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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: 106

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  1. Rapunzel written in gold on a purple background.

    Add Rapunzel - Gala Durham Pantomime to your Itinerary

    Rapunzel - Gala Durham Pantomime

    Type

    Type:

    Pantomimes

    Durham City

    In the dark, tangled forest of Hamsterley stands a mysterious tower, locals swear they can hear beautiful singing drifting through the trees, a voice so pure it stops even the bravest woodcutter in their tracks.

    Dates

    From:
    19 Nov 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Rapunzel - Gala Durham Pantomime
  2. Elegant white font which reads 'Sunday Lunch With Santa' on a burgundy red background with a small cartoon character of Santa Claus in the left corner

    Add Sunday Lunch with Santa to your Itinerary

    Sunday Lunch with Santa

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    West Auckland, Bishop Auckland

    If there’s one thing that’s better than a delicious Sunday lunch, it’s one with a visit from Santa himself! That’s right – the Big Man in Red is heading to The Manor House Hotel to visit all the boys, girls and parents who have made his Nice List…

    Dates

    From:
    20 Dec 2026Open 12:00 - 17:00
    More info for Sunday Lunch with Santa
  3. 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
  4. Four musicians playing brass instruments.

    Add Brass and Chorus of Royal Northern Sinfonia Winter Tour - Durham Cathedral to your Itinerary

    Brass and Chorus of Royal Northern Sinfonia Winter Tour - Durham Cathedral

    Type

    Type:

    Festive Event

    Durham

    This isn’t just a collection of Christmas music – it’s a celebration of the season’s full emotional range. Joy, wonder, reflection, play. Big bold choruses and quiet, candlelit moments. Music that lets you sing along one minute and stop to breathe…

    Dates

    From:
    27 Nov 2026Open 19:30 -
    More info for Brass and Chorus of Royal Northern Sinfonia Winter Tour - Durham Cathedral
  5. A scene from The Nutcracker ballet of a dancer looking up, with their back to the stage with their arm elegantly raised at a large christmas tree.

    Add The Royal Ballet: The Nutcracker to your Itinerary

    The Royal Ballet: The Nutcracker

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Durham

    At a cosy Christmas party, young Clara meets the mysterious magician Drosselmeyer, who gives her a nutcracker doll. When the guests have departed and the house is asleep, Clara sneaks downstairs in search of the doll. Instead, she finds…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Dec 2026Open 19:15 -
    More info for The Royal Ballet: The Nutcracker
  6. 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
  7. Illustrated characters from the Wizard of Oz, included Dorothy in the center, surrounded by Scarecrow, Tinman and the Lion, on a yellow background.

    Add Cinema Grand Cinema: Wizard of Oz (U) to your Itinerary

    Cinema Grand Cinema: Wizard of Oz (U)

    Type

    Type:

    Film

    Stanley

    Young Dorothy Gale and her dog Toto are swept away by a tornado from their Kansas farm to the magical Land of Oz and embark on a quest with three new friends to see the Wizard, who can return her to her home and fulfill the others’ wishes. Transport…

    Dates

    From:
    31 Dec 2026Open 14:00 -
    More info for Cinema Grand Cinema: Wizard of Oz (U)
  8. Santa and his helpers aboard the train.

    Add Santa Express - Weardale Railway to your Itinerary

    Santa Express - Weardale Railway

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Bishop Auckland,

    Santa Express – A Magical Christmas Journey. Create unforgettable Christmas memories aboard the Santa Express at Weardale Railway. Running on selected dates throughout November and December, this festive heritage train departs from Stanhope Station…

    Dates

    From:
    28 Nov 2026to24 Dec 2026Open 09:30 - 18:00
    More info for Santa Express - Weardale Railway
  9. A beautiful saris with a green and yellow pattern.

    Add Family Activities: Creative Threads to your Itinerary

    Family Activities: Creative Threads

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage

    Durham

    Get creative and try some simple weaving techniques inspired South Asian saris!

    Dates

    From:
    28 Nov 2026Open 13:00 - 15:00
    More info for Family Activities: Creative Threads
  10. Santa stroking a small brown dog on his lap, a person sit in an arm chair on the right

    Add Paws & Claus 2026 - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North to your Itinerary

    Paws & Claus 2026 - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Stanley

    A ‘Paw’fect photo opportunity. Join Father Christmas in the Coffee Pot Café at the Entrance Building for a cosy breakfast experience designed especially for visitors and their four‑legged friends.

    Dates

    From:
    4 Dec 2026Open 09:00 - 10:00
    From:
    18 Dec 2026Open 09:00 - 10:00
    More info for Paws & Claus 2026 - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North
  11. 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
  12. Festive scene of street lamps and Christmas lights decorating a stone building.

    Add Christmas Light Switch-On Spectacular - South Causey Inn to your Itinerary

    Christmas Light Switch-On Spectacular - South Causey Inn

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Stanley

    Join us for a magical festive evening as South Causey Inn lights up for Christmas in unforgettable style. 

