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Kynren is a spectacular open-air night show staged each summer in Bishop Auckland, telling 2,000 years of English history across a vast lakeside stage with 1,000+ cast members, live horses, pyrotechnics and water displays.

2026 season: selected Saturday evenings, 18 July – 12 September. Shows start at dusk and run around 90 minutes.

Planning your visit: arrive early — gates open well before showtime and car parks fill quickly. Bring layers; the arena gets cold once the sun drops. Parking is free and well signposted, with shuttle buses to the arena. Book tickets in advance, as Saturday nights sell out.

Where to stay near Kynren: The Barn Oakenshaw is a six-acre exclusive-use estate under 20 minutes from the Kynren arena, sleeping up to 16 across the main residence and a Finnish log cabin. With three wood-fired hot tubs, private parking and full self-catering, it suits family groups and reunions combining Kynren with Auckland Castle, Beamish or the Durham Dales. Late finishes are easy when you’re not driving far.

Wolsingham Show is England’s oldest agricultural show and County Durham’s biggest open-air country event, held each September in the heart of Weardale.

2026 dates: Saturday 5 – Sunday 6 September.

Saturday — Agricultural Day: livestock classes, major show jumping, the craft tent, vintage vehicles, birds of prey displays, dog agility, an artisan food market, strongman competition and live music.

Sunday — Country Fair Day: KC dog show, ferret racing, horticulture classes, alpacas and ponies, marquee displays and more show jumping.

Practical tips: parking is on grass, so sturdy footwear matters after rain. Cash is useful for smaller trade stands. It’s a full day — arrive mid-morning to see the main rings.

Staying nearby: The Barn Oakenshaw sits in the County Durham countryside within easy reach of Wolsingham, sleeping up to 16 with three wood-fired hot tubs. Many groups make a weekend of it, pairing Wolsingham with Stanhope Show the following week.

Stanhope Show is Weardale’s premier agricultural show and the traditional finale to County Durham’s country show season, held on the showfield beside the Wear each September.

2026 dates: Saturday 12 – Sunday 13 September.

What’s on: cattle, sheep and horse classes across multiple rings, show jumping, sheepdog trials, vintage machinery, industrial and horticultural tents, local food and craft stalls, funfair rides and live entertainment across both days.

Practical tips: Stanhope is a small dales town, so arrive early for the best parking. Weardale weather turns quickly — bring waterproofs whatever the forecast. The industrial tent, with its baking, produce and handicraft classes, is worth an hour on its own.

Where to stay: The Barn Oakenshaw is an exclusive-use countryside estate in County Durham, sleeping up to 16 with three wood-fired hot tubs, private parking and full self-catering. After a long day on the showfield, a hot tub under the stars is a good way to end it.

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.

À quoi s'attendre : 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.

✨ Christmas at Beamish Museum ✨
Saturday 21 Nov – Thursday 24 Dec 2026

Beamish, The Living Museum of the North, recreates Christmas across the decades — from a Georgian celebration at Pockerley to a 1950s festive high street.

Christmas Daytimes 2026: Saturday 21 November – Thursday 24 December, open daily 10am–4pm. Included in standard museum admission and free for Unlimited Pass holders.

À quoi s'attendre : decorated homes and shopfronts across the 1900s Town and Pit Village, freshly baked treats from the bakery, sweet shop favourites, carol singers and brass bands, vintage trams and buses running in the cold, and Edwardian photographer sessions with winter costumes.

Worth knowing: Christmas Evenings are a separate ticketed event and sell out early. Grotto visits must be pre-booked. Beamish is a 350-acre open-air site — wrap up warm and allow a full day.

Staying near Beamish: The Barn Oakenshaw is an exclusive-use County Durham estate sleeping up to 16, with three wood-fired hot tubs and private parking. It suits multi-generational family groups pairing Beamish with Durham’s Christmas markets.

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.

Aglow at Auckland Castle – An illuminated Christmas light trail

AGLOW is one of the largest Christmas light trails in the North of England, running through the gardens, grounds and Deer Park of Auckland Palace in Bishop Auckland.

The trail: a 1.5-mile illuminated route featuring the Tunnel of Light — the UK’s longest outdoor pulsating light tunnel — a Christmas tree standing over 30 metres, projections across the castle façade, and dozens of light installations along the River Gaunless. Allow around 90 minutes.

Practical tips: trail sessions start from late afternoon into the evening. The Deer Park has steep gradients and gets muddy — proper footwear is essential. Free parking at North Bondgate car park (DL14 7PG). Dogs welcome on leads. Sensory-friendly sessions run on selected dates.

Where to stay: The Barn Oakenshaw is minutes from Bishop Auckland — an exclusive-use estate sleeping 16 with three wood-fired hot tubs. Ideal for groups combining AGLOW with Christmas at Beamish or the Durham Christmas Festival.

