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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. View of the sea and beach from the clifftops

    Add Heritage Coastal Path parkrun, Easington to your Itinerary

    Heritage Coastal Path parkrun, Easington

    Type

    Type:

    Wellness Event

    Easington Colliery, Peterlee

    A free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k community event. Walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate – it's up to you! Nearby Sunday 2k junior parkrun events for 4 to 14 year olds and their families can be found here.

    Dates

    From:
    3 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Various Opening Times
    More info for Heritage Coastal Path parkrun, Easington
  2. Decorative stars made from willow branches on a wooden floor.

    Add Christmas Willow Workshops to your Itinerary

    Christmas Willow Workshops

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Bearpark, Durham

    Get into the festive spirit with two creative willow workshops led by talented artist Jo Bolton of Abundant Earth. Set in the beautiful surroundings of Ushaw, you’ll learn traditional weaving techniques and create your own festive willow decoration…

    Dates

    From:
    6 Dec 2026Open 09:30 - 16:30
    More info for Christmas Willow Workshops
  3. St. Cuthbert's and St. Aidan's Christmas Fair Poster with illustrations of Mary, Joseph and Jesus in a crib, along with Christmas wreaths and baubles.

    Add Christmas Fair to your Itinerary

    Christmas Fair

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Durham

    Parish Christmas Fair – Framwellgate Moor

    Come and join us for some festive fun at St Cuthbert's with St Aidan's Christmas Fair!

    Enjoy a warm welcome, a variety of stalls, Christmas gifts, seasonal treats and refreshments. Whether you're looking…

    Dates

    From:
    28 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 13:00
    More info for Christmas Fair
  4. A starry blue night sky, with one bright star on the right, text in a whimsical yellow font which reads 'A Starry Night.'

    Add A Starry Night with Innominata Choir to your Itinerary

    A Starry Night with Innominata Choir

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Annfield Plain, Stanley

    A Starry Night with Innominata Choir. A Celebration of Christmas through music and readings with carols for audience participation.

    Dates

    From:
    19 Dec 2026Open 18:30 - 20:30
    More info for A Starry Night with Innominata Choir
  5. 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
  6. Hands tending to a Christmas wreath on the table.

    Add Christmas Wreath Workshops - South Causey Inn to your Itinerary

    Christmas Wreath Workshops - South Causey Inn

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Stanley

    We’re delighted to bring our Christmas Wreath Workshops back for another magical season.

    Dates

    From:
    16 Nov 2026to17 Dec 2026Open 17:00 -
    More info for Christmas Wreath Workshops - South Causey Inn
  7. Close-up of Jodie Fitzgibbon performing

    Add Live Music Nights at South Causey Inn to your Itinerary

    Live Music Nights at South Causey Inn

    Type

    Type:

    Music Event

    Stanley

    Sit with us and enjoy live music every Friday, where we welcome a brilliant mix of local musicians from all across the North East to our cosy indoor bar - with a roaring log-burning fire.

    Dates

    From:
    14 Nov 2025to11 Dec 2026Various Opening Times
    More info for Live Music Nights at South Causey Inn
  8. Three glowing Christmas trees in an elegant room at Raby Castle

    Add Raby Castle at Christmas to your Itinerary

    Raby Castle at Christmas

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Staindrop

    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
  9. A festive afternoon tea spread, with a selection of pastries, tea and champagne with a Christmas tree in the background.

    Add Festive Afternoon Tea to your Itinerary

    Festive Afternoon Tea

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Wynyard

    Join us at Wynyard Hall for a festive afternoon like no other, where luxury and magic come together to create an unforgettable experience. Book your table now and let us transport you to a world of wonder and delight the Christmas season. Celebrate…

    Dates

    From:
    6 Dec 2026
    From:
    13 Dec 2026
    From:
    20 Dec 2026
    From:
    24 Dec 2026
    More info for Festive Afternoon Tea
  10. An adult and small child walking hand in hand down an autumnal path.

    Add Christmas Gift Bouquet Workshop with The Northern Flower Garden to your Itinerary

    Christmas Gift Bouquet Workshop with The Northern Flower Garden

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Durham

    Join florist Debbie from The Northern Flower Garden to celebrate Christmas and make a gift for someone special. Learn the art of bouquet making just in time for Christmas! In this relaxed, hands-on workshop, Debbie will show you how to use the…

    Dates

    From:
    19 Dec 2026Open 11:00 - 13:00
    More info for Christmas Gift Bouquet Workshop with The Northern Flower Garden
  11. Santa walking through train carriages.

    Add Father Christmas - Locomotion to your Itinerary

    Father Christmas - Locomotion

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Shildon

    Make magical memories with your family this Christmas. Father Christmas and his cheerful elf are waiting to meet you in his cosy train carriage.

