Durham Christmas Festival 2026
Durham's annual Christmas festival returns for three days of markets, carols, live music and street performances across the historic city centre.
About This Event
The Durham Christmas Festival is one of the North East's best-loved seasonal events, drawing visitors from across the region to the cobbled streets and historic heart of the city. Across three days the festival brings together several markets, including the Craft and Producers' Marquee on Palace Green, a Food and Drink Producers' Market in Durham Cathedral Cloisters, and festive stalls in the Market Place and Market Hall. Alongside the shopping there is a full programme of free entertainment, with carol services, live music, street performers and a children's lantern parade. The festival makes the most of its setting beneath Durham Cathedral and Castle, with the World Heritage Site providing a spectacular backdrop to the festivities. The outdoor markets and street entertainment are free to enjoy, while the Craft and Producers' Marquee on Palace Green has a small entry charge with discounted pre-booked tickets available online. The festival runs Friday and Saturday from 9am to 6pm and Sunday from 9am to 5pm.
More Events in Durham
Go West: We Close Our Eyes & Other Stories with Peter Cox
7:30 PM · Gala Theatre, Millennium Place, Durham, DH1 1WA
Redhills Folk with Bill Elliott
2:00 PM to 4:00 PM · Redhills, Durham Miners' Hall, Flass Street, Durham, DH1 4BE
Ivo Graham: Orange Crush
7:30 PM · Gala Theatre, Millennium Place, Durham, DH1 1WA
Never miss what’s on
Join the weekly Durhamcity.live digest — the best events, news and local tips, straight to your inbox. Free, one email a week.