Bishop Auckland's Christmas Town
Visitors can wander through the Christmas market, encounter free roaming entertainers, and discover festive light installations across the town centre. Those with attractions passes can enjoy unlimited turns on the Ferris Wheel, traditional Helter Skelter, Twister, Fun House, and curling lane. The festivities also feature live music in the Giant Tipis and optional visits to Santa's Grotto.
See more Christmas markets near Bishop Auckland
Plan Your Visit
Website / Tickets
When
Tickets
General entry is free. Golden Pass: £5 per person Thursday, £7.50 Friday, and £10 Saturday or Sunday; pass prices may be higher at the event or box office. A Golden Pass covers one booked day and repeat access to the included attractions during their opening hours; a separate pass is needed for each additional day. Santa’s Grotto is extra: £5 per child, plus a £2 Adult Grotto Pass for accompanying adults and older siblings not receiving a gift. Children aged 2 and under may accompany family into the Grotto without either Pass if they are not receiving a gift. The page also advertises Thursday attractions for £20 for a family of four, and a Thursday package for £34 for two adults and two children including attractions and Santa’s Grotto. Food, drinks and shopping are purchased separately. Golden Pass holders get 10% off at Christmas Town bars.
Hours
Thursday 4pm to 8pm; Friday 4pm to 9pm; Saturday 10am to 8pm; Sunday 10am to 6pm. The Tipis are open ’til late.
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Town Centre
Food & Drink
Hot chocolate and winter treats are available to buy, and Golden Pass holders get 10% off at Christmas Town bars.
Parking
For North Bondgate car park, use DL14 7PG.
Accessibility
Personal assistant (PA) passes and visitor support can be arranged by emailing info@bishopaucklandschristmastown.co.uk.
Going?
Location
Tips & Advice
- Book Golden Passes in advance because daily availability is limited and strong demand is expected; remaining on-site passes may cost more.
- Bring your digital booking confirmation and arrive early to collect your Pass at the box office and allow time for queues.
- For North Bondgate car park, use postcode DL14 7PG to navigate there.
- Dress for the weather and check event updates before travelling, as Christmas Town includes outdoor attractions.
- Tipi entry is subject to capacity and may involve a queue; under-18s cannot enter after 8pm.
Special Events & Promotions
- Entry to the market, roaming entertainment and festive installations is free; a Golden Pass is required for attractions and Tipis.
- Golden Pass holders receive 10% off at Christmas Town bars.
- Children aged 2 and under may enter Santa’s Grotto without a pass if they are not receiving a gift.
- A Golden Pass is required for each person using the attractions; children aged 8 and under need an accompanying adult with a Golden Pass for the Twister and Ferris Wheel.
- A separate Grotto Pass is required for each child visiting Santa; accompanying adults and older siblings not receiving a gift need an Adult Grotto Pass.
Links & Contact
Run by Baccanalia
Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does everyone need a pass to enter?
No, Christmas Town is free to enter for browsing the market, enjoying the light installations, and seeing roaming entertainment. Passes are only required for the rides, curling lane, Giant Tipis, and Santa's Grotto.
What does the Golden Pass include?
The Golden Pass provides unlimited access to the Ferris Wheel, Helter Skelter, Twister, Fun House, Mystery Attraction, and curling lane, as well as entry to the Giant Tipis and a 10% discount at event bars.
Are there age restrictions for the rides?
Children aged 3 and older can use all attractions, but children aged 8 and under must ride the Ferris Wheel and Twister accompanied by an adult who also holds a pass.
Are children allowed inside the Giant Tipis?
Children are welcome in the Tipis during the day, but under-18s are not permitted inside after 8pm.
Is Santa's Grotto included with the Golden Pass?
No, Santa's Grotto requires an additional Grotto Pass booked alongside a Golden Pass for each person entering, except children aged 2 and under who accompany family without receiving a gift.
Browse Christmas in Bishop Auckland
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.