Industry News

Durham Cathedral is delighted to announce the launch of its first Christmas Tree Festival, taking place in the Cathedral Cloisters from 4 December 2026 to 4 January 2027.

The new festival will bring together businesses, schools, charities, social enterprises and community groups from across Durham and the North East to create a display of decorated Christmas trees, celebrating the creativity, generosity and community spirit that define the region during Advent and Christmas.

The festival will transform the Cathedral Cloisters into a festive visitor experience, celebrating the organisations that contribute to life across the region.

Participating organisations will be invited to decorate a Christmas tree that reflects their work, values, heritage or impact, creating a unique contribution to a collective display within one of Durham Cathedral's most iconic spaces.

Throughout Advent and Christmas, thousands of visitors are expected to experience the festival while visiting the Cathedral. In December last year, Durham Cathedral welcomed more than 25,000 visitors.

The Very Revd Dr Philip Plyming, Dean of Durham, said:

"Christmas at Durham Cathedral is always a special time and the launch of Durham Cathedral's first Christmas Tree Festival will only add to this. I thank God for all the communities, organisations and individuals who enrich life across our region; this festival will enable us to celebrate them and share their stories with a wide audience. Visitors will also get to see the Cloisters as never before and experience the warmth of community, the wonder of the season, and the message of hope that lies at the heart of the Christmas story."

For commercial organisations, the cost of taking part is £500 (inclusive of VAT). This fee covers the provision of a Christmas tree and sponsors participation for a school, charity, social enterprise or community organisation, helping to ensure organisations of all sizes can be represented in the festival.

Participation for schools, charities, social enterprises and community groups is free, with places funded through business sponsorship.

Hannah Ellis, Head of Enterprise at Durham Cathedral, said:

"As the first Christmas Tree Festival at Durham Cathedral, this is an exciting opportunity to showcase the incredible range of businesses, charities, schools and community organisations that help our region thrive. By bringing these organisations together in the Cathedral Cloisters, we're creating a festive experience that celebrates both the season and the people who make a difference across the North East.

For visitors, the festival will offer a vibrant and varied display, with every tree reflecting a different organisation, story and cause. Whether people are visiting for worship, sightseeing, shopping or seasonal events, we hope the Christmas Tree Festival will be a highlight of their time at Durham Cathedral and inspire them to learn more about the organisations taking part."

Each participating organisation will receive a 6 to 7-foot Christmas tree, LED lights and an A3 display stand to introduce their organisation to visitors.

As well as creating a memorable festive display, the festival offers organisations an opportunity to raise their profile and connect with new audiences during one of the busiest periods in the Cathedral's annual calendar.

Organisations interested in taking part are encouraged to register early, as places are limited and expected to fill quickly.

Bookings are now open, with organisations invited to register here.

Bookings close on Monday 26 October at 9am.

The Durham Cathedral Christmas Tree Festival will run from Friday 4 December 2026 until Monday 4 January 2027 in the Cathedral Cloisters and will be open during normal Cathedral opening hours. This festival is kindly supported by Poplar Tree Garden Centre.

For more information, visit: Durham Cathedral Christmas Tree Festival 2026