What’s on in Durham: November and December 2026

November 2026

5 November: NT Live, Golden Boy

Thursday 5 November, 7pm | Theatre screening, 12A | Gala Durham, Millennium Place.

Josh O’Connor stars in Clifford Odets’ drama about a violinist drawn into professional boxing. This is a filmed Almeida Theatre production, not a live performance at Gala. Standard tickets are £15, with concessions and member prices. Gala box office: 03000 266 600 or boxoffice@durham.gov.uk.

7 November: Festival of Remembrance

Saturday 7 November, 7.30pm | Commemoration and music | Durham Cathedral.

The cathedral hosts military and civilian performers, spoken contributions and a poppy drop. Tickets are linked from the cathedral’s own page. Cathedral enquiries: 0191 374 4069 or enquiries@durhamcathedral.co.uk.

8 November: Remembrance Sunday Service

Sunday 8 November, 10.15am | Service | Durham Cathedral.

A cathedral service remembering those killed in the line of duty and people serving today. The organiser’s current start time is 10.15am. Check the cathedral page for attendance arrangements and any changes.

10 November: The Royal Opera, Carmen

Tuesday 10 November, 7pm | Opera screening | Gala Durham, Millennium Place.

Bizet’s opera is shown in Screen 1 as part of the Royal Ballet and Opera cinema season. This is a screen presentation rather than an opera company performing in Durham. Standard tickets are £15. Gala box office: 03000 266 600 or boxoffice@durham.gov.uk.

19 and 26 November: GIANT, The Play

Thursdays 19 and 26 November, 7.30pm | Theatre screening, 15 | Gala Durham.

John Lithgow plays Roald Dahl in a filmed West End production examining the author’s antisemitism and a confrontation at his home. Running time is 136 minutes. Standard tickets are £15; select the particular screening when booking.

19 November to 31 December: Rapunzel

Selected dates from Thursday 19 November | Live family pantomime | Gala Durham.

Gala’s production takes Rapunzel from a tower in Hamsterley towards Durham. Dates, prices and performance times vary. Accessible performances include BSL interpretation on 5 December at 2pm and captions on 12 December at 6.30pm; check the relevant booking. Gala box office: 03000 266 600 or boxoffice@durham.gov.uk.

23 November: G4 Christmas

Monday 23 November, 7.30pm | Vocal concert | Durham Cathedral.

The vocal group brings a festive programme to the cathedral. Follow the cathedral’s ticket link for current prices and seating availability.

27 November: Royal Northern Sinfonia Winter Tour

Friday 27 November, 7.30pm | Brass and choral concert | Durham Cathedral.

A seasonal programme of carols and orchestral favourites. Booking is through the ticket link on the cathedral’s concert page; contact the organiser about access or seating requirements.

December 2026

1 December: The Royal Ballet, The Nutcracker

Tuesday 1 December, 7.15pm | Ballet screening | Gala Durham, Millennium Place.

Peter Wright’s production is shown on screen as part of the Royal Ballet and Opera cinema season. Standard tickets are £15, with concessions and member prices. Gala box office: 03000 266 600 or boxoffice@durham.gov.uk.

2 December: The Big Christmas Sing A-Long

Wednesday 2 December, 7.30pm | Festive concert | Durham Cathedral.

Aled Jones and Alexander Armstrong lead a seasonal evening. Use the cathedral’s linked ticket page to check the remaining seats and prices.

4 to 6 December: Durham Christmas Festival

Friday 4 to Sunday 6 December | Markets and family entertainment | City centre, including Palace Green and Market Place.

Browse the craft marquee, outdoor stalls and the city’s shops. The marquee has an admission charge; activities and locations have separate arrangements. Use the official festival programme for daily hours, booking and travel details. Market management: 0191 384 6153 or info@durhammarkets.co.uk.

5 December: The Snowman with live orchestra

Saturday 5 December, 1.30pm, 3.30pm or 7pm | Film with live music | Durham Cathedral.

The animated film is accompanied by an orchestra. Choose one performance through the cathedral’s ticket link; each time is a separate booking.

8 to 24 December: The Elves and the Shoemaker

Selected dates from Tuesday 8 December | Family theatre, recommended ages 3-7 | Gala Durham.

A live production using music, puppetry and storytelling, following a shoemaker helped by mysterious visitors. Published tickets are £10. Choose the date and session on the booking page; school and group arrangements are separate. Gala box office: 03000 266 600 or boxoffice@durham.gov.uk.