Durham Christmas Festival 2026 – Dates & Opening Times

About this car boot sale

A Saturday, Sunday and Friday part-covered car boot sale in Durham, the North East, with its dates, times, prices and facilities below.

Durham Christmas Festival is a three-day Christmas shopping and entertainment weekend across Durham's historic city centre. It has three markets: the Craft & Producers' Marquee on Palace Green between the cathedral and the castle, with more than 120 stalls of handcrafted gifts, decorations and seasonal food; a Festive Outdoor Market in the Market Place; and Durham Market Hall, home to around 40 local businesses. A regional food and drink producers' market is held in the cloisters of Durham Cathedral.

In 2026 the festival runs from Friday 4 to Sunday 6 December. The markets are open from 9am to 6pm on Friday and Saturday and from 9am to 5pm on Sunday; the Palace Green marquee closes earlier, at 5.30pm on Friday and Saturday and 4.30pm on Sunday. The outdoor market and Market Hall are free to visit, but an entry charge applies to the marquee and tickets can be booked in advance. Carols for All services take place in the cathedral on Saturday and Sunday, and the children's lantern parade is on Sunday 6 December. Details confirmed on the organiser's website, October 2026.

Opening season & schedule

Open on Saturdays, Sundays and Fridays, from December to December, buyers from 9am.

Open on: Saturday, Sunday and Friday
Next date: Friday 4 December 2026 (expected)
Saturdays: Buyers 9am · Closes 6pm
Sundays: Buyers 9am · Closes 5pm
Fridays: Buyers 9am · Closes 6pm
Season: December to December
Frequency: Weekly
Bank holidays: No

Features & Amenities

Confirmed on site: refreshments.

Food & drink ☕
Mixed venue
Around 120 stalls

Only confirmed facilities are listed. Anything missing may still be there — tell us what to add.

Car boot sale pricing & entry fees

Entry is free for buyers to the outdoor market and Market Hall; entry charge for the Craft & Producers' Marquee (book online). Seller pitches trade stalls by application — contact the organiser.

Entry for buyers

Free entry

Free to the outdoor market and Market Hall; entry charge for the Craft & Producers' Marquee (book online)

Gates open from 9am

Pitches for sellers

Trade stalls by application — contact the organiser

Prices are a guide from the latest listing details — please confirm with the organiser before travelling.

What to expect

Around 120 stalls, busiest in the first hour. A quick guide based on the opening times, size and facilities; see the reviews below for first-hand accounts.

Best time to arrive: From 9am, when buyers are let in
Size & crowd: Busy (~120 stalls)

Variety of second-hand bargains
Good food & drink options
Family-friendly atmosphere
Busiest first thing on a Saturday morning
Parking can be limited — arrive early
Bring cash — most sellers are cash only

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about Durham Christmas Festival: whether it is on this week, what time to arrive and what it costs.

Is Durham Christmas Festival open today?

No — Durham Christmas Festival is not on today (Thursday 1 October). The next sale is Friday 4 December.

Is Durham Christmas Festival on tomorrow?

No — Durham Christmas Festival is not on tomorrow (Friday 2 October). The next sale is Friday 4 December.

Is Durham Christmas Festival open this Saturday or Sunday?

No — Durham Christmas Festival is not on this weekend (3–4 October). The next sale is Friday 4 December.

What time does Durham Christmas Festival start?

Saturdays: buyers from 9am, closes around 6pm. Sundays: buyers from 9am, closes around 5pm. Fridays: buyers from 9am, closes around 6pm.

What are the 2026 dates for Durham Christmas Festival?

The next 2026 dates for Durham Christmas Festival are Fri 4 Dec, Sat 5 Dec and Sun 6 Dec.

How much does Durham Christmas Festival cost?

Buyer entry is free to the outdoor market and Market Hall; entry charge for the Craft & Producers' Marquee (book online) and a seller pitch costs trade stalls by application — contact the organiser.

When is the next Durham Christmas Festival?

The next sale is expected on Fri 4 Dec, based on its regular schedule. It runs every Saturday (December to December), every Sunday (December to December) and every Friday (December to December).

Is there parking at Durham Christmas Festival?

Parking is limited — arrive early or use nearby parking.

Is Durham Christmas Festival dog friendly?

Dogs are not listed for this sale — check with the organiser before travelling.

Does Durham Christmas Festival run all year round?

No — Durham Christmas Festival runs seasonally, from December to December.

Car boot sale reviews & ratings

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Before you travel

The Car Boot Directory aims to provide completely accurate information. That said, details can change over time. If you are the owner of this car boot sale, please contact us if any of the information on this listing is outdated and we will update it immediately.

Please contact the car boot organiser or check their official website to confirm it is running. Some car boot sales cancel due to poor weather if they do not have indoor facilities.

Durham Christmas Festival