The long nights are still here and Christmas is behind us...but here are some Durham events to look forward to for every month of 2020.
Okay, we realise this can sometimes be a bit of a low point in the calendar: the Christmas and New Year fun and holidays are over, we're all back at work, and it'll stay dark and cold for at least another two months.
But thankfully, there's always lots going on in Durham, both in the city and across the county. Thanks to a vibrant scene of festivals, art, cultural events and sporting fun, there's usually something to look forward to for all the family.
Here, we take a quick look through each month of 2020 and find something to look forward to, from family events to music concerts.
If you'd like your event to be featured on our site, contact us at hello@explorar.co.uk
Durham events January 2020
On January 12 why not take part in a tradition that dates back centuries? Plough Sunday has marked the beginning of the farming year for countless generations, and it has undergone a revival in more recent years. Featuring entertainment in the centre of Durham, there will be music and traditional dancing in Durham Marketplace, and then you can follow the plough as it is processed to Durham Cathedral to be blessed by the Dean of Durham at 2pm.
Then on Saturday January 25, Durham will be celebrating Chinese New Year. 2020 is the Year of the Rat and there will be dancing, crafts and exhibitions as usual.
Durham events February 2020
February in Durham heralds the return of the unmissable Fire and Ice Festival. With beautiful ice sculptures as well as ice carving workshops, it's great family fun and takes place on February 21-22.
It's Spring half term from February 15-23. And of course, don't forget that it's Valentine's Day on February 14...check out our list of romantic spots in Durham.
Durham events March 2020
On Sunday March 22 it's Mothering Sunday, and if 2019 is anything to go by there will be plenty of events and restaurant deals to take advantage of.
Durham events April 2020
April 2020 marks Easter on April 12, and with a four day bank holiday as well as two weeks off for schools, you can be sure there will be plenty of events going on. We'll bring you the latest on our Easter in Durham page.
There's also Durham Adventure Festival 2020 taking place from April 24-26. There are talks from the world's top adventurers, as well as hands-on adventure activities including a climbing wall.
On April 18-19 it's Bishop Auckland Food Festival.
Durham events May 2020
Durham Nostalgia Day takes place over the May Bank Holiday, with dancing, military vehicles and music. It's also May Day school holiday from May 8-10, and the summer half term starts on May 23.
For the adults, there's Lanchester Beer Festival on the May Bank Holiday.
Durham events June 2020
Love your food? On June 13-14 it's Seaham Food Festival, which will feature stalls, cookery demonstrations and children's food workshops.
June 21 is Fathers Day, and we'll take our usual trawl of the best Durham Father's Day meal offers plus Fathers Day events.
Look out for Summer in the City, which is a series of cultural events from talks to plays taking place in Durham city centre. And there will also be Durham County Show, which is a good family day out at Ushaw.
The Euros are also in June this year, so keep an eye out for big screens for the England matches.
Durham events July 2020
One of the highlights of the Durham events calendar is Durham Miners Gala, which takes place in July each year. This year it takes place on Saturday July 11. With parades, music, speeches and the Durham Cathedral miners gala service, it's not to be missed.
There's also the Durham Brass Festival which takes place in July. It features a whole host of brass music events, from secret gigs to free events in Wharton Park. We'll let you know as soon as dates are announced.
And at the start of the month is Lanchester Agricultural Show.
Durham events August 2020
At the start of the month, Kynren comes to life for six weeks, until mid September. Kynren's tagline is 'an epic tale of England' and it features a live show taking place over seven and a half acres.
Also on August 1 Michael Buble heads to the Riverside Stadium in Chester le Street. And children can enjoy week-long adventure camps at Ireshopeburn, featuring rock climbing, canoeing and high ropes.
From July to August is the Olympics, so there are bound to be many sporting and community activities taking place across the county in celebration.
Durham events September 2020
From September 11-20, you can enjoy a great - and free - day out with the Durham Heritage Open Days. 2019 saw 80 venues across County Durham open their doors for 10 days of events, and 2020 should be just as good.
Also on September 5 and 6 is Wolsingham Agricultural Show, with livestock shows, gundogs, craft stalls and events in the marquee. Stanhope Show is a week later.
Durham events October 2020
October 31 and everything gets spooky. Halloween in Durham is lots of fun and you'll find something to do, from family friendly Halloween activities to truly frightening adults-only experiences.
It's also the October half term school holidays from October 24 to November 1.
Durham events November 2020
Lumiere sadly won't be back until 2021 after taking place in 2019, but there are other Durham events to look forward to. The month starts off with fireworks, with huge Bonfire Night displays across the county.
On November 12 it's Sedgefield's Finest Raceday, while on November 8 it's the Chester le Street Toy, Train and Sci-Fi Fair.
Durham events December 2020
Well, there's obviously Christmas, when there will be the Polar Express and Santa's grottos, but there will also be pantomimes to enjoy with the family, which will extend the fun into the rest of the month. In 2020, the panto season begins with Robin Hood at the Gala Theatre.