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Last updated: November 11, 2024

Discover the joy of the season in Durham with our ultimate guide. For those who know Durham well and those who are just discovering it, this guide is your holiday companion.

The Newcastle Christmas Market brings a festive atmosphere with its charming wooden stalls offering crafts, tasty treats, and mulled wine to warm the spirits. The Fenwick Christmas Window, renowned for its stunning displays, transforms the shopfront into a magical winter wonderland that captures the imagination of visitors of all ages. And the enchanting Fenwick's Santa's Grotto is something you definitely don't want to miss, providing a delightful experience for children to meet Santa himself. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!

Contact information and details below.

Durham Holiday Light Displays

What to Expect:

Twinkling lights and festive music guide visitors through a captivating winter landscape.

Description:

Step into a world of twinkling lights and festive decorations at Raby Castle's Enchanted Christmas Trail. Explore The Plotters' Forest, enjoy 2 hours of playtime, and discover special treats for children. Access to the Deer Park is also included, offering a serene winter landscape with red and fallow deer roaming freely.

Where: Staindrop | More Info: Enchanted Christmas Trails at Raby Castle

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Durham Holiday Markets and Shopping

What to Expect:

Family-focused Christmas village with local traders and festive activities.

Description:

Newcastle Christmas Market is a vibrant event featuring over 40 stalls selling festive food, drinks, gifts, and decorations. The market is set in the historic city centre, with a Christmas Village on Old Eldon Square offering family-friendly entertainment and activities. Local traders showcase handmade crafts and artisanal products, while the area is filled with the aroma of mulled wine and festive music.

Where: Newcastle | More Info: Newcastle Christmas Market

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What to Expect:

Unique blend of local markets and seasonal entertainment.

Description:

The Durham Christmas Festival features three markets, including a heated Craft & Gift Marquee at Palace Green with over 180 stalls, a Regional Food & Drink Producers Market at Durham Cathedral, and a Festive Outdoor Market in Durham Market Place. The event includes festive entertainment, children's activities, and Carols for All services at Durham Cathedral.

Where: Durham | More Info: Durham Christmas Festival

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What to Expect:

Interactive Santa visit with festive shopping and dining options.

Description:

The Christmas Market & Santa Visit at South Causey Inn offers a delightful experience with Santa's Grotto, a Christmas Market filled with local traders, and a delicious dinner in the Old Barn. Enjoy stylish homeware, children's gifts, and freshly baked goods while getting your hair and makeup done at Olive & Orchard salon.

Where: Stanley | More Info: Christmas Market & Santa Visit at South Causey Inn

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Durham Holiday Shows and Entertainment

What to Expect:

Live comedy performance with three comedians and festive decorations.

Description:

Join us for a night of laughter with three comedians performing at the South Causey Inn's Farmhouse Orangery. Hosted by Si Beckwith, this event offers a theatre-style seating arrangement and the option to enjoy food and drinks from the main bar before the show.

Where: Stanley | More Info: Christmas Comedy Night at South Causey Inn

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What to Expect:

Live brass band performance with traditional Christmas classics.

Description:

The Christmas Brass Band at South Causey Inn features a spectacular performance by a brilliant brass band, accompanied by homemade soup, bread, and warm mince pies with brandy cream. The event takes place in the Old Barn, transformed into a festive setting with twinkling fairy lights and majestic Christmas trees.

Where: Stanley | More Info: Christmas Brass Band at South Causey Inn

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Durham Other Holiday Activities

What to Expect:

Interactive Christmas experience with Santa and his elves.

Description:

Meet Santa and his elves on Fenwick's rooftop, where you'll enjoy Christmas music, a visit to Santa's Cabin, and festive treats like hot chocolate and mince pies.

Where: Newcastle | More Info: Fenwick's Santa's Grotto

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What to Expect:

Real ice skating sessions for all ages and abilities.

Description:

Life Science Centre's outdoor ice rink in Times Square offers real ice skating for all ages and abilities, with sessions lasting approximately one hour. The rink is open from 9:30 AM to late on weekdays, with special hours on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. Annual science centre members enjoy discounted rates, and earlybird tickets offer a 20% discount for online bookings.

Where: Newcastle | More Info: Life Science Centre Outdoor Ice Rink

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What to Expect:

Interactive entertainment with a table magician and balloon modeller.

Description:

Join South Causey Inn for a delightful Santa Sundays event, featuring a two-course dinner, balloon modeller, table magician, visit to Santa's Grotto, and photos with Santa. Enjoy a festive lunch and colouring activities for children, with the possibility of receiving gifts. This event is perfect for families to create lasting memories.

Where: Stanley | More Info: South Causey Inn Santa Sundays

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What to Expect:

Interactive elf training with festive activities.

Description:

At Metrocentre's Santa’s Elf Academy, children join Santa and his helpers to master essential elf skills through activities like Northern Lights Laser Training and Stealthy Present-Placing Practice. Each session includes a personal visit with Santa and a special gift.

Where: Gateshead | More Info: Metrocentre Santa’s Elf Academy

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What to Expect:

Create your own festive soft toy with Santa.

Description:

Join us for a delightful breakfast event where the whole family can enjoy a tasty meal together. Each child will create their own festive soft toy, meet Santa, and participate in storytelling and family-friendly activities. The event is perfect for making lasting memories with your loved ones.

Where: Newcastle | More Info: Festive Santa's Breakfast

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What to Expect:

Unique gingerbread house decorating experience with a cozy farmhouse setting.

Description:

Join us at South Causey Inn for a relaxing evening of decorating your own gingerbread house. Enjoy a cozy farmhouse orangery adorned with Christmas decorations and breathtaking views of the snow-covered Beamish Valley. Upon arrival, you'll be welcomed with a refreshing Bucks Fizz or Mocktail before immersing yourself in a hands-on experience guided by the incredibly talented baker, Mrs. Bou Cakes. Let your creativity shine as you use an array of sweets, royal icing, and sprinkles to create a stunning centrepiece for your Christmas table or a heartfelt gift for a loved one.

Where: Stanley | More Info: Gingerbread House Workshop at South Causey Inn

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