Excited for holiday celebrations in Darlington? Our guide has all the festive activities you need! Whether you're a lifelong resident or just passing through, this guide will show you all the holiday wonders Darlington has to offer.
Popular events this season include a magical experience at the Santa's Enchanted Elf Journey at Whitehouse Farm, where families can embark on a whimsical adventure with Santa's little helpers. Enchanted Christmas Trails at Raby Castle invites visitors to explore beautiful paths adorned with sparkling lights and seasonal decorations. And don't forget about Christmas at The Carriage Works: Santa at Hopetown Darlington, where Santa himself will be meeting children in a wonderfully festive setting. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Darlington
- Santa's Enchanted Elf Journey at Whitehouse Farm (Morpeth)
- Enchanted Christmas Trails at Raby Castle (Staindrop)
- Christmas at The Carriage Works: Santa at Hopetown Darlington
- Darlington Lights Switch On
- Father Christmas Experience at Wallington Hall (Cambo)
- Spirits of the Forest Twilight Lantern Walk at Cragside (Rothbury)
- The Frost Kingdom Father Christmas Experience at Ormesby Hall (Middlesbrough)
- Woodland Fairy Trail at Gibside (Rowlands Gill)
- Christmas Craft Fayre at Souter Lighthouse (Whitburn)
- Gingerbread House Workshops at South Causey Inn (Stanley)
See these and even more events listed below!
Darlington Holiday Light Displays
Enchanted Christmas Trails at Raby Castle
What to Expect:
Twinkling lights and festive music guide visitors through a beautifully illuminated 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 Christmas music, and delight in the scent of pine as you wander through a beautifully illuminated winter landscape.
Where: Staindrop | More Info: Enchanted Christmas Trails at Raby Castle
Darlington Lights Switch On
What to Expect:
Accessible viewing area for wheelchair users.
Description:
Join us in Darlington's Market Square for a festive celebration featuring live music, Santa's appearance, and a two-minute firework display. Enjoy accessible viewing areas and free reusable hot drink cups while Steve and Karen keep everyone entertained.
Where: Darlington | More Info: Darlington Lights Switch On
Spirits of the Forest Twilight Lantern Walk at Cragside
What to Expect:
Lantern walk through a forest setting with a giant Christmas tree.
Description:
Wander through the illuminated Debdon Valley to Cragside's giant Christmas tree, spotting woodland animals and marveling at shimmering cascades.
Where: Rothbury | More Info: Spirits of the Forest Twilight Lantern Walk at Cragside
Christmas Music and Trails at National Trust
What to Expect:
Twinkling lights and installations in a historic setting.
Description:
Explore Dunham Massey's historic gardens, moat, and park transformed with thousands of twinkling lights, stunning installations, and seasonal music. Wander through ancient trees bathed in light, marvel at dancing reflections on the moat, and discover beautiful installations along winding paths.
Where: Various | More Info: Christmas Music and Trails at National Trust
Darlington Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christmas Craft Fayre at Souter Lighthouse
What to Expect:
Unique holiday shopping experience with local vendors.
Description:
The Christmas Craft Fair at Souter Lighthouse offers a variety of gifts and seasonal items under one roof, perfect for finding unique holiday presents.
Where: Whitburn | More Info: Christmas Craft Fayre at Souter Lighthouse
Christmas Markets at South Causey Inn
What to Expect:
Unique shopping experience with local crafters and festive atmosphere.
Description:
Shop local this Christmas at South Causey Inn's FREE Christmas Markets, featuring stylish homeware, handmade jewellery, and tasty treats in the beautiful Durham Suite.
Where: Stanley | More Info: Christmas Markets at South Causey Inn
Darlington Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Father Christmas Experience at Wallington Hall
What to Expect:
Quiet, accessible Father Christmas experience with reduced numbers and flexible programming.
Description:
Meet Father Christmas in a quiet and accessible setting at Wallington Hall, where you can listen to a festive story, make a decoration for your Christmas tree, and receive a special gift.
Where: Cambo | More Info: Father Christmas Experience at Wallington Hall
The Frost Kingdom Father Christmas Experience at Ormesby Hall
What to Expect:
Interactive show with Father Christmas, the Snow Queen, and Jack Frost.
Description:
At Ormesby Hall, families can participate in The Frost Kingdom Father Christmas Experience, featuring a 30-minute show with Father Christmas, the Snow Queen, and Jack Frost. Following the show, there is a meet-and-greet with the characters and a photo opportunity. Each ticket includes a craft gift to take home.
Where: Middlesbrough | More Info: The Frost Kingdom Father Christmas Experience at Ormesby Hall
Christmas Show at Whitehouse Farm
What to Expect:
Interactive Christmas event with Santa and festive activities.
Description:
At Whitehouse Farm, join Santa and his elves for a special Christmas celebration featuring festive activities, animal encounters, and holiday fun.
Where: Morpeth | More Info: Christmas Show at Whitehouse Farm
Darlington Other Holiday Activities
Santa's Enchanted Elf Journey at Whitehouse Farm
What to Expect:
Interactive festive activities and animal interactions.
Description:
At Whitehouse Farm, embark on a journey where children meet Santa, feed real reindeer, and participate in interactive games and activities. The event includes visits to the CUDDLE FACTORY, ELF SCHOOL, and BAKERY, with opportunities to decorate biscuits and make animal character Teddies. The day is filled with animal interactions, play options, and festive fun.
