Bishop Auckland Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025

Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Bishop Auckland and surrounding areas

How we verify →
Christmas Markets (24 events) → Christmas Parties (20 events) → Christmas Shows (14 events) → Christmas Lights (10 events) → Christmas Activities (32 events) →

Bishop Auckland welcomes the holiday season with charming Christmas markets, festive events and winter festivals clustered around Auckland Castle and the town’s historic streets. Stroll glowing lights and join carolers at Bishop Auckland's Christmas Town 2025 or explore the magical Plotters' Forest Enchanted Christmas Trail for family-friendly activities and seasonal treats. Warm up with local food stalls, meet Father Christmas at Raby Castle, and enjoy community parades that make this corner of County Durham feel especially festive during the holiday season.

Find the best Bishop Auckland Christmas happenings this year!

Bishop Auckland Christmas Events

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Christmas Markets

24 events
Newcastle's Christmas Village at Old Eldon Square

Magical Christmas Village with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and festive cinema.

Bishop Auckland Christmas Markets →

Christmas Parties

20 events
New Year's Eve Meal at The Park Hotel

New Year's Eve meal and festive holiday events

Bishop Auckland Christmas Parties →

Christmas Shows

14 events
The Snowman – Film with Live Orchestra • Dec 6

The Snowman film with live orchestra and Peter and the Wolf.

Bishop Auckland Christmas Shows →

Christmas Lights

10 events
The Plotters' Forest Enchanted Christmas Trail • Nov 15 – Jan 4, 2026

Enchanted Christmas trail with day and evening experiences

Bishop Auckland Christmas Lights →

Christmas Activities

32 events
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride at Wensleydale Railway • Nov 14 – Dec 23

Immersive theatrical train ride based on THE POLAR EXPRESS™

Bishop Auckland Christmas Activities →

Editor's Picks (6)

  1. New Year's Eve Meal at The Park Hotel (Redcar)
    New Year's Eve meal and festive holiday events
  2. THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride at Wensleydale Railway (Northallerton)
    Immersive theatrical train ride based on THE POLAR EXPRESS™
  3. Newcastle's Christmas Village at Old Eldon Square (Newcastle)
    Magical Christmas Village with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and festive cinema.
  4. Bishop Auckland's Christmas Town 2025
    Christmas Capital of the North transformation
  5. Neapolitan Nativity - The Auckland Project
    Monumental 18th-century Neapolitan Nativity scene
  6. The Plotters' Forest Enchanted Christmas Trail (Darlington)
    Enchanted Christmas trail with day and evening experiences

Events Happening Soon (6)

Raby Castle Christmas Market Fri, Nov 28 View →
A Fairy Tale Christmas at Ormesby Hall Fri, Nov 28 View →
Seaham Christmas Event Fri, Nov 28 View →
North Pole Express 2025 Sat, Nov 29 View →
Darlington Choral Society: A Christmas Story & A Season to Sing Sat, Nov 29 View →
The Inn Collection Group Christmas 2025 Mon, Dec 1 View →

Bishop Auckland Christmas Events Map

See every Christmas event, light display, and market on one map.

View Bishop Auckland Christmas Events Map →
Bishop Auckland Christmas events map

Also Near Bishop Auckland

Newton Aycliffe (5.3 miles) → Durham (8.6 miles) → Darlington (10.8 miles) → Chesterlestreet (14.1 miles) → Stanley (14.2 miles) → Consett (14.4 miles) →

Bishop Auckland Christmas FAQ

What are the biggest annual Christmas events in Bishop Auckland?

The biggest annual events include Bishop Auckland Christmas Town and the AGLOW light trail at Auckland Palace, both offering festive markets, entertainment, and family activities.

What holiday traditions are unique to Bishop Auckland?

Bishop Auckland is known for its Christmas Town celebrations and the AGLOW light trail, which have become local traditions over the past few years.

Which neighborhoods are best for Christmas lights in Bishop Auckland?

The town center and areas around Auckland Palace are especially festive, with many homes and businesses decorating for the season.

Where can I find Christmas markets and local makers in Bishop Auckland?

The main Christmas markets are held in the town center during Christmas Town, and local makers often participate in craft fairs and holiday events around Bishop Auckland.

What are the best free or budget-friendly holiday activities in Bishop Auckland?

Free activities include exploring neighborhood Christmas lights, visiting public parks, and browsing local craft fairs and markets in the town center.

What are good picks for families with kids in Bishop Auckland?

Families enjoy the Christmas Town event, Santa’s grotto, the AGLOW light trail, and various craft workshops and entertainment offered during the festive season.

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