Durham Christmas Festival 2026
Durham's flagship festive weekend returns with craft and food markets on Palace Green, the Market Place and Market Hall, plus carols, street entertainment and Father Christmas.
About This Event
The Durham Christmas Festival takes over the historic heart of the city from Friday 4 to Sunday 6 December 2026. The centrepiece is a large heated craft and producers' marquee on Palace Green with well over 100 stalls, alongside a regional food and drink market in the Cathedral Cloisters, a festive outdoor market in the Market Place, and local businesses trading in the Market Hall. Beyond the markets, the festival fills the city centre with independent traders, carol services, live music, street performers and a children's lantern parade. An entry charge applies to the Palace Green marquee, with discounted advance booking; the outdoor markets are free to browse.
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