Bishop Auckland Christmas Town is fast approaching! With new attractions, live entertainment, and cosy winter vibes, it’s the perfect way to experience a real community atmosphere and get into the Christmas spirit.
Entry to the not-for-profit Christmas Town event is FREE, however, a selection of attractions are ticketed, and are now available to purchase at www.bishopaucklandschristmastown.co.uk or by calling 01388 540823.
Here’s what to expect…
• Merry Makers Workshops – Escape the hustle and bustle, enjoy a prosecco, and treats while you embark on your creative journey, crafting a gorgeous gift or festive décor for your home.
• Traditional Rides – Start your Christmas Town journey with a spin on our classic magical carousel or soar high above our historic marketplace on the Ferris Wheel!
• Santa’s Grotto – Experience the heart of Christmas Town at Santa’s Grotto where childhood dreams come to life.
• Ice Rink – Slide into winter on Christmas Town’s synthetic ice rink! Perfect for first timers, the rink is suitable for children and beginners alike.
• Christmas Bandstand – A celebration of community, music, and the spirit of Christmas, the bandstand will feature local musicians, performers, and community groups bringing the joyous spirit of Christmas to the markets.
• Christmas Markets – The Christmas Village will come alive with markets full of hot food, sweet treats, and unique gifts from talented local makers. The Newgate Shopping Centre will feature indoor markets, as well as the craft market inside No.42. Historic Fore Bondgate also boasts an array of independent shops and eateries, open every day.
• Character Meet-And-Greets – The chance for little ones to meet their favourite characters from the stories they know and love!
• Giant Tipi Bars – Smoke-free fire pits, a fully stocked bar, festive drinks, mulled wine and a selection of hot and cold drinks, will be in the heated Giant Tipi Bar – the perfect place to unwind and embrace the Christmas Town spirit.
The Giant Tipi Bar is FREE to enter and open from 16:00 Mon-Fri, and 10:00, Sat-Sun but on special nights it becomes the most popular venue in town with a full programme of live music and performances that are ticketed.
Christmas Town Opening Times
Friday 29th November – 16:00 – 20:00* (23.30)
Saturday 30th November – 10:00 – 20:00* (23.30)
Sunday 1st November – 10:00 – 18:00
Monday 2nd December – 15:00 – 20:00
Tuesday 3rd December – 15:00 – 20:00
Wednesday 4th December – 15:00 – 20:00
Thursday 5th December – 15:00 – 20:00* (22.30)
Friday 6th December – 15:00 – 20:00* (23.30)
Saturday 7th December – 10:00 – 20:00* (23.30)
Sunday 8th December – 10:00 – 18:00
*Please note that ticketed shows in our Giant Tipi Bars will continue after the official event closing times, and that the times in brackets are the end times for these shows.
Car Parking
The official car park for Bishop Auckland’s Christmas Town is the Newgate Centre Car-Park (DL14 7JQ). The car park will be open until 9pm on all event days aside from Sundays when the car park will close at 7pm.
Road Closures
Road Closures will be in place from 7pm, 28th November until 1am, 9th December. These closures will be in place 24 hours a day across this period, unless otherwise specified below.
Access from North Bondgate to Wear Chare, Silver Street, Castle Chare & Durham Road will be maintained via the one-way system running behind the Town Hall towards Durham Road. Castle Chair will, therefore, be inaccessible from Durham Road, and road users should enter the area via North Bondgate.
Fore Bondgate will be closed to traffic for the duration listed above but will re-open between 6-11am, Monday 2nd – Friday 6th December.
For more information on road closures please see our FAQs on our website – http://www.bishopaucklandschristmastown.co.uk/
Christmas Town is produced by Baccanalia and Bridge Creative and continues to thrive thanks to the generous support of its principal partner, Bishop Auckland Town Council, sponsor Bishop Auckland College, and partnerships with local businesses and organisations.
