Experience the of Christmas Town

Step into a world of festive wonder at Bishop Auckland’s Christmas Town, 4-7 December 2025! Join us for four unforgettable days filled with twinkling lights, enchanting markets, live entertainment, and the magic of Santa’s Grotto.

Book your tickets now and create cherished memories with your loved ones.

An annual collaborative event organised by Bishop Auckland Town Council, Baccanalia and Bridge Creative.

Book Your Visit Today

Booking is now open for Christmas Town 2025. Choose your Pass below and join the festive magic!

Christmas Town Golden Pass

From £12 per person

Unlimited access to all of the below on your chosen day(s):

Tipi & Tidings Pass

From £6 per person

Explore the markets, then cosy up in our heated Tipis, includes:

What's On

Looking up Things to do in Bishop Auckland at Christmas or December Christmas events in Bishop Auckland?

See our exciting list of activities & events below and plan your visit with our full schedule HERE.

This image shows two women, both smiling and laughing in a festive setting. You can see Christmas decorations in the background, and the women are standing in front of a table with craft items, including little houses and a small white tree sculpture. The image suggests a Christmas craft fair in a cheerful community setting.

Explore the Festive Market

Discover unique crafts, seasonal foods, and gifts from local vendors. Enjoy the festive atmosphere and find the perfect holiday treasures.

This image shows a scene with many people sitting at wooden tables, eating festive food and drinks. There are bright decorative lights in the background, and some of the people are seated around a burning fire pit. Glasses of beer can be seen on a surface next to the fire pit or fireplace. It appears to be a festive Christmas or winter event in a warm, sheltered seating area where people can buy drinks at a bar. There is a large wreath hanging from what appears to be a tepee structure, as well as bright fairy lights.

Giant Tipis

Get cosy round the fire in our giant tipis, where crackling flames, warm drinks, and sparkling entertainment keep the chill at bay.

This image shows a man dressed as Santa Claus sitting in a festive Christmas scene with a Christmas tree decorated in colourful lights. A young boy is standing in front of Santa, holding a square-shaped present wrapped in Christmas-themed paper. Red and gold gift boxes with red ribbons are visible in the background just behind Santa. This appears to be a photo from a Santa’s Grotto Christmas event.

Visit Santa's Grotto

Create special holiday memories for your children. Meet Santa, share Christmas wishes, and receive a special gift in our magical grotto.

An image of two women sitting on carousel horses on a bright, colourful carousel amusement fairground ride at night. The scene appears very festive and set at a Christmas event.

Fairground Fun

Enjoy thrilling rides at our traditional Christmas fairground. Ride as many times as you like with a Golden Pass.

Christmas Classics by Wor Vera. Lady in a santa outfit smiling and singing

Christmas Classics with Wor Vera

A festive collection of Christmas songs recorded by the singer Dame Vera Lynn

Christmas Parade

Created by Jack Drum Arts and proudly brought to life by Bishop Auckland Town Council, the town will come alive with Samba-drumming Elves, towering puppets, dancers, and the majestic Ice King & Queen.

colourful red Christmas tree star decorations

Christmas Tree Festival

Experience the magic of the Bishop Auckland Christmas Tree Festival - where creativity shines bright and community spirit sparkles!

Breakfast with Santa

Enjoy a magical morning with Santa, from festive family breakfasts filled with laughter.

Delicious Street Food

A specially curated line-up of street food fills the air with the best Christmas smells, from schnitzels to sizzling bratwurst, mulled wine, and sweet churros dusted with sugar.

Musician and singer performing under a sheltered pavilion that is decorated with festive lights

Live Entertainment

Experience live music, performances, and entertainment acts for all ages, including our evening shows in the Tipis on Friday and Saturday night.

Wandering Performers

Be enchanted by our roaming performers filling every corner with surprise and delight – from magicians and musicians to stilt walkers and storytellers.

Ice Skating

Unlimited ice skating included in your Christmas Town Golden Pass. Glide across the market place whilst lights twinkle all around.

Motown Gospel Choir

Saturday night in the Tipis with the incredible Motown Gospel Choir, led by The Voice finalist Rachel Modest, bringing us a special Christmas show!

A party scene at a festive Christmas event with people dancing to live music. This image is taken inside a tipi tent with decorative garlands and lights. Disco laser lights and people dancing in a jolly, merry venue.

The Elves' Arms Christmas Party

Christmas Party season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with your nearest and dearest in our Giant Tipis, blasting out your festive favourites!

Three people wearing festive Christmas-themed jumpers, each writing on pieces of paper on a wooden table. There are colourful decorative lights in the background. The scene appears to be a festive venue with people taking part in a fun activity.

The Big Christmas Quiz

Join us in the Giant Tipis on Thursday evening as we kick off Christmas Town with the Big Christmas Quiz! Bring your mates and expect crazy prizes, pints and a lot of laughs.

An image showing several people sitting at a large wooden table. A person dressed as Santa Claus is sitting at the head of the table, a young child sits on the right-hand side, and a woman sits on the left-hand side. There is also a young girl toddler sitting next to Santa. There are glasses of orange juice, pancakes and other delicious breakfast food items. In the background, there are Christmas decorations, including string lights and wreaths hanging from a wooden tipi shelter. A lovely, warm and cosy festive family scene.

Baby Meets Santa

Come join our gentle Baby Meets Santa sessions perfect for your little one’s first Christmas experience.

Plus So Much More

Christmas Town's Heritage

Now in its 5th year, Bishop Auckland’s Christmas Town has become a much-loved tradition, transforming the town each December into the Christmas Capital of the North. Since its beginnings, we’ve welcomed thousands of visitors to experience festive magic, markets, entertainment and unforgettable family memories – and we can’t wait to welcome you this year.