Bishop Auckland’s Christmas Town returns from Thursday 3 to Sunday 6 December 2026, bringing Christmas markets, family attractions and festive entertainment to the heart of Bishop Auckland, County Durham.
Christmas Town is free to enter. Visitors can explore the market, enjoy the lights and soak up the atmosphere, with Golden Passes available for those wanting to enjoy the attractions.
The event is produced by Baccanalia, a locally based, not-for-profit cultural organisation, with Bishop Auckland Town Council as Principal Partner.
Bringing people into the heart of Bishop Auckland
Christmas Town has a social purpose at its heart: bringing people together, creating shared experiences and supporting the town’s economy.
Holding the celebration in the Market Place puts those experiences alongside Bishop Auckland’s existing shops, cafés and pubs. It gives residents another reason to spend time in their town centre and offers visitors the opportunity to discover businesses and places they might otherwise pass by.
Visitors are encouraged to make a day or evening of it, combining the festivities with Christmas shopping, a meal or a catch-up in one of the town’s cafés. For local businesses, the event offers an opportunity to welcome new customers and give them a reason to return.
Culture and the town’s public spaces
Christmas Town’s focus on bringing people into the town centre reflects the wider ambition to make Bishop Auckland a welcoming place to live, work and visit.
The regeneration programme’s plans for town centre public spaces recognise how flexible spaces and improved lighting can create opportunities for events.
Christmas Town illustrates the role cultural activity can play in that ambition: giving people reasons to gather, enjoy familiar streets in a different way and make new memories close to home.
Plan your Christmas Town visit
A Golden Pass includes unlimited rides on the Ferris Wheel, Twister, Helter Skelter and Fun House, plus the Mystery Attraction, curling lane, Tipi entry and 10% off at Christmas Town bars.
Golden Passes cost £5 on Thursday, £7.50 on Friday and £10 on Saturday or Sunday, and are valid for the day selected when booking.
Santa’s Grotto is an optional addition, requiring a separate Grotto Pass alongside your Golden Pass. Food and drink are purchased separately.
Whether you are planning a family outing or an evening with friends, make Bishop Auckland part of your Christmas.
