Some entertainment is still to be confirmed – please check nearer the time for finalised details.
|
Festival Events |
|
Please browse the entertainment section for details on all events and activities which take place Durham's Christmas Festival period.
|
|
Craft and Gift Marquee on Palace Green
The hugely successful Craft & Gift Marquee on Palace Green features over 190 stalls selling a wide variety of gifts, perfect for Christmas presents.
Friday 6th December: 10am - 6pm
Saturday 7th December: 9am - 5pm
Sunday 8th December: 10am - 4:30pm
Palace Green, between the Cathedral and Castle
Tickets for the Craft & Gift Marquee cost £2.00 on Friday 6 December and £3.50 per person on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 December. Accompanied children under 16 can attend for free.
Click here to book your tickets in advance and save an extra 50p on admission.
![]() |
|
Regional Food Producers Market
Locally sourced, high-quality food and drink on offer from 30 local producers in the atmospheric surroundings of the Cathedral Cloisters.
Friday 6th December: 10am - 5pm
Saturday 7th December: 9am - 5pm
Durham Cathedral Cloisters

Carols for All
Short services of favourite carols and readings.
11am and 2pm on Saturday 7th December
2pm on Sunday 8th December
Durham Cathedral
|
|
|
St Nicholas Children's Lantern Procession
The annual festive lantern procession which takes place on the Saturday afternoon meets in the Market Place for 3:30pm and progresses up to Palace Green in time for the St Nicholas Service at the Cathedral at 4:15pm. All participants must register in advance and all children must be accompanied by an adult.
Throughout Durham City Centre, starting in the Market Place. There is a short children's service afterwards in the Cathedral at 4:15pm.
|
|
|
Static Falconry Display
A wonderful static falconry display provided by Ridgeside Falconry.
Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th December
'Children's Corner', Palace Green, between the Cathedral and the Castle

Children's Arts and Crafts in the World Heritage Site Visitor Centre
Free arts and crafts activities for children take place from 10am to 4pm on both Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th December.
World Heritage Site Visitor Centre, Owengate, leading onto Palace Green

Live Reindeer Display for Children
A chance to get up close to Santa's little helpers, Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th December. Featuring live reindeer in a traditional barn-style setting.
'Children's Corner', Palace Green, between the Cathedral and the Castle

Tours of Durham Castle
Take a tour around Durham's historic Castle, now home to University College, part of Durham University, on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th December. Tour times are:
2:00pm, 2.30pm, 3:00pm, 3:30pm, 4:00pm and 4:30pm on both Saturday and Sunday.
Tickets are bookable in advance from Palace Green Library on Palace Green. Prices are a special reduced rate of £3.50 full admission and £2.50 concession/child 5-16 years.

Tom Rolfe - Children's Entertainer, Juggler and Balloon-Modeller
Let your children be amazed by expert juggler Tom around the World Heritage Site on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th December.
Children's Corner, Palace Green, between the Cathedral and the Castle

Musicians at the Festival
A huge variety of music groups and choirs take part in the Festival.
Look out for the performers across the whole city centre throughout the weekend!

Brass Band Entertainment: Saturday 1 December
Brass Band entertainment from a variety of brass bands will take place in the centre of town throughout the day.
Durham Market Place

The Victorian Yesteryears
The Victorian Yesteryears can be seen bringing the Victorian era to life and lending the Festival its traditional Christmas feel. Look out for the costumed actors around the city centre!

Durham Indoor Market
Durham Indoor Market is open on Friday 6th and Saturday 7th December from 9am till 5pm and on Sunday 8th December from 9.30am to 4.30pm. The perfect place to warm up, grab a coffee and a bite to eat and browse over 50 varied stalls by quality local independent retailers.
Durham Indoor Market, Market Place

Artists and Craftspeople in Fowlers Yard
Artists and craftspeople working in Durham City Centre, situated to the rear of Silver Street and Durham Indoor Market, will be showcasing and selling creative crafts across the weekend.
Open on Saturday 7th December, 10am - 5pm, and Sunday 8th December, 11am-4pm.

Mayor of Durham Tea & Coffee Event
The Mayor of Durham runs a very poplar charity tea and coffee event in the Town Hall in the Market Place throughout the Christmas Festival weekend - the ideal chance to get warm, grab a coffee and a bite to eat! All proceeds will be put towards the Mayor's chosen charities.
Saturday 7th December and Sunday 8th December, 9:30am - 4:00pm
Durham Town Hall, Market Place


















