Bishop Auckland's Christmas Town

02/09/2025

✨ We’re gearing up for our biggest and best Christmas Town yet – and we want YOU to be part of it! 🎄

💝 We want to hear from Gift Traders. Whether you sell Christmas classics or something totally unique, we’d love to showcase your creations 🎁

👉 Apply to trade with us here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1UJw2JIBRQRi1ZnSeNjdODN8niHi5d6WJ/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=111765118151391832714&rtpof=true&sd=true

📅 Closing date for gift trader applications: 26th September 2025

Let’s make this year the most magical Christmas Town so far! ✨

27/08/2025

✨🎄 Long ago, in the heart of Bishop Auckland, a sleepy marketplace began to shimmer with twinkling lights and whispers of Christmas magic… and once a year, it transforms into something truly extraordinary. 🌟

📖 That time has come again - bookings for Christmas Town are now OPEN!

🎟️ Choose your Pass, gather your loved ones, and step into the story this 4–7 December.

👉 Visit www.bishopaucklandschristmastown.co.uk to unwrap your Christmas Town experience.

26/08/2025

✨🎄 The wait is nearly over… 🎄✨

🚨 Bookings for Bishop Auckland’s Christmas Town 2025 open TOMORROW at 6pm!

🎟️ Choose your Pass, plan your perfect festive adventure, and get ready for unlimited rides, the ice rink, Santa’s Grotto, Tipis, live shows, markets and more.

🌐 All the details you need are waiting on our brand new website – explore now and start your countdown! www.bishopaucklandschristmastown.co.uk

👉 Will you be joining us at the Christmas Capital of the North? Let us know by joining the event page here: https://www.facebook.com/events/802707029087175/

21/08/2025

✨🎄 Bishop Auckland’s Christmas Town is back! 🎄✨

📅 4–7 December 2025

🎅 We’re so excited to announce that Christmas Town will return to Bishop Auckland this December!

🌟 Expect all your favourites – twinkling lights, festive markets, the cosy tipi, live entertainment, and plenty of Christmas magic.

🎟️ This year, we’re shaking things up… instead of paying for each attraction individually, we’re introducing a brand-new unlimited wristband system 🎠✨ – making it simpler, more affordable, and even more fun for families, friends, and festive explorers.

🗓️ Tickets go on sale next week – and trust us, you won’t want to miss it.

🎅 Save the dates, gather your elves, and get ready to step back into the magic of Bishop Auckland’s Christmas Town 2025.

25/06/2025

It’s 6 months until Christmas! When do you like to start your holiday shopping?

06/12/2024

It looks like we're not the only ones who had to make the devastating decision to cancel this weekend.

The winds are predicted to increase further this evening which meant today was our only safe window to pack down the site without endangering our team or members of the public.

Stay safe everyone!

A number of Christmas events this weekend have been cancelled as the North East is set to be battered by 65 to 70mph winds as more are likely to…

05/12/2024

❤️ Support Our Local Traders Affected by Christmas Town Closure

🥺 We're devastated to close Christmas Town because of the impending weather conditions. This sudden change leaves our traders and local businesses with surplus stock intended for the weekend. Christmas Town is run by local non-profits, so this loss is something we, too, have to work through. But for now, please support those in the town who depend on this event.

Let's come together as a community to support these businesses by purchasing their goods. Your support will make a significant difference during this challenging time.

Just a Littlemore
Crafty Creations
Local Delights
Calder's Kitchen
Weardale Cheese
Doughvine Desserts
The little poffertje pancake shack
Crepes Gourmet
Brown & Blond
The Auckland Cupcake Co.
Simply Cheesecake
Reny's Ark
Sarah’s Treats Bishop Auckland
The Dales Fudge Co
Choco Cup
The Hedgehog Bakery
Caitlin’s Sweet Treats & Cakes
Pure Pet Food
Sanders Cove Crystals
Unlocking Treasures
Little LilyBug Creations
Cassie’s Kitchen
Chicken Ting
Caps Off
Labyrinth
Unlocking Treasures
Fifteas Vintage Tearoom
Alpine 21
The Heart of Raw
And other local businesses.

Please reach out to these traders directly through their social media pages or visit their local shops to make purchases.

05/12/2024

🚨 Important Announcement: Changes to Christmas Town Schedule 🚨

It is with heavy hearts that we announce Bishop Auckland's Christmas Town will be closed this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday due to Storm Darragh and expected winds of 60mph+. Your safety is our top priority, and while this decision is devastating after a year of planning, it is the right one.

💫 Tonight's opening hours will continue as usual from 3-8pm, where you can enjoy the magic of Christmas Town, with Bandaoke starting from 7:30pm in the Giant Tipi Bar FOR FREE.

🎟️ Those who have tickets booked for the weekend have been contacted by email.

Bishop Auckland's Christmas Town is a non-profit event created by Bridge Creative and Baccanalia For Culture CIC for our community and local businesses. Sadly, the best way we can serve you now is to prioritise your safety.

For safety reasons, please do not come to the site this Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. If you have questions, please contact [email protected]. Please share this post and help us spread the message 💖

Stay safe,
Thomas & Ben

Please note, AGLOW is operated by The Auckland Project and is a separate event. Please refer to their page for questions regarding AGLOW.

05/12/2024

🌟 Meanwhile at Christmas Town… 🎄✨

There’s magic in the air, and it’s not just the snowflakes falling! ❄️ Our Christmas Town is the place where little faces light up with wonder – from the giggles at the carousel 🎠 to the excitement of meeting Santa in his cosy grotto 🎅. And let’s be honest, the adults? They’re lighting up just as much! 🌟

It’s incredible to see grown-ups rediscovering the joy of Christmas – spinning on the Ferris wheel 🎡, gliding (or wobbling) on the ice rink ⛸️, and singing along to the festive tunes at the bandstand 🎤. It's pure magic watching families come together, sharing laughter, memories, and festive cheer.

