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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. A festive afternoon tea spread decorated with holly leaves and pine trees.

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

    Festive Afternoon Tea and Waterfall Walk at High Force Hotel

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Forest In Teesdale, Barnard Castle

    Whether you’re gathering with friends, enjoying a cosy family outing, or planning a Christmas treat, our festive afternoon tea offer a magical experience in the country reateat of High Force Hotel. Expect seasonal flavours, a warm welcome, and the…

    Dates

    From:
    6 Dec 2026Open 16:30 -
    From:
    13 Dec 2026Open 16:30 -
    From:
    20 Dec 2026Open 16:30 -
    More info for Festive Afternoon Tea and Waterfall Walk at High Force Hotel
  2. Sepia photograph showing members of The Durham Light Infantry leaning from the windows of a train.

    Add We Are The Durhams: The Durham Light Infantry to your Itinerary

    We Are The Durhams: The Durham Light Infantry

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibition

    Durham

    ​​​​​​​Discover the history of the Durham Light Infantry and the remarkable life stories of "The Durhams" from 1758 to today in this bold new permanent exhibition at The Light.

    Dates

    From:
    22 Aug 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for We Are The Durhams: The Durham Light Infantry
  3. Guided walk in Wolsingham: a group of walkers and a dog on a scenic woodland trail.

    Add Free Monthly Guided Walks - Wolsingham to your Itinerary

    Free Monthly Guided Walks - Wolsingham

    Type

    Type:

    Guided Walk

    Wolsingham, Bishop Auckland

    Our monthly guided walks take place on the 2nd Saturday of every month leaving Wolsingham Town Hall in the Market Place at 10am.

    Dates

    From:
    10 Jan 2026to12 Dec 2026
    More info for Free Monthly Guided Walks - Wolsingham
  4. Christmas characters including snowmen, Santa, reindeers and baubles, on a dark green background.

    Add Children’s Christmas Party In the Clubhouse to your Itinerary

    Children’s Christmas Party In the Clubhouse

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Carville, Durham

    Festive fun for all the family! A fun filled party including disco, party games, delicious food and a special visit from Santa himself!

    Dates

    From:
    16 Dec 2026to17 Dec 2026Open 17:30 - 20:30
    More info for Children’s Christmas Party In the Clubhouse
  5. A medieval banquet hall with candle holders and wooden benches.

    Add Christmas Themed Medieval Knights Dinner to your Itinerary

    Christmas Themed Medieval Knights Dinner

    Type

    Type:

    Children/Family events

    Chester le Street

    This Christmas, come and step back into a world of gallant knights, gracious ladies, feasting and merriment in the candlelit setting reminiscent of days gone by. Enjoy the signing and humour presented by the Court Chamberlain, Herald, Musicians and…

    Dates

    From:
    12 Dec 2026Open 18:30 - 01:00
    From:
    19 Dec 2026Open 18:30 - 01:00
    More info for Christmas Themed Medieval Knights Dinner
  6. 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
  7. Scene from The Polar Express (2004) Small child looking up a towering steam train in the snow

    Add Grand Cinema: Polar Express - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North to your Itinerary

    Grand Cinema: Polar Express - 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:
    21 Nov 2026Open 14:00 -
    More info for Grand Cinema: Polar Express - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North
  8. A festive display of a Christmas tree in a cosy room.

    Add Festive Feast & Christmas Market to your Itinerary

    Festive Feast & Christmas Market

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Stanley

    Join us for a wonderfully festive day filled with Christmas shopping, delicious food, music and festive cheer! Start your day by visiting our Christmas Market where you can browse a selection of festive stalls, gifts and seasonal treats — perfect…

    Dates

    From:
    8 Dec 2026Open 11:00 - 14:00
    More info for Festive Feast & Christmas Market
  9. 3 children standing whilst Mr and Mrs Clause sit beside them with red presents

    Add Meet Mr and Mrs Claus at the Yuletide Yurt to your Itinerary

    Meet Mr and Mrs Claus at the Yuletide Yurt

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Staindrop

    Step inside the beautifully decorated Yultide Yurt at Raby Castle this Christmas for a magical meet-and-greet with Mr and Mrs Claus Surrounded by sparkling lights and festive décor, enjoy a heart-warming experience.

