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If an event takes place in the outdoor amphitheatre don't forget to bring a waterproof coat if it rains. You can also bring along a blanket for the grassed seating.

December - Winter at Wharton 

Elf workshop

Father Christmas is sending his favourite elf to Wharton Park this December! Join Jingle who will teach the children how to be a first class elf through a series of exciting games and activities. Jingle's challenges will include an introduction to disguise and surprise, elf and safety training, how to prepare the perfect glitter free snack for reindeers, gift presentation and speed sorting skills. Once each child completes Jingle's intensive training school they will graduate with an Honours in Elfery, receiving a certificate and award for their hard work.

• Saturday 1 December - 10.00am - 11.30am and 1.00pm - 2.30pm
• Saturday 8 December - 10.00am - 11.30am and 1.00pm - 2.30pm
• Saturday 22 December - 10.00am - 11.30am and 1.00pm - 2.30pm

Cost: £8.50 per child (children must be accompanied by an adult). Booking required, limited spaces, early booking is advised. To book call 03000 262 655.

Christmas Corner - festive stories

Children will join our team to get all cosy in our education room with a festive story. Sessions will include story time followed by a festive trail and Christmas craft activity the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon. 

Cost: £4 per child (children must be accompanied by an adult). Booking is required, to book call 03000 262 655 

Elf trail

1 December - Sunday 6 January 

Father Christmas has been in touch to say that some of his Elves have gotten themselves lost and they were last seen playing at Wharton Park! Can you help Father Christmas find his Elves and get them back to the North Pole before Christmas Day! Complete the park trail and get a Christmas Treat. Pick up a trail sheet from the Café between 10.00am and 4.00pm. 

£1 per trail sheet 

The Big Snowy Christmas - Tipi in the Park

Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 December, 11.30am and 2.00pm both days. Doors open half an hour before show.

Little Blue Monster Productions, who brought us Pirate Pearl and the Big Blue Monster this summer, return to Wharton Park on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 December with a brand new Christmas show The Big Snowy Christmas.

Join them in their warm and toasty tipi in the park and share a very special Christmas adventure with the Bear Family, overlooking the city of Durham.

Children will receive a special invitation in the post from the Bear Family prior to the event inviting you to their tipi home. When you arrive it's time for a good old fashioned Christmas singalong, followed by a magical performance about brave Baby Bear who helps save Christmas. The show ends with Baby Bear's Christmas Disco for all to enjoy and then a special visit from Santa himself, children can meet him and the bear family to get a photograph.

This is a great family experience for children aged 3+ running time is 60 minutes without an interval.  

Tickets cost £13.50 per person or £48 for a family ticket (4 people). Book online for The Big Snowy Christmas through the Gala's website, or phone them on 03000 266 600.

Educational sessions for schools

We run educational sessions in the park throughout the year. For more information and details of how to book, check out our  Wharton Park Workshops 2018 (PDF, 1.6mb) flyer.