Christmas is just around the corner and there’s nothing like meeting Santa to get into the festive spirit. 

There's lots of places to meet the main man himself in Durham, from cosy grottos, to grand parades and enchanting events, check out our guide to places across the county that still have availability to see Santa this year. 

Father Christmas sat in chair with a footman smiling next to him, with twinkling Christmas lights in background.

Raby Castle, Park and Gardens

Step into the beautifully decorated Yuletide Yurt for a magical meet and greet with Mr & Mrs Claus! Surrounded by twinkling lights and festive décor, enjoy a heart warming encounter and capture special Christmas memories with the jolly couple. Each child will receive a gift from Santa Claus himself and as part of your ticket you can extend your visit and explore the stunning Walled Gardens and Deer Park. 

Various times, Sunday 8 December (10 – 11am will be a quiet sensory meet and greet session with no music or lights with reduced numbers). Saturday and Sunday 14 - 15, and 21 - 22 December 10am - 4pm. 

Santa and two elves performing at AGLOW event at Auckland Palace

AGLOW at Auckland Palace

A definite must-visit this festive season. AGLOW returns to light up the night sky above Auckland Palace with 22 incredible displays, including some of the largest installations in the UK! As you make your way around the 1.5 mile outdoor trail be sure to make a pit stop at Santa's Village, where Santa and his elves will be performing throughout the evening at various times as they prepare for Christmas. 

AGLOW is open various evenings until 31 December (closed Christmas Day). 

santa at winter wonderland Adventure Valley

Adventure Valley, Winter Wonderland 

Meet Santa and receive a golden ticket to use in his toy shop at Adventure Valley's annual Winter Wonderland. You'll also get creative with Mrs Claus, bounce on the winter inflatables, ride on animals and train to become an elf! Be quick, very limited dates remaining.

Open every weekend until 22 December, all day 23 and 24 December 2024.

Father Christmas sat by roaring open fire and Christmas tree at Beamish Museum

Beamish, The Living Museum of the North 

During the Christmas celebrations at Beamish Museum, which runs until 24 December 2024, visitors can enjoy truly traditional festivities, including an exciting Elf Trail, yuletide treats, fairground rides, and visiting Father Christmas in his grotto at Rowley Station Goods Yard.

Grotto tickets must be pre-booked before your visit and subject to availability. Open every Thursday and Friday throughout December.  

woman holding child stands in front of Father Christmas at Ushaw Historic House.

Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens

On Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 December (10am - 12pm and 1pm - 3pm) you can enjoy a meet and greet wth Santa in Ushaw's historic parlour, where each child will recieve a personalised mug, enjoy a hot chocolate or juice as they chat to Santa, with lots of photo opportunities. 

On Tuesday 10 December (10am - 11.30am and 1pm - 2.30pm) little ones can join Father Christmas for a relaxed pre-school session, where he will read a jolly story to the group, then take time to talk to each child, chatting over a hot drink and gifting each child with a personalised mug keepsake. 

people queuing for Santa's Grotto at Dalton Park Shopping centre

Dalton Park Outlet Shopping Destination 

Enjoy a spot of Christmas shopping at the North East’s biggest outlet shopping destination and pop in to see Santa in his traditional grotto to tell him what’s on your secret ‘wish list’. Little ones can meet Father Christmas to tell him what's on their Christmas wishes, recieve a special gift and capture the moment wiht a photograpgh with the whole family. 

Santa’s Grotto is open every Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sunday 11am to 4pm until 15 December and daily from 16 to 24 December from 11am to 3pm. 

father christmas smiling at camera and holding presents

Walkergate

Santa Claus is taking a short break from his workshop at the North Pole to visit the children and adults of Durham at Walkergate this Christmas. The jolly old man will be popping into the restaurants, bars and eateries on Saturday 14 December between 12pm and 6pm to see everyone, checking off all the names on his nice list and handing out treats.

Weardale Railway train and station decorated for Christmas.

Weardale Railway

Hop on board the Santa Express at Weardale Railway. A truly magical experience for all the family with live onboard performances, including the conductor, Santa and Mrs Claus and their team of cheeky elves. Jounrey to a secret location, hidden deep in Weardale as a magical narrated Christmas Story unfolds, with festive sing-along songs and bags of Christmas cheer!

Various dates, with four trains running on weekends and two per day through the week, until 24 December. 

Father Christmas surrounded by fairy lights

Prince Bishop’s Place

Whilst Christmas shopping in historic Durham City, little ones can visit Santa Claus in his magical Winter Lodge at Prince Bishops Place in the heart of the city and receive a special gift.

Open Friday to Saturday 11am - 4pm, and Sundays 12pm - 4pm until 24 December. Plus Monday 23 11am - 4pm and Tuesday 24 December 11am - 3pm.

There's lots more magical Christmas events happening across the county this festive season, check out our events page for more information. 

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