Get into the festive spirit
From wreath-making workshops and carol concerts to winter illuminations, find Christmas days out near you.
Christmas at Crook Hall Gardens
Celebrate the festive season at Crook Hall Gardens. See the medieval hall lit up with Christmas charm, discover fairytale-inspired art around the peaceful gardens, or make your own bespoke decorations at a craft workshop.
Grimms’ Fairy Tales reimagined: an art trail at Crook Hall Gardens
Saturday 22 November to Sunday 28 December, Friday to Sunday.
Discover a series of enchanting fairytale-inspired art installations at Crook Hall Gardens this winter.
Taking inspiration from Grimms’ Fairy Tales, Art Foundation students from Durham Sixth Form Centre have created a series of curious original artworks.
Crook Hall Gardens has a special connection to Grimms’ Fairy Tales, as the former home of Margaret Raine Hunt (1831-1921). In 1884 she wrote the first and definitive English translation of Grimm’s Household Tales from the original German.
This trail is free, but normal site admission applies. Pick up a map from admission to find all the installations. Learn more about the trail.
Festive poetry walks
Saturday 13 December, Sunday 21 December.
Stroll through the wintery gardens, pausing to enjoy peaceful poems, yuletide yarns and snowy sonnets. Each walk is about 50 minutes long, with plenty of stops. This event is free but normal admission applies. No need to book, join in on the day.
Christmas crafts
Learn a new skill or make something special for a loved one.
Christmas gift bouquet workshop
Saturday 20 December
Join the Northern Flower Garden for a festive floristry workshop. A gorgeous handmade bouquet is the perfect Christmas treat or gift idea. Booking required.
Find out more and book your place.
Bookshop crafts
Friday 5 December, Friday 12 December.
Transform second-hand books into bespoke Christmas decorations or gifts to take home. This activity is free but standard admission applies. No need to book, just come along and join in on the day.
Seasonal family fun
Christmas puppet panto
Saturday 20 December, Sunday 21 December.
Visit the Crook Hall Gardens puppet theatre for a festive performance of a pantomime classic: Cinderella. This magical tale of princes, mice, glass slippers and pumpkins will have you laughing out loud. Free, no need to book, just turn up and join in on the day. Normal admission applies.
Find out more about puppet shows.
Family crafts
Sunday 30 November, Sunday 14 December.
Kids of all ages can get creative and make a festive decoration to take home. Free, no need to book, just turn up and join in on the day. Normal admission applies.
Festive drinks and snacks in the café
The Garden Gate Café is the perfect place to stop off after a frosty walk around the gardens. Warm up with a steaming mug of spiced mince pie hot chocolate, treat yourself to a festive sweet treat, and get cosy with a new read from the second-hand bookshop. Visit at lunchtime to try a seasonal brie, cranberry and smoked bacon toastie.
All seasonal items are subject to availability.
Planning your visit
- During November and December 2025, Crook Hall Gardens is open Friday-Sunday, 10am-4pm.
- The café is open Friday-Sunday, 10am-4pm. You can visit the café without paying for admission and entering the gardens.
- The second-hand bookshop is open 10am-2.30pm, Friday-Sunday.
- Last entry to the gardens is 3pm.
- Find out about visiting Crook Hall Gardens with your dog.
- Read the full Access Statement.
You might also be interested in
Things to do in Crook Hall Gardens
Wander through a series of interlinked gardens, each with its own character. Find out all the things to see and do here.
Visiting Crook Hall Gardens with your dog
Find out where dogs are welcome at Crook Hall Gardens and the facilities on offer for your canine companions.
Eating at Crook Hall Gardens
Discover where to eat and drink during a visit to Crook Hall Gardens in Durham.
History of Crook Hall Gardens
A stone’s throw from Durham’s World Heritage Site, Grade I listed Crook Hall is considered one of the city’s most significant medieval domestic buildings.
