Plan your perfect holiday season in Chester-le-Street with our guide. We’ve gathered all the best events and activities to help you make the most of the festivities. Whether you're rediscovering Chester-le-Street or seeing it for the first time, this guide maximizes your holiday enjoyment.
Popular events during this season include the Chester Christmas Market, where you can wander through charming stalls offering festive treats and handcrafted gifts. Another highlight is the Durham Christmas Festival, featuring an array of seasonal delights, including live entertainment and a spectacular illumination of the historic streets. And the Big Bash Christmas Party is something you definitely don't want to miss, with its lively atmosphere and a variety of entertainment options. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Chester-le-Street
- Chester Christmas Market (Chester)
- Durham Christmas Festival (Durham)
- The Big Bash Christmas Party
- Rainton Arena – Winter Wonderland (Houghton le Spring)
- Nightmare Before Christmas party
- North Yorkshire Moors Railway – Santa Specials (Pickering)
- Santa on the Rooftop (Gateshead)
- Unwrap the Magic Early
- Little Elves Christmas Hunt
- The Santa Express (Stanhope)
See these and even more events listed below!
Chester-le-Street Holiday Markets and Shopping
Durham Christmas Festival
What to Expect:
Unique blend of local markets and festive entertainment.
Description:
The Durham Christmas Festival offers three markets, including a Craft & Producers’ Marquee on Palace Green, a Regional Food & Drink Producers Market at Durham Cathedral, and a Festive Outdoor Market in Durham Market Place. The event features local entertainers, musicians, and festive activities like a children's lantern parade and Carols for All services.
Where: Durham | More Info: Durham Christmas Festival
Chester Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Traditional wooden chalets with local produce and handmade crafts.
Description:
Chester Christmas Market offers a delightful shopping experience with over 70 traders selling unique, locally made gifts, crafts, and seasonal treats. The market is set in the heart of Chester, surrounded by the iconic sparkling Christmas tree and festive decorations.
Where: Chester | More Info: Chester Christmas Market
Chester-le-Street Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Rainton Arena – Winter Wonderland
What to Expect:
Interactive festive activities with Santa's grotto and themed food stalls.
Description:
Rainton Arena transforms into a vibrant celebration with thousands of sparkling fairground lights, offering a variety of attractions, activities, entertainment, food, and drinks. Visitors can enjoy ice skating, meet Santa at his grotto, explore the Naughty Elf Trail, and participate in festive fun with fairground rides and themed food stalls.
Where: Houghton le Spring | More Info: Rainton Arena – Winter Wonderland
The Big Bash Christmas Party
What to Expect:
Grand holiday celebration with live music and games.
Description:
The Big Bash Christmas Party at Durham Cricket features a grand celebration with a unique Christmas cocktail, premium three-course menu, live band performances, and a variety of games, creating unforgettable memories for friends, family, and colleagues.
Where: Chester-le-Street | More Info: The Big Bash Christmas Party
Sunday Lunch with Santa
What to Expect:
Interactive Santa meet-and-greet with a festive treat.
Description:
Meet Santa at Lumley Castle, where children can hand over their Christmas wish lists and enjoy a special treat.
Where: Chester-le-Street | More Info: Sunday Lunch with Santa
Murder Mystery nights
What to Expect:
Interactive whodunit with new plot every month.
Description:
Engage in a thrilling Murder Mystery Night at Lumley Castle, where secrets and lies unfold with a three-course meal and interactive drama.
Where: Chester-le-Street | More Info: Murder Mystery nights
The Santa Express
What to Expect:
Live onboard performances and exclusive Santa gifts.
Description:
Join The Santa Express for a festive journey through Weardale, featuring live onboard performances, hot chocolate, and a narrated Christmas story. Meet Santa Claus and receive an exclusive gift at a secret location.
Where: Stanhope | More Info: The Santa Express
Christmas Sing Along
What to Expect:
Community sing-along with local choirs and musicians.
Description:
Join local choirs and musicians for a joyful celebration of Christmas music at St. Peter's Chapel, Auckland Palace. Sing along to favorite carols and festive songs in a community setting, with refreshments available before and after the concert.
Where: Bishop Auckland | More Info: Christmas Sing Along
Chester-le-Street Other Holiday Activities
Santa on the Rooftop
What to Expect:
Interactive workshops with Santa's elves.
Description:
Meet Santa and his merry elves on the rooftop of Fenwick Newcastle, where you can enjoy interactive workshops, panoramic views, and festive treats.
Where: Gateshead | More Info: Santa on the Rooftop
Christmas at Gibside
What to Expect:
Traditional Yuletide tunes in a historic chapel setting.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season at Gibside with traditional Yuletide tunes in Gibside Chapel, festive food, and seasonal activities amidst the beautiful Georgian landscape garden.
