With less than six weeks to go until the big day, we put the spotlight on some of Durham's best Christmas festivals and markets.
Auckland Castle Christmas Market
Dates: Fri 18 November 2016, 2pm-8pm
Sat 19 & Sun 20 November 2016, 10am -4pm
The stunning grounds of Auckland Castle will be transformed into a festive shopper's haven this weekend as more than 40 local food producers gather to lay out their stalls.
You'll find inspiring and unique gift ideas and speciality foods from sweets and seasonal gingerbread to dog treats, handmade chocolates, jewellery, glassware, leather goods, ceramics and decorations.
Relax and enjoy Christmas music and entertainment or take the chance to look around Europe’s largest private chapel, St Peter’s, with its spectacular 17th Century ceiling and elaborately carved woodwork screens. (St Peter’s Chapel will be open from 2pm on Friday 18th)
Cost: Free admission to the food and craft market. Suggested £1 donation to St Peter’s Chapel.
On the Friday of the Christmas Market the shuttle bus will stop running at 12noon due to road closures but will run on Saturday and Sunday.
Durham City Christmas Festival
Dates: 2-4 December (various times)
Durham City's award-winning Christmas Festival returns brighten up the city on the first weekend of December. Enjoy three packed days of entertainment for all the family in and around the city's UNESCO World Heritage Site, and throughout the city centre.
There will be more than 185 stalls selling a variety of gifts in a giant marquee on Palace Green (in front of Durham Cathedral) as well as a regional producers' market in Durham Cathedral's cloisters offering a range of locally-sourced food and drink.
The festival is also the perfect opportunity to enjoy a tour of 11th Century Durham Castle - head to the Senate Suite after your guided tour for mince pies and mulled wine.
With carol services, festive outdoor markets in both the market place and Millennium Place, as well as a packed programme of entertainment, Durham City's Christmas Festival is not to be missed!
Cost: Entrance to marquee on Friday 2nd is £3 per adult, and £4 per adult on Saturday and Sunday. Under 16s free when accompanied by an adult.
The Bowes Museum's Christmas Market
Dates: 17-18 December: 10am-4pm
A huge array of fabulous food and creative crafts will be on offer at the ever popular Christmas Market at The Bowes Museum in the picturesque market town of Barnard Castle.
Take the time to explore the Museum too, where you will have the opportunity to visit Shelf Life: The Ornaments are Talking to Me by contemporary artist Mark Clarke as well as enjoy the wide range of activities and seasonal entertainment on offer inside.
Santa and his elf will be Ho! Ho! Hoing! in his workshop waiting to welcome younger visitors who will also have a chance to take part in various activities.
Cost: £2.50 per adult (includes entry to the Museum) Admission to see Santa is £5.00 per child, which includes a gift. To book a free coach parking space or for information about holding a stall please contact Rosie Bradford by email or phone 01833 694615
More events
Take a look at the other Christmas markets taking place across the county, or see all Christmas events here.
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