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You are here > Home > What's On > Summer Highlights

Summer Highlights

From festivals and fetes to vintage vehicles and open air theatre, enjoy a packed summer of fun in Durham with events to enthral and excite the whole family.

Embrace the warmth and vibrancy of summer in Durham with our curated guide to seasonal highlights. Discover a plethora of events, from lively festivals and outdoor performances to family-friendly activities and cultural showcases. Immerse yourself in the richness of summer arts, enjoy open-air concerts, and savor culinary delights at seasonal workshops. Whether it's nature excursions or festive celebrations, Durham's summer highlights offer a diverse array of experiences for all. Stay connected with the latest happenings and make the most of your summer in Durham, where every moment becomes a highlight.

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  1. Table set for Christmas Day lunch with two glasses of champagne at the Radisson Blu Durham

    Add Christmas Day at Józef’s Riverside Restaurant to your Itinerary

    Christmas Day at Józef’s Riverside Restaurant

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Durham City

    Following the excitement of Christmas Day morning, come together with family and friends, and let the Radisson Blu Durham do all the hard work for you to celebrate your Christmas Day in style.

    Dates

    From:
    25 Dec 2025Open 12:00 - 15:00
    More info for Christmas Day at Józef’s Riverside Restaurant
  2. Joséphine, A Woman of Taste and Fashion

    Add Spotlight Tour - Joséphine, A Woman of Taste and Fashion - The Bowes Museum to your Itinerary

    Spotlight Tour - Joséphine, A Woman of Taste and Fashion - The Bowes Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibition

    Barnard Castle

    Join Rachel Whitworth, Curator of Fashion & Textiles for an insightful introduction to the new Joséphine: A Woman of Taste and Fashion exhibition.

    Dates

    From:
    5 Feb 2026Open 11:00 - 11:30
    More info for Spotlight Tour - Joséphine, A Woman of Taste and Fashion - The Bowes Museum
  3. Marian Art in Durham Cathedral (artwork showing depiction of Mary).

    Add Marian Art in Durham Cathedral to your Itinerary

    Marian Art in Durham Cathedral

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibition

    The College, Durham

    Join Professor Jane Heath from the Department of Theology and Religion at Durham University on this specially curated tour of the Marian Art in Durham Cathedral.

    Dates

    From:
    13 Dec 2025Open 11:00 -
    More info for Marian Art in Durham Cathedral
  4. St Peter's Chapel at Auckland Palace

    Add Christmas Carol Service - The Auckland Palace to your Itinerary

    Christmas Carol Service - The Auckland Palace

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Market Place, Bishop Auckland

    Join us for a magical evening of festive cheer at the historic St Peter’s Chapel, as Revd Dr Chris Knights, Chaplain to the Bishop of Durham, leads a heartwarming carol service filled with seasonal favourites.

    Venue

    The Auckland Project, Bishop Auckland

    Dates

    From:
    21 Dec 2025Open 15:00 - 15:50
    More info for Christmas Carol Service - The Auckland Palace
  5. Robin Hood - The Pantomime. Background shows stage curtain.

    Add Robin Hood Pantomime - Lumley Castle Hotel to your Itinerary

    Robin Hood Pantomime - Lumley Castle Hotel

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Chester le Street

    The Sheriff of Nottingham and Bad Prince John are up to their usual nasty tricks, and only Robin Hood and the Merry  Men and Women of Sherwood Forest can put a stop to their  wicked behaviour.  

    Dates

    From:
    20 Dec 2025to23 Dec 2025Various Opening Times
    More info for Robin Hood Pantomime - Lumley Castle Hotel
  6. Santa's Grotto covered in snow at Dalton Park

    Add Dalton Park Santa's Grotto to your Itinerary

    Dalton Park Santa's Grotto

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Murton

    Make your family Christmas truly special this year with a visit to Santa's Grotto at Dalton Park. Children can meet elves packing gifts, ask Santa for their Christmas list and create memories that will last a lifetime in the festive experience…

    Dates

    From:
    8 Nov 2025to24 Dec 2025Various Opening Times
    More info for Dalton Park Santa's Grotto
  7. Carl Hutchinson

    Add Funny Way To Be Comedy: Carl Hutchinson - Greatest Hits! to your Itinerary

    Funny Way To Be Comedy: Carl Hutchinson - Greatest Hits!

