Christmas displays unveiled at Auckland Project in Bishop Auckland

The Auckland Project in Bishop Auckland is offering visitors the chance to explore and enjoy a series of seasonal spectacles across three of its attractions from now until New Year’s Eve.

They include the exquisite Christmas Garland decorating the Throne Room at Auckland Castle and a monumental Neapolitan Nativity scene from the 18th century, together with 100 Christmas trees, in the as-yet-unseen Faith Museum.

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The ‘O Little Town’ gingerbread models (Image: Contributor)

The ‘O Little Town’ gingerbread model features Auckland Castle, St Peter’s Chapel, the Deer House, Auckland Tower, the Spanish Gallery, the Mining Art Gallery and Stanhope Station.

It will be on display inside Auckland Tower until the end of the year with tickets priced at £4 each.

Jon O’Donoghue, commercial director at The Auckland Project, said: “This is the first time The Auckland Project has offered a full Christmas programme of events and experiences and we can’t wait to welcome visitors to enjoy them.

“Christmas is a time when faith, family and fun come together more than ever, and this has been at the centre of our ambitions for the Winter Experience.”

Over at Auckland Castle, more than 30,000 dried flowers have been used to create the garland which is decorating the magnificent Throne Room in stunning fashion.

Meanwhile in the Faith Museum’s dramatic gallery, visitors will be invited to step into the building for the first time - it’s scheduled to open autumn 2023 - to take in the rare sight of an 18th century Baroque créche known in Italian as a Presepe.

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Neapolitan Nativity scene from the 18th century (Image: Contributor)

The Nativity scene, which measures a remarkable 11ft tall and 15ft wide is one of the most impressive and important examples outside Italy and brings together classical and Christian mythology with the traditional folk culture of everyday Naples.

Purchased by Zurburán Trust from the Porcini family’s private collection, the incredible display features 421 items including bawdy street-sellers, raucous musicians and boisterous children alongside the familiar sacred elements of the Holy Family, wise men, angels and shepherds.

A wonderful and rare example of a Neapolitan créche, boasting high quality craftmanship and detail, the display is sure to become a staple of The Auckland Project’s Christmas offer for years to come.

Also on the Christmas menu are festive afternoon teas and dining experiences in the Castle’s Old Library, for which bookings are already filling up.

The countdown to Christmas at The Auckland Project has started (Image: Contributor)

Mr O’Donoghue said: “We want to put The Auckland Project at the heart of Christmas in Bishop Auckland, creating new traditions people will look forward to and enjoy with their loved ones year on year.”

The Auckland Project Winter Experience ticket is now available and includes access to Auckland Castle, the Faith Gallery and Auckland Tower. Tickets cost £7 for children (under 5s free), £14 for adults, £21 for families with one adult and £35 for families with 2 adults.

Individual time-slotted tickets for The Auckland Project in gingerbread  at Auckland Tower are available to purchase separately for £4 per person.

Festive Afternoon Tea and other Christmas dining options should be booked in advance.

Tickets can also be pre-booked online for the Spanish Gallery and Mining Art Gallery, with Dali’s Christ of St John of the Cross on display in the Spanish Gallery until December 4th.

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