Where: Rowlands Gill | More Info: Christmas at Gibside
Hall Hill Farm – Santa and Dasher Visit
What to Expect:
Interactive Santa visit with festive farm activities.
Description:
Meet Santa and Dasher at Hall Hill Farm, where children can enjoy activities like the Elves workshop, Santa's Tractor Ride, and seeing animals in their winter stables.
Where: Lanchester | More Info: Hall Hill Farm – Santa and Dasher Visit
RedFox Gardenworld – A Journey to Santa’s Toy Shop
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday experience with Santa's toy shop visit.
Description:
RedFox Gardenworld – A Journey to Santa’s Toy Shop is an immersive holiday experience where families can explore a festive setting filled with Christmas decorations, toys, and special gifts. Each journey includes a visit to Santa's toy shop, making it a memorable event for children of all ages.
Where: South Tyneside | More Info: RedFox Gardenworld – A Journey to Santa’s Toy Shop
North Yorkshire Moors Railway – Santa Specials
What to Expect:
Traditional steam train ride with Santa and unique keepsakes.
Description:
Meet Santa Claus and his railway helpers at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. Enjoy beautifully decorated Pickering Station with twinkling lights, real Christmas trees, and festive music. Take a Christmas selfie, visit charming tea rooms, and browse the Christmas Emporium for unique gifts. Children can visit the festive Signal Box and receive an Edmondson railway ticket and limited-edition soft toy.
Where: Pickering | More Info: North Yorkshire Moors Railway – Santa Specials
Christmas at Raby Estates
What to Expect:
Interactive storytelling with Father Christmas in a beautifully decorated castle.
Description:
Celebrate Christmas at Raby Estates with special visits to Father Christmas, festive decorations, and various workshops and teas.
Where: Co Durham | More Info: Christmas at Raby Estates
Little Elves Christmas Hunt
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday hunt with themed accessories.
Description:
Little Elves Christmas Hunt is an interactive adventure where children solve riddles and gather clues around the castle grounds, with a Halloween-themed headband, hot chocolate, and cookie included.
Where: Chester-le-Street | More Info: Little Elves Christmas Hunt
Nightmare Before Christmas party
What to Expect:
A unique collision of Halloween and Christmas flavors in a hauntingly magical setting.
Description:
Step into a world where Halloween meets Christmas at Durham Cricket's Nightmare Before Christmas party. Enjoy a three-course meal blending Halloween and Christmas flavors, dress in spooky festive attire, and dance the night away with our resident DJ. The event features fun tricks, treats, and surprises throughout the night, culminating in a spectacular prize for the most creative costume.
Where: Chester-le-Street | More Info: Nightmare Before Christmas party
Unwrap the Magic Early
What to Expect:
Special discounted rate for retail and service industries.
Description:
Join us for a special Christmas celebration at Durham Cricket, featuring a shared signature party night with a discounted rate for retail and service industries. Enjoy an arrival drink, carvery, festive dessert, and dance the night away with our resident DJ.
Where: Chester-le-Street | More Info: Unwrap the Magic Early
Christmas Wreath Making Workshop
What to Expect:
Hands-on wreath-making workshop with expert guidance.
Description:
Create your own stunning Christmas wreath using fresh greenery at the Auckland Palace grounds. Our instructor will guide you through each step to ensure your wreath is a show-stopper. Enjoy hot chocolate and mince pies as you craft your beautiful, handcrafted wreath.
Where: Bishop Auckland | More Info: Christmas Wreath Making Workshop
Weardale Stargazing Events
What to Expect:
Family-friendly stargazing experience with expert astronomers.
Description:
Join us for a stargazing event at Weardale Railway, where you'll enjoy space-themed activities, a train ride, and expert-led stargazing using telescopes. The event includes light refreshments and a space-themed gift for children. Suitable footwear and a reasonable level of fitness are required.
Where: Stanhope | More Info: Weardale Stargazing Events
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Washington (4 miles)
- Houghton-Le-Spring (5 miles)
- Stanley (5 miles)
- Durham (6 miles)
- Felling (7 miles)
- Gateshead (7 miles)
- Newcastle upon Tyne (8 miles)
- Sunderland (8 miles)
- Jarrow (9 miles)
- Seaham (9 miles)
- Wallsend (9 miles)
- Gosforth (10 miles)
- Consett (10 miles)
- Newburn (11 miles)
- South Shields (11 miles)
- Peterlee (12 miles)
- North Shields (12 miles)
- Whitley Bay (13 miles)
- Bishop Auckland (15 miles)
- Cramlington (16 miles)
- Newton Aycliffe (17 miles)
- Blyth (19 miles)
- Hartlepool (19 miles)
- Billingham (22 miles)
- Ashington (22 miles)
- Stockton-on-Tees (22 miles)
- Darlington (23 miles)
- Middlesbrough (24 miles)
- Thornaby-on-Tees (25 miles)
- Redcar (26 miles)