News Beat
Everything to know ahead of Bishop Auckland Christmas Town
Last year the event drew 32,000 visitors and the 2025 edition promises even more spectacle across the historic marketplace and town centre.
Here is everything you need to know ahead of the Christmas Town this year:
Expect festive markets, fairground rides, street food, an ice rink, Santa’s Grotto and a packed schedule of family entertainment.
New highlights include shuggy boats, Lightning Skid, which is an 80 foot vintage fairground ride, and a newly commissioned Christmas parade created by Crook based Jack Drum Arts for Bishop Auckland Town Council.
The celebration is co produced by Baccanalia for Culture CIC and Bridge Creative Enterprise CIC, which supports neurodivergent adults and people with learning disabilities into creative and events sector employment.
Visitors can expect more than 35 festive stalls, giant heated tipis, a snow globe, ice skating, Santa experiences for all ages, wandering performers, the Christmas Tree Festival, live Motown Gospel choir sets, The Big Christmas Quiz and inclusive quiet sessions delivered with local charity LittleSENDsations.
Fairground favourites include the Ferris Wheel, Shuggy Boats, Kids Carousel and Lightning Skid. Food traders will serve winter warmers from schnitzels to churros plus mulled wine.
Two passes offer extra perks. The Golden Pass gives unlimited skating, rides, tipi access and live shows. The Tipi & Tidings Pass provides priority entry to evening entertainment and a souvenir cup.
The Christmas Town Parade makes its first appearance this year. Commissioned by Bishop Auckland Town Council and produced by Jack Drum Arts, it will feature Samba drumming elves, dancers, mischievous elves, giant puppets including Santa and an Ice King and Queen, held on Friday, December 5.
The parade sets off from the Town Council office on Kingsway, moves along Newgate Street and loops through the Market Place, finishing outside the Town Hall.
Sarah Harris, town clerk at Bishop Auckland Town Council, said: “The town council are absolutely delighted to bring this new parade to Bishop Auckland, as a further addition to our Christmas offering. It’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate together, showcase creativity, and make Christmas even more special for our residents and visitors.”
Bishop Auckland offers plenty to explore beyond the festivities with Auckland Castle, The Auckland Project museums and galleries, local eateries and the award winning outdoor spectacle Kynren.
Visitors are encouraged to dress warmly as most activities take place outdoors. Booking passes in advance is recommended and organisers advise planning travel ahead.
Full programme details are available at the Bishop Auckland Christmas Town website.
