It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

And while many of us will no doubt be busy present shopping and at Christmas parties, there’s plenty more going on in County Durham to get you in the festive mood.

Cllr Elizabeth Scott, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “We’re really excited for Christmas - it’s the most wonderful time of the year, as the song says.

“Of course, we have a wonderful time in County Durham – ‘The Culture County’ - all year round but certainly this Christmas there is plenty on offer for people of all ages, whether that be a trip to a panto or seeing Santa!

“Events like this are not just fun for all the family but also help our economy by attracting people to our city, towns and villages to spend money in our businesses and attractions.

“We hope everyone has a wonderful and peaceful festive period whatever they are doing.”

Here’s seven things you can do in County Durham this Christmas:

1. Beauty and the Beast

Be transported into a world of magic, music and merriment as Gala Durham marks the   festive season in traditional panto style. A magical twist on the classic tale, set in the French town of Chester-le-Rue, runs at the venue until New Year’s Eve. To find out more and to buy tickets, visit Gala Durham or call 03000 266600.

2. Cinderella (Empire Consett)

Packed full of adventure, fun, dazzling costumes, hit songs, audience participation, and all your favourite characters – Leah Bell and company return in 2024 to present the most magical fairy tale of them all – Cinderella. This show at Empire Consett runs until New Year’s Eve with tickets available online at empireconsett.co.uk/galapost/cinderella/

3. Bishop Auckland’s Christmas Town

A full ten days of holiday magic are lined up at Bishop Auckland until Sunday 8 December, with festive celebrations, the chance to meet Santa, delightful attractions, and plenty of community spirit. Produced by Baccanalia and Bridge Creative, Christmas Town is supported by Durham County Council and The Auckland Project. Find out more at bishopaucklandschristmastown.co.uk and www.facebook.com/BAChristmasTown

4. Christmas Unboxed at The Story

As a festive treat, the team at The Story in Durham will be unboxing Christmas-themed items from the attraction’s collections on Tuesdays (11am), Wednesdays (11am) and Thursdays (2pm) until 19 December. These ten-minute talks are free and there’s no need to book. To find out more, visit thestorydurham.org/whats-on/christmas-at-the-story/christmas-unboxed-at-the-story/

5. Durham Christmas Festival

Begin the festive season with three markets jam-packed with unique and beautiful gift ideas, and fabulous seasonal food and drink, across the weekend of Friday 6 to Sunday 8 December. There’s also a city full of Christmas entertainment, with the Children’s Lantern Parade on the afternoon of Saturday 7 December being one of the highlights. Find out more at durhamchristmasfestival.com/

6. Cinderella (Bishop Auckland Town Hall)

The downtrodden Cinders breaks free to discover new love in the form of a dashing Prince Charming and overcome the tomfoolery of her Ugly Sisters (who just love the boos too much!) – all with the help of her foolhardy friend Buttons, and her Fairy Godmother of course! Tickets are available for this panto fave at Bishop Auckland Town Hall on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 December. Find out more at bishopaucklandtownhall.org.uk/bishoppost/Cinderella

7. Christmas Sunday Family Activities

Join the team at The Story in Durham for festive family fun as it explores the history of county pantomimes, and how they compare to the pantos we see today, on Sunday 15 December from 10am to 4pm. Entry is free and no advance booking is required. Find out more at thestorydurham.org/whats-on/fun-for-families/