Where: Morpeth | More Info: Santa's Enchanted Elf Journey at Whitehouse Farm
Christmas at The Carriage Works: Santa at Hopetown Darlington
What to Expect:
Personalized Santa visits with festive activities and storytelling.
Description:
Visit Santa in Hopetown's stunning Grade II-listed Carriage Works. Enjoy festive crafts, storytelling, and a wondrous wintry walk in the Enchanted Forest Reindeer Trail. Children can create their own holly crowns and hear long-forgotten Christmas stories. Meet Santa Claus and receive an early Christmas gift.
Where: Darlington | More Info: Christmas at The Carriage Works: Santa at Hopetown Darlington
Woodland Fairy Trail at Gibside
What to Expect:
Interactive fairy trail in a 600-acre woodland.
Description:
Explore Gibside's woodland to uncover the secrets of the mischievous fairies, following clues and discovering hidden nooks.
Where: Rowlands Gill | More Info: Woodland Fairy Trail at Gibside
Gingerbread House Workshops at South Causey Inn
What to Expect:
Guided gingerbread house decorating with all materials provided.
Description:
Create your own stunning gingerbread house masterpiece using pre-baked gingerbread, royal icing, and an array of sweets and sprinkles in a cozy farmhouse setting.
Where: Stanley | More Info: Gingerbread House Workshops at South Causey Inn
Santa Sundays at South Causey Inn
What to Expect:
Interactive entertainment with a table magician and balloon modeller.
Description:
Join Santa Sundays at South Causey Inn for a delightful day filled with a two-course dinner, balloon modeller, table magician, visit to Santa's Grotto, photos with Santa, and a gift from Santa. Enjoy festive activities and entertainment for adults and children.
Where: Stanley | More Info: Santa Sundays at South Causey Inn
Elf Training Passport & Elf School at Whitehouse Farm
What to Expect:
Interactive elf training and education with festive activities.
Description:
At Whitehouse Farm, children can participate in the Elf Training Passport program, which includes activities like feeding reindeer, completing an Elf challenge, and decorating festive biscuits. The program also offers the opportunity to enroll in Elf School, where children can learn from the hilarious Head Elf.
Where: Morpeth | More Info: Elf Training Passport & Elf School at Whitehouse Farm
Festive Biscuit Decorating at Whitehouse Farm
What to Expect:
Interactive biscuit decorating with diverse topping choices.
Description:
Decorate your own biscuits with a variety of toppings, including gluten-free and vegan options, at Whitehouse Farm.
Where: Morpeth | More Info: Festive Biscuit Decorating at Whitehouse Farm
Cuddle Factory Teddy Making at Whitehouse Farm
What to Expect:
Create personalized animal character Teddy with new designs.
Description:
At the Cuddle Factory Teddy Making at Whitehouse Farm, children can create their own animal character Teddy with new characters for 2024. This activity allows kids to express their creativity and take home a personalized gift.
Where: Morpeth | More Info: Cuddle Factory Teddy Making at Whitehouse Farm
Giant Snowglobe at Frost Fest
What to Expect:
Immersive snow scene with interactive elements.
Description:
Explore the Giant Snowglobe at Frost Fest, where you can step into a large, immersive snow scene filled with festive decorations and interactive elements.
Where: North Shields | More Info: Giant Snowglobe at Frost Fest
Visit to the Deer Park at Raby Castle
What to Expect:
Historic deer park with red and fallow deer.
Description:
Explore the beautifully maintained Deer Park at Raby Castle, home to herds of red and fallow deer, offering a serene and historic setting for nature lovers.
Where: Staindrop | More Info: Visit to the Deer Park at Raby Castle
12 Days of Christmas Trail at Raby Castle
What to Expect:
Seasonal decorations and activities in a historic castle setting.
Description:
Explore Raby Castle's beautifully decorated grounds and gardens during the 12 Days of Christmas Trail, featuring festive decorations and seasonal activities.
Where: Staindrop | More Info: 12 Days of Christmas Trail at Raby Castle
Christmas at Bannatyne Hotel Darlington
What to Expect:
Hearty full English breakfast and festive fun in a smart, glitzy setting.
Description:
Celebrate Christmas at Bannatyne Hotel Darlington with a delightful 3-course menu, festive cocktails, and lively party nights featuring a DJ and disco until midnight.
Where: Darlington | More Info: Christmas at Bannatyne Hotel Darlington
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Newton Aycliffe (7 miles)
- Stockton-on-Tees (10 miles)
- Thornaby-on-Tees (10 miles)
- Bishop Auckland (10 miles)
- Billingham (11 miles)
- Middlesbrough (13 miles)
- Durham (17 miles)
- Hartlepool (18 miles)
- Peterlee (18 miles)
- Redcar (21 miles)
- Houghton-Le-Spring (22 miles)
- Chester-le-Street (23 miles)
- Seaham (23 miles)
- Stanley (24 miles)
- Consett (25 miles)
- Washington (26 miles)
- Sunderland (27 miles)
- Felling (30 miles)
- Gateshead (30 miles)
- Newcastle upon Tyne (31 miles)
- Jarrow (32 miles)
- Wallsend (32 miles)
- Newburn (33 miles)
- Gosforth (33 miles)
- South Shields (33 miles)
- North Shields (34 miles)
- Whitley Bay (36 miles)
- Harrogate (37 miles)
- Cramlington (39 miles)
- Blyth (42 miles)
- York (43 miles)