Bishop Auckland Other Christmas Activities 2026

Footmen guide visitors up to the decorated castle adorned with twinkling lights and shimmering baubles before they climb the Grand Staircase. Inside the magnificent Barons' Hall, families gather for an interactive performance filled with singing, storytelling, and laughter with Father...

Guests roll up their sleeves for a hands-on culinary demonstration inside Raby Castle's Medieval Kitchen. Estate Chef Tom Parry guides participants through the process of making a traditional Christmas pudding from scratch. Participants assemble their mixture to create a delicious...

Celebrate the festive period and the town's Christmas lights at this annual holiday gathering. The event features stalls, Santa's sleigh, presents from Santa, and free rides for children.

The annual Light up a Life service offers an opportunity for the community to come together to remember and celebrate the lives of loved ones. Attendees experience a reflective cathedral service that includes viewing the book of remembrance and lighting...

Step inside the beautifully decorated Yuletide Yurt at Raby Castle, surrounded by sparkling lights and holiday decorations. Families enjoy a heart-warming festive encounter with Mr and Mrs Claus. Each child is called individually and receives a special gift directly from...

Participants craft a bespoke holiday wreath under the guidance of floral designer Deborah from Periwinkle Barn. Attendees work with a rich selection of natural materials, including fragrant evergreens, seasonal berries, and finishing accents like a velvet bow and bell. Set...

Led by Deborah of Periwinkle Barn, participants design and craft their own festive door swag as an elegant alternative to a traditional wreath. Swags are made using fragrant pine, spruce, cypress, and natural seasonal foliage, finished with a luxury ribbon...

Families gather at Andrews House Station for an intimate storytelling session with Mrs Claus featuring Christmas tales. Children can visit Santa Claus inside his decorated workshop and grotto to receive a gift and take part in North Pole activities. The...

Set inside the glasshouse Conservatory, this festive floristry workshop guides participants in crafting a fresh foliage garland. Working under the guidance of Deborah from Periwinkle Barn, attendees design a decorative display using fragrant evergreens, seasonal greenery, berries, and ribbons. The...

Join floral designer Deborah from Periwinkle Barn in the Conservatory to craft a traditional wreath designed to hold Advent candles, set against views of the Walled Gardens. Participants assemble fresh evergreen foliage, winter textures, cones, berries, dried fruits, ribbons, and...

Guests join The Christie Murder Club, an amateur group of Agatha Christie devotees who dress as their favorite detectives to solve an unsolved case. As the investigation unfolds, the mystery turns dangerous when someone attempts to keep the killer's identity...

Hosted in the Conservatory with scenic views across the Walled Gardens, this hands-on workshop invites participants to plant a decorative bowl of fragrant Paperwhite narcissi. Guided by Deborah from Periwinkle Barn, attendees layer bulbs with moss, winter foliage, and natural...

Guests learn how to transform dining tables into seasonal showpieces during a hands-on floristry session. Deborah of Periwinkle Barn demonstrates how to build a festive table centrepiece alongside delicate bud vase arrangements, offering guidance on combining colours, textures, and natural...

Guests gather around a crackling fire to enjoy an afternoon festive lunch with wine. The experience includes a live performance of traditional Christmas carols sung by a duo.

Children can meet Santa Claus, share their holiday wish lists, and receive a surprise gift to take home. The kids' menu features themed dishes such as shaped pancakes, classic cooked breakfasts, and plant-based alternatives alongside drinks like luxury hot chocolate....

Participants learn to create their own handmade Christmas decorations guided by the college's experienced floristry team. The practical workshop requires no prior experience, welcoming all skill levels to craft seasonal pieces.

Participants learn how to assemble their own Christmas wreath with hands-on guidance from the college's experienced floristry team. The session accommodates all skill levels, with no previous crafting or floristry experience required.

Participants make one candle and one glass diffuser using a selection of holiday scents. The session covers wax selection, wicking, and fragrance blending. All necessary craft supplies and personal protective equipment are provided.

Participants finger-knit Mammoth Acrylic Wool onto a 12-inch wire frame using only their hands. The finished wreath is decorated with a chunky woollen bow and berries to take home. Attendees are also served tea or coffee along with a Christmas...

Be dazzled by a monumental 18th-century Neapolitan Nativity scene, a remarkable Baroque créche staged in a true-life Neapolitan setting. This impressive presepe, measuring 11ft tall and 15ft wide, features over 421 individually carved figures, blending classical mythology with traditional Neapolitan...

Immerse yourself in the festive spirit with a traditional Christmas carol service at the historic St. Peter's Chapel. Experience the timeless beauty of carols in a beautiful setting, perfect for embracing the holiday season.

Unleash your creativity this holiday season by crafting a beautiful, personalized Christmas wreath. This hands-on workshop provides all the materials and guidance needed to create a stunning festive decoration. Afterward, explore the historic attractions of The Auckland Project, making for...

Embark on a magical Christmas journey at Santa's Grotto Experience in Willington. Little ones can help prepare reindeer food at the North Pole before a special one-on-one meeting with Santa himself. Each child will select a gift from Santa's Present...

Frosts Garden Centre holds 'Santa Paws at Willington' for dogs and owners. Attendees meet an elf, prepare a treat bag in the reindeer stables, and dogs receive a gift from Santa Claus.

A wreath-making workshop guides participants in crafting Christmas door wreaths with fresh, seasonal materials. The workshop includes prosecco and a mince pie.

Embark on a truly magical Christmas adventure aboard the Tanfield Railway's North Pole Express. This popular festive experience transports families through enchanting winter landscapes to the North Pole. Upon arrival, children can visit Santa Claus in his grotto to receive...

Dalton Park officially launches the Christmas season with a spectacular event featuring a dazzling light switch-on ceremony and a breathtaking fireworks display. Hosted by a local radio personality and featuring a special appearance from a football star, this event promises...

Embark on a truly magical Christmas journey aboard the Santa Express, departing from the beautifully decorated Stanhope Station. Led by Santa's elves, this festive train ride through the Durham Dales promises laughter, surprises, and unforgettable memories. Children will delight in...

Join Durham Cathedral for a heartwarming family service to light the Christmas tree and bless their unique nativity scene. This special event features traditional carols and a one-of-a-kind crib carved by a local miner, complete with North East touches like...

The Festive Friends Fun Run encourages participants to walk, run, or skip a chosen route in December to raise funds for St Cuthbert's Hospice. Schools, groups, and workplaces can participate and receive festive accessories and promotional materials.

Derwent Manor Boutique Hotel hosts Santa's festive grotto. Families can bring children to visit Santa and share Christmas wishes. Early booking is recommended due to limited spaces.

Get ready for a festive Christmas Ceilidh in Seaham! This lively event promises an evening of traditional music and energetic dancing, perfect for getting into the holiday spirit. Gather your friends and family for a memorable night of community celebration.

Unleash your inner decorator at the South Causey Inn's Gingerbread House Workshops. Guests will receive a pre-built gingerbread house and a delightful array of festive candies, icings, and edible decorations to create their own masterpiece. It's a perfect way to...

St Cuthbert's Hospice offers a Christmas tree recycling collection service for a suggested donation to ensure sustainable recycling and reduce landfill waste. The service supports the hospice's care mission.

Add a touch of homemade charm to your Christmas by crafting a personalized wreath at South Causey Inn. This festive workshop includes all fresh materials, expert instruction, and a welcome drink with a mince pie, all within a cosy, twinkling...