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

Forest of Light is an illuminated woodland trail through the grounds of Beamish Hall — a shorter, gentler alternative to the region’s larger light trails, and particularly well suited to young children.

The trail: a 45–60 minute walk through enchanted woodland featuring glowing installations, light-up fungi, twinkling trees, projected scenes and musical bridges that trigger carols as you cross them. Magical without being overwhelming, which makes it a good first light trail for toddlers and pre-schoolers.

Practical details: runs on selected evenings, typically between 4pm and 8pm. Tickets around £12–£13, infants free. SEN-friendly sessions available. Woodland paths get muddy — wear boots.

🌲 What to Expect:
✨ Enchanted woodland path with glowing installations
🍄 Light-up fungi, twinkling trees & projected scenes
🎶 Musical bridges that trigger carols as you walk
👶 Ideal for young children — enchanting but not overwhelming
♿ SEN-friendly sessions available
💷 Tickets approx. £12–£13 (infants free)

Where to stay: The Barn Oakenshaw is an exclusive-use County Durham estate sleeping up to 16, with three wood-fired hot tubs, private parking and full self-catering. A practical base for family groups combining Forest of Light with Beamish Museum, just up the road.

Visit the official site for dates, times & tickets.

Durham Cathedral hosts a run of festive concerts each winter, with the building’s acoustics and candlelit interior making it one of the most atmospheric concert venues in the country.

Confirmed 2026 highlights:

• Friday 20 November — Candlelight: Tribute to Coldplay (7.30pm) and Tribute to Fleetwood Mac (9.30pm), performed by string quartet
• Monday 23 November — G4 Christmas (7.30pm), the vocal group’s festive tour
• Wednesday 2 December — The Big Christmas Sing A-Long with Aled Jones and Alexander Armstrong (7.30pm)
• Saturday 5 December — festive film screening, various times

Further carol services and cathedral choir performances run through December alongside the ticketed programme.

Practical tips: the cathedral is cold in winter genuinely cold so dress warmly regardless of how you’d normally dress for a concert. Seating is unreserved in some sections and restricted-view in others, so check the band before booking. Arrive early for the best seats. Popular dates sell out well ahead.

Comment s'y rendre : the cathedral sits on Palace Green in the heart of the World Heritage Site. There’s no parking on site and city parking is limited on concert evenings Park & Ride or a taxi in is simplest.

A base outside the city: The Barn Oakenshaw is an exclusive-use County Durham estate sleeping up to 16, with three wood-fired hot tubs, open fires and private parking. Easy for groups combining a cathedral concert with the Durham Christmas Festival in early December.

Durham Christmas Festival turns the city centre into a three-day festive market, set against the UNESCO World Heritage backdrop of the cathedral and castle. One of the North East’s most magical festive weekends returns as Durham City transforms into a sparkling winter celebration filled with music, markets and Christmas cheer.

2026 dates: Friday 4 – Sunday 6 December. Markets open 9am daily.

What’s on: the Craft & Producers’ Marquee on Palace Green (entry charge applies), the free Festive Outdoor Market in Durham Market Place, and Durham Market Hall — over 200 stalls between them. Carols for All takes place in the cathedral on both Saturday and Sunday. Palace Green hosts falconry displays, storytelling and Father Christmas’s grotto. The Children’s Lantern Parade is on Sunday 6 December.

Comment s'y rendre : Durham city parking fills fast during the festival — use Park & Ride, or stay outside the city and travel in.

What to Expect:

🛍️ The Cathedral Cloister Craft Marquee
Discover some of the region’s finest handmade gifts, crafts, decorations, ceramics, jewellery and festive treats inside the stunning medieval cloisters of Durham Cathedral.

🏰 The Durham Market Hall & Outdoor Markets
Browse over 200 stalls offering artisan produce, local foods, gifts, clothing and Christmas favourites. The bustling marketplace spills out onto the surrounding streets, adding to the vibrant seasonal atmosphere.

🕯️ Lantern Procession
A magical highlight of the weekend, the lantern parade winds its way through the city’s cobbled streets, lighting up the evening with glowing sculptures, community lanterns and enchanting music.

🎶 Street Entertainment & Choir Performances
Enjoy choirs, musicians, brass bands and festive performers bringing the city centre to life. Seasonal melodies echo through Durham’s historic lanes and riverside paths.

🍷 Festive Food & Drink
Mulled wine, hot chocolate, seasonal bakes, local produce and warm winter comfort foods can be found throughout the markets — perfect for enjoying as you explore.

🏛️ Durham Cathedral & Castle
The city’s iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site becomes a breath-taking festive backdrop, with atmospheric lighting, beautiful displays and Christmas activities.

✨ A weekend filled with festive magic, historic charm, shopping, music and family joy — the Durham Christmas Festival captures everything we love about the holiday season.

