

Durham is a county in North East England, convenient for both Durham Tees Valley and Newcastle International Airport. There are so many things to do in this area with your loved ones. Just south of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Durham City is nestled on the River Wear. It is home to Norman Durham Castle and Romanesque Durham Cathedral. Those interested in history should visit Oriental Museum, which houses exhibits relating to Egyptian, Middle Eastern, and Asian artifacts. Head to Bishop Auckland to visit Auckland Castle, or take a turn at Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle. Shopaholics can also visit one of its many shopping malls for some retail therapy. Also, visit Durham County and its surrounding areas during the festive season to explore some of the top Christmas markets in Durham, England. Scroll below to find out more.
Popular picks in Durham
Nature lovers can head to Durham University Botanic Garden, which features Bamboo Grove, Alpine Garden, Woodland Garden, and other green spaces where you relax or admire the Modern Art.
Spiritual being can offer their prayers to one of the many churches in the city such as St Mary The Less Church, St Giles Church, and more.
Winter in Durham
- According to Weather Atlas, Durham experiences winter from December to February, with January recording the lowest temperature of 1.8°C (35.2°F).
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Christmas in Durham
According to Discover Durham, the charming city of Durham is an ideal option for a fun and colorful holiday break. Some of the activities you can indulge here during the festive season are:
- Visit the Beamish Museum to experience the taste, smell, and sights of Christmas
- Head to The Bowes Museum and Raby Castle, which are renowned for their Christmas decorations and activities
- Participate in the various festive events happening at multiple locations
Apart from these, you can also shop your heart out and buy amazing Christmas gifts or treats at one of the many Christmas markets. For more information, check out our detailed guide on Christmas markets here.
Christmas market in Durham
1. Durham City's Annual Traditional Christmas Festival

