Christmas events in Yorkshire – there are so many wonderful events going on in Yorkshire this year, from old favourites to new and exciting events.
Here is my list of suggestions for events and things to do at Christmas in Yorkshire. It gets longer every year! Have a look at our list of Christmas markets, Winter Wonderlands, attractions and Christmas festivals in York and the rest of Yorkshire. I’ll add more Yorkshire Christmas events as they appear. I have reviewed as many of the Christmas events as possible (because I LOVE Christmas!), so do read the individual reviews if you get chance.
Castle Howard, Malton, North Yorkshire
13th November 2025 – 4th January 2026
Christmas at Castle Howard – The theme for this year at Castle Howard is The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and runs from the 13th November – 4th January 2026.
See all the details of Castle Howard at Christmas.
Big Christmas Concert with Alistair Griffin
Q Church, 9 Priory St, York YO1 6ET
The 12th and 13th of December 2025
The Big Christmas Concert is back in York on 12th and 13th December. Get ready for another fun packed festive spectacular!
Step into Christmas with York’s biggest festive musical spectacular the Big Christmas Concert. You’ll be greeted by a brass band, then taken on a journey through the Christmas classics. From soul stirring acoustic versions of your favourite carols to the old Christmas bangers from the Pogues and Slade. Treat yourself to a mulled wine, sing along, and embrace the magical fairytale ambiance of old York.
This concert has become my favourite Christmas tradition. Everyone we have spoken to at the concert is having the best time!
Buy Tickets for the Big Christmas Concert here.
Big Christmas Concert by Candlelight – HARROGATE
Christ Church, Church Square, Harrogate, HG1 4SW
December 5th 2025
Alistair Griffin Presents: The Big Christmas Concert by Candlelight Get ready for a magical night of Christmas hits and festive favourites — all under the warm glow of candlelight. Join singer-songwriter Alistair Griffin, as heard on BBC Radio 2 and seen on BBC TV, for an unforgettable live performance in the stunning Christ Church, Harrogate.
Buy Candlelit Concert tickets here.
Big Christmas Concert by Candlelight – MALTON
Wesley Centre, Saville St, Malton YO17 7LL
December 7th 2025
Alistair Griffin Presents: The Big Christmas Concert by Candlelight Get ready for a magical night of Christmas hits and festive favourites — all under the warm glow of candlelight. Join singer-songwriter Alistair Griffin, as heard on BBC Radio 2 and seen on BBC TV, for an unforgettable live performance in the Wesley Centre.
Buy Candlelit Concert tickets here.
The Fairytale for Christmas
Grand Opera House – Mon 24th Nov – Tue 25th Nov 2025
After four sell-out tours A Fairytale for Christmas –The ultimate Irish Christmas concert is coming to town!
Singers, musicians and dancers perform Yuletide favourites such as ‘O Holy Night’ and ‘The Fairytale of New York’ and Irish sing-a-long classics like ‘The Galway Girl’ and ‘Dirty Old Town’.
Think a St Patrick’s Day party – on Christmas Day!
This show is in no way based on, endorsed by, or affiliated or associated with the song titled ‘Fairytale of New York’, the Pogues, or Shane MacGowan (or their respective representatives).
Buy tickets from The Grand Opera House.
Stockeld Park, Wetherby
22nd November – 24th December 2025
Christmas in Yorkshire is more magical than ever here at Stockeld Park!
What was once but a simple Christmas Tree shop, from this small acorn grew what came to be Stockeld Park’s most famous adventure season. Since then, every year the most magical Christmas events for families in Yorkshire happen right here at Stockeld Park, and we can’t wait for you to join us.
Christmas in Yorkshire has never been more exciting, with plenty of things to do with children of all ages in our amazing, glittering Christmas Wonderland.
Christmas Fun for the Whole Family in Yorkshire.
Meet Santa, enjoy our Winter Illuminations in the Enhanced Forest, discover the secrets of our Snowflake Maze, or whizz around our ice rink: these and many other Christmas events and activities for children of all ages are waiting for you at Stockeld Park. You can even bring a little bit of the magic of Christmas at Stockeld Park home with you by purchasing one of our beautiful real Christmas trees, grown right here on the Stockeld Park Estate -the biggest plantation in Yorkshire!
