- Christmas
- 7th Nov 2025
- 0
- 0 minute
From The Snowman in Concert to panto fun: What’s on in Durham this Christmas
- Advertisement Feature
If you’re looking for things to do in Durham to get you into the seasonal spirit, we’ve got a line-up of must-see shows for you.
Get ready to deck the halls, sip mulled wine and start singing It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas, Durham is the destination for all things festive.
From family pantomimes to orchestral concerts and alternative nights out, the county’s stages are set to make your season merry and bright.
FESTIVE FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
Jack and the Beanstalk – Gala Durham
Thursday 20th November – Wednesday 31st December 2025
Fee-fi-fo-fum, Durham’s favourite pantomime is back and bigger than before. Expect belly laughs, glitter and plenty of festive mischief as Jack takes on the beanstalk (and the villain lurking above the clouds). With toe-tapping tunes, beautiful costumes and heaps of local humour, this year’s Gala Durham’s panto promises festive fun for the whole family.
HLN TOP TIP: Gala Durham is also hosting accessible performances of Jack and the Beanstalk. Follow this link for more info.
Christmas Eve – Gala Durham
Tuesday 2nd – Wednesday 24th December 2025
It’s the most magical night of the year, but something’s not right in Durham. The Christmas spirit has vanished and young Eve is determined to find out why. Join her on a heartwarming adventure filled with music, magic and puppetry – a sparkling festive treat perfect for under 7s and their families.
Christmas Cinema Screenings – Gala Durham
Throughout December
Nothing gets you in the Christmas mood like a good Christmas movie. These festive film screenings are perfect for the whole family. From The Muppets Christmas Carol, Home Alone, It’s A Wonderful Life and The Polar Express, and screenings are just £7.
HLN TOP TIP: Empire Consett and Bishop Auckland Town Hall will also be screening Christmas films, but check the venues’ websites for updates soon.
Sleeping Beauty – Empire Consett
Friday 28th November – Wednesday 31st December 2025
Prepare to be spellbound as Consett’s festive favourite returns with a sprinkle of fairy dust. Join Princess Aurora, the good fairies and the wicked Maleficent for a panto packed with giggles, slapstick and season spirit. There’ll be plenty of “Oh yes, it is!” moments for the little ones.
Jack and the Beanstalk – Bishop Auckland Town Hall
Saturday 6th – Sunday 7th December 2025
It’s double the magic this year as Bishop Auckland Town Hall also climbs the beanstalk. Expect laugh-out-loud gags, larger-than-life characters and songs that’ll have you humming all the way home. This local production brings a touch of community spirit (and plenty of glitter) to the festive season.
CLASSIC CHRISTMAS SHOWS
The Snowman in Concert – Bishop Auckland Town Hall
Saturday 13th December 2025
We’re walking in the air, flying straight to Bishop Auckland Town Hall. One of our favourite Christmas classics returns with a live performance of the score by the EverReady Band, bringing the film’s magic to life. Heart-warming, nostalgic and perfect for all ages, this is one to melt even the frostiest of hearts.
The Nutcracker – Gala Durham
Wednesday 10th December 2025
It wouldn’t be Christmas without The Nutcracker. Let Gala Durham, transport you to a world of sugarplum fairies, swirling snowflakes and shimmering magic. A screening of this timeless ballet is the perfect magical festive escape from the Christmas build-up stress.
André Rieu’s 2025 Christmas Concert: Merry Christmas – Empire Consett & Bishop Auckland Town Hall
Saturday 6th & Friday 12th December 2025
The king of the waltz, André Rieu, brings his signature sparkle to the season with Merry Christmas, a concert bursting with carols, waltzes and joy. This special screening, broadcast from Maastricht, is a stunning cinematic concert experience that’s guaranteed to get you in the festive mood.
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.