20th December 2021
Darlington becomes magical during the festive season. There are so many festive things to do and see that we wanted to put a blog post together for you. Then, hopefully, you won’t miss a thing. As a facility for self storage in Darlington, we love Darlington, but we love all things Christmas too – so we felt this was a great opportunity to tell you what’s great about Darlington this festive season.
Winter Wonderland
Each year Winter Wonderland can be found at Adventure Valley at County Durham (just down the road from our self storage in Darlington). It’s an enchanting Christmas journey filled with magic and festive twinkles. It’s a 90-minute experience including a Winter Valley Express, gorgeous ride-on animals, a huge winter inflatable and the chance to meet real reindeer too. This event takes place from later November right up to Christmas Eve and is not to be missed.
Christmas Lights
Another event you don’t want to miss is the Christmas Light Trail in Northumberland at Alnwick Gardens. If you have seen the gardens before you will know how stunning they are, however, they get even more incredible with the spectacular Christmas lights. It’s a fantastic sound and light display which is sure to fill the whole family with festive joy. There is also the opportunity to meet Santa or visit Alnwick Christmas Market. This event traditional runs throughout December on selected dates.
Bamburgh Castle
Christmas at Bamburgh castle is another fantastic thing to do near Darlington this festive season. The event is heralded as Saints and Angels and is truly magical. The castle is transformed into a theatrical extravaganza. Angels take flight overhead and take you through the rooms of the castle. The castle is festooned with Christmas lights, trees and angels. There is even an opportunity to sit on Santa’s knee and buy some Reindeer moss too.
Christmas Adventure Quest
If your children love adventure, then the Christmas Adventure Quest at Belsay Hall Castle and Gardens will be exactly what you are looking for. You and your family can follow the trail by finding clues and discovering the amazing secrets of Belsay Castle. A lovely festive event full of fun, exploring and learning new things too.
Christmas at Gibside
Do you like the idea of the lights at Alnwick Garden? Then you’ll also love Christmas at Gibside. You and your loved ones can explore the sparkling tunnels of light, walk under giant baubles and pose for photos beneath the trees drenched in a jewel-like colour. You’ll be mesmerised by the flickering flames in the fire garden, and you might even spot Father Christmas on the way.
Hall Hill Farm
Dress up warm and cosy for a Christmas activity in Darlington with a difference at Hall Hill Farm. You get to see all the animals in their winter stables, meet Dasher the talking reindeers, make Christmas decorations with the elves and hop on the Santa Tractor Ride before seeing the main man himself. This is a really popular event and tickets must be booked in advance. The event traditionally runs from late November until late December.
Kielder Winter Wonderland
If your kids love being hands on and getting involved, then they will love Kielder Winter Wonderland. It’s a full day experience full of festive fun. Your children can help Mrs Christmas prepare for the big day, help the elves in their workshop and walk through the woods to find Father Christmas. Make sure you keep your eyes peeled as there will be lots of festive friends you could bump into during the day.
Raby Castle
Raby Castle is another venue that offers an incredible light experience and winter wonderland. The event is called the Enchanted Festive Forest. It takes place in the Walled Gardens where you can discover a beautiful Christmas scenes, festive tunes and twinkling lights. If you’re taking children, there are some brilliant hidden clues hidden throughout the forest. You can collect them all to win a small prize.
Festive Feels at Wallington Hall
Looking for all those festive feels? Then check out the Festive Feels event at Wallington Hall. There is the courtyard Christmas tree, perfect for those family photos. You’ll be blown away by the thousands of twinkling icicle lights hanging around the walls too. Percy the Park Keeper is ready and waiting to take you an outdoor adventure and you won’t miss Santa on his sleigh! With live music and Christmas crafts, this is lovely event for the whole family.
Enchanted Elf Journey
Santa’s Enchanted Elf Journey is a magical day out for younger children. There’s the ride on the Festive Tractor and Trailor to start the day, followed by the enchanted forest where you can meet the elves. They will help you search for your personalised bauble and then you can help them feed the real reindeer. This is a brilliant day out for the family with lots of photo opportunities too.
When it comes to what to do in Darlington this festive season, there is always lots going on. You’ll probably see our staff from our self storage unit in Darlington our and about at these events too.
Towards the end of November there is always the Christmas Light Switch On in the Market Square. The week after the light switch on you can see the Schools Christmas Carols in the Queen Street Shopping Centre. On the first weekend of December, you can join the Darlington Santa Run, and if you’re not up for running, you could always cheer on those that are. It’s a brilliant sight to see! Keep your eyes peeled for the pantomime at Darlington Hippodrome too. It’s a panto that never disappoints.
If you need help with self storage in Darlington, drop up a line. You could always pop in for a look round before you attend one of these activities this festive season. Our tips on storing Christmas decorations could prove very useful!