Join us for Christmas fun, get active and discover large themed outdoor playgrounds within our beautiful woodland. This truly is the home of Christmas magic!
Read more about the Christmas Adventure at Stockeld Park.
Lotherton Hall Christmas Experience
Dates to be released but last year was the 23rd November to the 5th January
The most wonderful time of the year has arrived early in Yorkshire, with the announcement that seasonal sensations Santa and Mrs Claus are dusting off their suits and boots to take up residence alongside their mischievous elves at The Christmas Experience at Lotherton and tickets are now on sale.
From 23 November 2024 to 5 January 2025, the family favourite will twinkle with magic and enchanting snow-filled paths, delighting little ones and big kids alike with its interactive and immersive yuletide wonder and joy.
Families will make memories to last a lifetime as the historic Hall, just outside of Leeds, is decked in its elegant Edwardian finery, and the grounds enjoy a liberal sprinkle of Christmas cheer for visitors to embark on adventures with fairies, elves and Father Christmas himself in a winter wonderland.
Look at our review of Lotherton Hall Christmas Experience here.
Mother Shipton’s, Knaresborough
Saturday the 29th of November 2025 – Wednesday the 24th of December 2025.
Santa is flying here to see you! Let the twinkling lights draw you into the wonder of Mother Shipton’s magical, memory-making Christmas experience.
From the moment you step into this enchanted land, Santa’s cheerful elves will welcome you with open arms. Every child with a Santa Experience Ticket will receive a pack of festive activities, a magical pass to unlocking the wonders that await.
As you wander through the winter woodland, the Christmas Village awaits, a place where enchantment and holiday spirit intertwine. Gaze upon the merry displays and festive delights that fill the air with joy.
And who could forget Chief Elf Chestnut, the embodiment of excitement and joy? They will lead you to the highlight of your journey—a special visit to Santa himself! Step into his cosy grotto, where time stands still as you create memories that will warm your heart for years to come. Mother Shipton’s has been named as one of the ‘Best Christmas Grottos to Meet Santa’ by the Telegraph.
York Christmas Festival
13th November to the 21st December 2025 and is open from 10am until 7pm each day
There’s usually lots going on in the centre of York over Christmas (even if there wasn’t, Christmas in York is so pretty it’s always worth a visit!). St Nicholas Fair, the York Christmas Market is planned to return this year, with lots of food, festivities and a lovely Christmassy atmosphere to soak up.
Take a look at our full review of York Christmas Market.
Christmas in Haworth
Scarborough Sparkle
Dates to be confirmed
Scarborough Open Air Theatre – Burniston Rd, Scarborough YO12 6PF
Scarborough Sparkle – Scarborough’s annual magical and enchanting Christmas festival kicks off the festive season on the coast.
Beginning with a lantern parade by Animated Objects, it’s the perfect event to experience the warm and fuzzy festive feeling, sample great food and drink, and get a head start on Christmas gift shopping.
The Polar Express™ Train Ride at Wensleydale
Saturday 14th of November – Tuesday 23rd December 2025 (various dates)
Wensleydale, North Yorkshire
Join us at The Polar Express Yorkshire for a magical Christmas Experience. We are the ONLY licensed Polar Express in Yorkshire. This Christmas experience is unlike any other. Brought to you by the organisers of the number 1 voted Polar Express in the World, Wensleydale Railway hosts The Polar Express Yorkshire.
Your journey begins just like the 2004 Motion Picture where The Polar Express will pick you up to take you to the North Pole. You will get to meet all the characters from the film including the conductor, the singing chefs, the hobo and of course the main man himself Father Christmas. You and your family, hopefully dressed in PJs, will experience and fun filled theatrical adventure as you make your way to the North Pole.
Throughout your journey you will tangle with the Caribou, see the magic of the Northern Lights and have the story of The Polar Express told you by the singing Chefs. Don’t forget to have a bite of your cookie and authentic Hot Chocolate before arriving at the North Pole to meet Santa Claus.
Read our full review of The Polar Express here.
Santa Experience on York City Cruises, York
Dates to be announced
Join Santa for a marvellously magical festive cruise on the River Ouse at Christmas!
