Durham Christmas Festival Fri 4 – Sun 6 December 2026

Kynren – Night Show Season in Bishop Auckland

Kynren is a spectacular outdoor night show that takes place each summer in Bishop Auckland. Performed on a huge open-air stage, Kynren tells 2,000 years of English history through live action, music, dramatic effects and breath-taking choreography. It’s one of the most unique and memorable experiences in County Durham.

When Does Kynren Run?

The Kynren Night Show Season usually runs through the summer on selected Saturday evenings, with performances typically scheduled from mid-July to mid-September.

Shows begin at dusk and last around 90 minutes. The 2026 season is expected to run from:

18 July – 12 September 2026
(Exact dates and performance times are released closer to summer.)

What to Expect

Kynren is a full sensory experience designed to “bring history to life.” Across a vast lakeside stage, you’ll see:

• Hundreds of costumed cast members

• Live horses, animals and special effects

• A dramatic soundtrack

• Pyrotechnics, lighting and water displays

• Historical scenes from Roman times to World War II

It’s suitable for families, couples and groups, and the atmosphere builds as daylight fades and the show unfolds under the night sky.

A Must-See in Bishop Auckland

Kynren has become one of the top summer attractions in the North East. The scale of the production, the storytelling and the dramatic staging make it genuinely unforgettable — even if you’ve been before, each season brings new details and developments.

Visitors often combine Kynren with other Bishop Auckland attractions such as Auckland Castle, the Mining Art Gallery or the Bishop Auckland Food Festival if visiting in spring.

Stay Near Kynren

If you’re planning to attend Kynren, The Barn Oakenshaw provides comfortable countryside accommodation just a short drive from Bishop Auckland.

After an exciting evening show, return to peace and quiet with:

• Private parking

• Self-catering facilities

• Relaxing rural views

• Space to unwind away from crowds

It’s an ideal location for a summer weekend break around Bishop Auckland.

Travel Tips

• Arrive early, as seating access opens before dusk and parking can get busy.

• Bring warm layers — evenings can feel cool even in summer.

• Follow signage for Kynren event parking; it is well organised with shuttle buses.

• Booking tickets in advance is strongly recommended.

Make Summer Special

For visitors looking for a truly unique event, the Kynren Night Show Season is a highlight of the County Durham calendar. With history, drama, music and incredible staging, it’s an unforgettable summer experience for all ages.

Stay nearby at The Barn Oakenshaw and enjoy a comfortable, quiet base close to one of the North East’s most remarkable live shows.

Kynren – An Epic Tale of England

Sat 5 – Sun 6 Sept 2026

Celebrate the county’s farming life at England’s oldest and Durham’s biggest open-air Agricultural show. A jam-packed weekend of family-friendly entertainment.

Saturday is Agricultural Day and there’s always lots to see and do including the Craft Tent, Show Jumping – major classes, Donkey Rides, Vintage Vehicles, Birds of Prey Display, Dog Agility Show, Artisan Food Market, Live Music, Strongman Competition and much more.

Sunday is Country Fair day and amongst the many great things to see and do are the KC Dog Show, Ferret Show, Horticulture, Alpacas, Ponies, Show Jumping Marquee Displays, Vintage Vehicles and much more.

Wolsingham Show

Sat 12 – Sun 13 Sept 2026
The Weardale finale with show rings, food & fun. After the buzz, slip into your hot tub under the stars.

Stanhope Show | Weardale’s Premier Show

✨ Raby Castle – Enchanted Christmas Light Trail ✨
Sat 15 Nov 2025 – Sun 4 Jan 2026

Step into a world of festive magic at the Enchanted Christmas Light Trail at Raby Castle — one of County Durham’s most breath-taking 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.

Christmas at Raby | Raby Castle | High Force | County Durham

✨ Gala Durham Pantomime – Rapunzel✨
19 November – 31 December 2026

In the dark, tangled forest of Hamsterley stands a mysterious tower, locals swear they can hear beautiful singing drifting through the trees, a voice so pure it stops even the bravest woodcutter in their tracks.

What the villagers don’t know is that the tower hides a single, sorrowful resident: the kind-hearted Rapunzel, whose only regular company is a plucky little red squirrel.

But the good folk of Hamsterley whisper of other things too. They dare not speak the name of Mistress Gothel, the enchantress who haunts the forest paths.

With the help of her new friends, can Rapunzel travel to the distant city of Durham and discover her true identity and solve the mystery of the floating lanterns?

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.

To find out more details and dates of our school performances and to reserve your booking, email us at groupbookings@durham.gov.uk, or contact our Group Sales Co-ordinator on 03000 264 169 or our Box Office on 03000 266 600.

Rapunzel

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

✨ AGLOW at Auckland Castle ✨

20 November 2026 – 3 January 2027

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

✨ Beamish Hall – Forest of Light ✨

21 Nov 2026 – 3 Jan 2027 (Selected Dates)

Wander through a magical illuminated woodland at Beamish Hall’s Forest of Light — a beautifully crafted 45–60 minute trail filled with glowing surprises, gentle music and festive wonder.

🌲 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)

Running on select evenings between 4–8pm, this compact yet immersive trail is a perfect festive outing for families, couples and friends.

Visit the official site for dates, times & tickets.

Official Site

✨ Durham Christmas Festival ✨
Fri 4 – Sun 6 December 2025

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. 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.

🎄 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.

Home – Durham Christmas Festival