Durham City’s Annual Traditional Christmas Festival is a festive affair, with many activities available. The festival includes great Christmas gift opportunities and musical entertainment. A craft and gift marquee will be set up on Palace Green, with more than 170 stalls selling gifts, toys, handcrafts, knitwear, and more. As an explorer, I am always excited to sample new food or buy unique stuff, and will definitely explore this market to find something new. You can also explore the Regional Producers’ Market in the cloisters of Durham Cathedral. There will be plenty of food outlets serving all kinds of delicious snacks for you to try out. Carol Services will be held at the cathedral and a Children’s Lantern Procession will lead everyone here to attend the St. Nicholas service.
Durham City's Annual Traditional Christmas Festival
Address: Palace Green, Bailey Ct, Durham DH1 3EP, UK
Dates: For updated dates and hours, please visit the official website of Durham Christmas Festival
Website: Durham Christmas Festival
Market highlights: Toys, handcrafts, knitwear, regional produce, and snacks
Nearby Christmas Markets
2. Hartlepool Maritime Christmas Market
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
This outdoor Christmas Market is held at the Navy Museum in Hartlepool. A range of stalls will offer funky handmade gifts, alternative clothing, art, recycled and eco-friendly products, artisan food, vegan and gluten-free treats, homeware, street food, and plenty more. Live music and entertainment will be held during the run of the market. I feel this market is surely a must-visit for the young crowd, who’ll enjoy the music and funky gifts.
Hartlepool Maritime Christmas Market
Address: National Museum of the Royal Navy, Hartlepool Marina, Maritime Avenue, Jackson Dock, Hartlepool, County Durham, TS24 0XZ, UK
Market highlights: Vegan and gluten-free treats, handmade gifts, eco-friendly products, and artisan food
3. Christmas Markets at South Causey Inn
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
OUR FINAL CHRISTMAS MARKET THIS TUESDAY!! Tuesday, 19th December 10:30 until 14:00 and then 16:00 until 20:00. Get...
Posted by South Causey Inn on Monday, December 18, 2023
The Christmas Markets at South Causey Inn is the ideal venue for purchasing high-quality gifts, festive treats, decorations, homewares, fashion, arts and crafts, and beauty products. Daytime and evening festive markets will be held in the Durham Suite. The inn’s restaurant and bar will be open to serve scrumptious meals and tasty drinks. You can book a table in advance and make a fun night out of it!
Christmas Markets at South Causey Inn
Address: South Causey Inn, Beamish Burn Road, Stanley, County Durham, DH9 0LS, UK
Dates: For updated dates and hours, please visit The Official Website of South Causey Inn
Website: Christmas Markets at South Causey Inn
Market highlights: Personalised presents, homewares, tasty treats, and handmade jewelry
4. Berwick Christmas Market
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Hosted by Berwick Rotary, Berwick Christmas Market offers the chance to buy the perfect Christmas gifts for your loved ones, including hand-made items, arts and crafts, traditional gifts, toys, and more while enjoying a background of live Christmas caroling. Also, enjoy traditional Christmas treats and drinks at several of the stalls. Bundle up and enjoy exploring this festive location.
Berwick Christmas Market
Address: Marygate, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Durham, UK
Dates: For updated dates and hours, please visit The Official Website of Northumberland City Council
Website: Berwick Christmas Market
Market highlights: Handmade items, toys, and traditional gifts and treats
5. Raby Castle Christmas Market
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
A Christmas Market will open at Raby Castle where visitors can enjoy browsing and buying the best Christmas gifts, items for the home, festive decorations, toys, jewelry, arts and crafts, and more. Visitors will be welcomed by a free glass of champagne. Santa will be there to meet every child and give them a Christmas gift to place under their tree. Kids can also meet Santa’s reindeer while here. Over at the castle, enjoy exploring the decorated medieval interiors, which include a sprawling deer park, walled gardens, an adventure playground, a collection of ancient carriages, and Stables Cafe and Shop. Have fun with your family here this Christmas.
Raby Castle Christmas Market
Address: Office Square, Staindrop, Darlington, Co. Durham, DL2 3NF, UK
Dates: For updated dates and hours, please visit the official website of Raby Castle Christmas Market
Website: Raby Castle Christmas Market
Market highlights: Homemade and seasonal products, handpicked gifts, jewelry, spiced mulled wine, mince pie, local and festive choirs
6. Alnwick Garden Christmas Market
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Hot chocolate is for life, not just for Christmas… …and waffles and pimms and mulled wine Why not warm up on a...
Posted by The Alnwick Garden on Wednesday, January 3, 2024
This Northumbrian Christmas market is held at Alnwick Garden and offers stalls overflowing with gift suggestions, stocking fillers, arts and crafts, jewelry, knitwear, festive snacks, and delicious drinks. The market will also feature a magical, illuminated world called “Sparkle” as well as live music, carols, and more in front of the Grand Cascade. As a traveler, I am always looking for new experiences and cannot wait to enjoy the fun things available at this market. Enjoy a tour of the gardens while here to view the beautiful water fountain and the ornamental rose garden.
Alnwick Garden Christmas Market
Address: The Alnwick Garden, The Gardeners Cottage, Greenwell Road, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1HB, UK
Dates: For updated dates and hours, please visit the official website of Alnwick Garden
Website: Alnwick Garden Christmas Market
Market highlights: Arts and crafts, jewelry, knitwear, festive treats, drinks, live music, and carols
7. Darlington Christmas Market
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Darlington Christmas Market will have a variety of stalls offering Christmas gifts, arts and crafts, festive decorations, jewelry, street food, and warm drinks. A variety of musical entertainment will also be on offer.
Darlington Christmas Market
Address: Darlington Covered Market, Horsemarket, Darlington, DL1 5PX, UK
Website: Darlington Christmas Market
Market highlights: Christmas gifts, street food, warm drinks, festive decorations, and more
8. Northumberlandia Christmas Food and Craft Market
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
The Northumberlandia Christmas Food and Craft Market features a Christmas fair and a wide range of fun activities, which I feel are perfect to entertain the whole family. Stalls will feature quality gifts, arts and crafts, jewelry, clothing, candles, and delicious street food. Please note that all children should be accompanied by an adult. Dogs are also welcome and must be put on a leash.
Northumberlandia Christmas Weekend
Address: 7 Birchwood One, Dewhurst Road, Birchwood, Warrington, WA3 7GB, UK
Dates: For updated dates and hours, please visit the official website of Northumberlandia
Website: Northumberlandia Christmas Weekend
Market highlights: Clothing, candles, delicious street food, jewelry, and crafts
Appreciate the season of joy in and around Durham

While visiting the quaint and historic cities and their surrounding towns, enjoying the museums, attractions, local shopping, and cuisine during the upcoming festive season, make sure you experience some of the top Christmas markets in and around Durham, UK.
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