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.
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.)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
✨ 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
✨ 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 – 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.
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 Concerts – Durham Cathedral ✨
22 & 25 November 2025
Experience the true magic of Christmas inside one of England’s most breathtaking historic buildings. The annual Christmas Concerts at Durham Cathedral fill the grand Norman nave with soaring festive music, classical arrangements, choral harmonies, and the unmistakable warmth of the season.
This is Christmas at its most beautiful.
🎶 Expect an unforgettable evening of:
✨ Timeless carols and orchestral performances
🕯 Atmospheric candlelit moments
🎻 The Christmas Orchestra playing seasonal favourites
🎤 Stunning choir solos echoing through the ancient stone
🎄 A magical start to the festive period for families, couples & groups
There’s nothing quite like hearing Christmas music under Durham Cathedral’s spectacular vaulted ceiling — a moment that stays with you long after the final note.
The Christmas Orchestra at Durham Cathedral – Durham Cathedral
22 Nov 2025 – 4 Jan 2026 (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.
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