You might think that Santa is far too busy to drop in to York to see all the good boys and girls, but you’d be wrong! Santa is a big fan of City Cruises (we’re his favourite) and loves coming to see us every year to spread festive cheer!
You’ll be welcomed into Santa’s Grotto at our Boatyard, hidden underneath the beautiful Lendal Bridge in the centre of York. As you enter, your Captain will check that children are on the special VIP guestlist we receive from Lapland.
Don’t worry if you are bringing a pushchair, you’ll be able to park it in the safety of our Reindeer Pen! Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen and, of course, Rudolph – are all away on business with Santa.
Once on board, you’ll be greeted warmly by one of Santa’s good friends, Mary Christmas or Ernie/Ellie the Elf, who will show you to your reserved seating, ready for our magical departure! Santa doesn’t let us say too much more about what happens next, as that would spoil the magic, but we can guarantee that Santa Claus himself will find his way aboard and the whole family will have the most wonderful time on board – there’s a reason why families come back year after year to experience this truly fabulous festive treat, after all…
North Yorkshire Moors Railway
Details to be announced
North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) has announced the launch of its all-new Santa Specials services, offering families an enchanting Christmas experience like never before. This festive season, join in the fun on your journey through the stunning North York Moors as you meet a cast of jolly railway Christmas characters and become part of the story.
Starting the adventure at the beautifully decorated Pickering Station, visitors will be greeted by twinkling lights, real Christmas trees, festive decorations, and the joyful sounds of Christmas music filling the air. Children will have the chance to visit our festive signal box, and families can take a Christmas selfie, pop into the charming Christmas tearoom for an indulgent hotchocolate and mince pie, and browse through festive stalls brimming with holiday treats and unique, exclusive gifts, in the Christmas emporium.
One of the highlights of the Santa Specials is the opportunity to meet Santa Claus himself! Each child will receive a unique Edmondson Railway ticket, a nod to the traditional system for recording railway fares introduced in the 1840s, as a keepsake of their journey, along with a limited-edition toy to take home to commemorate their Christmas trip.
Visit nymr.co.uk/santa-specials
Christmas at York Castle Museum
Plans are yet to be announced (the below is from a previous year and an idea of what might happen)
Kirkgate, the Victorian street within the Castle Museum in York is bedecked with Christmas decorations for their ‘Dickensian Christmas’ event. Costumed actors wander round, keen to chat to you in character. There may also be a lovely theatrical ‘Audience with Father Christmas’ to enjoy too.
Read our review of Christmas at the York Castle Museum.
Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland, York
Dates to be announced for 2025
York’s award-winning festive destination – Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland at McArthurGlen Designer Outlet York – is back for Christmas.
Read all about our Christmas visit.
Christmas Market at The Piece Hall in Halifax
Dates to be announced
A Christmas Market over six weekends showcasing some of the region’s favourite independent food and drink producers, artisan makers and pop-up street food. Featuring a wide range of unique stalls with everything from homeware to jewellery, gifts and delicious food to take home.
Murton Park, York – Yorkshire Farming Museum
Check their website for the latest details. (The below info is for a previous Christmas)
Visit the annual Santa Special Extravaganza at Murton Park, the Yorkshire Farming Museum. Ride on the Santa train, then take a guided tour of Santa’s village to see how the Elves are getting on at ‘Yule School’.
Santa’s Sweet Adventure at York Chocolate Story
Check their website for latest details. (The below info is for a previous Christmas)
On Santa’s Sweet Adventure, children will join our elves on the most important of missions; saving Christmas! Filled to the brim with festive fun, this hour-long, interactive-grotto experience contains games, seasonal secrets and – of course – a meeting with the big man himself.
We reviewed Santa’s Sweet Adventure here.
Fireside Stories with Father Christmas at Raby Castle
Selected dates from November – December
Come and meet Father Christmas this winter season in the spectacular setting of Raby Castle.
The magic of Christmas is coming to Raby Castle, Park, and Gardens!
Get ready for a festive season filled with enchanting events, twinkling lights, and holiday cheer for the whole family.
Sign up for our newsletter today and be the first to hear about our festive activities, special offers, and all the seasonal surprises in store. Make this Christmas unforgettable with a visit to Raby Castle!
