Raby Castle – Enchanted Christmas Light Trail

✨ Weardale Railway – Santa Express ✨
Various dates throughout November & December 2025

Climb aboard the Santa Express for one of the most magical festive experiences in County Durham. The historic Weardale Railway transforms into a Christmas wonderland, offering a heart-warming adventure for families and children of all ages.

🎅 What to Expect:
🚂 A beautifully decorated vintage train filled with festive cheer
🎄 Twinkling lights, cosy carriages & Christmas music
🎁 A special visit from Santa himself as he walks through the train
🧝 Friendly elves helping with gifts, games & festive fun
📜 Each child receives a named present from Santa
📸 Plenty of magical photo opportunities
🎤 Live entertainment and storytelling throughout the journey
❄️ Scenic winter views of the Weardale countryside

The Santa Express is designed to feel like stepping straight into a Christmas storybook — a joyful, nostalgic experience perfect for making family memories.

Santa Express – Christmas Railway – 21st November to 24th December 2025

✨ Gala Durham Pantomime – Jack and the Beanstalk ✨
20 November – 31 December 2025

Get ready for laughter, magic, and plenty of “Oh yes it is!” as the much-loved Gala Durham Pantomime returns with Jack and the Beanstalk. A cherished Christmas tradition in the North East, this spectacular show is packed with hilarious comedy, catchy songs, dazzling costumes, and unforgettable family fun.

🌱 What to Expect:
🎭 Classic panto humour — silly jokes, playful chaos, and lots of audience participation
🌟 A talented cast bringing Jack, Dame Trott, the Giant and all your favourites to life
🎶 Big musical numbers the whole family will be singing for days
✨ Impressive staging & magical effects that make the beanstalk truly spectacular
👧 A perfect festive outing for kids, parents, grandparents… everyone!

With laughter, surprises and feel-good festive energy from start to finish, the Gala Panto continues to be one of Durham’s most popular Christmas family events. Expect booing, cheering, shouting “He’s behind you!”, and leaving with your cheeks aching from smiling.

A brilliant tradition for creating Christmas memories and kicking off the holiday season with joy.

Jack and the Beanstalk

✨ AGLOW at Auckland Castle ✨

21 November – 31 December 2025

Just minutes from The Barn Oakenshaw, AGLOW transforms the historic grounds of Auckland Castle into a breathtaking illuminated winter trail. Wander through the enchanting Deer Park as thousands of sparkling lights, glowing sculptures, and magical projections turn the landscape into a Christmas wonderland.

🎄 What to Expect:
🌟 Mesmerising light installations and immersive displays
✨ A magical festive trail perfect for all ages
🏰 Stunning views of the castle illuminated under the night sky
❄️ A cosy, atmospheric walk through the Deer Park
📸 Beautiful photo spots around every corner
🎶 Seasonal music adding to the festive mood

Aglow at Auckland Palace – An illuminated Christmas light trail

✨ Christmas at Beamish Museum ✨
22 Nov – 24 Dec, 27–31 Dec & 2–4 Jan 2026

Step back in time and experience the magic of Christmas through the ages at Beamish Museum — the North East’s award-winning open-air museum, transformed into a festive world like no other.

Wander through the beautifully recreated towns, villages, and pit communities as they come alive with seasonal traditions, costumed characters, and old-fashioned charm. A perfect day out for families, couples, and groups looking to soak up Christmas nostalgia.

🎄 Expect a magical experience filled with:
🕯 Traditional Christmas decorations from different eras
🍬 Sweet shops, bakeries & festive treats made the old-fashioned way
🚂 Vintage trams and buses decked out for the season
🎶 Carol singers, brass bands & live music
👨‍👩‍👧 Hands-on crafts, storytelling & winter activities for children
🎁 Historic shops and stalls for unique Christmas gifts
🌲 Cosy firesides and glowing lantern-lit streets

Every corner of Beamish feels like stepping into a living Christmas card — perfect for making seasonal memories.

Christmas at Beamish daytimes