✨ The Snowman with Live Orchestra ✨
Saturday 6 December 2025
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.
The Snowman – Film with Live Orchestra 2025
✨ 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.
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.
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.
Thursday 4 – Sunday 7 December 2025
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.
🌟 What to Expect:
🎁 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.
Home – Bishop Auckland’s Christmas Town
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