Bishop Auckland’s Christmas Town opens for 2025 – in pictures

Last year’s event drew 32,000 visitors to the town over, with the 2025 edition hoping to bring even more.

Now in its fifth year, the organisers say the event is bigger and better than last year’s.

As well as festive markets, fairground rides, street food, an ice rink and Santa’s Grotto, new additions include shuggy boats, and an 80-foot vintage fairground ‘Lightning Skid’ ride, a bit like a waltzer.

Crowds descend on the town centre on opening night. (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

This pair had a whale of a time on the ‘Lightning Skid’ ride. (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

A Christmas parade with Samba drumming elves, dancers, and giant puppets including Santa will also take place on Friday night. The parade will set off from the town council offices on Kingsway, along Newgate Street and through the Market Place, finishing outside the Town Hall.

Visitors tucked into hog roasts, woodfired pizza and pancakes.

The Ferris wheel stands tall over the food stalls below. (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Some got a thrill as they took a ride on the Ferris wheel, carousel, and other attractions.

People wrapped up warm and turned out for the first night of the event. (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

The Christmas Town runs every night until and including Sunday (December 7).