It’s back! The biggest Nativity in Britain returns to Bishop Auckland... and this time Auckland Palace will look more festive than ever.
Christmas at Auckland Palace
Friday 21 November – Wednesday 31 December, excluding Christmas Day. *Closed Mondays and Tuesdays (Open 22 & 23 December).
10.30am - 4pm
Auckland Palace - Bishop Auckland DL14 7NR
Immerse yourself in unrivalled festive splendour when you visit Auckland Palace’s very special Christmas event. With 12 rooms sumptuously decorated, including the State Rooms, St Peter’s Chapel and the Private Apartments, Christmas at Auckland Palace enables visitors to enjoy the remarkable interiors, complete with stunning artworks and furnishings, transformed with a touch of Christmas magic.
Free access with our Bishop’s Key annual pass. Christmas at Auckland Palace tickets are also available online for non-pass holders and cost £20 for adults, £6 for children and £49 2 Adults and 2 Children (ages 5 - 15) for families
The Auckland Palace Nativity
Friday 21 November – Wednesday 31 December, excluding Christmas Day. *Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
10.30am - 4pm
Auckland Palace - Bishop Auckland DL14 7NR
By popular demand, the biggest Nativity scene of its kind in the UK is back in Bishop Auckland. Young and old will be astonished by over 421 intricately carved figures in this stunning 18th century Neapolitan treasure. This incredible Baroque presepe, known in Italian as a presepe, is a giant Nativity scene staged in a true-life Neapolitan setting. Measuring a remarkable 11ft tall and 15ft wide, it is one of the most impressive and important examples outside Italy.
Included with a Christmas at Auckland Palace ticket or Bishop’s Key.
Book now: aucklandproject.org/christmas
El Castillo
Savour Spanish warmth this season with comforting tapas and rustic breads. Settle into our cosy dining room.
El Castillo New Festive Menu
Complete your Christmas experience at Auckland Palace and AGLOW with the rich flavours of our new Festive Menu. Share Cordero Asado—our winter-warming, Spanish-spiced roast lamb with festive trimmings—or choose Lomo de Bacalao, a silky confit cod perfect for a celebratory feast. Prefer plants? Calabaza Asada brings hearty roasted squash with seasonal tapas. Raise a glass with a Spanish wine pairing. And not forgetting the little ones: the Niños Tapas Tower lets kids build their own feast— choose one hero and two tapas, like bravas, croquettes, calamari or mini paella.
Book here: aucklandproject.org/restaurant/el-castillo
Opening Times
Wednesday 10:30am - 5:00pm last orders at 4pm
Thursday / Friday / Saturday 10:30am - 10:00pm last orders at 9pm
Sunday 10:30am - 5:00pm last orders at 4pm
Friday 21 November – Wednesday 31 December
4.30pm, 5pm, 5.30pm, 6pm, 6.30pm, 7pm, 7.30pm
*We recommend allowing 1.5 hours to complete the trail. AGLOW at Auckland Palace will close at 9pm, with last entry at 7:30pm.
Auckland Palace grounds – Bishop Auckland DL14 7NR
Our dazzling light trail AGLOW will illuminate the skies of Bishop Auckland once again this Christmas. Begin your journey at Auckland Palace and embark on a glittering 1.5-mile trail through Auckland Palace’s gardens and grounds, with surprises around every corner. AGLOW is a must-see experience for all the family, with 25 incredible light installations, Santa’s Village, festive food and warming drinks, plus new illuminations for 2025. Tickets are available from aucklandaglow.org
OFF-PEAK: £20 adult, £13.50 child, £60 family (Children 4 and under and Carers free)
PEAK: £22.50 adult, £15.50 child, £68.50 family (Children 4 and under and Carers free)
To keep you warm and cosy, you’ll find a delicious array of independent food stalls, serving everything from mulled wine and hot chocolate to tempting seasonal treats. And for younger visitors, the magic continues as Santa Claus himself will be making a special stop at AGLOW, along with his team of merry elves! Be sure to visit Santa’s workshop, where little ones can enjoy a show, so make sure you’re on your best behaviour…
SEASONAL SAVINGS
SAVE this Christmas with a Festive Ticket package which includes AGLOW and Christmas at Auckland Palace: £36 adult, £18 child, £105 family (two adults and two children under 16)
Enjoy AGLOW your way!
Our popular sensory-friendly sessions are back—check the website for dates. We also offer an Accessible Route (£5) so less-nimble family members can share the magic together.
Please note: the natural Deer Park terrain means the full trail isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility.
1. Robinson Arch
2. Seeding Stars
3. Son Et Lumiere
4. Constellation
5. Tunnel of Love
6. Celestial Lights
7. Halos
8. Tree of Auckland
9. Dancing Fountains 10. Fire Garden
21. Light Portals
22. Christmas Treats
23. Interactive Light o’ Mine
24. Mirrorball Trees
25. Lava Wall
*Christmas at Auckland Palace not included in AGLOW ticket price. Visit aucklandproject.org/christma s for details