Beningbrough Hall, York
Check their website for the latest details. (The below info is for a previous Christmas)
From a previous year – Father Christmas is making his way to Beningbrough for his annual holiday. As he glides through the skies, dodging the typical British weather, disaster strikes and his case falls off the back of his sleigh. His elves come to the rescue, finding his case and all its content. However his clothes need a bit of TLC, but thankfully Beningbrough has some fantastic washing facilities. Find Father Christmas in the Victorian Laundry for a brand new and unique tale for his Yorkshire guests.
Book your place at one of the sessions across the weekends usually from the end of November. Every child can go to see him, have a photograph taken and if you want to, give him your list. Then there’s a small gift to take away and either put under your tree or open early.
William’s Den
Castle Farm, Wold Hill, North Cave, Brough HU15 2LS
29th Nov, 9:00 am – 24th Dec 2025, 5:00 pm
There’s something uniquely magical about Christmas at William’s Den.
Where else can you meet up with family of all ages, get in the festive spirit with a Christmas show, catch up over amazing home-cooked food, let the kids adventure to their heart’s content, and make the kind of memories that’ll keep you warm this winter
Read our review of William’s Den at Christmas. Also have a look at our review of William’s Den from over the summer.
Lightwater Valley
Check their website for latest details. (The below info is for a previous Christmas)
Lightwater Valley at Christmas – Discover a fantastical new seasonal adventure at Lightwater Valley this Christmas with the enchanting Alice in Winterland. Hundreds of giant illuminated lanterns will illustrate stories from Alice in Wonderland and Alice Through the Looking Glass. Discover a giant chess board, watch the Mad Hatter prepare for his crazy tea party, marvel at the four-metre tall Alice lantern and come face to face with the infamous Queen herself.
See all the details on Lightwater Valley at Christmas here.
Burton Agnes Hall, Nr Bridlington
Thursday the 11th of December 2025
See my review of Pirates and Princesses at Burton Agnes.
Piglets Adventure Farm, York
Dates for Christmas to be announced.
For a truly unforgettable Christmas experience, visit Piglets Adventure Farm this festive season!
Fancy a ride on a magical Christmas sleigh? Then head on down to Piglets Adventure Farm where you can meet Santa in his twinkling woodland village.
Join us for a magical sleigh ride and a heart-warming adventure. Soar through the trees on an enchanting sleigh ride and meander through our Woodland Village with treats and activities to enjoy at every turn. Meet our cheery elves along the way and the star of the show, Santa Claus himself!
See what we thought when we visited Piglets here.
Harewood House
Harewood House, Harewood, Leeds LS17 9LG
Details to be announced.
Things to do at Christmas in Yorkshire with Kids
RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Harrogate
‘Glow’ Winter Illuminations at RHS Garden Harlow Carr.
Selected dates 19 November – 23 December 2025
Discover the magic of Christmas at the RHS Glow illuminations. An enchanted world where twinkling lights dance across winter landscapes, where every path leads to a new discovery, and where the spirit of the season glows brighter than ever.
In these gardens, nothing is what it seems. Plants and landscapes come to life to reveal hidden wonders. Every corner offers a new surprise – from shimmering trees and illuminated sculptures to dazzling displays that bring the garden to life in unexpected ways.
This is RHS Glow 2025 – an unforgettable journey through five uniquely illuminated gardens, each offering its own spellbinding story told through light, colour and creativity.
Robin Hoods Bay Victorian Weekend – Christmas events Yorkshire
December 6th & 7th 2025 (this year’s dates – but info from last year)
The Victorian Weekend at Robin Hood’s Bay is organised by the RHB Tourism Association.
In the picturesque village of Robin Hood’s Bay. Taking place on the 6th & 7th of December 2025, this beloved event brings history to life with live music, fun games, a best-dressed competition, traditional carols around the tree, and much more.
Spilmans Christmas Festival 2024
Church Farm, Thirsk YO7 3NB
Dates to be announced
Spilmans biggest and best Christmas yet!
Step into a winter wonderland at our farm this Christmas! Join us for a live one three person stage show ‘Lapland’s Got Talent’ that will make your holiday season merry and bright! After the show, experience five different activities two of which take place in the magical snow room. You will also have an opportunity to meet Santa and enjoy his heartwarming stories! After this it is time to pick your own Christmas present from Santa’s magical toy shop! From there it is on to the final event area where you can show us your best moves in the Christmas Disco. Dance to your favorite holiday tunes and let the festive spirit lift you higher! But that is not all-join us for some sweet fun with gingerbread decorating and cozy marshmallow toasting by the crackling fire!