    Dates

    From:
    20 Nov 2026Open 18:00 -
    More info for Christmas Light Switch-On Spectacular - South Causey Inn
  13. Text reads 'Cinderella' in a purple font and a small cartoon pumpkin surrounded by glitter, with a gold ribbon which reads 'You shall go to the ball.'

    Add Cinderella Pantomime to your Itinerary

    Cinderella Pantomime

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Barnard Castle

    You shall go to the ball as Tom Rolfe Productions return to The Witham for their sixth smash hit pantomime Cinderella! Join Cinderella an her adorable friend Buttons as they set out on the most magical adventure of all!

    Dates

    From:
    18 Dec 2026to24 Dec 2026
    More info for Cinderella Pantomime
  14. Photograph showing children examining a small animal specimen inside a glass display cabinet, using a magnifying glass.

    Add Gallery Takeover: Map Makers to your Itinerary

    Gallery Takeover: Map Makers

    Type

    Type:

    Children/Family events

    Barnard Castle

    Inspired by the landscapes and terrains of Impressions of Light: Masterpieces from MuMa – Le Havre and The Bowes Museum, collect ideas and inspiration to use in creating your own map. Consider the nature and terrain in the museum's landscape…

    Venue

    The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle

    Dates

    From:
    9 Feb 2027Open 14:30 - 15:30
    From:
    16 Feb 2027Open 14:30 - 15:30
    More info for Gallery Takeover: Map Makers
  15. The lake at Hardwick park.

    Add Step into Storytime: We're going on an Elf Chase to your Itinerary

    Step into Storytime: We're going on an Elf Chase

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Stockton-on-Tees

    Outdoor discover sessions for 5's and under involving storytelling, crafts activities, interactive trails, games and woodland play

    Dates

    From:
    28 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 13:00
    More info for Step into Storytime: We're going on an Elf Chase
  16. An adult and child browsing through a Christmas market.

    Add Christmas Fair 2026 - Beamish Hall Country Hotel to your Itinerary

    Christmas Fair 2026 - Beamish Hall Country Hotel

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Stanley

    A triple festive treat shopping extravaganza. See the Hall at its fabulously festive best and peruse the stalls displaying their specialist wares from pretty ornaments and gifts to scrumptious treats and drinks! Escape the hustle and bustle of the…

    Dates

    From:
    13 Nov 2026to15 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
    More info for Christmas Fair 2026 - Beamish Hall Country Hotel
  17. Scene from The Polar Express (2004) Small child looking up a towering steam train in the snow

    Add Grand Cinema: Polar Express - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North to your Itinerary

    Grand Cinema: Polar Express - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Stanley

    Transport yourself to the golden age of cinema with a nostalgic afternoon in our beautifully restored 1950s Grand cinema. The Grand cinema, from Ryhope, in Sunderland, has been recreated and brought to life in our 1950s Town.

    Dates

    From:
    21 Nov 2026Open 14:00 -
    More info for Grand Cinema: Polar Express - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North
  18. Text reads, 'Holmside Park Christmas Adventure', with images of Santa Claus, a Christmas Tree, snow and presents.

    Add Holmside Park's Christmas Adventure 2026 to your Itinerary

    Holmside Park's Christmas Adventure 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Chester-le-Street

    Embark on an unforgettable Christmas Adventure at Holmside Park this December! Wander through our beautifully lit Elf Village, where you'll collect magic reindeer dust, write a letter to Santa, make festive crafts with the Holmside Elves and…

    Venue

    Holmside Park, Chester-le-Street

    Dates

    From:
    5 Dec 2026to24 Dec 2026Open 10:00 - 18:00
    More info for Holmside Park's Christmas Adventure 2026
  19. Buddy from the film Elf (2003) wearing a green festive outfit, smiling with his hands on his hips, on a white background

    Add Grand Cinema: Elf (PG) - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North to your Itinerary

    Grand Cinema: Elf (PG) - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Stanley

    Transport yourself to the golden age of cinema with a nostalgic afternoon in our beautifully restored 1950s Grand cinema. The Grand cinema, from Ryhope, in Sunderland, has been recreated and brought to life in our 1950s Town.

    Dates

    From:
    5 Dec 2026Open 14:00 -
    More info for Grand Cinema: Elf (PG) - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North
  20. An illustration of Mary Poppins and Bert, smiling on a white background.

    Add Grand Cinema: Mary Poppins (1964) (U) to your Itinerary

    Grand Cinema: Mary Poppins (1964) (U)

    Type

    Type:

    Film

    Stanley

    In turn of the century London, a magical nanny employs music and adventure to help two neglected children become closer to their father. Transport yourself to the golden age of cinema with a nostalgic afternoon in our beautifully restored 1950s…

    Dates

    From:
    28 Dec 2026Open 13:30 -
    More info for Grand Cinema: Mary Poppins (1964) (U)
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