Durham Christmas Festival
Visitors can browse hundreds of stalls across festive markets, including a heated Craft and Producers' Marquee on Palace Green, an outdoor market in Durham Market Place, and local traders in Durham Market Hall. The festival offers live musical performances throughout the city centre, Carols for All services at Durham Cathedral, and food stalls. Family activities include storytelling, a static falconry display, Father Christmas in his Festive Grotto, and the Children’s Lantern Parade.
What to Expect
Festive markets, cathedral carols, and seasonal family entertainment across historic Durham.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Durham City Centre
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Durham University and Durham Markets Company
Food & Drink
Visitors can find street-food stalls on Palace Green, more than 30 regional food and drink producers in the Cathedral cloisters, and food and drink businesses in Durham Market Hall.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and christmas market shoppers
Vibe
Bustling and festive
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: An entry fee applies to the Craft & Producers’ Marquee on Palace Green. – Get tickets
- Parking: Limited parking is available in Durham City Centre; the page recommends using Park & Ride. Park & Ride postcodes are listed.
- Accessibility: Free wheelchair-accessible taxis run between the Market Place and the Cathedral, with ramps and lifts available through the Cathedral to Palace Green.
Tips & Advice
- Use Park & Ride instead of city car parks, and on Sunday choose Belmont or Sniperley because Howlands Farm is closed that day.
- Pre-book your entry to the Craft & Producers' Marquee on Palace Green, which charges for entry, and sign up to the newsletter to hear about discounted entry.
- Reserve a lantern ahead of the Children's Lantern Parade on Sunday 6 December if your children want to walk in it.
- Allow for the walk up to Palace Green, because road closures stop the Cathedral bus; the free accessible taxi is there for anyone who would struggle.
- Tell children that the lost child point is the main entrance of the Craft & Producers' Marquee on Palace Green, in case anyone gets separated.
Special Events & Promotions
- Children's Lantern Parade on Sunday 6 December, with lanterns reserved in advance.
- Carols for All services in Durham Cathedral on Saturday and Sunday.
- Discounted entry to the Craft & Producers' Marquee, announced to newsletter subscribers.
- Santa, a VR sleigh ride and Carols in the Quarter at Prince Bishops Place during the festival.
- Festival specials in Durham's shops, cafes, restaurants, pubs and bars.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What markets are there?
The heated Craft & Producers' Marquee on Palace Green has handcrafted items, gifts, decorations and seasonal food. The Regional Food and Drink Producers' Market is in the Cathedral Cloisters. There's also the Festive Outdoor Market in Durham Market Place and Durham Market Hall, home to 40 independent businesses.
What is there for children?
Palace Green has a static falconry display, storytelling, a children's entertainer and Father Christmas in his Festive Grotto. Prince Bishops Place has Santa and a VR sleigh ride, and the Children's Lantern Parade is on Sunday 6 December.
Where should we park?
Use Park & Ride. City-centre car parks fill early each festival day and the queues are long. Belmont and Sniperley run all three days. Howlands Farm is closed on Sunday 6 December.
How do I get up to Palace Green if I can't manage the walk?
A free accessible taxi loop runs from just below the Market Place, between Next and St Nicholas' Church, to the rear of the Cathedral. From there you walk through the Cathedral to Palace Green, with ramps and lifts on the route.
Where are first aid and the lost child point?
There are two first aid stations. One is in the Market Place near the Town Hall. The other is behind the Cathedral end of the Craft & Producers' Marquee. The lost child point is the main entrance to the marquee.
More Christmas Events Near Durham
More Christmas Events near Durham
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.