Darlington Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Darlington and surrounding areas
Darlington comes alive for Christmas 2025 with Christmas lights along North Road and a range of festive events around the station and town centre. Seasonal activities include family rides, carol concerts and local pantomimes that help create holiday memories. Experience THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride at Wensleydale Railway, Darlington Choral Society: A Christmas Story & A Season to Sing, and Christmas at Bannatyne Hotel Darlington for Christmas lights, Santa visits and festive events.
Find the best Darlington Christmas happenings this year!
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Christmas Markets
24 eventsMagical Christmas Village with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and festive cinema.
Christmas Parties
18 eventsNew Year's Eve meal and festive holiday events
Christmas Shows
14 eventsNorth East premiere of Vivaldi reimagining and Baroque Nativity story
Christmas Lights
11 eventsEnchanted Christmas trail through woodland with day and evening options.
Christmas Activities
33 eventsImmersive theatrical train ride based on THE POLAR EXPRESS™
Editor's Picks (6)
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New Year's Eve Meal at The Park Hotel
(Redcar)
New Year's Eve meal and festive holiday events
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THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride at Wensleydale Railway
(Northallerton)
Immersive theatrical train ride based on THE POLAR EXPRESS™
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Newcastle's Christmas Village at Old Eldon Square
(Newcastle)
Magical Christmas Village with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and festive cinema.
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Darlington Choral Society: A Christmas Story & A Season to Sing
North East premiere of Vivaldi reimagining and Baroque Nativity story
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The Polar Express Train Ride - Wensleydale, Yorkshire
(Wensleydale)
Magical Polar Express train journey with golden tickets
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Forest of Light at Beamish Hall Hotel
(Beamish)
Enchanted woodland illuminated with music and interactive props.
Events Happening Soon (6)
Latest News & Updates
Stay informed about holiday events and activities in Darlington
- Christmas Fair Arrives at Darlington's Historic Pumping Station Published: Mon, Nov 24, 2025
- Age UK Darlington's Shoebox Appeal Spreads Kindness Published: Sat, Nov 22, 2025
Darlington Christmas Events Map
See every Christmas event, light display, and market on one map.
Also Near Darlington
Darlington Christmas FAQ
The biggest annual Christmas events include the Downtown Darlington Christmas Festival and the Christmas Village Extravaganza, both offering festive activities, markets, and entertainment throughout the holiday season.
Darlington’s tradition of illuminating Wells Park with tens of thousands of lights and hosting community-focused events like the Christmas Festival highlight the city’s close-knit holiday spirit.
While Wells Park is the centerpiece, several beloved neighborhood displays near Darlington offer charming and festive light shows that are popular with locals and visitors alike.
Downtown Darlington is the hub for Christmas markets and local artisans, especially during the Christmas Festival and Christmas Village Extravaganza held in the city center.
Enjoying the free light displays at Wells Park, attending the Downtown Christmas Festival, and exploring neighborhood light displays are all budget-friendly ways to celebrate the season in Darlington.
Families can enjoy Photos with Santa at Wells Park, children’s games and crafts at the Christmas Festival, and the festive atmosphere of the Christmas Village Extravaganza downtown.