11 Unmissable Christmas Experiences Across the Culture County

Discover 11 unmissable Christmas experiences across the Culture County this festive season. From a period Christmas at Beamish to a Christmas Town at Bishop Auckland, Durham has a Christmas experience to get you in the festive spirit. We have picked a few highlights below…

Christmas at the Palace at Auckland Palace

Immerse yourself in unrivalled festive splendour at Auckland Palace, as an incredibly special new Christmas event opens 15 November. Christmas at the Palace allows visitors to enjoy the remarkable interiors, with 12 rooms decorated, including the State Rooms, St Peter’s Chapel and the Bishop’s Apartment complete with stunning artworks and furnishings, transformed with a touch of Christmas magic. The displays and rooms have been curated by an international designer with more than 30 years of experience in the Christmas decoration industry, Christmas at the Palace is not to be missed.

Christmas at Dalton Park Outlet & Outdoors

Dalton Park will begin to look a lot like Christmas on 15 November , as the festivities start off with an immersive launch, featuring amazing roaming entertainment and a Santa’s Grotto experience. Dalton Park will also host the return of the much-anticipated Winter Artisan Market on 16 November, where you can stroll through a charming array of stalls showcasing unique handcrafted goods, perfect for finding that special gift or a treat for yourself. As you explore the market, indulge in a delightful selection of tasty food stalls offering seasonal delights, from comforting hot drinks to festive treats that will tantalise your taste buds!

Neapolitan Nativity at The Faith Museum

Get ready to be dazzled by the monumental 18th century Neapolitan Nativity scene. The remarkable Baroque créche is a giant Nativity scene staged in a true-life Neapolitan setting and is one of the most impressive and important examples outside Italy. Bringing together classical and Christian mythology with the traditional folk culture of everyday Naples, with over 421 individually carved figures making up the full nativity scene. The Neapolitan Nativity is included as part of the Christmas at the Palace experience and is available to see from 15 November.

The Plotters' Forest Enchanted Christmas Trail at Raby Castle

Step into a world of wonder and magic this festive season at The Plotters’ Forest Enchanted Christmas Trail, which promises an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. Twinkling lights, festive decorations, and the scent of pine will transport you to a world where Christmas magic comes alive. You can explore The Plotters' Forest Enchanted Christmas Trail from 16 November.

Christmas at the Movies by Candlelight at Durham Cathedral

Get ready to unwrap the ultimate holiday treat with our Christmas Movies Concert on 22 November! Embark on a jolly journey through the heart warming and hilarious worlds of beloved Christmas films, like "White Christmas", "Love Actually", "The Holiday" . The concert will be a joyful celebration of cinema that will leave you with a heart full of warmth and a smile as bright as Rudolph's nose.

Aglow at Auckland Palace

Last year's sell-out Christmas light trail which dazzled visitors to Bishop Auckland returns. From 22 November to 31 December 31, AGLOW will guide visitors through 22 glittering installations that set the picturesque parkland alight. The light festival will include the longest light tunnel in the country measuring over 100 metres, and the popular ‘Neon Trees’ highlighting the ancient trees in the parkland, and the spectacular ‘O Christmas Tree’, which is the tallest Christmas tree in the North of England standing at over 30 metres tall.

Christmas at Beamish 2024

Step back in time and enjoy the wonder of Christmas across different time periods. From the Georgian period through to the 1950s, delight in traditional decorations, tasty yuletide treats, festive music, and lots of fun activities to help you count down to Christmas, starting 23 November. Festive evenings will also take place at Beamish Museum across various nights throughout December, giving you a chance to enjoy twinkling lights, festive entertainment, and seasonal treats under the night sky. 

Forest of Light at Beamish Hall Hotel

Gather the family and explore the Forest of Light as the doors open to the wonderful world of magical illuminations and fantastic lighting displays starting 23 November. At night, when the moon takes its place in the sky the magical forest comes to life. The Forest of Light is a captivating, illuminated experience set within our enchanted ancient woodland. With illuminations, music, interactive props, projections to dazzle and amaze with specially commissioned pieces for Forest of Light, which means that this is a unique experience not to be found anywhere else.

Bishop Auckland's Christmas Town

Bishop Auckland is fast becoming known as the Christmas Capital of the north and Christmas Town 2024 is building on the success of last year’s event and extending its festive magic to a full 10-day celebration. From 29 November to 8 December, the town’s historic market square will be transformed into a winter wonderland, delivering an unforgettable festive experience for all visitors. Attractions such as giant tipi bars, ice rink, Santa’s Grotto, and the traditional ferris wheel will return with the addition of new features like a magical carousel, vibrant Christmas market stalls, character meet-and-greets, and Merry Makers Workshops, making this year’s celebration even more spectacular.

Durham Christmas Festival

Durham Christmas Festival will return to Durham City on 6-8 December. The festival is a perfect combination of Christmas shopping and seasonal entertainment in the unique and stunning setting that is Durham City Centre. The markets will include the Craft & Producers’ Marquee on Palace Green, and the festive outdoor market in Durham Market Place and Durham Market Hall, which will be open each day of the festival.

Winter Market at The Bowes Museum

The galleries and grounds of the French-styled Museum in Barnard Castle are once again set to come alive with the sights, sounds and smells of the season as the highly anticipated annual Winter Market returns from 13-15 December. Not only does the market offer am unique shopping experience with a wide variety of local and handmade gifts, but it also includes free access to the museum’s stunning galleries and exhibitions, ensuring that visitors can immerse themselves in what the attraction has to offer.

Don’t worry if you want even more festive events, there are plenty more Christmas experiences to discover across the Culture County this festive season.Why not make it part of a winter break.