a sparkling festive adventure this Christmas as Tom Rolfe Productions proudly present The Nice List!

    Dates

    From:
    10 Dec 2026Open 18:00 -
    More info for The Nice List! Santamime
  18. The Snowman with Live Brass Band. The Snowman and the boy, in his dressing gown, flying through the night sky. © Snowman Enterprises Limited

    Add The Snowman with Live Brass Band - Redhills Durham Miners Hall to your Itinerary

    The Snowman with Live Brass Band - Redhills Durham Miners Hall

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Flass Street, Durham

    Fly away on a magical journey with The Snowman…
    After the snow settles on a cold winter’s day, a little boy builds a Snowman. Later that night, under the glittering stars, the Snowman comes to life! Together they fly through the night sky on a…

    Dates

    From:
    6 Dec 2026Open 15:00 - 16:30
    More info for The Snowman with Live Brass Band - Redhills Durham Miners Hall
  19. Fireworks at Dalton Park Outlet & Outdoors and crowds below.

    Add Light Up the Park to your Itinerary

    Light Up the Park

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Seaham

    Welcome in the festive season by joining us on Saturday 7th November from 4.30pm to 8.30pm for our much anticipated Light Up the Park Christmas event!

    Dates

    From:
    7 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 20:30
    More info for Light Up the Park
  20. Santa giving a present to a small child in front of two ornate Christmas trees

    Add Father Christmas at Raby Castle to your Itinerary

    Father Christmas at Raby Castle

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Staindrop

    Experience the Magic of Christmas with Father Christmas in Raby Castle’s Barons’ Hall. Cherish and create new family traditions with a special visit to see Father Christmas at Raby Castle. Bells will ring and footmen will guide you up to the…

    Dates

    From:
    21 Nov 2026to24 Dec 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
    More info for Father Christmas at Raby Castle
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