Last updated: November 11, 2024
Celebrate the holidays in Bishop Auckland with our ultimate event guide. For those who know Bishop Auckland's rhythm and those just learning its beat, this guide orchestrates holiday harmony.
One of the highlights of the festive season is Bishop Auckland's Christmas Town, where charming stalls and twinkling lights create a delightful atmosphere for all ages. This celebration features local crafts and seasonal treats that bring cheer to the community. Another event to explore is Christmas at the Palace, boasting stunning decorations and a festive programme that transforms the historic venue into a winter wonderland. And the Santa Express is something you definitely don’t want to miss, offering a magical train ride that mesmerises children and families alike. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Contact information and details below.
Spectacular light trail with unique installations and festive food.
AGLOW at Auckland Palace features 22 incredible light displays, including the largest Christmas tree in the North of England and the longest outdoor light tunnel in the country. The event offers a 1.5-mile trail through the palace's gardens and grounds, with surprises around every corner. Delicious festive food and drinks are available along the way.
Where: Bishop Auckland | More Info: AGLOW
Largest 18th-century Neapolitan Nativity scene outside Italy.
The Neapolitan Nativity Scene is a monumental 18th-century Baroque crèche, featuring 421 individually carved figures in a true-life Neapolitan setting. This remarkable Nativity scene brings together classical and Christian mythology with traditional folk culture, showcasing the intricate craftsmanship of Naples.
Where: Bishop Auckland | More Info: Neapolitan Nativity Scene
Traditional festive activities and spectacular events in a historic market setting.
Bishop Auckland's Christmas Town is a vibrant celebration centered around the historic Market Place, featuring festive markets, traditional activities, and spectacular events.
Where: Bishop Auckland | More Info: Bishop Auckland's Christmas Town
Fresh local produce in a historic setting.
The Bishop Auckland Farmers Market offers an array of fresh produce, local foods, and exciting treats in a stunning historic setting. Explore the best local produce and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
Where: Bishop Auckland | More Info: Farmers Market
Immersive Christmas experience with live performances and Santa Claus.
Join the Santa Express for a Christmas adventure featuring live onboard performances, hot chocolate, and a narrated Christmas story. The train journey takes you through Weardale, culminating in a meeting with Santa Claus and an exclusive gift for each child.
Where: Bishop Auckland | More Info: Santa Express
Community singing event with local choirs and musicians.
Join us for a joyful celebration of Christmas music at St. Peter’s Chapel, Auckland Palace. Local choirs and musicians will perform a variety of festive songs, offering plenty of opportunities to sing along with friends and family. The Bishop’s Kitchen will be open before and after the concert, serving a selection of refreshments and festive treats.
Where: Bishop Auckland | More Info: Christmas Sing Along at St. Peter’s Chapel
Intimate classical music performance in a historic chapel setting.
Join Royal Northern Sinfonia for a captivating winter concert at St Peter's Chapel, Auckland Palace, featuring beautifully atmospheric pieces carefully chosen to evoke warmth and joy.
Where: Bishop Auckland | More Info: Winter Concert with Royal Northern Sinfonia
Historic chapel setting with a choir and organist.
Join us for an unforgettable Christmas Carol Service at St Peter’s Chapel in Auckland Palace, featuring a choir and organist accompanying carols in a historic setting.
Where: Bishop Auckland | More Info: Christmas Carol Service at St Peter’s Chapel
Live music performances blending heritage and culture.
Immerse yourself in vibrant sounds of Spanish guitar, soulful North East folk songs, and traditional English melodies spanning 900 years at Live Music Monthly at The Auckland Project. Each month, enjoy live performances at unique venues like the Spanish Gallery, Auckland Palace, and the Mining Art Gallery.
Where: Bishop Auckland | More Info: Live Music Monthly at The Auckland Project
Intimate jazz performances by local talent in a historic library setting.
Enjoy one-hour lunchtime recitals by North East's top jazz ensembles in the atmospheric setting of Auckland Palace's Old Library, brought to you by Bishop Auckland Jazz.
Where: Bishop Auckland | More Info: Bishop Auckland Jazz Lunchtime Recitals
Historic palace interiors transformed with Christmas decorations.
Explore the sumptuously decorated State Rooms, St Peter’s Chapel, and Bishop’s Apartment at Auckland Palace, featuring stunning artworks and furnishings transformed with traditional winter-warming tones and golden opulence.
Where: Bishop Auckland | More Info: Christmas at the Palace
Live music and street food pop-ups in Bishop Auckland's Marketplace.
Bishop Auckland Street Food Market is an open-air celebration featuring local and regional cuisine, live performances, and a makers market with locally made crafts and art.
Where: Bishop Auckland | More Info: Bishop Auckland Street Food Market
Family-friendly historical event with period costumes and crafts.
Explore 900 years of history at the Community Open Day, featuring family-friendly crafts and period costumes in Bishop Auckland.
Where: Bishop Auckland | More Info: Community Open Day
Immersive installation of a burning blue iris flower with a choral soundtrack.
Mat Collishaw's Eidolon is an immersive installation at the Faith Museum, featuring a large blue iris burning yet never consumed by flames, accompanied by a choral soundtrack. The piece explores themes of faith and transcendence, set within a historic Grade 1 listed Scotland Wing of Auckland Castle.
Where: Bishop Auckland | More Info: Mat Collishaw’s Eidolon Exhibition
Interactive art session for families.
Join us for a Halloween Family Drop-in Session at Auckland Tower, where kids can create their own unique masterpieces inspired by nature's cycles.
Where: Bishop Auckland | More Info: Halloween Family Drop-in Session
Traditional oil painting techniques for creating realistic portraits.
Develop your skills in creating life-like portraits using traditional media like oil paint. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, this short course offers expert guidance, hands-on practice, and personalized feedback.
Where: Bishop Auckland | More Info: Arts & Crafts: Life-like Portraits
Unique family keepsake creation using plaster.
Create a beautiful held-hands cast from plaster with your family. Guided step-by-step, you'll mould your hands together, preserving a special moment in time forever. Perfect for families looking to create a meaningful keepsake.
Where: Bishop Auckland | More Info: Children’s Held-hands Cast Activity
Unflinching exploration of workplace experiences with disabilities.
The Invisible Visible exhibition at Bishop Auckland Town Hall delves into the experiences of individuals with disabilities in the workplace, showcasing seven anonymous first-hand accounts translated into visual language to incite conversations around a topic often treated as taboo.
Where: Bishop Auckland | More Info: Invisible Visible Exhibition