Skip To Main Content

  • Accommodation
    • Don't Miss
      • City Breaks
      • Spa Breaks
      • Dog Friendly
      • Stunning Stays
    • Hotels
    • B&B and Guest Houses
    • Inns & Pubs
    • Self Catering & Holiday Cottages
      • Self Catering Agencies
    • Caravan, Camping & Glamping
    • Hostels
    • Accessible Accommodation
  • Things to Do
    • Don't Miss
      • Binchester Roman Fort
      • Beamish Museum
      • Bishop Auckland Town Hall
      • Bowlees Visitor Centre
      • Crook Hall Gardens
      • Dalton Park Outlet Shopping Centre
      • Durham Castle Tours
      • Durham Cathedral
      • Durham Cricket
      • Durham Town Hall
      • Durham University Botanic Garden
      • Durham University Oriental Museum
      • Hamsterley Forest
      • Hardwick Park
      • High Force
      • Killhope
      • Kynren- An epic Tale of England
      • Locomotion
      • Palace Green Library
      • Raby Castle
      • Redhills Durham Miners Hall
      • Seaham Harbour Marina
      • The Auckland Project
      • Spennymoor Town Hall Bob Abley Art Gallery
      • The Bowes Museum
      • Ushaw: Historic House, Chapels and Gardens
      • Wharton Park
    • Attractions
      • Castles & Historic Houses
      • Cathedral & Churches
      • Hands on History
      • Gardens & Parks
      • Family Fun
      • Museums & Galleries
      • Waterfalls & Reservoirs
    • Activities
      • Adventure Activities
      • Cycling
      • Family Fun Activities
      • Festival & Events Organisers
      • Fishing
      • Golf
      • Horse Riding
      • Spas
      • Walking
    • Entertainment
      • Cinema
      • Theatre
    • Shopping
      • Antiques
      • Farm Shops & Markets
      • Garden Centres
      • Only in Durham
      • Independent Shops & Boutiques
      • Shopping Centres
    • Sightseeing, Tours & Guides
      • Attraction Tours
      • Tour Guides
      • Scenic Tours
      • Cycling Tours
      • Durham on Screen
      • Walking Tours
      • Durham City Guide - Churches, Chapels and Cafes
    • Weddings
      • Historic Wedding Venues
      • Hotel Wedding Venues
      • Wedding Fairs & Events
      • Stag & Hen Party Ideas
      • Wedding Packages
  • What's On
    • What's on this Week
    • Family Events
      • Free Events
      • Bonfire Night
      • Festive Fun
    • 2027 Unmissable Events
    • Cinema, Theatre & Music Events
      • Cinema Venues
      • Theatre Venues
    • Sports
    • Dark Skies Events
    • Food & Drink
    • Exhibitions
  • Food & Drink
    • Don't Miss
      • Bishop’s Kitchen at Auckland Palace
      • Botanic Garden Café
      • Cafe Bowes at The Bowes Museum
      • Durham Dales Centre Tea Room
      • El Castillo
      • Gala Lounge
      • High Force Hotel and Waterfall
      • Hotel Indigo Rotunda Bar
      • Jozef’s Riverside Bar & Restaurant
      • Killhope Lead Mining Museum Cafe and Shop
      • Lumley Castle - Knight's Restaurant
      • Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill
      • Geko at Seaham Hall
      • The Dining Room
      • The Dunes Café
      • The Falls Café at Bowlees Visitor Centre
      • The Garden Gate Café at Crook Hall Gardens
      • The Hamsterley Cafe and Ice Cream Kiosk
      • The Neighbourhood @ Hotel Indigo Durham
      • The Oak Room Restaurant
      • The Tower Cafe
      • The Vinery at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens
      • Undercroft Restaurant
      • Ushaw Café
    • Restaurants
    • Tearooms & Coffee Shops
    • Pubs & Bars
    • Get a Taste of Durham
    • Afternoon Tea in Durham
  • Inspire Me
    • Short Break Ideas
      • Classic Christmas
      • Dark Skies
      • Dog Friendly Durham
      • Romantic Getaways
      • Spa Breaks
      • Golf Breaks
      • Weddings
      • City Break
    • Seasonal
      • Spring Breaks
      • Summer Breaks
      • Autumn Breaks
      • Winter Breaks
    • Budget-Friendly Days Out in Durham
    • Explore From Your Door
    • Discover Durham's Great Outdoors
    • Discover Wellness in Durham
    • Go Car Free in Durham
    • Only in Durham
    • Delve Into Our Heritage
    • Durham's Unmissable Highlights
    • Itineraries
  • Explore Durham
    • Durham City
    • Durham Dales
    • Vale of Durham
    • Durham Coast
    • Durham Towns
      • Barnard Castle
      • Bishop Auckland
      • Chester-le-Street
      • Seaham
      • Stanhope
    • North Pennines National Landscape
    • North East England
  • Visitor Information
    • Maps of Durham
    • Getting to Durham
    • Getting Around Durham
      • Car Hire
      • Taxis
      • Electric Car Charging Points
    • Accessible Durham
    • Sustainable and Responsible Tourism in Durham
    • Visitor Guides
    • Durham Apps
    • Discover Durham Digitally

