New Bishop Auckland festive attraction opens to public

15th November 2024

Christmas at the Palace, a brand-new yuletide experience at Auckland Palace in County Durham, has opened its doors heralding the start of Christmas.  

The first visitors entered the festive wonderland on its opening day, Friday 15^th November, and were greeted with decadent decorations fit for a Prince Bishop, long considered ‘Kings of the North’, who once lived at Auckland Palace. 

The historic palace, with nearly 900 years of history, sees 12 rooms transformed with opulent decorations, ornate details and dazzling Christmas trees. Ticket holders can explore the State Rooms, St Peter’s Chapel, The Long Dining Room and the Bishop’s Apartments.  

Jared Bowers, chief operating officer at The Auckland Project, said: “For the first time Auckland Palace has been transformed for the festive season with beautiful Christmas décor fit for a palace.  

“We hope families and friends who visit us in November and December will enjoy what we’ve created here and recognise that Bishop Auckland is a must on the County Durham Christmas calendar.” 

Visitors to Christmas at the Palace will also have the chance to see an 18^th-century Neapolitan nativity scene, hand crafted in Italy and displayed at the Faith Museum. Standing at over 11ft tall and 15ft wide, the Biblical tale of Christmas is told through over 421 individual pieces depicting the Holy Family, the three Wise Men, shepherds with their livestock and a host of angels. Perfect for all ages, Christmas at the Palace is the new must-see attraction in County Durham.  

The day-time indoor attraction accompanies The Auckland Project’s sell-out illuminated night-time outdoor trail, AGLOW, which opens for the 2024 season on Friday 22^nd November. Ticket holders can visit both attractions on a festive day out to Bishop Auckland and make memories with loved ones.