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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. Members of the Durham Cathedral Choir performing.

    Add Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at Durham Cathedral to your Itinerary

    Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at Durham Cathedral

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Durham City

    These traditional Advent services at the cathedral are always popular. The service starts in darkness as a lone Chorister sings Once in Royal David’s City.

    Dates

    From:
    22 Dec 2025Open 18:00 -
    From:
    24 Dec 2025Open 15:00 -
    More info for Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at Durham Cathedral
  2. Pockerley at Beamish with three people dressed in period dress

    Add Pockerley 30th Anniversary Celebrations at Beamish to your Itinerary

    Pockerley 30th Anniversary Celebrations at Beamish

    Type

    Type:

    Children/Family events

    Stanley

    To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the opening of Pockerley Old Hall, the museum will hold 30 activities at Pockerley between 17th May and 31st December 2025.

    Dates

    From:
    17 May 2025to31 Dec 2025
    More info for Pockerley 30th Anniversary Celebrations at Beamish
  3. Queen Elsa, Princess Anna & Holly the Elf

    Add Frozen Princess Party - The Manor House Hotel & Spa to your Itinerary

    Frozen Princess Party - The Manor House Hotel & Spa

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    West Auckland, Bishop Auckland

    Join us in The Great Hall of Arendelle for Afternoon Tea where we will meet Queen Elsa, Princess Anna & Holly the elf

    Dates

    From:
    14 Dec 2025Open 15:00 - 19:00
    More info for Frozen Princess Party - The Manor House Hotel & Spa
  4. Cliffecon 2026 advertising poster with event date and location

    Add Cliffecon 2026 to your Itinerary

    Cliffecon 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Children/Family events

    Newton Aycliffe

    Cliffecon 2026 is a comic con and pop culture event in County Durham.

    Dates

    From:
    9 May 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
    More info for Cliffecon 2026
  5. Stargazing at Raby Castle

    Add Stargazing at Raby Castle to your Itinerary

    Stargazing at Raby Castle

    Type

    Type:

    Stargazing Events

    Staindrop

    This exclusive event offers a rare opportunity to explore the night sky under the expert guidance of a professional astronomer. Whether you are an experienced stargazer or a newcomer to astronomy, this session promises to provide valuable insights…

    Dates

    From:
    13 Dec 2025Open 18:00 -
    From:
    17 Jan 2026Open 18:00 -
    From:
    24 Jan 2026Open 18:00 -
    More info for Stargazing at Raby Castle
  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. Jonny, lead singer of Sham Fender, and a band member performing to an audience.

    Add The Sham Fender Experience at South Causey Inn to your Itinerary

    The Sham Fender Experience at South Causey Inn

    Type

    Type:

    Music Event

    Stanley

    Get ready for an unforgettable night of live music, incredible energy, and all the anthems you know and love. The Sham Fender Experience is coming to South Causey Inn, bringing the electrifying sound of Sam Fender to life in a show that feels just…

    Dates

    From:
    16 Jan 2026Open 19:00 -
    More info for The Sham Fender Experience at South Causey Inn
  8. Close up view of people playing brass instruments.

    Add Friends Christmas Concert to your Itinerary

    Friends Christmas Concert

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Durham City

    Durham Cathedral Young Singers, North East Rock Choir and Consett Citadel Salvation Army Band are back to perform festive favourites.

    Dates

    From:
    11 Dec 2025Open 19:30 -
    More info for Friends Christmas Concert
  9. Rosettes from the Durham County Show

    Add The Durham County Show to your Itinerary

    The Durham County Show

    Type

    Type:

    Agricultural Show

    nr Thornley

    The Annual Durham County Show is a vibrant event featuring a variety of activities and attractions for all ages.

    Dates

    From:
    4 July 2026to5 July 2026Open 09:00 - 17:00
    More info for The Durham County Show
  10. It's a Wonderful Life. Black and white poster of a couple being hugged by children.

