Durham: Winter Events for everyone to enjoy

Our magnificent home, Durham City and the wider County Durham offer a variety of winter events and Christmas activities for visitors to enjoy during the autumn and winter months.

Here is our rundown of what’s on, for the upcoming winter season:

Durham autumn & winter events

• Luxmuralis: From Wednesday 8th to Sunday 12th October, visitors will be able to experience stunning light projections of manuscripts, stories and literature, all with an immersive soundscape throughout Durham Cathedral. Find out more here.
• Durham Book Festival: Durham Book Festival takes place from Friday 10^th –  Sunday 12^th October, and celebrates the power of words. With 25 events covering history, humour, poetry and fiction, there is something for everyone to enjoy.  Find out more here.
• Lumiere Durham: This spectacular light art biennial is a highlight of the winter calendar. Durham City is transformed into an illuminated art gallery with stunning installations by UK and international artists. The event, which we proudly sponsor, is set to take place over three evenings, from Thursday 13th – Saturday 15th November, 2025. Find out more here.
• Durham Christmas Festival: Durham’s popular Christmas festival takes place over the first weekend in December, from Friday 5th – Sunday 7^th December, 2025. Visitors can explore a festive outdoor Christmas market in the Market Place and an indoor Christmas market in the Durham Cathedral cloisters. The festival also features a children’s lantern parade, carol services, and other family-friendly entertainment. Find out more here.
• Fire and Ice Festival: Experience the magic as Durham’s streets are transformed with intricate ice sculptures and dazzling fire displays. This free, family-friendly event takes place annually in February or March, and is a must-see for visitors. Stay tuned for updates.

Year-round attractions with a winter twist

Durham City truly shines during the colder months, offering a fantastic array of things to do in Durham in winter that cater to all ages. With our spectacular Cathedral and Castle and winding cobbled streets, the historical charm is simply magical. Beyond the major events we have listed, visitors can enjoy a crisp winter walk along the river, taking in some breathtaking views.

• Durham Cathedral: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Cathedral is a central part of the city’s winter experience. In addition to regular services, it hosts special Christmas carol services, which are a beautiful and heartwarming way to get into the festive spirit.
• Durham Castle: Another part of the UNESCO site, you can take a guided tour to learn about its rich history. The historic setting is particularly atmospheric during the colder months.
• River Wear Walks: Take a scenic winter walk along the River Wear, enjoying views of the city’s iconic landmarks like the Cathedral and Castle.
• Durham’s Museums and Galleries: Explore the city’s cultural side with a visit to places like the Durham Museum and Heritage Centre or the new history centre, The Story at Mount Oswald.

Christmas fun for families

Durham offers a host of festive fun for families, with a variety of events and activities designed to delight all ages.

• Winter Wonderland at Adventure Valley: Located a short drive from the city, Adventure Valley hosts a “Winter Wonderland” event on weekends from late November through December. It features a meet and greet with Santa, a Winter Valley Express train ride, elf-led activities, and more.
• Beamish, The Living Museum of the North: A short trip outside of Durham, Beamish transforms for its “Christmas at Beamish” event. Visitors can step back in time to experience Christmas in the early 1900s, with traditional decorations and festive activities.
• Pantomime at the Gala Theatre: The Gala Theatre hosts a fantastic Christmas pantomime, every year – don’t miss Jack and The Beanstalk for Christmas 2025 – a hilarious and fun-filled outing for all ages. Find out more here.

Other Activities

• Markets: In addition to the Christmas Festival, you can enjoy regular markets, including the Saturday Outdoor Market and the Durham Food Producers’ and Crafters’ Market.
• Explore the wider county: If you have time, consider exploring the Durham Dales for breathtaking winter landscapes, or visit nearby attractions like the Raby Castle, Bowes Museum or Locomotion Museum in Shildon, which is celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway in 2025.

There’s also a full programme of events coming up right here at the hotel over the next few months. Check out our What’s On page for full details.