We all know February can be cold, quiet and a little grey, which is exactly why the Fire & Ice Festival works so well.
Fire & Ice returns to the streets of Durham on 27th – 28th February 2026, and for a few evenings each winter, the city changes completely. Lights glow against stone buildings, fire performances draw small crowds into the streets, and places you walk past every day suddenly feel new again. It’s not a huge, ticketed festival with barriers and queues. It’s more like the city collectively staying out a bit later than usual, wandering between installations, stopping when something catches your eye, then moving on.
Winter Nights Done Properly
Fire & Ice spreads through the city centre rather than sitting in one place. You might turn a corner near Market Place and find a glowing sculpture, or hear music drifting across the river and follow it down towards the Wear. Some pieces invite interaction, others are best enjoyed quietly, watching how the light plays off Durham’s old stone buildings.
Fire performances are usually the moments people remember most. There’s something about standing in the cold, hands in pockets, watching flames cut through the dark that feels very fitting for a Durham winter. The atmosphere is relaxed, friendly and unpretentious. Families, couples and locals all mix together without it ever feeling crowded.
Seeing Durham at Its Best in Winter
Fire & Ice has a way of reminding people how beautiful Durham is once the sun goes down. The cathedral and castle look especially dramatic at night, and the riverside paths feel calmer than they do in summer. With fewer visitors around, it’s easier to slow down and enjoy the city properly.
Between festival events, there’s plenty of time for food and drink. Many of Durham’s independent restaurants and pubs sit right on the festival routes, making it easy to warm up before heading back out into the evening. To learn more about this year’s Fire and Ice festival, visit the website here.
Turning Fire & Ice into a Weekend Away
Being close to the centre really matters during Fire & Ice, and Hotel Indigo Durham is right where you want to be. Set in a former university building, the hotel fits naturally into the city rather than feeling separate from it.
After a few hours outside in the cold, coming back to a warm, comfortable room just minutes away is a real advantage. There’s no need to plan taxis or keep an eye on the time; you can head out when you like and wander back whenever you’re ready.
The festival makes a great excuse to spend a winter weekend in Durham. Days are best kept unhurried: a walk around the historic centre, a visit to the cathedral, lunch somewhere cosy. As evening comes, the city slowly lights up again, and the festival takes over.
If you’re looking for somewhere that feels rooted in Durham and keeps everything within easy walking distance, Hotel Indigo Durham is a good place to base yourself.
