Illustration of an indoor Christmas market hall with tables of candles, wreaths and ornaments under garlands (Christmas Market at Raby Castle)

Christmas Market at Raby Castle

Visitors can browse dozens of stalls offering artisan crafts, handmade gifts, homeware, and seasonal produce inside the historic Riding School and Dutch Barn. Guests can enjoy live festive music ranging from acoustic sets to brass bands while sampling festive foods, hot chocolate, and mulled wine. Real Christmas trees are also available to browse and purchase in the Coachyard.

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Plan Your Visit

When

Tickets

Market-only: adults £2 online or £5 on the day; children under 15 free; members free on Friday 27th November 2026. Other listed tickets that include market access: Raby Castle at Christmas — adults £25, children ages 0–15 £8, Raby Members £8; Christmas Family Explorer (2 adults, 2 children) £70 online, adults £23 online, children ages 1–15 £15; The Plotters’ Forest Enchanted Trail — adults £13, children ages 0–15 £14; Deer Park, Gardens & market access — adults £14 (£15 onsite), children ages 4–15 £7, children under 4 free.

Hours

9:00am - 3:00pm.

Ages

All ages

Food & Drink

Options include pulled pork rolls and mac and cheese at The Vinery, sweet treats and special hot chocolates at The Garage, German sausages and Longhorn burgers at the Dutch Barn pop-up kitchen, and mulled wine and Bailey’s hot chocolate at the bar.

Parking

Allow ample time for parking; a ticket does not guarantee a parking space. The car park is expected to be busy, and car sharing is encouraged.

Pets

The venue is dog friendly, but the page advises against bringing dogs to the market because it is busy.

Going?

Location

Raby Castle, Park & Gardens · Staindrop, Darlington, County Durham, DL2 3AH Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 ⚪ ⚪ (3/5)

Best For

Festive shoppers and gift hunters

Vibe

Festive and lively

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Tips & Advice

  • Book ahead because on-the-day tickets are limited for both morning and afternoon slots, and online market-only tickets have limited availability.
  • Allow ample time for parking, as a ticket does not guarantee a space and the car park is expected to be busy.
  • Consider sharing a car because car sharing is encouraged for the market weekend.
  • Have your ticket ready on your phone or as a printed copy for the designated entry checkpoints.
  • Leave dogs at home if you can; although the venue is dog friendly, dogs are discouraged at the busy market.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Children under 15 enter the market free.
  • Raby Members get complimentary market access on Friday; members need a ticket for the other market days.
  • Market-only tickets are available for morning and afternoon slots, with limited tickets available on the day.
  • A new pop-up shopping experience features luxury brands.
  • Separate ticket options combine market access with Raby Castle at Christmas, The Plotters’ Forest Enchanted Trail, or Deer Park and Gardens.

Links & Contact

Run by Raby Estates

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I browse at the market?

More than 50 stalls offer artisan crafts, gifts and seasonal produce, alongside a new pop-up shopping experience featuring luxury brands.

What food and drink is available?

Options include pulled pork rolls, mac and cheese, sweet treats, hot chocolates, German sausages, burgers, Prosecco and mulled wine. Food and drink are served at several spots, including The Vinery, The Garage, the Dutch Barn and the Bar.

Is there live entertainment?

Festive live music plays each day, including soulful acoustic sets and a brass band.

Should I book ahead, and can I get a ticket on the day?

Booking ahead is recommended. On-the-day tickets are limited for both morning and afternoon slots, and online market-only tickets also have limited availability.

What should I know about parking and bringing a dog?

Allow ample time for parking; a ticket does not guarantee a space, and car sharing is encouraged. The venue is dog friendly, but dogs are discouraged at the busy market.

Browse Christmas in Bishop Auckland

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

Contributors & Updates

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