And let’s not forget the Giant Tipi 🔥 – a warm, welcoming retreat where everyone can sip mulled wine 🍷, share stories, and soak up the Christmas vibes.

🎄 Starting again today at 3 PM!
Whether you’re shopping at the markets 🛍️, joining in the merriment, or simply watching your little ones beam with excitement, Christmas Town has something for everyone.

And don't forget the Bandaoke starting at 7:30 in the Tipi!

📍 Bishop Auckland Market Place
💻 More info: bishopaucklandschristmastown.co.uk
📸 Follow us for updates: Bishop Auckland's Christmas Town

Come along and let the magic of Christmas Town brighten your day! 🌟 You won’t want to miss it – the memories are waiting to be made!

05/12/2024

🎄✨ Day 7: Thursday, 5th December 2024 🎅❄️
Hello Bishop Auckland! Day 7 is here, and it’s going to be lush! We’ve got festive vibes, heart-warming entertainment, and cheeky surprises lined up. Open from 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM, here’s everything happening at Christmas Town today:

🎅 Santa’s Grotto & Portal to the North Pole
Step into Santa’s magical grotto and meet the big man himself! 🎁 Share your Christmas wishes, receive a special gift, and journey through the enchanting Portal to the North Pole with our delightful Elfineers.

📍 Location: Santa’s Workshop, Newgate Centre
⏰ Time: 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
🎟️ Tickets: From £13 per child (price depends on group size).
✨ Highlights of the Portal:
❄️ Magical bubbles and snow.
📞 Christmas storytelling on the festive phone.
⚙️ Spin the cogs to unlock magical surprises!
🌌 Infinity light tubes – pure festive magic.

🎟 Tickets are limited – grab yours at bishopaucklandschristmastown.co.uk.

🎤 Bandstand Performances
Tonight’s live line-up on the bandstand is one not to miss! Join us for some of the best local talent:

4:30 PM: Charlotte Forman
5:30 PM: Phil & Ed
6:30 PM: BA College Performing Arts
7:30 PM: Carrie Steele
🎶 Let’s show these talented performers some love! 🌟

🔥 Giant Heated Tipi
Pop into the tipi for a cosy chill-out session. It’s free to enter all day, and the mulled wine is calling your name! 🍷✨

🎤 Tonight’s Tipi Event: Bandaoke!
⏰ Time: 7:30 PM
🎟️ Tickets: 🆓 Tickets were £5, but we want the whole town to sing, so what the heck? Let's make it FREE. Those who have already bought a ticket will receive a drink on arrival.
Fancy yourself a star? Belt out your favourite tunes with a live band backing you – it’s karaoke with a twist! 🎸🎤

🛍️ Christmas Markets
Time: 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
The perfect place to find unique gifts, delicious treats, and festive goodies from amazing local vendors. 🎁✨

⛸️ Ice Rink
Time: 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
🎟️ Tickets: £5.50 for kids, £7 for adults (skates included).
Skate into the Christmas spirit under the twinkling lights. ❄️⛸️

🎠 Carousel & 🎡 Ferris Wheel
Time: 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
🎟️ Tickets: £4 per ride (Monday – Thursday).
Whirl through the festive fun – perfect for all ages! 🎠🎡

🎭 Roaming Entertainment
Keep your eyes peeled for surprise performers spreading joy and Christmas cheer. You never know who you’ll bump into! 🎭✨

📍 Find us at Bishop Auckland Market Place.
💻 For tickets and more info, visit: bishopaucklandschristmastown.co.uk.
📞 Got questions? Give us a ring at: 01388 540823.
📸 Follow us for updates and festive snaps: .

Tag your pals, grab your scarves, and come join the festive fun. 🎅❄️ Let’s make Day 7 one to remember!

BACCANALIA Bridge Creative Bishop Auckland College Bishop Auckland Town Council

04/12/2024

🥁🎸🎶🎤 Ever wanted to sing with a live band? Now is your chance! Tomorrow at 19:30, we have Bandaoke in the Giant Heated Tipis. Put your pipes to the test and find out what it's like to be the lead singer you've always dreamed of being.

🆓 Tickets were £5er, but we want the whole town to sing, so what the heck? Let's make it FREE. Those who have already bought a ticket will receive a drink on arrival.

🍔 Come down early and dine out with our amazing food stalls, all under the glowing lights of the carousel and ferris wheel.

✨ Bishop Auckland will be buzzing www.bishopaucklandschristmastown.co.uk

04/12/2024

🎅✨ Have you visited The Portal to the North Pole yet? Included with all Grotto tickets ✨🎅

✨ Step into the magic at Christmas Town! Guided by our cheerful Elfineers, this immersive experience is packed with festive wonder:

❄️ Feel the excitement as you journey through bubbles and snow!

🌬 Watch as the portal’s engine comes to life, puffing out magical smoke.

📞 Pick up the phone and hear heartwarming Christmas stories that bring the holiday spirit to life.

⚙️ Wind the cogs to power up the engine and unlock the magic of the portal.

🌌 Peek inside the glowing infinity light tubes like peering into the heart of the engine itself, filled with endless light and wonder!

🛷 This isn’t just a visit - it’s an adventure to the North Pole like no other! Bring your loved ones and experience the magic for yourselves, located in the Newgate Shopping Centre.

🎟 Limited tickets remaining! Book now at www.bishopaucklandschristmastown.co.uk🎄