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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. 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
  2. Small child playing with paint in a craft session.

    Add Halloween Craft Day - The Story to your Itinerary

    Halloween Craft Day - The Story

    Type

    Type:

    Halloween

    South Road, Durham

    Gather your little monsters for a spooktacular craft day at The Story!

    Dates

    From:
    26 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
    More info for Halloween Craft Day - The Story
  3. 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
  4. A vibrant firework display.

    Add Firework Display - Newton Aycliffe to your Itinerary

    Firework Display - Newton Aycliffe

    Type

    Type:

    Bonfire Night

    Newton Aycliffe

    The event is FREE, however those wishing to attend the display must apply for a wristband. Wristbands will be available at the OakLeaf Sports Complex from Tuesday 20th October 2026, the wristbands will be available from 1pm until 7pm each day until…

    Dates

    From:
    6 Nov 2026Open 17:00 -
    More info for Firework Display - Newton Aycliffe
  5. A book propped up against a mossy tree.

    Add Welcome to Storytime with Gruffalo Granny to your Itinerary

    Welcome to Storytime with Gruffalo Granny

    Type

    Type:

    October Half Term

    Hamsterley, Bishop Auckland

    Come to the forest for a day of family fun this October half-term and hear the new Gruffalo story. There’s also a visit from The Gruffalo! You’ll be able to enjoy Gruffalo Granny storytelling sessions and Gruffalo meet-and-greets at intervals…

    Dates

    From:
    27 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
    More info for Welcome to Storytime with Gruffalo Granny
  6. A glowing carved pumpkin, surrounded by other pumpkins.

    Add Floral Pumpkin Workshop - South Causey Inn to your Itinerary

    Floral Pumpkin Workshop - South Causey Inn

    Type

    Type:

    October Half Term

    Stanley

    Enjoy a relaxed and creative evening at South Causey Inn with our beautiful Floral Workshop.

    Dates

    From:
    22 Oct 2026Open 17:00 - 19:30
    More info for Floral Pumpkin Workshop - South Causey Inn
  7. Two people smiling together looking at a Christmas tree

    Add Christmas Market 2026 - Raby Castle, Park and Gardens to your Itinerary

    Christmas Market 2026 - Raby Castle, Park and Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Darlington

    Three Magical Days of Festive Shopping, Eating and Cheer. Join us this November for a truly magical experience at the Raby Castle's Christmas Market. Whether you’re shopping for the perfect gift, sipping mulled wine, or simply soaking up the festive…

    Dates

    From:
    27 Nov 2026to29 Nov 2026Open 09:00 - 15:00
    More info for Christmas Market 2026 - Raby Castle, Park and Gardens
  8. Close up of the Grinch looing quizzical at the camera wearing a Santa hat in the snowy night

    Add Grand Cinema: How the Grinch Stole Christmas (PG) - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North to your Itinerary

    Grand Cinema: How the Grinch Stole Christmas (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:
    12 Dec 2026Open 13:45 -
    More info for Grand Cinema: How the Grinch Stole Christmas (PG) - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North
  9. Two glass jars decorated with leaves, surrounded by autumnal foliage.

    Add Leaf Lanterns Workshop to your Itinerary

    Leaf Lanterns Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Halloween

    Durham

    Craft a magical autumnal lantern with our Learning Team. Forage for fallen leaves and get creative as you craft a glowing autumn lantern to bring a touch of seasonal warmth to your home. 

    Dates

    From:
    28 Oct 2026Various Opening Times
    More info for Leaf Lanterns Workshop
  10. Three glowing Christmas trees in an elegant room at Raby Castle

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

    Raby Castle at Christmas - Raby Castle, Park & Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Darlington

    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 - Raby Castle, Park & Gardens
  11. A beautiful silver ancient Persian bowl

    Add Family Activities: Bowl of Wonders to your Itinerary

    Family Activities: Bowl of Wonders

    Type

    Type:

    Arts & Crafts

    Durham

    Spot a 2500 year old silver bowl made by the ancient Persians and try metal embossing your own patterns.

    Dates

    From:
    24 Oct 2026Open 13:00 - 15:00
    More info for Family Activities: Bowl of Wonders
  12. Poster for The Big Blaze, of a large bonfire with performers either side.

