Children's Lantern Parade & St Nicholas Service

The Children’s Lantern Parade will once again be a highlight of Durham Christmas Festival in 2025.

Please note, this year the Lantern Parade will be on Sunday 7th December.

To many families the Lantern Parade has become ‘the beginning’ of the Christmas season – it will take place on the afternoon of Sunday 7th December 2025, departing from Durham Market Place at 2.30pm.

Lantern reservations will open nearer the date.

The Lantern Parade will leave the Market Place at 2.30pm following the Chester-le-Street Salvation Army Band up to Palace Green, and arriving at Durham Cathedral for the St Nicholas Service at 3pm.

It is recommended that lanterns are suitable for children up to age 12, but all ages are welcome to participate in the parade and attend the St Nicholas Service.

Children take their lantern home with them after the parade.

You may also like the following events from Durham Christmas Festival:

• This December, 5th December, 09:00 am, Durham Christmas Festival 2025 in Durham

Also check out other Festivals in Durham, Music events in Durham.