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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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  1. A person smiling surrounded by plants, holding a stick insect on their hand, on a green background.

    Add Bugs n Stuff to your Itinerary

    Bugs n Stuff

    Type

    Type:

    October Half Term

    Newton Aycliffe

    Join the Bugman for a hands-on workshop with some amazing animals - cold, warm, hard, soft, rough, smooth, scaly, silky, slimy, hairy and of course tickly!

    Dates

    From:
    29 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 19:00
    More info for Bugs n Stuff
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. Santa walking through train carriages.

    Add Father Christmas - Locomotion to your Itinerary

    Father Christmas - Locomotion

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Shildon

    Make magical memories with your family this Christmas. Father Christmas and his cheerful elf are waiting to meet you in his cosy train carriage.

    Dates

    From:
    5 Dec 2026to6 Dec 2026Open 11:00 - 13:00
    From:
    12 Dec 2026to14 Dec 2026Open 11:00 - 13:00
    From:
    18 Dec 2026to23 Dec 2026Open 11:00 - 13:00
    More info for Father Christmas - Locomotion
  5. The Craft & Producers' Marquee at Durham Christmas Festival

    Add Durham Christmas Festival to your Itinerary

    Durham Christmas Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Durham Market Place, Durham City

    Durham Christmas Festival returns – the perfect combination of Christmas shopping and seasonal entertainment in the unique and stunning setting that is Durham City Centre.

    Dates

    From:
    4 Dec 2026to6 Dec 2026
    More info for Durham Christmas Festival
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. Poster from the 1951 'A Christmas Carol,' Scrooge wearing a long coat, top hat and yellow scarf, looking glumly on the left of the image

    Add Grand Cinema: A Christmas Carol (1951) - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North to your Itinerary

    Grand Cinema: A Christmas Carol (1951) - 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:
    22 Nov 2026Open 14:15 -
    More info for Grand Cinema: A Christmas Carol (1951) - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. A vibrant firework display, text which reads 'Seaham Fireworks Display 2026.'

    Add Seaham Fireworks to your Itinerary

    Seaham Fireworks

    Type

    Type:

    Bonfire Night

    Seaham

    Back by popular demand the fantastic Seaham Fireworks takes place on a Sunday to make it easier to plan your visit. In the theme of Angels vs Demons. A free to attend family seaside fireworks event. Food & Craft stalls, kids rides, stage…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Nov 2026Open 17:00 - 21:00
    More info for Seaham Fireworks
  12. A wintery landscape of Santa's cosy grotto surrounded by  festive animals playing in the snow.

    Add Santa’s Grotto at Dalton Park to your Itinerary

    Santa’s Grotto at Dalton Park

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Seaham

    Ho, ho, ho! Step into the magic of Christmas at our brand-new Santa’s Grotto. Embrace the festive spirit and make family memories as little ones meet Santa in his magical woodland hideaway, enjoy a festive encounter with his cheerful singing…

    Dates

    From:
    7 Nov 2026to24 Dec 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
    More info for Santa’s Grotto at Dalton Park
  13. Children watching a demonstration in a park

    Add Creepy Creations - Wharton Park to your Itinerary

    Creepy Creations - Wharton Park

    Type

    Type:

    Halloween

    Durham

    Create a creepy vibe in your house or garden by joining us to make your own handmade Halloween decorations.  Using mainly natural materials you can design your own nightmare catcher and wooden spooky character totem pole. All materials are provided…

    Dates

    From:
    28 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 12:00
    More info for Creepy Creations - Wharton Park
  14. Santa giving a present to a small child in front of two ornate Christmas trees

    Add Father Christmas at Raby Castle - Raby Castle, Park & Gardens to your Itinerary

    Father Christmas at Raby Castle - Raby Castle, Park & Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Darlington

    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 - Raby Castle, Park & Gardens
  15. Traditional prayers to goddess Lakshmi at the Diwali celebrations at the Oriental Museum.

    Add Diwali to your Itinerary

    Diwali

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Durham

    Celebrate the Indian festival of lights with this special late night opening. Everyone is welcome to join us for this spectacular evening Diwali celebration at the Oriental Museum. There will traditional puja prayers to goddess Lakshmi, delicious…

    Dates

    From:
    14 Nov 2026Open 18:00 - 20:00
    More info for Diwali
  16. A beautiful and minimal firework display on a dark background, with an elegant cream coloured font which reads 'Bonfire Night At Blanchard Village Hal

    Add Blanchland Village Hall Bonfire Night Celebration 2026 to your Itinerary

    Blanchland Village Hall Bonfire Night Celebration 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Bonfire Night

    Blanchland, Consett

    SAVE THE DATE! Join us for our annual bonfire night celebration at Blanchland Village Hall on 7th November 2026.

    Dates

    From:
    7 Nov 2026Open 17:00 -
    More info for Blanchland Village Hall Bonfire Night Celebration 2026
  17. A DJ deck with two carved pumpkins wearing headphones on top, under colourful lighting.

    Add Spooktacular Halloween Disco to your Itinerary

    Spooktacular Halloween Disco

    Type

    Type:

    Halloween

    Durham

    Spooky Sounds, Creative Spirits and a Monster-Sized Party! Join us for wicked beats and spooky treats and Fang-tastic facepainting at The Light this October half-term with our Deadly DJ and "Not Just a Pretty Facepaint."  

    Dates

    From:
    29 Oct 2026Open 17:00 - 19:00
    More info for Spooktacular Halloween Disco
  18. A spooky Halloween events poster for Aycliffe & District Bus Preservation Museum, decorated with ghosts, bats, spiders and a creepy bus under the full

    Add A Night At The Museum Horror Spooktackular - Aycliffe & District Bus Preservation Museum to your Itinerary

    A Night At The Museum Horror Spooktackular - Aycliffe & District Bus Preservation Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Halloween

    Aycliffe Business Park, Newton Aycliffe

    Get ready for a fun-filled Halloween evening for all the family as Aycliffe Bus Museum opens its doors for 'A Night at the Museum – Halloween Horror Spooktakular.' Local residents are invited to come along to the museum on Burtree Road, Newton…

    Dates

    From:
    31 Oct 2026Open 17:30 - 21:00
    More info for A Night At The Museum Horror Spooktackular - Aycliffe & District Bus Preservation Museum
  19. Santa Clause in a sleigh pulled by a light up reindeer.

    Add Santa Visits to your Itinerary

    Santa Visits

    Type

    Type:

    Discover Durham Christmas Event

    Durham

    During 2026 the farm will once again be open for Santa visits!

    Dates

    From:
    5 Dec 2026to6 Dec 2026
    From:
    12 Dec 2026to13 Dec 2026
    From:
    17 Dec 2026to23 Dec 2026
    More info for Santa Visits
  20. A group of children and adults sat in a church setting listening to a speaker.

    Add Children's Lantern Parade and Saint Nicholas' Service to your Itinerary

    Children's Lantern Parade and Saint Nicholas' Service

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Durham

    Build excitement for the Christmas season with a lantern procession from the Market Place to the cathedral. The Lantern Parade will leave the Market Place at 3pm following the Chester-le-Street Salvation Army Band up to Palace Green, and arriving at…

    Dates

    From:
    6 Dec 2026Open 15:00 -
    More info for Children's Lantern Parade and Saint Nicholas' Service
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