Don't Miss

  • Stars at Hardwick Park

    Dark Skies

  • Durham Cathedral and riverbanks in the snow

    Winter Breaks

  • Santa and elves at Raby Castle

    Classic Christmas

  • A couple looking at High Force Waterfall

    Next Stop, Durham

A German Flag
This is Durham logo
Menu
  • Durham the Culture County logo
  • Print Logo
Close Navigation

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.

Loading..

Number of results:

Number of results: 311

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • ...
  • 15
  • 16
  • Next Next
Sort By: A-Z Lowest A-Z Highest
  1. A Witch and a cat riding a broom.  Room on the Broom © 2001 Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler. Licensed by Magic Light Pictures Ltd.

    Add Room on the Broom Trail at Hamsterley Forest to your Itinerary

    Room on the Broom Trail at Hamsterley Forest

    Type

    Type:

    October Half Term

    Bedburn , Hamsterley Forest

    This interactive family trail is packed with Room on the Broom themed activities, fascinating forest facts and plenty of hands-on fun. 

    Dates

    From:
    28 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Room on the Broom Trail at Hamsterley Forest
  2. 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
  3. Children wearing woolly jumpers and hats, walking through a winter forest trail

    Add The Plotters’ Forest Enchanted Christmas Trail to your Itinerary

    The Plotters’ Forest Enchanted Christmas Trail

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Staindrop

    Step into a world of festive wonder this Christmas with the Enchanted Christmas Trail at The Plotters’ Forest, located within the stunning surroundings of Raby Castle, Park & Gardens. Twinkling lights, joyful music, and magical touches throughout…

    Dates

    From:
    14 Nov 2026to3 Jan 2027Various Opening Times
    More info for The Plotters’ Forest Enchanted Christmas Trail
  4. Consett Salvation Army Band, an orchestra of brass instruments.

    Add Friends Christmas Concert to your Itinerary

    Friends Christmas Concert

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Durham City

    Join us for our Annual Christmas Concert. Celebrate the festive season at our Friends' Christmas Concert with Durham Cathedral Young Singers, Rock Choir North East and the Consett Citadel Salvation Army Band.

    Dates

    From:
    10 Dec 2026Open 19:30 -
    More info for Friends Christmas Concert
  5. People dancing with their arms in the air.

    Add Awesome Anthems to your Itinerary

    Awesome Anthems

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Durham

    Join us for a Christmas celebration including a 2-course meal, drinks and dancing. Arrive from 7pm to dine from 7:30pm, indulge in a delicious carvery, then let our resident DJ turn up the energy with Awesome Anthems, filling the dance floor with…

    Dates

    From:
    3 Dec 2026Open 19:00 - 23:55
    From:
    10 Dec 2026Open 19:00 - 23:55
    From:
    17 Dec 2026Open 19:00 - 23:55
    More info for Awesome Anthems
  6. Wine and a selection of scones and jams.

    Add Fireside Afternoon Tea and Waterfall Walk at High Force to your Itinerary

    Fireside Afternoon Tea and Waterfall Walk at High Force

    Type

    Type:

    Food Events

    Forest-in-Teesdale, Durham

    Monday - Saturday Celebrate in the heart of Upper Teesdale with our cosy Fireside Afternoon Tea at High Force Hotel.