Where to stay: La grange Oakenshaw is an exclusive-use estate in the County Durham countryside, sleeping up to 16 with three wood-fired hot tubs. A quiet base a short drive from the festival, without city-centre prices or parking stress.

The Durham Christmas Festival is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the season’s spirit, with enchanting streets, historic markets, and cosy festive charm at every turn.

Bishop Auckland transforms across the festive season, with the historic Market Place at the centre of a programme of Christmas markets, light switch-ons, street entertainment and seasonal events.

Step into a festive winter wonderland as Bishop Auckland transforms into Christmas Town one of the North East’s most magical family Christmas events. The town centre comes alive with sparkling lights, themed displays, artisan markets, and seasonal entertainment for all ages.

À quoi s'attendre : festive market stalls selling local produce, crafts and gifts; the town Christmas lights; live music and street performers; and family activities across the Market Place and surrounding streets. The town’s Christmas offer works alongside AGLOW at Auckland Palace and the wider Auckland Project attractions, making a full day or evening out.

🎁 Traditional Christmas market with gifts, crafts, local produce & festive treats
🎄 Spectacular light installations and beautifully decorated streets
🎅 Santa’s Grotto & children’s activities
🎶 Live music, choirs & street performers bringing the town to life
✨ Ice rink, funfair rides & festive attractions
🍫 Hot chocolate huts, mulled wine stands & delicious street food
🏰 Close to Auckland Castle and the Market Place

Whether you’re Christmas shopping, enjoying festive family fun, or soaking in the seasonal atmosphere, Bishop Auckland Christmas Town delivers a joyful, heart-warming start to December.

Nearby attractions: combine with Auckland Castle, the Mining Art Gallery, the Spanish Gallery and Auckland Tower all within walking distance of the Market Place.

Parking: free parking at North Bondgate (DL14 7PG), which also serves AGLOW.

Where to stay: The Barn Oakenshaw is minutes from Bishop Auckland a six-acre exclusive-use estate sleeping up to 16, with three wood-fired hot tubs, private parking and full self-catering for groups.

Raymond Briggs’ The Snowman screened in full while a live orchestra performs Howard Blake’s score beneath the screen including “Walking in the Air” sung live. A Christmas fixture for families across the North East.

À quoi s'attendre : performances typically run around an hour, often paired with a shorter festive piece or a carol singalong beforehand. The film is unchanged; the orchestra transforms it. Suitable for children from around three upward, and gentle enough for a first orchestral concert.

Experience one of the most heart-warming Christmas traditions brought to life with breathtaking live music. The Snowman — the beloved animated classic — will be screened with a full live orchestra, creating an unforgettable festive event for families, children, and anyone who loves the magic of Christmas.

🕯️ What to Expect:
🎼 Live orchestral performance of Howard Blake’s iconic score
❄️ The timeless story of friendship, wonder and winter adventure
👧 Family-friendly atmosphere filled with excitement and festive joy
🎤 Often accompanied by a live young soloist singing “Walking in the Air”
🎬 Big-screen projection for an immersive experience
🎄 A perfect introduction to classical music for children

The combination of enchanting animation and a rich, live orchestral soundtrack creates a truly magical Christmas moment — the kind that stays with families for years to come.

Many performances also include:
✨ Short winter-inspired musical pieces
✨ Special festive introductions
✨ Wonderful photo opportunities for the little ones

This is one of the region’s most treasured seasonal events — a gentle, nostalgic, and emotionally uplifting celebration of the holidays, perfect for audiences of all ages.

Booking tips: matinees suit younger children best. These performances sell out early in December, so book well ahead. Arrive in good time — latecomers are usually held until a suitable break.

Where to stay: The Barn Oakenshaw is an exclusive-use County Durham estate sleeping up to 16 across the main residence and log cabin, with three wood-fired hot tubs and private parking. An easy base for families combining the concert with Beamish or Durham’s markets.

The Santa Express runs along the Weardale Railway each December, carrying families through the Durham Dales on a heritage line for a festive round trip with Father Christmas on board.

2026 run: Various dates throughout November & December

À quoi s'attendre : a return journey through Weardale countryside, a visit from Father Christmas with a gift for every child, festive refreshments, and carols and decorations throughout the carriages. The trip typically lasts around 90 minutes.

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.

Booking tips: the Santa Express sells out earlier than almost any other festive event in County Durham tickets often go months ahead. Every child needs a ticket, and adults must be booked too. Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. Heritage carriages can be chilly; bring warm layers.

Visit website: https://santaexpress.co.uk/

Where to stay: La grange Oakenshaw is an exclusive-use estate in the County Durham countryside, sleeping up to 16 with three wood-fired hot tubs and private parking well placed for Weardale, Stanhope and the wider Dales.