    Add It's a Wonderful Life - Lumley Castle Hotel to your Itinerary

    It's a Wonderful Life - Lumley Castle Hotel

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Chester le Street

    Join us for a cosy Afternoon Tea at the Movies, the perfect festive treat with family and friends. Relax and watch this Christmas classic on the big screen: It's a Wonderful Life! the holiday favourite. During the movie, enjoy a delicious afternoon…

    Dates

    From:
    19 Dec 2025Open 14:00 - 16:30
    More info for It's a Wonderful Life - Lumley Castle Hotel
  11. Group of people enjoying New Year's Eve at the Radisson Blu

    Add New Year’s Eve Celebrations at Józef’s Riverside Restaurant to your Itinerary

    New Year’s Eve Celebrations at Józef’s Riverside Restaurant

    Type

    Type:

    New Years Eve

    Durham City

    Say goodbye to the old and toast in the new with an evening of sensational food, entertainment and great company in our Józef’s Riverside restaurant.

    Dates

    From:
    31 Dec 2025
    More info for New Year’s Eve Celebrations at Józef’s Riverside Restaurant
  12. Sam Avery

    Add Sam Avery "Thunderstorm" to your Itinerary

    Sam Avery "Thunderstorm"

    Type

    Type:

    Comedy

    Barnard Castle

    In his trademark punchy style, Sam takes you on a whirlwind journey through the chaos of the modern.

    Dates

    From:
    30 Jan 2026Open 20:00 - 22:00
    More info for Sam Avery "Thunderstorm"
  13. 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:
    5 Dec 2025to7 Dec 2025Various Opening Times
    More info for Durham Christmas Festival
  14. Pianist, Warren Mailley-Smith.

    Add Rachmaninov 2nd Piano Concerto by Candlelight - Durham Cathedral to your Itinerary

    Rachmaninov 2nd Piano Concerto by Candlelight - Durham Cathedral

    Type

    Type:

    Music Event

    Durham

    Step into the tranquil glow of candlelight and enjoy a spellbinding evening of classical music in the stunning surroundings of Durham Cathedral.

    Dates

    From:
    20 June 2026Open 19:30 - 21:30
    More info for Rachmaninov 2nd Piano Concerto by Candlelight - Durham Cathedral
  15. 3 women in Santa hats laughing and drinking from champagne flutes.

    Add Christmas Party Night - Lumley Castle Hotel to your Itinerary

    Christmas Party Night - Lumley Castle Hotel

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Chester le Street

    Get ready to celebrate the festive season in style with our  lively Christmas Party Night! Enjoy a delicious two-course  dinner followed by a fun-filled evening of dancing and entertainment. Whether you’re gathering with colleagues,  friends, or…

    Dates

    From:
    28 Nov 2025Open 19:30 - 01:00
    From:
    6 Dec 2025Open 19:30 - 01:00
    From:
    12 Dec 2025Open 19:30 - 01:00
    From:
    31 Jan 2026Various Opening Times
    More info for Christmas Party Night - Lumley Castle Hotel
  16. Fairylights over South causey Inn

    Add Live Tribute of George Michael at South Causey Inn to your Itinerary

    Live Tribute of George Michael at South Causey Inn

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Stanley

    An Unmissable Tribute Night at South Causey Inn...

    Dates

    From:
    22 Dec 2025Open 19:00 -
    More info for Live Tribute of George Michael at South Causey Inn
  17. 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
  18. Two men and a woman looking at one of the Christmas Trees for sale at Raby Castle

    Add Raby Christmas Trees to your Itinerary

    Raby Christmas Trees

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Staindrop

    Real Christmas Trees at Raby.  Bring Festive Magic Home – Starting 22nd November.

    Dates

    From:
    22 Nov 2025to24 Dec 2025
    More info for Raby Christmas Trees
  19. Snow covered double decker bus at South Causey Inn

    Add Christmas Eve Santa Lunch at South Causey Inn to your Itinerary

    Christmas Eve Santa Lunch at South Causey Inn

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Stanley

    Make Christmas Eve magical with festive feasting, live entertainment, and a visit from Santa himself!

    Dates

    From:
    24 Dec 2025Open 11:30 -
    More info for Christmas Eve Santa Lunch at South Causey Inn
  20. Crook Hall gardens

    Add Festive poetry walk at Crook Hall Gardens to your Itinerary

    Festive poetry walk at Crook Hall Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Durham City

    Experience a festive poetry walk, admiring the scenery at Crook Hall Gardens.

    Dates

    From:
    13 Dec 2025Open 13:00 - 13:50
    From:
    21 Dec 2025Open 13:00 - 13:50
    More info for Festive poetry walk at Crook Hall Gardens
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