Family

Fridays from 18 September - 23 October. Enjoy our fun filled music class for all children and their grown ups. Sing, dance, shake, rattle and bang along with talented local musician Rachel Purcell.  Suitable for all under 5s, an additional child under one years old can attend this class free of charge.

Takes place Saturday once a month.  Do you know a young person who loves to sew, or would like to learn to stitch? Saturday Young Stitchers welcomes all abilities to hone their skills with the support of very experienced and skilled members of the ‘Take a Stitch 2 Durham’ group. Suitable for young people aged 7+ Please be aware, all young people must be accompanied by a responsible adult throughout the activity. Day Pass or Membership required

This December, settle in for some much-loved Christmas movies in the Exhibition Hall Theatre. Experience the festive mischief of The Grinch, the timeless magic of It’s a Wonderful Life and the hilarious Christmas spirit of Elf—all on the big screen, in the unique surroundings of Ushaw. A festive film experience with a little extra magic. Sat 5 Dec, 12:30pm – The Grinch When the Grinch decides to steal Christmas from the cheerful residents of Whoville, he discovers that Christmas is about much more than presents and decorations. A hilarious, heart-warming festive favourite filled with Christmas magic. (Running Time: 104 Minutes) Sun 6 Dec, 12:30 pm  – It’s a Wonderful Life On Christmas Eve, George Bailey finds himself at a low point, until his guardian angel Clarence shows him how different his beloved hometown would be without him. Poignant, life-affirming and filled with Christmas magic, Frank Capra’s 1946 classic is the definitive festive favourite. (Running Time: 130 Minutes) Sat 19 Dec, 12:30 pm  – Elf Raised at the North Pole but searching for his place in New York, Buddy the Elf sets out on a hilarious Christmas adventure like no other. A feel-good festive favourite packed with laughs, chaos and Christmas cheer. (Running Time: 97 Minutes) A Day Pass or Membership is required with this ticket. Children under 5 go free.  Children under 18 months who do not require their own seat do not need a ticket.  Please be aware that buggies and pushchairs cannot be accommodated inside the theatre.

Sat 12 December 2026.  Enjoy a live orchestral accompaniment by the Durham Music Youth Orchestra as they bring the beloved animated film to life, complete with the enchanting song Walking in the Air. Set within the stunning surrounds of Ushaw’s Exhibition Hall Theatre, this festive favourite captures the nostalgia and magic of Christmas. Join us as we bring Raymond Briggs’ timeless classic to life in a truly magical Christmas celebration. “I remember that winter because it had brought the heaviest snow I had ever seen. Snow had fallen steadily all night long and in the morning I woke in a room filled with light and silence, the whole world seemed to be held in a dream-like stillness. It was a magical day… and it was on that day I made the Snowman.” © Snowman Enterprises Ltd Ticket is for the performance only. Performances at 12pm, 1:30pm and 3pm  For a festive day out exploring our House, Chapels & Gardens, a Day Pass or Membership is required.

Make magical Christmas memories at Ushaw this festive season with a visit to meet Father Christmas. Children can share their festive wishes, receive a cuddly gift, and take a keepsake photo in our beautifully decorated Parlour. Sat 12 and Sun 13 Dec – All Ages Enjoy a magical festive experience suitable for children of all ages. Your visit takes place within a 30-minute time slot, during which you’ll have the opportunity to meet Father Christmas, with festive craft activities to enjoy while you wait for your turn. Tues 15 Dec – Preschool Ages Designed especially for little ones, this gentle and joyful experience begins in the cosy Francis Thompson Room, where children gather for storytime with Father Christmas and enjoy festive free play with toys and crafts. After the story, Father Christmas will meet each child in the Parlour. Day Pass or Membership is required for children aged 5+ and accompanying adults. Children must be accompanied by an adult for the full session. Please arrive promptly at the start of your selected timeslot. If you would like multiple children to visit Father Christmas together, please book each child into the same timeslot. You will then be able to enter together as a family/group. Baby siblings (under 1s) do not require a ticket, but will not receive a gift from Father Christmas. If you would like your baby to receive a gift then you will need to purchase an additional ticket for them.