    Add The Big Blaze - Lintz Hall Farm to your Itinerary

    The Big Blaze - Lintz Hall Farm

    Type

    Type:

    Bonfire Night

    Join us at Lintz Hall Farm For a Bonfire Spectacular! Expect a fun evening out for the whole family.

    Dates

    From:
    5 Nov 2026to7 Nov 2026Various Opening Times
    More info for The Big Blaze - Lintz Hall Farm
  13. Festival of Fireworks - Graphic image of a silhouette of a fairground against an orange sky full of fireworks.

    Add Festival of Fireworks - Banks Homes Riverside to your Itinerary

    Festival of Fireworks - Banks Homes Riverside

    Type

    Type:

    Bonfire Night

    Chester-le-Street

    Experience the North East's ultimate Festival of Fireworks, featuring one of the region's largest fireworks, laser and pyrotechnic spectaculars, perfectly choreographed to music against the stunning backdrop of the River Wear at Banks Homes…

    Dates

    From:
    7 Nov 2026Open 19:30 -
    More info for Festival of Fireworks - Banks Homes Riverside
  14. A vibrant and colourful firework display.

    Add Barnard Castle Bonfire Night to your Itinerary

    Barnard Castle Bonfire Night

    Type

    Type:

    Bonfire Night

    Barnard Castle

    Barnard Castle Christmas Lights in association with The Clique present Bonfire Night with traditional fireworks on Upper Demesnes (opposite The Bowes Museum).

    Dates

    From:
    6 Nov 2026Open 17:30 -
    More info for Barnard Castle Bonfire Night
  15. Poster for Halloween scare nights, decorated with horror characters and circus tents.

    Add SCARE NIGHTS - Thorpe Farm Centre to your Itinerary

    SCARE NIGHTS - Thorpe Farm Centre

    Type

    Type:

    Halloween

    Barnard Castle

    Two Spooktacular Experiences – Choose Your Scare!

    Dates

    From:
    29 Oct 2026to31 Oct 2026Open 16:00 - 21:00
    More info for SCARE NIGHTS - Thorpe Farm Centre
  16. Cartoon monsters in front of a red stage curtain with text that reads, "There's a Monster in your Show."

    Add There’s A Monster In Your Show - Gala Durham to your Itinerary

    There’s A Monster In Your Show - Gala Durham

    Type

    Type:

    October Half Term

    Durham

    Tom Fletcher’s interactive adventures for big imaginations are leaping from page to stage, as the beloved ‘Who’s in Your Book?’ series comes to Durham in a brand-new musical show.

    Dates

    From:
    28 Oct 2026to30 Oct 2026Various Opening Times
    More info for There’s A Monster In Your Show - Gala Durham
  17. Muppets wearing Victorian Clothing gathered around in the snow in the Muppets Christmas Carol Poster

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

    Grand Cinema: The Muppet Christmas Carol (U) - 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:
    28 Nov 2026Open 14:15 -
    From:
    19 Dec 2026Open 14:15 -
    More info for Grand Cinema: The Muppet Christmas Carol (U) - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North
  18. 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
  19. A bright firework display on a burgundy red background, with a bold flashy text which reads 'Fireworks Night' in white and gold.

    Fireworks Night At Peterlee & Horden RFC 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Bonfire Night

    Join us on Sunday 8th November for a brilliant family evening at the club. There’ll be food and drink available, plenty of atmosphere and a fantastic fireworks display for everyone to enjoy. Bring the family, wrap up warm and come along for a great…

    Dates

    From:
    8 Nov 2026Open 16:30 -
    More info for Fireworks Night At Peterlee & Horden RFC 2026
  20. Two children sat on a hay bail in an autumnal field, smiling whilst holding up two pumpkins, and surrounded by other pumpkins either side of them.

    Add Mini Pumpkin Patch to your Itinerary

    Mini Pumpkin Patch

    Type

    Type:

    Halloween

    Forest in Teesdale, Staindrop

    Choose your very own mini pumpkin from our new patch. Perfectly sized for little ones to decorate this Autumn! Can you find all of the objects on the trail sheet as you wander through the pumpkin patch and match up all the pumpkin pairs? Decorate…

    Venue

    Raby Castle, Park and Gardens, Staindrop

    Dates

    From:
    17 Oct 2026to31 Oct 2026Open 11:00 - 14:00
    More info for Mini Pumpkin Patch
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