    Dates

    From:
    6 Dec 2026
    From:
    12 Dec 2026to13 Dec 2026
    From:
    19 Dec 2026to20 Dec 2026
    More info for Meet Mr and Mrs Claus at the Yuletide Yurt
  10. 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
  11. An embroidered sampler, which reads 'Living Rememberance' in a pink elegant font, with pink roses and a union jack flag. A geometric green triangle in

    Add Making History: Stories of Remembrance with Lizzie Lovejoy to your Itinerary

    Making History: Stories of Remembrance with Lizzie Lovejoy

    Type

    Type:

    Workshop

    Durham

    An evening of reflection, creativity and connection as we bring history to life through writing. Drawing on archive photographs and stories from the Durham Light Infantry collection and the DLI Gallery at The Light, this reflective creative writing…

    Dates

    From:
    12 Nov 2026Open 18:00 - 20:00
    More info for Making History: Stories of Remembrance with Lizzie Lovejoy
  12. A couple enjoying a festive meal in paper crowns, surrounded by food and candles

    Add A Magical Christmas Stay - High Force Waterfall and Hotel to your Itinerary

    A Magical Christmas Stay - High Force Waterfall and Hotel

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Forest In Teesdale, Barnard Castle

    A relaxed countryside Christmas getaway in County Durham Looking for the perfect rural escape this festive season? Spend Christmas in the heart of the North Pennines National Landscape at High Force Hotel – a beautiful country hotel beside one of…

    Dates

    From:
    24 Dec 2026to27 Dec 2026
    More info for A Magical Christmas Stay - High Force Waterfall and Hotel
  13. 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
  14. Four musicians silhouetted against a winter sunrise, holding various early musical instruments

    Add GreenMatthews: Gaudete! to your Itinerary

    GreenMatthews: Gaudete!

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Barnard Castle

    Carols, songs and tunes from Yuletide Past!

    Venue

    The Witham, Barnard Castle

    Dates

    From:
    9 Dec 2026Open 19:30 - 21:45
    More info for GreenMatthews: Gaudete!
  15. An adult holding a baby in festive clothes, looking at a light installation of a bear.

    Add AGLOW 2026 - Auckland Palace and Gardens to your Itinerary

    AGLOW 2026 - Auckland Palace and Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Bishop Auckland

    Bishop Auckland’s AGLOW light trail is alive!  
    Walk in wonder through one and a half magical miles of light and sound. Imagine a place where an ancient palace overlooks 150 acres of Deer Park that, as the sun sets, comes alive with wonderful lights…

    Dates

    From:
    20 Nov 2026to3 Jan 2027Open 16:30 - 19:30
    More info for AGLOW 2026 - Auckland Palace and Gardens
  16. A close up image of Santa smiling with a bucket of popcorn.

    Add Movies and Magic - The Grinch to your Itinerary

    Movies and Magic - The Grinch

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Durham

    Snuggle up in your PJ’s, get comfy to watch the fabulous festive movie The Grinch, be in awe and entertained by our magician and enjoy endless popcorn, hot dogs, pizzas, potato wedges and Christmas stotties!

    Dates

    From:
    29 Nov 2026Open 14:30 - 18:00
    More info for Movies and Magic - The Grinch
  17. Close up of a Christmas wreath with gold, green and red decorations.

    Add Festive Wreath Making Masterclass - Seaham Hall Hotel to your Itinerary

    Festive Wreath Making Masterclass - Seaham Hall Hotel

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Seaham

    Celebrate the season in style at Seaham Hall with an exclusive festive experience designed to inspire and delight.

    Dates

    From:
    22 Nov 2026Open 15:00 - 17:30
    More info for Festive Wreath Making Masterclass - Seaham Hall Hotel
  18. Illustrated characters from the Wizard of Oz, included Dorothy in the center, surrounded by Scarecrow, Tinman and the Lion, on a yellow background.

    Add Cinema Grand Cinema: Wizard of Oz (U) to your Itinerary

    Cinema Grand Cinema: Wizard of Oz (U)

    Type

    Type:

    Film

    Stanley

    Young Dorothy Gale and her dog Toto are swept away by a tornado from their Kansas farm to the magical Land of Oz and embark on a quest with three new friends to see the Wizard, who can return her to her home and fulfill the others’ wishes. Transport…

    Dates

    From:
    31 Dec 2026Open 14:00 -
    More info for Cinema Grand Cinema: Wizard of Oz (U)
  19. 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
  20. Santa Claus sitting near a Christmas tree, reading a book with toys.

    Add Father Christmas at Ushaw - Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens to your Itinerary

    Father Christmas at Ushaw - Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Bearpark, Durham

    Make magical Christmas memories at Ushaw this festive season with a visit to meet Father Christmas. Children can share their festive wishes, receive a cuddly gift, and take a keepsake photo in our beautifully decorated Parlour.

    Dates

    From:
    12 Dec 2026to13 Dec 2026
    From:
    15 Dec 2026
    More info for Father Christmas at Ushaw - Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens
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