    Dates

    From:
    23 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Fireside Afternoon Tea and Waterfall Walk at High Force
  7. 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
  8. Blanchland Artisan Christmas Makers Market. A Christmas wreath, baubles, snowflakes, and colourful handmade Christmas trees.

    Blanchland Artisan Christmas Market

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Blanchland

    Looking for a Christmas market with a difference? Blanchland Artisan Markets are quality-guaranteed; come along and explore the incredible talent and craftsmanship of our 45-plus traders.

    Dates

    From:
    21 Nov 2026to22 Nov 2026Open 11:00 - 16:00
    More info for Blanchland Artisan Christmas Market
  9. An elegant white font which reads 'Festive Flashback' on a taupe background with glitter on the left.

    Add Festive Flashback Party Night to your Itinerary

    Festive Flashback Party Night

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    West Auckland, Bishop Auckland

    Join us in The Knights Hall for our Retro Christmas Celebration. After enjoying 2 courses from our Christmas Fayre menu, we will take you back to dance through the decades with everything from the 70s hits to 00s classics. Step out in style, with a…

    Dates

    From:
    20 Nov 2026Open 19:00 - 23:45
    From:
    4 Dec 2026Open 19:00 - 23:45
    From:
    18 Dec 2026Open 19:00 - 23:45
    More info for Festive Flashback Party Night
  10. Three singer smiling towards the camera, surrounded by gold sparkles.

    Add Motown - Christmas Daytime Party to your Itinerary

    Motown - Christmas Daytime Party

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Carville, Durham

    Get ready for pure Motown and Northern Soul Anthems, the ones that you just want to sing along to. Belle Voix deliver over 30 iconic hits, celebrating the heart, harmony and energy of the music that defined generations. From the irresistible groove…

    Dates

    From:
    9 Dec 2026Open 11:30 - 16:00
    From:
    17 Dec 2026Open 11:30 - 16:00
    More info for Motown - Christmas Daytime Party
  11. "A Nightmare Before Christmas" in spooky font, surrounded by bats on a lilac background

    Add A Nightmare Before Christmas - Creepy Carnival Edition - Durham Cricket to your Itinerary

    A Nightmare Before Christmas - Creepy Carnival Edition - Durham Cricket

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Chester le Street

    Step into a world where cobwebs meet Christmas lights and festive fun takes a darker twist. This is Durham Cricket’s spooktacular alternative party night; perfect for those who like their celebrations with a side of mischief. Enjoy a hauntingly good…

    Dates

    From:
    5 Dec 2026Open 19:00 - 00:00
    More info for A Nightmare Before Christmas - Creepy Carnival Edition - Durham Cricket
  12. A group of people wearing steam-punk style victorian clothing on a station platform.

    Add Steampunk Weekend to your Itinerary

    Steampunk Weekend

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Darlington

    Goggles at the ready! Steampunk Weekend returns bringing two days of fantastical invention, live entertainment, eccentric characters, unique traders and Victorian-inspired adventure. Step into an extraordinary world where steam powers the future,…

    Dates

    From:
    14 Nov 2026to15 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
    More info for Steampunk Weekend
  13. 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
  14. A sinister stone building in the dark, the text reads 'Silent Deadly Murder, Can you uncover the truth before.'

    Add Christmas Themed Murder Mystery Dinner to your Itinerary

    Christmas Themed Murder Mystery Dinner

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Chester le Street

    Lord Spinner Webbe has invited friends and family to the mysterious Riddle Hall while secretly searching for a new heir. But as the guests arrive, they find him dead before a roaring fire, a torn letter on his desk and a knife buried in his chest.…

    Dates

    From:
    4 Dec 2026Open 18:30 -
    More info for Christmas Themed Murder Mystery Dinner
  15. A festive clear bauble with a vintage car inside decorated with ribbons and holly, on a cream background with stars. Text which reads 'Christmas Sunca

    Add Christmas Suncatcher Workshop to your Itinerary

    Christmas Suncatcher Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Chester le Street

    Let's spend a fun morning learning how to make homemade Christmas decorations in this Christmas Suncatcher Workshop. £5 payable in advance. All materials supplied.

