Festive Fun in Durham

Whether you’re visiting Durham in person or online, there’s plenty of festive fun to be had across the county this December.  

Virtual Winter Fayre 

Shop local from home this Christmas and support your favourite Durham businesses, producers and attractions by visiting our new online winter fayre. You’ll find an amazing range of gifts and treats available to order online to either collect in person or get delivered to your door.

Durham Food and Drink Festival 

Running right up until Christmas Eve, the online Durham Food and Drink Festival has lots of festive food and drink to enjoy. From tempting treats made by regional producers, to delicious Christmas recipes to try at home and special guests sharing their top baking tips.

Festive bricks virtual workshop with Locomotion 

Join Locomotion and LEGO® wizard - Bricks McGee as you create festive-themed models during the online LEGO® activities and challenges with a Christmas twist - Tuesday 22 December 2020, various times. 

Last minute Christmas shopping

If you're scrambling for a last-minute gift, you’ll find many amazing independent businesses, shopping centres and markets across the county with fabulous gifts to choose from. Take advantage of later opening at Dalton Park – the region’s biggest discount shopping centre and grab a bargain.

Head to Durham City to soak up the festive atmosphere at Durham Market Hall or Prince Bishops Shopping Centre. Or discover local hidden gems including local producers and independents in towns and villages across the county, including Barnard Castle, Bishop Auckland and Seaham.

Meet Farther Christmas at Adventure Valley 

Create lasting family memories at Adventure Valley’s Winter Wonderland. Enjoy a safe and social-distanced festive day out, visit Santa in his grotto and receive a golden ticket to choose your own gift from Santa’s Toy Shop, get up to close to wonderful animals and be entertained by the fabulous Christmas Cracker Show! Be quick limited places remaining! 

Online Christmas services at Durham Cathedral 

Durham Cathedral’s Christmas Services will be broadcast live online this year as members of the public cannot attend in person. Everyone is invited to celebrate the birth of Christ and spread the joy of Christmas by tuning into the Cathedral’s Facebook on the following dates throughout December - Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, Tuesday 22 at 6pm, Christmas Eve Midnight Mass, Thursday 24 at 11pm, Christmas Day Festal Eucharist, Friday 25 at 9.30am and 11.30am and Christmas Day Evensong Friday 25 at 3.30pm. 

Durham Cathedral is open over the festive season for private prayer and quiet reflection from Monday to Saturday 10am-4pm and Sunday 11am-3pm. 

Rottenchops' Revenge Virtual Pantomime 

Gala Durham is bringing its annual panto to you at home this Christmas! Oh no it isn’t! Oh yes it is! 

Join panto favourites Jack the Giantkiller and Cinderella as they join forces to help take on villain Rottenchops. You can catch the four-part comedy panto thriller - Rottenchops Revenge on the Gala’s Youtube channel. 

Step back in time at Beamish, the Living Museum of the North

Christmas may be a little different this year, but we can still enjoy our annual visit to 
Beamish Museum. Throughout the festive season visitors can enjoy a stroll around the museum grounds and Edwardian stalls in the 1900s Town. Treat yourself to a delicious take-away taste of the past and wader through Elf Wood as you complete the Christmas Elf Trail. 

Time-slot tickets must be booked in advance before you visit the museum. 

The Woodland Reindeer Trail with Durham Wildlife Trust 

Grab your wellies, wrap up warm and head out to Durham Wildlife’s nature reserves at Low Barns and Rainton Meadows from 11 - 23 December to enjoy a wonderful winter walk with a difference. Follow the clues and Christmas map to complete the fun festive quiz as you explore the surroundings of these two beautiful nature reserves. 

Winter walks at Raby Castle and High Force Waterfall

Blow away the cobwebs and enjoy a crisp wintery walk at Raby Castle. The castle's Deer Park and Medieval Walled Gardens is open every day 10am – 4pm up to Christmas Eve. Be sure to visit the Stables Café and Shop to grab a warming hot drink to enjoy on your walk or pick up a truly unique gift or special treat.

The High Force Waterfall walkway is open every day throughout December (except Christmas Day). High Force Hotel's outdoor refreshment kiosk will be open so you can pick up a snack and a hot drink to enjoy before or after your walk. And little ones can also enjoy completing the free Twelve Days of Christmas trail around the walkway.