- Christmas
- 13th Nov 2026
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Christmas in County Durham: your guide to unmissable festive shows
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From fairytale family shows and pantos to ballet, big-screen concerts and a dose of local folk, these County Durham venues have lined up a festive programme to suit every age.
Here’s what’s on, when, and how to book.
A festive line-up to get you in the spirit
Somewhere between the first Christmas lights and the last mince pie, a trip to the theatre becomes part of the festive ritual. This year, County Durham has plenty to choose from.
Gala Durham in the city, Empire Consett and Bishop Auckland Town Hall have joined forces on a Christmas programme that runs from mid-November right through to New Year’s Eve.
There are original productions made in Durham, a pair of pantos, two versions of The Nutcracker, a much-loved animated classic with a live band and a sparkling Christmas concert on the big screen.
Whether you’re planning a treat for the little ones, a night out with friends or a cosy outing with the grandparents, there’s something here for everyone.
Rapunzel
Gala Durham, 19th November to 31st December 2026
Tickets: From £10, with 15% off family bookings of four tickets on selected performances
Gala Durham’s very own festive production is a fairytale with a distinctly local twist. Set in the tangled woods of Hamsterley, it follows kind-hearted Rapunzel, who lives alone in a mysterious tower with only a plucky red squirrel for company. Whispers of the fearsome Mistress Gothel haunt the forest paths, so Rapunzel and her new friends set off for the city of Durham to uncover her true identity and solve the mystery of the floating lanterns. Written by Gary Kitching and directed by Maria Crocker, it’s a magical family adventure packed with music, laughs and plenty of Durham charm.
The Royal Ballet: The Nutcracker (screening)
Gala Durham, Tuesday 8th December 2026 at 7.15pm
Tickets: £15 (£13 concessions), £10 Gala members
Peter Wright’s production of The Nutcracker is a festive favourite, and this Royal Ballet and Opera cinema season screening brings it to Screen 1 at Gala Durham for one night only. At a cosy Christmas party, young Clara meets the mysterious Drosselmeyer and is given a nutcracker doll, before being whisked away on an adventure through flurries of snow and glittering confectionery where toys come alive. Tchaikovsky’s sparkling score and Julia Trevelyan Oman’s period designs set the scene beautifully. It’s a lovely way to start December, with tickets at £15, £13 concessions, or £10 for Gala Members.
The Elves and the Shoemaker
Gala Durham, 8th to 24th December 2026
Tickets: £10
Gala Durham’s sole-ful family show is made for little ones. Suzie Shoes runs a shoe shop but, truth be told, she isn’t very good at making shoes. With Christmas fast approaching, she wakes to find that someone has been crafting beautiful pairs while she sleeps. Who are her mysterious night-time cobblers? Recommended for ages 3 to 7, this magical twist on the beloved fairytale is packed with music, puppetry, storytelling and audience interaction. With morning and afternoon performances and tickets at just £10, it’s an ideal first festive trip to the theatre, though most dates have already sold out.
Crown Ballet: The Nutcracker
Empire Consett, Saturday 14th November 2026 at 2.30pm
Tickets: £32 (£29 concessions), £24 under 16s
After last year’s acclaimed tour, Crown Ballet returns to Empire Consett with its dazzling production of Tchaikovsky’s festive masterpiece. Follow young Marie as her Nutcracker doll turns into a handsome prince and sweeps her away into a world of swirling snowflakes, magical battles and the sparkling Kingdom of Sweets. It’s a beautiful introduction to ballet for first-timers and a treasured tradition for seasoned fans, and it would make an elegant treat for a mother and daughter or a grandparent and grandchild. There’s just one afternoon performance, on 14th November, so don’t leave booking too late.
Beauty and the Beast
Empire Consett, 27th November to 31st December 2026
Tickets: From £10, with family discounts available (four tickets, minimum two under 16s)
Leah Bell and company return to Empire Consett with a tale as old as pantomime. Selfish Prince Rafael has been transformed into a Beast, and only his loyal household staff stand by him as the last petal falls from an enchanted rose. Expect dazzling costumes, hit songs, audience participation and a cast of favourite characters, from Louis the Lamplighter to Polly Potts and Patsy Pans. EastEnders favourite Cheryl Fergison stars as Polly alongside Leah Bell and Jason Jones. It’s a roar-some family outing that will have everyone booing, cheering and singing along, with tickets from £10 and family discounts available.
Robin Hood
Bishop Auckland Town Hall, Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th December 2026
Tickets: £17 (£15 concessions), £58 family ticket (minimum two under 16s), £13 groups of 25 or more
Mendes Management brings its laugh-out-loud Christmas panto to Bishop Auckland Town Hall for one weekend only. Back from the crusades, Robin Hood returns to Sherwood Forest as the heroic adventure comes to life, joined by the Sheriff of Nottingham, Maid Marian, Friar Tuck and a merry band of misfits. Expect classic panto comedy, slapstick routines and plenty of Christmas magic, with jokes that hit the bullseye for grown-ups and children alike. With matinee and early evening performances on both days, it’s an easy way to kick off the festive season with the whole family.
The Snowman in Concert with The EverReady Band
Bishop Auckland Town Hall, Saturday 12th December 2026 at 1pm
Tickets: £15 (£13 under 16s), £50 family ticket (minimum two under 16s)
Raymond Briggs’ beloved story comes to life in a very special way at Bishop Auckland Town Hall. The EverReady Band returns to perform the film’s much-loved score live while the wordless animation plays on screen, including the unforgettable Walking in the Air. First published in 1978, The Snowman has sold more than 8.5 million copies worldwide, and the film has been a fixture of British Christmases since it first aired in 1982. It’s a gentle, nostalgic afternoon out for all ages, and there’s a £50 family ticket for groups with at least two under-16s.
Jez Lowe & The Bad Pennies: Defrosted!
Bishop Auckland Town Hall, Thursday 17th December 2026 at 7.30pm
Tickets: £18 (£16 concessions)
Award-winning songwriter and BBC Radio 4 presenter Jez Lowe is back at Bishop Auckland Town Hall with his band The Bad Pennies for an evening of seasonal songs, old favourites and toe-tapping tunes. Expect a whistle-stop tour of the music and traditions of County Durham, Tyneside and Northumberland, played on guitars, fiddle, Northumbrian pipes, bass and piano, with harmony vocals and plenty of witty banter along the way. Perfect for a night out with friends or a cosy treat for a music-loving relative, this local Christmas favourite is a guaranteed way to get you in the festive mood.
André Rieu’s 2026 Christmas Concert: Let It Snow (screening)
Empire Consett, Saturday 5th December at 7pm
Bishop Auckland Town Hall, Thursday 10th December at 7pm
Tickets: £15 (£13 concessions)
Settle in for a night of festive glamour on the big screen as André Rieu’s 2026 Christmas Concert, Let It Snow, comes to both Empire Consett and Bishop Auckland Town Hall. The Dutch violinist is joined by his Johann Strauss Orchestra, exceptional sopranos and a powerful 120-voice male choir for a heartwarming mix of Christmas classics, enchanting waltzes and magical surprises. Whether you’re a devoted fan or simply fancy an evening of cheer, it’s a feel-good celebration the whole family can enjoy.
