- Play Hard
- 17th Oct 2025
- 0
- 0 minute
Experience the magic of Christmas at Hopetown Darlington
- Advertisement Feature
If there’s one place in the North East that knows how to celebrate Christmas, it’s Hopetown Darlington.
This winter, the historic railway site transforms into Ho-Ho-Hopetown – a festive wonderland brimming with sparkle, family fun and plenty of Christmas cheer.
With twinkling lights, live performances, interactive trails and a chance to meet the man himself, it’s the ultimate family destination this festive period.
But don’t hang about – tickets are already selling fast. Here’s your guide to the must-book events at Ho-Ho-Hopetown.
CHRISTMAS WREATH MAKING WORKSHOPS
Sun 23rd & Sat 29th November 2025
Cost: £48 per person
Get creative and crafty at this seasonal workshop, where you’ll design and make your very own Christmas wreath with expert guidance. All materials are included, along with a festive drink to keep spirits high. You’ll leave with a handmade decoration and plenty of festive cheer.
EXPERIMENT! THE FESTIVE SHOW
Sat 29th November – Weds 31st December 2025 from 10am – 5pm
Cost: £5 per passenger
All aboard the time-travelling railway simulator. This immersive ride takes you from the very first steam passenger train in Darlington right through to futuristic bullet trains, with a festive twist. A must for rail fans, thrill seekers and families looking for something a little different this Christmas.
SANTA’S GROTTO
Sat 29th – Sun 30th November & Sat 6th – Sun 7th, Sat 13th – Sun 14th, Sat 20th
Sun 21st, Mon 22nd – Tues 23rd December 2025
Cost: £20 per child
What’s Christmas without a visit to Santa? This year, he’s making himself at home inside the Carriage Works – transformed into a cosy grotto where little ones can share their Christmas wishes, pose for photos and take home a beautifully wrapped gift. Your ticket also includes entry into The Elves’ Giftworks Trail, making this a festive double treat.
THE ELVES’ GIFTWORKS
Sat 29th November – Weds 24th December from 10am – 5pm
Cost: £5 per child/£1 per adult
This immersive Christmas trail is set against the magnificent replica of Locomotion No.1, with twinkling lights, interactive stops and hands-on festive challenges. Help the elves hunt for missing letters, post their own message to Santa and even visit his trusty reindeer before they set off on Christmas Eve. Don’t forget to add your wish to the Memory Tree, where messages of hope and joy come together in one magical display.
FESTIVE RAG WREATH WORKSHOP
Sun 30th November from 10:30am – 4:45pm
Cost: £12.50 per person
A more relaxed option, this workshop lets children and adults work together to make colourful rag wreaths. Affordable, fun and the perfect way to add a personal touch to your Christmas décor.
HISTORY WARDROBE PRESENTS: A VERY VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS
Weds 3rd December from 6:30pm – 8:15pm
Cost: £15 per person
Meet the Scrooge Sisters, Ethel and Ermintrude, in this lively and costume-filled show. Expect fabulous frocks, comedy, and carols as the Two Lucys unwrap the history of Victorian Christmas traditions. A playful, witty performance that’s equal parts educational and entertaining.
A HOPETOWN CHRISTMAS CAROL
Sat 6th & Sat 20th December 2025
Step back in time with Charles Dickens himself – brought to life by The Histrionics theatre company. This interactive tour through North Road Station Museum combines history, performance and a little ghostly mischief. You’ll discover how Victorians celebrated Christmas, explore the station’s historic rooms and round off the evening with festive food, glowing lights and a magical atmosphere.
THE MRS CLAUS EXPERIENCE
Sat 13th – Sun 14th December from 10am – 3:45pm
Cost: £5 per child
While Santa checks his list (twice), Mrs Claus is serving up festive fun. Decorate Christmas biscuits, listen to enchanting North Pole tales and discover how the Victorians shaped many of the traditions we celebrate today. Expect flour-dusted laughter, stories that warm the heart and biscuits you’ll struggle to resist nibbling on the way home.
A CHRISTMAS NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM
Sat 20th December from 6pm – 8:30pm
Cost: £5 per person
By night, Hopetown Darlington glows with lanterns, lights and festive magic. With illuminated play zones, street theatre, a silent disco, warming food stalls and The Elves’ Giftworks sparkling after dark, this evening event is one for the whole family. Whether you’re sipping mulled wine, letting the kids run free, or joining in with the carols, it’s a Christmas night to remember.
CHRISTMAS CAROUSEL
Sat 20th – Weds 24th December from 10am – 5pm
Cost: £3 per person
Nothing says Christmas like a traditional carousel spinning under fairy lights. Whether it’s your child’s first ride or part of a long-standing family tradition, this classic attraction is guaranteed to deliver joy. Bring your camera – this is one of those magical festive moments you’ll want to capture forever.
Rachael Ellis
Head of Content
After gaining a first in her BA Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University, Rachael worked at Newcastle’s leading regional newspaper with her stories being picked up in national and global newspapers. She spent two very successful years giving a voice to those communities across the North East who otherwise…
Subscribe
Subscribe now to receive our twice-weekly emails and exclusive offers for High Life North readers.