Don’t miss out on the ultimate Christmas experience!
Find out more about Christmas at Spilmans.
Treasurer’s House, York
Dates to be released (info from last year)
Expect the unexpected this Christmas as the stories found in Frank Green’s travel journals take centre stage. His far flung, and at times far fetched, tales are the inspiration for a truly unique Christmas offer.
Inside the period rooms, 1920s design elements will mingle with modern touches to create a timeless Christmas and you’re invited to wander at your own pace, making memories as you explore. Many of the decorations are hand made by the talented team of volunteers who decorate the house. This season promises to be the biggest Christmas yet.
Drop in anytime between 11am and 4pm (last entry 3.15pm), booking not required and tours are paused during the festive season.
We reviewed Treasurer’s House over the summer.
Christmas at Barley Hall, York
Check their website for the latest details.
This is your chance to discover the hidden history of the use of charms, potions and magic during Christmas celebrations in medieval York at our beautifully decorated townhouse, Barley Hall. Enjoy the greenery and colour as you are transported back in time to explore the beautifully decorated rooms of Barley Hall, each dressed to reflect the different activities that would have taken place in the home and around the city in Lady Snawsell’s time.
Read our review of Barley Hall at Christmas.
The Snowman
Sunday 7th December 2025 at Hull City Hall
The iconic Christmas film, The Snowman is being shown at Hull City Hall this Christmas. We saw it in York Minster a few years ago and it truly is a magical experience. The film is projected onto a large screen and has a live orchestra accompanying it. They have a local child singer to sing ‘Walking in the Air’. Tickets sell out fast, so get booked in!
The Ginger Cow Santa’s Grotto
To be confirmed
At The Ginger Cow Company, “Our Elves will be here to guide you through your visit to Santa, making sure it’s extra special.
Tickets to see Father Christmas include a private 1-2-1 meeting with Santa, where each paying child will receive a small Christmas gift.
During your visit, your children will also be able to make a small bag of special reindeer food to take home with them ready for Christmas Eve!
Book tickets for The Ginger Cow Company’s Santa’s Grotto here.
Also look at my other round ups for different times of the year, Things to do in Yorkshire with the kids at February half term, Easter, May half term, Summer Holidays, October half term and at Christmas.
After participating in so many Yorkshire activities, you can customize your pins as a souvenir.
Custom Enamel pins can be engraved with the logo of your event, silhouettes of you and your family skating on the ice rink or taking photos with Santa Claus, etc., and can also match the Christmas theme of Yorkshire, such as the outline of York Minster, Santa Claus’s sleigh, reindeer and other iconic images. You can leave a unique souvenir for your Christmas trip.
Customized enamel pins are not only a souvenir but also an interactive link between tourists and Yorkshire Christmas activities, further enhancing tourists’ sense of participation and memory of the activities.
Wow so much to do! I don’t know which one to book in first but I’m feeling very festive just after reading this!
Magical? You missed off my annual Christmas magic shows in York, The Magic Hatter’s Christmas Cracker – now in the 7th year, and shows usually sell out early! Details can be found by clicking the snowman at http://www.magichatter.co.uk ⛄️️🎄🎅🏻🎁
I am very sorry Mr Hatter – all of the Yorkshire Wonders are big fans and I have now added you (deservedly) to our list.
That’s ok, with so much going on this Christmas in York, it must be a lot to keep track of! Many magical thanks for the adding a mention and hopefully see you again soon.
Can’t wait !there’s so much going on! We’re setting off soon with our son and grandchildren to Castle Howard,looking forward to a fun filled day! Stocked park next week!,😀😀
Both Castle Howard and Stockeld Park are amazing at Christmas! I hope you have a fab time! x
Some great ideas for something different, thank you for posting!
I love Christmas! I’m going to try and do as many of the events as I can squeeze in 🙂
Wow! So many things to choose from, I knew about a couple of the events but there are a few more there for us to try this year. Thank you.
Yes, there are a couple of new ones there. I love Christmas!