Weardale Railway – Santa Express – Various dates throughout November & December 2026

Durham Book Festival is the North East’s leading literary event, produced by New Writing North for Durham County Council and held in Durham City each October.

2026 dates: Friday 9 – Sunday 11 October, taking place mainly at Gala Durham. Tickets are on sale now.

This year’s line-up: Pet Shop Boys’ Neil Tennant joins Durham University Chancellor Fiona Hill for a talk in the Forged in the North series, marking the 40th anniversary of the band’s debut album. Actor Christopher Eccleston appears alongside bestselling and award-winning writers including Susanna Clarke, Lucy Foley, Louise Doughty, Kit Fan and Sarah Hall, with poets Hollie McNish and Kayo Chingonyi. Fiona Hill also appears with Times columnist James Marriott for a discussion on smartphones, reading and democracy.

Also running: a programme of workshops and activities across County Durham’s libraries tied to the 2026 National Year of Reading, plus the return of the Big Read and Little Read.

Practical tips: headline events sell out book early. Most of the programme is concentrated at Gala Durham in the city centre, so parking is the usual Durham challenge; Park & Ride is easiest.
For groups travelling in: The Barn Oakenshaw is an exclusive-use estate a short drive from Durham city, sleeping up to 16 with three wood-fired hot tubs, log burners and private parking — a quiet countryside base for an October weekend in the city.

✨ Raby Castle – Enchanted Christmas Light Trail ✨

Raby Castle near Staindrop transforms for Christmas, with the castle’s state rooms dressed for the season and an illuminated trail winding through The Plotters’ Forest.

New for 2026: the experience expands with two new ground-floor rooms — the Servants’ Hall dressed for a traditional Christmas Day below stairs, and an immersive kitchen installation by designer Tom Le Bon showing the preparations behind the meal. More projection and lighting technology has been added throughout, with candlelit evening experiences on selected dates.

Also on: Father Christmas at Raby Castle, Mr and Mrs Claus in the Yuletide Yurt, and the Enchanted Forest trail — walkable in daylight or after dark when the lights come on. Tickets include Deer Park and Walled Gardens access.

Booking: these events sell out annually. Book early.

Where to stay: The Barn Oakenshaw is an exclusive-use estate in County Durham sleeping up to 16, with three wood-fired hot tubs a comfortable base for groups visiting Raby, High Force and Barnard Castle.

Step into a world of festive magic at the Enchanted Christmas Light Trail at Raby Castle, one of County Durham’s most breathtaking winter experiences. Wander through glowing woodland paths, shimmering light installations, and beautifully illuminated castle grounds as the historic estate transforms into a sparkling wonderland for the season.

Expect a magical evening filled with:
🎄 Twinkling tunnels of light
✨ Enchanted forest scenes
🕯️ Atmospheric projections on the castle
🍭 Festive food cabins, drinks & treats
👨‍👩‍👧 A family-friendly trail perfect for all ages
📸 Stunning photo moments at every turn

Whether you’re visiting as a family, a couple, or bringing the whole group, Raby’s light trail delivers a truly unforgettable festive experience a perfect way to start (or end!) your Christmas celebrations.

The Gala Durham pantomime is one of the city’s best-loved Christmas traditions, and 2026 brings Rapunzel — set in the tangled forest of Hamsterley, where a mysterious tower hides a kind-hearted prisoner and the enchantress Mistress Gothel haunts the woodland paths.

2026 run: 19 November – 31 December.

What to expect: booing, cheering, “he’s behind you!”, and the feel-good festive energy Gala pantos are known for. Suitable for all ages and a reliable first theatre trip for younger children.

Group bookings: email groupbookings@durham.gov.uk, call the Group Sales Co-ordinator on 03000 264 169, or the Box Office on 03000 266 600. School performance dates available on request.

Where to stay: The Barn Oakenshaw is an exclusive-use countryside estate sleeping up to 16, a short drive from Durham city. Popular with extended families combining the panto with the Durham Christmas Festival — with three wood-fired hot tubs waiting when you get back.