It’s the most wonderful time of the year. And nowhere does Christmas quite like the city of Durham.
So whether you’re keen to get ahead with your Christmas shopping, sing your heart out at the cathedral, or simply love the thought of soaking up some Christmas spirit with a mulled wine in hand, here’s our pick of the best festive events taking place in Durham this winter.
Christmas Winter Wonderland – Ice skating at Wharton Park
Friday 15th – Tuesday 19th November
Kicking off the festive season, and our Christmas event countdown, is ice skating at Wharton Park. Taking place from 5pm every evening from Friday 15th to Tuesday 19th November, the Christmas Winter Wonderland is suitable for all ages and makes the perfect festive date night or fun-filled evening with the family.
The Serenity Spa Festive Fair
Thursday 5th December
On 5th December, we’ll once again be sprinkling a little festive magic on the spa with our annual festive fair. As well as plenty of stalls for Christmas shopping, we’ll have complimentary mulled wine and mince pies, a Santa photo booth, and live music. Plus, all attendees will be entered into a prize draw to win a midweek Twilight Spa for two – the perfect pre-Christmas treat.
Tickets cost £5 and can be redeemed for a discount on any Temple Spa or Ishga products on the evening. If you’re joining us for a Twilight Spa session on 5th December, entry is free!
To book, contact our events team on 0191 516 1409 or email functions@seaham-hall.com
Durham’s Traditional Christmas Festival
Friday 29th November – Sunday 1st December
On the last weekend of November, we’ll once again be welcoming the ever-popular Traditional Christmas Festival to the city. Spread throughout the cathedral, castle grounds and the city centre, this fabulous event includes a craft and gift marquee with over 180 stalls, a regional food and drink producers market, and an additional festive market in the Market Place.
As well as fantastic Christmas shopping, this year’s festival will also feature a static falconry display, storytelling, a children’s entertainer, and Father Christmas’s Festive Grotto.
Children’s Lantern Procession
Saturday 30th December
The Children’s Lantern Procession is once again returning to the city this Christmas. Held during the Traditional Christmas Festival, and seen by many as the start of the festive season, this truly magical event sees hundreds of children bearing lanterns walk from the Market Place to Durham Cathedral, all the while being lead by the Chester-le-Street Salvation Army Band as they play traditional carols.
Lanterns with battery operated lights cost just £6 and can be taken home by the children after the procession.
Christmas with Durham Cathedral Choir
Saturday 14th December
From 7.30pm on Saturday 14th December, you can join Durham Cathedral Choir and the Reg Vardy Band for a spectacular evening of live music. This enchanting setting is the perfect place to enjoy a festive sing-a-long with friends, family, and loved ones. What’s more, you can also indulge in a pre-concert supper ahead of the festivities.
Feeling inspired to make a break for Durham this festive season? Take a look at our current Sleep Specials and start planning your perfect last minute getaway.