    Type

    Type:

    Comedy

    Barnard Castle

    Join Carl as he celebrates 10 years of touring as he presents his best and favourite routines from over the years.

    Dates

    From:
    31 Jan 2026Open 19:30 - 21:30
    More info for Funny Way To Be Comedy: Carl Hutchinson - Greatest Hits!
  8. 2 tables, banquet style, beautifully decorated for a wedding.

    Add Wedding Open Days - Redworth Hall to your Itinerary

    Wedding Open Days - Redworth Hall

    Type

    Type:

    Wedding Fairs and Events

    Newton Aycliffe

    Join us at Redworth Hall Hotel in County Durham for one of our wedding open days, the perfect chance to explore our stunning spaces, meet our expert team, and start shaping your celebration.

    Dates

    From:
    30 Dec 2025Open 11:00 - 14:00
    From:
    11 Jan 2026Open 11:00 - 14:00
    From:
    18 Feb 2026Open 17:00 - 19:00
    From:
    8 Mar 2026Open 11:00 - 14:00
    More info for Wedding Open Days - Redworth Hall
  9. Child holding a crayon, sitting with other children at Little Dragons.

    Add Little Dragons - Durham University Oriental Museum to your Itinerary

    Little Dragons - Durham University Oriental Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Children/Family events

    Durham City

    Join us at the Oriental Museum on Wednesday mornings for Little Dragons, our FREE session for children under 5 and their families/carers. Each session will be packed full of exploring the museum galleries, fun craft activities, singing, games and…

    Dates

    From:
    13 Aug 2025to17 Dec 2025Various Opening Times
    More info for Little Dragons - Durham University Oriental Museum
  10. Bride descending a staircase

    Add A Wedding Showcase with a Difference to your Itinerary

    A Wedding Showcase with a Difference

    Type

    Type:

    Wedding Fairs and Events

    Durham

    Next season, Tees Valley Weddings is hosting a wedding showcase at the beautiful 61 Durham. This isn’t your typical wedding fair – it’s designed to be more hands-on, inspiring, and personal. 

    Dates

    From:
    11 Jan 2026Open 11:00 - 14:00
    More info for A Wedding Showcase with a Difference
  11. LGBTQIA+ Object Trail at The Bowes Museum

    Add LGBTQIA+ Object Trail - The Bowes Museum to your Itinerary

    LGBTQIA+ Object Trail - The Bowes Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Children/Family events

    Barnard Castle

    Explore The Bowes Museum’s collection through a different lens and learn about the stories and emotions objects hold through the lived experiences of those who identify as LGBTQIA+.

    Dates

    From:
    1 May 2025to31 Dec 2025Open 10:00 - 17:00
    More info for LGBTQIA+ Object Trail - The Bowes Museum
  12. Santa reading three children a story.

    Add Story Time with Santa - Lumley Castle Hotel to your Itinerary

    Story Time with Santa - Lumley Castle Hotel

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Chester le Street

    Are you ready for Storytime? Get those PJ's on, bring your most cuddly teddy and join us for an afternoon of spreading Christmas spirit with Mr and Mrs Claus. With milk & cookies on arrival, this event is guaranteed to get your little ones excited…

    Dates

    From:
    23 Dec 2025Various Opening Times
    More info for Story Time with Santa - Lumley Castle Hotel
  13. A small child sitting on Santa's knee

    Add Afternoon Tea with Santa to your Itinerary

    Afternoon Tea with Santa

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Beamish

    Join us for a magical Santa Experience filled with delicious food, party games, dancing, and a special visit to Santa.

    Dates

    From:
    20 Dec 2025Open 13:00 - 16:00
    More info for Afternoon Tea with Santa
  14. Cinderella and Prince Charming

    Add Santa and Cinders at Hardwick Hall to your Itinerary

    Santa and Cinders at Hardwick Hall

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Sedgefield

    Hardwick Hall Hotel, near Sedgefield, has revealed a festive programme of entertainment for all ages in the run up to Christmas and beyond – with some magical treats in store for children.

