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
Find out what's in store for Christmas 2026. See the medieval hall lit up with Christmas charm, discover fairytale-inspired art around the gardens, or make your own bespoke decorations.
Grimms’ Fairy Tales reimagined art trail
Saturday 21 November to Monday 28 December
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 unique clay 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. Learn more about the trail.
Winter poetry walks
Saturday 12 December, Sunday 20 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 to take home or gift to a loved one.
Christmas floristry workshops
Join the Northern Flower Garden for a festive floristry workshop. Booking required.
Sunday 29 November
Traditional Christmas wreath workshop; using fresh foliage to create a seasonal classic.
Saturday 5 December
Christmas vine wreath workshop; for decor with a natural, understated look.
Saturday 19 December
Christmas gift bouquet workshop; create a thoughtful present for someone special.
Find out more and book your place.
Winter impressions: Botanical prints and Victorian Christmas cards
Friday 27 November, 4, 11 & 18 December
Crafting for the grown-ups; celebrate the beauty of winter. Free, no need to book, just turn up and join in on the day. Normal admission applies.
Family crafts: make a winter decoration
Saturday 28 November, 5, 12 & 19 December
Make snowflakes, snowdrop decorations and festive gift tags using recycled materials. Free, no need to book, just turn up and join in on the day. Normal admission applies.
Learn more about Christmas family crafts.
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 gingerbread latte or hot chocolate, treat yourself to lunch or a festive snack, and get cosy with a new read from the second-hand bookshop.
All seasonal items are subject to availability.
Planning your visit
- During November and December 2026, Crook Hall Gardens and the Garden Gate Cafe are open Friday-Sunday, 10am-4pm. Closed Christmas Day, open Monday 28 December.
- 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
Explore a series of interlinked gardens, each with its own character and discover things to see and do for all ages. Find out more 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.
