A stately home in the North East has been revealed among the best to visit this Christmas, where visitors can “get the festive party started”.

Auckland Palace in Bishop Auckland has been praised by The Guardian which will be “dressed for Christmas in shades of wine-red, gold and white” for the first time this year.

Plus, visitors can also experience Aglow among the many festivities in County Durham, where the palace’s gardens and grounds “sparkle with a light trail and installations”.

Introducing its seasonal event guide, the publisher wrote: “Scrooge, Santa, polar bears, gingerbread and light shows are among this year’s seasonal family delights at castles, palaces and Palladian piles throughout the UK.”

@ella93a #AGLOW #bishopauckland #aucklandcastle #aucklandcastleaglow #christmaslights #christmasvibes #magic #isbeginningtolookalotlikechristmas #fyp ♬ Carol of the Bells - Instrumental - Russell Davis & Roy Vogt & Michael Green & Marty Crum & Jeff Kirk & David Angell & Carrie Bailey & Steve Patrick & Nancy Allen & Ginger Newman & Sarah Valley

You can see all the UK’s best-named historic houses and gardens to visit this Christmas here.

Why Auckland Palace is among best stately homes this Christmas

The Guardian shared: “Once home to the prince bishops of Durham, Auckland Palace features in Bishop Auckland’s Christmas offerings for the first time this year.

“The palace reopened in 2019 as part of a £150m conservation project and this year 12 rooms, including the Long Dining Room and chapel, will be dressed for Christmas in shades of wine-red, gold and white.

“The surrounding gardens and grounds sparkle with a light trail and installations, Aglow, including neon trees and the 100-metre-long twinkly tunnel above the recently restored walled garden.

“Don’t miss Santa’s Village for a live show and hot drinks. The neighbouring Faith Museum, opened in 2023, has a big 18th-century nativity scene from Naples and entrance is free with a ticket for the palace.”

Someone who attended Aglow at Auckland Palace last year said on Google reviews: “My only experience of visiting here was for the Christmas lights 'aglow'. They were fabulous. Nice and spread out, different themes along the way. Not too many people at once like some others I have been to it felt relaxed. Would book again if on next year. Dogs allowed. Food available.”

See what's on in your area via our local events page See what's on in your area via our local events page (Image: Newsquest) Another added: “We went for the Christmas light show - well worth the money. Around a 1.5 mile walk around the site, with plenty along the way to see and do, including food stalls. A part of the projected light show was on the castle using Tchaikovsky's nut cracker music.”

Did you go to Aglow last year?Did you go to Aglow last year? (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) Recommended reading:

The festivities inside Auckland Palace run from November 15 until December 31 excluding Christmas Day, and Monday and Tuesday until December 16.

Tickets cost £20 per adult, £12.50 per child and £52.50 per family.

Aglow also runs from November 22 – tickets cost £21.75 per adult, £14.75 per child and £68 per family.

Find more information on the Auckland Project website.