    Dates

    From:
    5 Dec 2026to6 Dec 2026Open 11:00 - 13:00
    From:
    12 Dec 2026to14 Dec 2026Open 11:00 - 13:00
    From:
    18 Dec 2026to23 Dec 2026Open 11:00 - 13:00
    More info for Father Christmas - Locomotion
  12. poster of christmas market at bowburn hall hotel, with festive wreaths and trees, and information for the market.

    Add Bowburn Hall Hotel Evening Christmas Market to your Itinerary

    Bowburn Hall Hotel Evening Christmas Market

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Bowburn, Durham

    A little Christmas magic at Bowburn Hall Hotel's Evening Christmas Market. Get a head start on your Christmas shopping with a cosy, festive evening at Bowburn Hall Hotel on Monday 9 November, from 6pm to 9pm. Discover independent small businesses…

    Dates

    From:
    9 Nov 2026Open 18:00 - 21:00
    More info for Bowburn Hall Hotel Evening Christmas Market
  13. Buddy from the film Elf (2003) wearing a green festive outfit, smiling with his hands on his hips, on a white background

    Add Grand Cinema: Elf (PG) - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North to your Itinerary

    Grand Cinema: Elf (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:
    5 Dec 2026Open 14:00 -
    More info for Grand Cinema: Elf (PG) - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North
  14. A starry image of a galaxy in the night sky

    Add Christmas Under the Stars - Grassholme Observertory to your Itinerary

    Christmas Under the Stars - Grassholme Observertory

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Middleton-in-Teesdale, Barnard Castle

    Christmas Under the Stars. This Christmas, escape the hustle and bustle and experience the magic of the winter night sky at Grassholme Observatory. Wrapped in the peace and tranquillity of the teesdale countryside, join us for a festive evening of…

    Dates

    From:
    18 Dec 2026to19 Dec 2026Open 20:00 - 23:00
    From:
    27 Dec 2026Open 20:00 - 23:00
    From:
    30 Dec 2026Open 20:00 - 23:00
    More info for Christmas Under the Stars - Grassholme Observertory
  15. A white wooden door surrounded by festive pine decorations and wreaths.

    Add Festive Garland Workshop with Periwinkle Barn to your Itinerary

    Festive Garland Workshop with Periwinkle Barn

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Staindrop, Darlington

    Weave festive magic in the Conservatory with Periwinkle Barn and immerse yourself in the scent and spirit of Christmas at our Luxury Garland Workshop. Set within the enchanting surroundings of Raby’s glasshouse Conservatory, this seasonal experience…

    Dates

    From:
    17 Dec 2026Open 13:00 - 15:00
    More info for Festive Garland Workshop with Periwinkle Barn
  16. An illustration of Mary Poppins and Bert, smiling on a white background.

    Add Grand Cinema: Mary Poppins (1964) (U) to your Itinerary

    Grand Cinema: Mary Poppins (1964) (U)

    Type

    Type:

    Film

    Stanley

    In turn of the century London, a magical nanny employs music and adventure to help two neglected children become closer to their father. Transport yourself to the golden age of cinema with a nostalgic afternoon in our beautifully restored 1950s…

    Dates

    From:
    28 Dec 2026Open 13:30 -
    More info for Grand Cinema: Mary Poppins (1964) (U)
  17. A person tending to a festive wreath decorated with red baubles on a table.

    Add Christmas Wreath Workshop to your Itinerary

    Christmas Wreath Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Chester le Street

    Immerse yourself in creativity and Christmas joy as you learn, step by step, how to create luxurious festive wreaths to proudly display on your door. Our friendly specialist tutors will guide you through every stage, teaching a variety of techniques…

    Dates

    From:
    29 Nov 2026Open 12:00 - 15:00
    More info for Christmas Wreath Workshop
  18. A festive afternoon tea spread, with small christmas trees, and a person pouring a cup of tea.

    Add Festive Afternoon Tea to your Itinerary

    Festive Afternoon Tea

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Seaham

    A quintessential classic with a seasonal twist.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Dec 2026to24 Dec 2026
    More info for Festive Afternoon Tea
  19. An arrangement of festive afternoon tea with a Christmas tree in the background on the right

    Add Festive Afternoon Tea in The Vinery to your Itinerary

    Festive Afternoon Tea in The Vinery

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Staindrop

    Celebrate Christmas with a touch of elegance at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens, with a Festive Afternoon Tea in The Vinery, overlooking the magnificent Raby Castle.

    Dates

    From:
    14 Nov 2026to19 Dec 2026Various Opening Times
    More info for Festive Afternoon Tea in The Vinery
  20. Santa Clause in a sleigh pulled by a light up reindeer.

    Add Santa Visits to your Itinerary

    Santa Visits

    Type

    Type:

    Discover Durham Christmas Event

    Durham

    During 2026 the farm will once again be open for Santa visits!

    Dates

    From:
    5 Dec 2026to6 Dec 2026
    From:
    12 Dec 2026to13 Dec 2026
    From:
    17 Dec 2026to23 Dec 2026
    More info for Santa Visits
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