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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: 95

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  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. Small colourful squares with snowflakes, trees, presents and hot chocolates inside on a white background.

    Add Early Festive Farmers & Indie Market to your Itinerary

    Early Festive Farmers & Indie Market

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas Markets

    Middleton-In-Teesdale

    Skip the corporate aisles & support the region's finest independent makers, farmers & creatives... we bring you 100% authentic local talent! From fresh regional food and drink to high quality handcrafted gifts. Come along - shop & scoff in the…

    Dates

    From:
    21 Nov 2026Open 09:00 - 14:00
    More info for Early Festive Farmers & Indie Market
  4. 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
  5. Photograph showing a young girl examining an open book or project during a classroom activity. Bright orange walls, large windows, tables and chairs c

    Add Wonder Workshop: Perspective Drawing to your Itinerary

    Wonder Workshop: Perspective Drawing

    Type

    Type:

    Family Fun

    Barnard Castle

    Wonder Workshop explores The Bowes Museum's collection through art, science, technology, engineering and maths, from how mechanisms work to the meaning of symbols in paintings and the history of well-known pieces. This session encourages young…

    Venue

    The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle

    Dates

    From:
    9 Feb 2027Open 12:15 - 13:45
    More info for Wonder Workshop: Perspective Drawing
  6. A historic stone room with low curved ceilings and fairy lights

    Add Medieval Knight Dinner - Lumley Castle to your Itinerary

    Medieval Knight Dinner - Lumley Castle

    Type

    Type:

    Food & Drink

    Chester le Street

    Seated on wooden benches, at wooden tables in the Castles Baronial Hall. A 5-course feast is served with mead & wine, whilst being entertained by Ladies of the court, Court Chamberlain & Herald, with musicians, all in traditional costume.

    Dates

    From:
    20 Nov 2026Open 18:30 - 00:00
    More info for Medieval Knight Dinner - Lumley Castle
  7. Close up view of Santa's hand holding a teacup with his little finger pointing out, in front of a plate of croissants.

    Add Breakfast with Santa - Empire Consett to your Itinerary

    Breakfast with Santa - Empire Consett

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Consett

    Ho ho ho! Santa’s coming to town!
    Come and enjoy breakfast with Father Christmas this festive season at Empire Consett where young ones can receive a present and enjoy a light breakfast of toast and pastries with juice or water. Accompanying adults…

    Dates

    From:
    20 Dec 2026Open 11:30 - 13:00
    From:
    24 Dec 2026Open 09:00 - 10:30
    More info for Breakfast with Santa - Empire Consett
  8. Three singers in traditional clothing, next to a Christmas tree, performing festive live music during Beamish Museum's Christmas Evenings.

    Add Beamish, The Living Museum of the North’s Magical Christmas Evenings to your Itinerary

    Beamish, The Living Museum of the North’s Magical Christmas Evenings

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Beamish

    Beamish Museum Christmas Evening Tickets on Sale Soon!

    Dates

    From:
    3 Dec 2026to4 Dec 2026Open 17:00 - 21:30
    From:
    10 Dec 2026to11 Dec 2026Open 17:00 - 21:30
    From:
    17 Dec 2026to18 Dec 2026Open 17:00 - 21:30
    More info for Beamish, The Living Museum of the North’s Magical Christmas Evenings
  9. A festive view of a historical stone house, in the snow with a small festive elf looking up to the house.

    Add Little Elves Christmas Hunt to your Itinerary

    Little Elves Christmas Hunt

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Chester le Street

    Get ready for a festive adventure on the beautiful Castle grounds! Our Little Elves Hunt invites children to follow a trail of Christmas-themed clues, solving puzzles and discovering hidden surprises along the way. It’s the perfect way for little…

    Dates

    From:
    22 Dec 2026to23 Dec 2026Various Opening Times
    More info for Little Elves Christmas Hunt
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. A small cream coloured dog wearing a Santa hat in front of a cosy fire place and a Christmas tree.

    Add Santa Paws to your Itinerary

    Santa Paws

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Chester le Street

    Treat your dog to a festive visit with Santa! Dogs can meet Father Christmas, have their photo taken, and receive a special gift to take home. A fun way to celebrate the season with your four-legged friend.

    Dates

    From:
    13 Dec 2026Various Opening Times
    From:
    17 Dec 2026Various Opening Times
    More info for Santa Paws
  18. Close up of a Lego railway under construction

    Add Shildon Brick Show - Locomotion to your Itinerary

    Shildon Brick Show - Locomotion

    Type

    Type:

    Show / Display

    Shildon

    Feast your eyes on a fantastic array of intricate LEGO® creations at this year's Shildon Brick Show. Hosted in conjunction with Brick Alley Recognised LEGO Fan Community, this exhibition features a wide range of displays and trade stands to…

    Dates

    From:
    14 Nov 2026to15 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
    More info for Shildon Brick Show - Locomotion
  19. 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)
  20. A black and white image of Hardwick Park

    Add Father Christmas to your Itinerary

    Father Christmas

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Stockton-on-Tees

    Make Christmas extra special this year, visit Father Christmas at Hardwick Park in his Festive Yurt.

    Dates

    From:
    5 Dec 2026to6 Dec 2026Various Opening Times
    From:
    12 Dec 2026to13 Dec 2026
    More info for Father Christmas
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