    Dates

    From:
    6 Dec 2025to3 Jan 2026
    More info for Santa and Cinders at Hardwick Hall
  15. Snow covered double decker bus at South Causey Inn

    Add The Christmas Swing Soirée, with Robbie Raines at South Causey Inn to your Itinerary

    The Christmas Swing Soirée, with Robbie Raines at South Causey Inn

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Stanley

    Celebrate Christmas with glamour, festive cheer, and timeless swing.

    Dates

    From:
    13 Dec 2025Open 19:00 -
    More info for The Christmas Swing Soirée, with Robbie Raines at South Causey Inn
  16. Andy Zaltzman

    Add Funny Way To Be Comedy: Andy Zaltzman - The Zaltgeist 2026 – A Second Thwack to your Itinerary

    Funny Way To Be Comedy: Andy Zaltzman - The Zaltgeist 2026 – A Second Thwack

    Type

    Type:

    Comedy

    Barnard Castle

    Following a sell-out 2024/2025 national run, Andy Zaltzman – host of The Bugle podcast and BBC Radio 4's The News Quiz, statistician on Test Match Special, and champion of Taskmaster series 18 – extends his hit tour into 2026.

    Dates

    From:
    24 Apr 2026Open 19:30 - 21:30
    More info for Funny Way To Be Comedy: Andy Zaltzman - The Zaltgeist 2026 – A Second Thwack
  17. Dance Through The Naughties Disco Party Night poster showing a disco ball, stars, snowflakes and pine cones.

    Add Dance Through The Naughties Disco Party Night - Bowburn Hall Hotel to your Itinerary

    Dance Through The Naughties Disco Party Night - Bowburn Hall Hotel

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Durham

    Join us for a night of fun and merriment get your dancing shoes on, and party the night away on the dance floor as our resident DJ plays you all the hits all night long.

    Dates

    From:
    13 Dec 2025Open 19:00 - 00:00
    From:
    17 Dec 2025Open 19:00 - 00:00
    From:
    19 Dec 2025Open 19:00 - 00:00
    More info for Dance Through The Naughties Disco Party Night - Bowburn Hall Hotel
  18. A Skiffle group of two adults and two children in front of Beamish Museum's 1950s Welfare Hall.

    Add Skiffle Session & Uke Club - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North to your Itinerary

    Skiffle Session & Uke Club - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North

    Type

    Type:

    Music Event

    Beamish

    Join us for an afternoon of skiffle music in the 1950s welfare hall! Enjoy our own band, Hop, Skiffle and Jump performing from 12pm until 1pm, followed by our Uke Club from 1.15pm until 2.15pm where you can develop your ukulele skills.

    Dates

    From:
    28 Dec 2025Open 12:00 - 14:15
    More info for Skiffle Session & Uke Club - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North
  19. Mark Simmons dressed in a dinner jacket with Jester's trousers and shoes

    Add Mark Simmons "Jest to Impress" to your Itinerary

    Mark Simmons "Jest to Impress"

    Type

    Type:

    Comedy

    Barnard Castle

    More expertly crafted one-liners, alongside his trademark off-the-cuff jokes based on random audience suggestions.

    Dates

    From:
    11 Mar 2026Open 19:30 - 21:30
    More info for Mark Simmons "Jest to Impress"
  20. Painting of Robert Burns in front of the Scottish Flag.

    Add Burns Night Banquet - Lumley Castle Hotel to your Itinerary

    Burns Night Banquet - Lumley Castle Hotel

    Type

    Type:

    Food & Drink

    Chester le Street

    Join us for a lively Burns Night Banquet, celebrating Scottish tradition with a four-course meal which includes haggis, a goblet of red wine, a goblet of mead, and a dram of whisky per guest. 

    Dates

    From:
    23 Jan 2026Open 18:00 - 01:00
    More info for Burns Night Banquet - Lumley Castle Hotel
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