Things to do over the Christmas season in County Durham
18 October 2018
With just over two months to go until Christmas, we can’t contain our excitement… so we’ve drawn up a list of places you can visit with your family and friends for festive fun. Durham has plenty to offer at this time of year – from Christmas markets to Santa Claus visits.
Why not visit the Christmas Bazaar at Beamish? You’ll be taken back to Christmas past with old-fashioned gift shops, and blown away with the local festive food on offer. You’ll also have the chance to practise your ice-skating skills on the ice rink or challenge yourself to take on the fairground rides – all before indulging in a warming cup of hot chocolate. This is also the perfect treat for young children, who will have the opportunity to meet Father Christmas in his festive grotto and meet his reindeer at Pockerly Waggonway.
The foodies amongst you will be delighted to discover the Christmas Food and Drink Festival, which will take place at Sedgefield Racecourse – just a 30-minute drive away. You’ll be surrounded with a variety of food and drink exhibitors, including stalls boasting homemade jams and cheeses, sweet churros and Rocket Woodfired pizza. Amongst other irresistible food stalls, you’ll be entertained by live music and food workshops. Be sure to bring children with you if you’re visiting on Saturday 24th November – they’ll have the chance to pay a special visit to Santa Claus.
Those who would like to explore Durham city may wish to take a stroll around Durham City’s Annual Traditional Christmas Festival. A 40-minute drive from Headlam Hall, you’ll have from Friday 30th November until Sunday 2nd November to visit. With endless stalls in the Craft and Gift marquee, as well as food and drink producers offering goods in Durham Cathedral and outdoor markets in Durham Market Place, there’s plenty to discover – and you won’t be short of gift purchase opportunities. There will also be entertainment for the whole family, including live music performances, children’s entertainment and the Children’s Lantern Procession on the Saturday afternoon.
Raby Castle, one of Darlington’s most historic monuments and just a 10-minute drive away from Headlam Hall, is hosting a Breakfast with Father Christmas this December. Visitors will enjoy a warming breakfast of fluffy pancakes with a selection of toppings, as well as a mug of hot chocolate or fresh fruit juice. You’ll then embark on a walk to the Castle before greeting Santa Claus in the Grand Entrance Hall. He’ll read stories and sing songs by the fireplace before giving a personalised gift to each child. This is one not to be missed!
To make your Christmas break that extra bit special, why not stay with us at Headlam Hall? We’ll inject festive magic in to every part of your stay – and what’s more, you’ll have the chance to visit more of these unmissable festive attractions! To find out more about our unique rooms, click here.