Durham Other Christmas Activities 2026

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...

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.

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.

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...

Visitors take a festive journey to Santa's Toy Shop at Redfox Garden World. Children visiting Santa receive a gift as part of the experience. All bookings require at least one paying child to attend.

Professional darts players take the stage to compete for the Davey Dodds Memorial Trophy. The lineup features competitors Damon Heta, Chris Dobey, Jonny Clayton, and Josh Rock. Viewing access includes Platinum, Gold VIP, Silver, and Balcony tiers.

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...

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....

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.

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...

Participants craft a chocolate centerpiece wreath under the guidance of chocolatier Jane Williams. The session covers chocolate tempering, truffle making, and the creation of chocolate branches and decorations. Attendees can work with either milk chocolate or a vegan dark chocolate...

Led by chocolatier Jane Williams, participants learn chocolate tempering, making truffle baubles, and decorating layers with fruit and nuts. Creators can select either milk or vegan dark chocolate to build an approximately 500g, 24cm tall chocolate tree centerpiece. The session...

Children participate in story time and a question-and-answer session with Santa. Each child receives hot chocolate and a present, while parents are served tea, coffee, and pastries.

Participants design and assemble a framed Christmas tree artwork using vintage jewellery, pearls, brooches, buttons, and decorative materials. All supplies are provided, allowing attendees to build pieces in traditional, neutral, or eclectic styles to take home. Festive refreshments are served...

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.

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.

Experience the magic of the festive season at Life Science Centre's outdoor ice rink in Times Square. This beloved Newcastle tradition offers a real ice skating experience for all ages and abilities. Enjoy themed nights celebrating music and pop culture,...

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 magical journey at The Santa Experience, a sell-out Christmas event perfect for children aged 3-10. Gaze upwards in the planetarium as Santa flies around the globe on Christmas Eve, and then visit him in his house for...

Experience the magic of Christmas at the Grainger Market's Santa's Grotto. Children can meet Santa and his elves, share their wish lists, and receive a special gift. It's a delightful festive tradition located in the heart of Newcastle's historic shopping...

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...

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.

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...

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.

Join an enchanting Christmas adventure with Sid Silly Socks and friends in this interactive story event. Children will embark on a magical trail, discover hidden items, and get creative making their own festive cards. Designed for ages 4 and up,...

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

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...

Experience the magic of Christmas with a unique outdoor carol service at St. Peter's Church. Gather in the car park to sing beloved carols under the stars, hear the Christmas story, and enjoy festive refreshments. This family-friendly event also features...

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...

Get ready for a jolly good time at Jingle Balls Christmas Bingo, hosted at the vibrant Brinkburn Street Brewery, Bar & Kitchen. This merry event promises an afternoon packed with festive fun, exciting bingo games, and the chance to win...

Experience the magic of Christmas Eve at St. Peter's with a heartwarming Crib Service designed for the whole family. This special event invites attendees to remember the events in Bethlehem and the birth of Jesus through carols and storytelling. Children...