    Dates

    From:
    23 Nov 2026Open 09:30 - 11:30
    More info for Christmas Suncatcher Workshop
  16. Children standing in an old fashioned shop, talking to the person at the till.

    Add Home Educators’ Day December 2026 to your Itinerary

    Home Educators’ Day December 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Children/Family events

    Stanley

    ​​​​​​​Take part in our free activities or book a learning workshop for the full, immersive learning experience. Places for our Home Educators’ Day must be booked in advance. Use your Beamish Unlimited Pass or Friends of Beamish membership to visit…

    Dates

    From:
    2 Dec 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
    More info for Home Educators’ Day December 2026
  17. Club Night Photograph

    Add Ferryhill, Sedgefield and District Flower Club Demonstration to your Itinerary

    Ferryhill, Sedgefield and District Flower Club Demonstration

    Type

    Type:

    Demonstration

    Sedgefield

    Monthly club night and floral demonstrations, refreshments, club news and a raffle for the flowers made by the demonstrator.

    Dates

    From:
    17 Nov 2026Open 19:15 - 21:15
    More info for Ferryhill, Sedgefield and District Flower Club Demonstration
  18. A group of choir singers wearing black and white clothing in Durham Cathedral.

    Add NHS Carol Service to your Itinerary

    NHS Carol Service

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Durham

    Past and present NHS staff, of all faiths and backgrounds, will join with family and friends in a traditional Christmas carol service of readings, carols and a Christmas message. Celebrate the contribution health and care staff make to improving…

    Dates

    From:
    15 Dec 2026Open 19:30 -
    More info for NHS Carol Service
  19. An abstract watercolour of a Robin bird on a piece of white paper.

    Add I Don't Want to Grow Up: Watercolour Christmas Cards with Artist Kirsty White to your Itinerary

    I Don't Want to Grow Up: Watercolour Christmas Cards with Artist Kirsty White

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Durham

    Make your own bespoke cards for Christmas in this relaxed, beginner friendly workshop. Join artist Kirsty White for a relaxed, beginner friendly watercolour workshop.

    Dates

    From:
    19 Nov 2026Open 18:00 - 19:30
    More info for I Don't Want to Grow Up: Watercolour Christmas Cards with Artist Kirsty White
  20. 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
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • ...
  • 15
  • 16
  • Next Next
Loading..Loading..
  • Enewsletter Sign Up

  • Contact Us

  • Print Page
  • Email Page
Home Accommodation
  • Hotels,
  • B&B and Guest Houses,
  • Inns & Pubs,
  • Self Catering & Holiday Cottages,
  • Caravan, Camping & Glamping,
  • Dog Friendly,
  • Hostels,
Things to Do
  • Attractions,
  • Activities,
  • Shopping,
  • Sightseeing, Tours & Guides,
What's On
  • Family Events,
  • 2027 Unmissable Events,
  • What's on this Week,
  • Cinema, Theatre & Music Events,
  • Dark Skies Events,
Food & Drink
  • Restaurants,
  • Tearooms & Coffee Shops,
  • Pubs & Bars,
  • Get a Taste of Durham,
  • Tasty Places to Stay,
  • Foodie Events,
Inspire Me
  • Short Break Ideas,
  • Discover Durham's Great Outdoors,
  • Delve Into Our Heritage,
  • Durham's Unmissable Highlights,
  • Itineraries,
Explore Durham
  • Durham City,
  • Durham Dales,
  • Vale of Durham,
  • Durham Coast,
  • Durham Towns,
  • North East England,
Visitor Information
  • Maps of Durham,
  • Getting to Durham,
  • Getting Around Durham,
  • Accessible Durham,
  • Sustainable and Responsible Tourism in Durham,
  • Visitor Guides,
Submit Event
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Submit Event
  • Terms & Conditions

© Copyright Visit County Durham. All Rights Reserved

Registered Office: Visit County Durham, East Wing, 1st Floor, Corten House, Aykley Heads, Durham, DH1 5TS

  • North East England logo

Ratings & Reviews

Powered By

tripadvisor

  • Durham County Council