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!
Please contact us if you have suggestions or corrections!
Join the Durham Discussion!
Top Holiday Events In and Around Durham
- Newcastle Christmas Market (Newcastle)
- Fenwick Christmas Window (Newcastle)
- Life Science Centre Outdoor Ice Rink (Newcastle)
- Fenwick's Santa's Grotto (Newcastle)
- Durham Christmas Festival
- South Causey Inn Santa Sundays (Stanley)
- South Causey Inn Christmas Wreath Workshop (Stanley)
- Grainger Market Santa's Grotto (Newcastle)
- Metrocentre Santa’s Elf Academy (Gateshead)
- Festive Santa's Breakfast (Newcastle)
See these and even more events listed below!
Durham Holiday Light Displays
Enchanted Christmas Trails at Raby Castle
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
Durham Holiday Markets and Shopping
Newcastle Christmas Market
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
Durham Christmas Festival
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
Christmas Market & Santa Visit at South Causey Inn
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
Durham Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Christmas Comedy Night at South Causey Inn
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
Christmas Brass Band at South Causey Inn
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
Durham Other Holiday Activities
Fenwick Christmas Window
What to Expect:
Iconic festive window display with a new theme each year.
Description:
Fenwick's iconic Christmas window display is a cherished Newcastle tradition, featuring an annual theme that attracts thousands of visitors.
Where: Newcastle | More Info: Fenwick Christmas Window
Fenwick's Santa's Grotto
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
Life Science Centre Outdoor Ice Rink
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
South Causey Inn Christmas Wreath Workshop
What to Expect:
Hands-on wreath-making with all materials provided.
Description:
Create your own beautiful 16-inch Christmas wreath with fresh materials and expert guidance at South Causey Inn. Enjoy a glass of Bucks Fizz or Mocktail and a Christmas Mince Pie with Brandy Cream in a cozy setting.
Where: Stanley | More Info: South Causey Inn Christmas Wreath Workshop
South Causey Inn Santa Sundays
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
Metrocentre Santa’s Elf Academy
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
Grainger Market Santa's Grotto
What to Expect:
Santa's grotto with a North Pole postbox and early Christmas gifts.
Description:
Visit Santa in his cozy grotto at Grainger Market, where kids will receive an early Christmas gift and can post their wish lists at the North Pole postbox.
Where: Newcastle | More Info: Grainger Market Santa's Grotto
Festive Santa's Breakfast
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
Gingerbread House Workshop at South Causey Inn
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
Festive Doggy Afternoon Tea at South Causey Inn
What to Expect:
Special Puppuchino for dogs and photos with Santa.
Description:
Treat your dog to a delightful afternoon tea at South Causey Inn, featuring festive treats, free-flowing tea, and a special gift from Santa. Enjoy a delightful experience with your furry friend in the elegant Farmhouse Orangery.
Where: Stanley | More Info: Festive Doggy Afternoon Tea at South Causey Inn
Santas Horse Carriage Rides at South Causey Inn
What to Expect:
Horse-drawn carriage rides through scenic landscapes.
Description:
At South Causey Inn, experience the charm of horse-drawn carriage rides through picturesque landscapes, creating a memorable holiday experience.
Where: Stanley | More Info: Santas Horse Carriage Rides at South Causey Inn
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Chester-le-Street (6 miles)
- Houghton-Le-Spring (6 miles)
- Stanley (8 miles)
- Washington (9 miles)
- Bishop Auckland (9 miles)
- Peterlee (10 miles)
- Seaham (10 miles)
- Newton Aycliffe (11 miles)
- Consett (12 miles)
- Sunderland (12 miles)
- Felling (12 miles)
- Gateshead (13 miles)
- Newcastle upon Tyne (14 miles)
- Jarrow (15 miles)
- Wallsend (15 miles)
- Gosforth (16 miles)
- Hartlepool (16 miles)
- Newburn (16 miles)
- South Shields (16 miles)
- Billingham (17 miles)
- North Shields (17 miles)
- Darlington (17 miles)
- Stockton-on-Tees (18 miles)
- Whitley Bay (19 miles)
- Middlesbrough (19 miles)
- Thornaby-on-Tees (20 miles)
- Cramlington (21 miles)
- Redcar (23 miles)
- Blyth (24 miles)
- Ashington (28 miles)