Christmas Markets UKThe 2026 season, market by market

Durham Christmas Festival

Friday 4 – Sunday 6 December 2026 Opens in 55 days

Friday and Saturday 9am–5.30pm; Sunday 9am–4.30pm (2026)

Craft & Producers' Marquee, Palace Green (between Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle), Durham, County Durham · North East England

MakersFood & drinkCathedralLive music Ticketed entry 120 stalls

Durham Cathedral's towers and long nave across the wide lawn of Palace Green, framed by old university buildings in warm evening light
Durham Cathedral from Palace Green, where the Durham Christmas Festival's craft and producers' marquee is set up (photo 2020) — Photo: TSP, CC BY-SA 4.0

A three-day festive craft and producers' fair in a large marquee on Palace Green, beside Durham Cathedral.

Durham's Christmas Festival centres on a big Craft & Producers' Marquee on Palace Green, the historic square between the cathedral and the castle in the World Heritage Site. Over 120 stalls sell artwork, handmade gifts, decorations, homewares, clothing and festive food and drink, many run by the makers themselves.

Street food traders set up between the marquee and the cathedral, with seating and live Christmas music. Marquee entry is booked in advance online (bring your booking confirmation) or bought at the door.

Dates by season

SeasonDatesStatus
2026–27 Fri 4 – Sun 6 Dec 2026 Coming up
Add to calendar (Fri 4 – Sun 6 Dec 2026)
2025–26 Fri 5 – Sun 7 Dec 2025Fri–Sat 9am–6pm, Sun 9am–4.30pm Held

Dates are taken from the market’s own website or official announcements and were last checked on 6 October 2026. Plans can change, so please check with the organiser before you travel. Spotted a change? Tell us.

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