It's a Christmas Circus this Year at Banks Homes Riverside!
ROLL UP, ROLL UP... THE CHRISTMAS CIRCUS IS COMING TO TOWN!! 🎪🎠✨
This festive season, Banks Homes Riverside is transformed into Durham Cricket’s Christmas Circus… a spectacular world of dazzling entertainment, festive feasting and unforgettable celebrations.
Whether you’re gathering colleagues for the ultimate Christmas party, celebrating with friends and family, or looking to host a private festive event with a touch of magic, our 2026 programme promises thrills, laughter and festive cheer around every corner.
From spectacular themed party nights and immersive entertainment to delicious seasonal menus and unforgettable experiences, there’s something for every festive reveller under our Big Top. So gather your troupe, step into the spotlight and join us as we celebrate Christmas with a little extra wonder, excitement and circus magic.
The ringmaster is waiting… are you ready to take your seat?
Christmas Events Calendar at a Glance
| The Grand Festive (Signature Party Nights) | Friday 4th, 11th & 18th December |
| Bonkers Bingo | Saturday 5th December |
| The Nightmare Before Christmas | Saturday 5th December |
| The Game Show Spectacular | Saturday 12th December |
| A Night Under the Big Top | Saturday 19th December |
| Members Christmas Lunch | Tuesday 8th December |
Christmas Circus 2026 Full Line-Up
✨ Signature Party Nights (The Grand Festive), Friday 4th, 11th & 18th December
Some traditions are simply too good to change. Our Signature Party Nights are the classic Durham Cricket Christmas celebration that guests return for year after year. Enjoy a festive drink on arrival, a delicious carvery feast, indulgent dessert and an evening of dancing with our resident DJ. With a touch of Christmas Circus magic throughout the venue, our Grand Festive Party Nights deliver the classic festive experience that guests return for year after year.
✨ Arrival Drink
🍽️ Festive Carvery & Dessert
🎶 DJ & Dancing all night
7:00pm – Arrival | 8:00pm – Feasting | 11:30pm – Last Orders | 12:00am – Finish
£35 per person
See The Full Package!🎱 Bonkers Bingo, Saturday 5th December
Forget everything you know about bingo…
Join us for a festive spectacle packed with outrageous challenges, surprise prizes, sing-alongs, dance-offs and plenty of Christmas chaos. Hosted by our circus ringmaster, Bonkers Bingo combines classic bingo with non-stop entertainment to create a festive night out unlike any other.
Grab your dabbers, gather your team and prepare for an evening of festive fun where absolutely anything can happen.
This isn’t your Nana’s bingo night… (18+)
✨ Arrival Drink
🎟️ Funfair Food & Sweet Treats
🤪 Wild & Crazy Prizes
🎶 DJ & Dancing all night
6:30pm – Arrival | 7:00pm – Feasting | 8:00pm – Bingo Start | 11:30pm – Last Orders | 12:00am – Finish
£28 per person
See The Full Package!🎃 A Nightmare Before Christmas, Saturday 5th December
Step into a world where cobwebs meet Christmas lights and festive fun takes a darker twist. This is Durham Cricket’s spooktacular alternative party night; perfect for those who like their celebrations with a side of mischief. Enjoy a hauntingly good three-course meal, dance the night away with our live DJ, and dress to impress for a chance to win one of our creepy-cool fancy dress prizes.
Join us and experience the magic when two holidays collide on Saturday the 5th.
🧪 Arrival Potion
🍽️ 3-Course Frightfully Festive Feast
👗Costume Competition (Optional)
👻 Festive & Spooky Room Dressing
🎶 DJ & Dancing all night
7:00pm – Arrival Potion | 8:00pm – Feeding Frenzy | 11:30pm – Last Orders | 12:00am – Finish
Fancy Dress Prizes:
1ST PLACE
Family Summer 2027 Pass
from Beamish Museum
2ND PLACE
Afternoon Tea for 2 Guests
from Lumley Castle
3RD PLACE
Trick or Treat Hamper
from Durham Cricket
This is a traditional party with a twist. (18+)
£35 per person
See The Full Package!🎲 The Christmas GAME SHOW Spectacular, Saturday 12th December
LIGHTS, MUSIC, BUZZERS AT THE READY! 🚨🛎️
Get ready for a Christmas party night unlike any other as Durham Cricket’s Christmas Circus transforms into a live game show spectacular.
Packed with fast-paced games, audience participation, big-screen action and plenty of laughs, this interactive festive experience puts you right at the heart of the show. Whether you’re competing for glory or cheering from the sidelines, every round delivers excitement, surprises and unforgettable moments.
Gather your team, try your luck and prepare for a festive celebration where everyone gets a chance to play.
✨ Arrival Drink
🍽️ 2 Course Meal
🏆 Prizes
🎯 Game Show Competition & Host
🎶 DJ & Dancing all night
6:30pm – Arrival | 7:00pm – Feasting | 8:00pm – Gameshow Start | 11:30pm – Last Orders | 12:00am – Finish
£32 per person
See The Full Package!🎪 A Night Under The Big Top, Saturday 19th December
Join us for the spectacular finale of Durham Cricket’s Christmas Circus, where festive celebrations meet the nostalgic fun of the fairground. 🎠
Enjoy a delicious three-course festive feast, dance the night away with our resident DJ and try your luck at a selection of classic funfair games throughout the evening. Packed with festive charm, friendly competition and plenty of Christmas cheer, this is the perfect way to round off the season in style.
Roll up, raise a glass and join us under the Big Top for one final unforgettable night. 🥂🍾
✨ Arrival Drink
🍽️ 3 Course Meal
🥥 Funfair Games
🎶 DJ & Dancing all night
7:00pm – Arrival | 8:00pm – Feasting | 11:45pm – Bar Close | 12:00am – Finish
£40 per person
See The Full Package!🎄 Private Christmas Parties: Your Celebration, Your Way
Whether you’re planning a team toast, a festive dinner with friends, or the corporate Christmas bash of the year, our private party packages are designed to impress. Available throughout November and December (and even into January!), these exclusive events are fully customisable to suit your guest list, vibe, and budget.
With a choice of sit-down dining or a festive buffet, sparkling décor, arrival drinks, and a resident DJ to keep the party going, we take care of every detail so you can focus on celebrating. Perfect for groups of 25–200.
✨ Private Room Hire
🍽️ 2-Course: £39.95pp | 3-Course £43pp
🥂 Festive Buffet Option: £31.50pp
🎧 DJ, Arrival Drink & Festive Room Dressing Included
Let’s create a party that sleighs!
Get in touch to tailor your perfect festive night.
0191 387 2876 | events@durhamcricket.co.uk
Find Out More!Feeling Overwhlemed?
We have an incredible line-up for 2026, filled with festive fun and magical moments! We understand that there’s a lot to choose from, and we’re here to help you navigate through all the exciting options.
If you’d like to chat about any of our packages or need more information, Santa’s little helpers, Events Coordinators Emily Humphries & Jo Morris and Events Manager Ythan Sale, are ready to assist. They’re here to answer all your questions and help you find the perfect fit for your celebration.
At Banks Homes Riverside, our goal is to ensure you, your friends, family, and colleagues experience the most magical Christmas ever. We’re dedicated to creating unforgettable moments filled with joy, laughter, and festive cheer. Let us help you make this holiday season truly special!
Contact Us!See What Our Parties Look Like!
Book Your Christmas Party Now!
Don't miss out on the most enchanting Christmas party experience - secure your spot now and let the festive celebrations at Banks Homes Riverside create memories that will last a lifetime.