Here is a great list of suggestions for events and things to do at Christmas in Yorkshire with the kids (or without!). 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.
If you are not from Yorkshire and are looking for somewhere to stay while you are here, have a look at some of the Yorkshire Hotels we have reviewed for a fab festive break!
A scene from Christmas at Castle Howard from last year
Spilmans Christmas Festival 2023
Church Farm, Thirsk YO7 3NB
Selected dates from the 25th Nov 2023 to the 24th Dec 2023
Magic is in the air at Spilmans !
Jack and Lilly are busy preparing for Christmas on the Farm. Watch them as they embark on a magical adventure, when they find a mysterious family treasure in their attic! Enjoy a festive tale like no other, as they find themselves on a winter wonderland adventure and welcome you along to join them.
This is a two-part live stage show production where the audience are invited to move through the farm to follow this festive tale. Throughout the experience, children are invited to take part and join in the festive fun.
Join Father Christmas as he welcomes you into his warm and cosy cabin to tell you a story that will warm all your festive hearts. Sitting on cosy cushions, you will see Santa sitting in his chair by his fire, where he will read a special festive tale.
Find out more about Christmas at Spilmans .
Christmas at Spilmans
Castle Howard, Malton, North Yorkshire
11th November 2023 – 2nd January 2024
Christmas at Castle Howard – Take the second star to the right, and straight on to Castle Howard! This Christmas, get lost on a magical adventure in Neverland as we invite you to a Christmas experience like no other.
Fly into the adventure of a lifetime bursting with fairies, mermaids, and pirates. Vast ships will cruise into our great galleries, Lost Boy-laughter will echo through our halls, and our beautiful rooms will transform into tropical lagoons.
Follow the boy that never grew up into a fantastical festive world that will re-ignite your belief in fairies and leave your heart full.
See all the details of Castle Howard at Christmas.
Candlelit Concerts – Candlelit Christmas
St Olaves Church, York
November 30, December 1st and 2nd 2023 8PM to 9PM
There will be a series of candlelit concerts from September until Christmas with different themes. Check out all the details at Ignite Concerts .
Buy Candlelit Concert tickets here.
Enchanting harmonies beneath flickering flames: A timeless celebration of Christmas with our mesmerizing candlelit concert and captivating string quartet. Set in the beautiful St Olaves church in York, a string quartet will take you on a festive journey with classic Christmas songs, from the likes of The Pogues and George Michael to Christmas carol favourites. Enjoy a mulled wine and take in the magical atmosphere.
Big Christmas Concert with Alistair Griffin
The 8th, 9th, 15th and 16th of December 2023 – 7.30-10.30pm
Taking place at Q Church (9 Priory St, York YO1 6ET). A brass band will play you in, then Alistair Griffin’s Big Christmas Concert will take you on a musical journey from acoustic versions of traditional carols through to Wizard, Slade and The Pogues. Sing along and sip mulled wine whilst enjoying the fairytale of old York.
We have done this before and loved it!
Buy Tickets for the Big Christmas Concert here.
A SANTA EXPERIENCE WITH ELF ACADEMY, WALK-THROUGH, MINI-GOLF AND FAMILY VISIT WITH SANTA.
Uredale Mill (ex Carrs Billington Yard), Station Rd, Askrigg., DL8 3HZ
This is a fully indoor experience.
After check in, your magical journey starts with an appointment with the Head Elf at the naming station, because as we all know, you cannot attend the elf academy until you have your secret elf name. All elf trainees will be issued with their new name badge and a certificate which they will complete by acquiring stamps along the way, to enable Santa to fully certify them later on, as Elf qualified.
The first thing any new elf trainee needs, is to look the part. With this in mind, all students are invited to personalise their own elf hat from the vast array of decorations provided, under the supervision of an academy tutor. With hat complete, they are then asked to help Santa with the enormous task of finding his way around the world in dot-to-dot puzzle form.
Our eager young recruits are then ushered through to boot-camp. The Elf Master explains there are some key things to learn if the students are to become fully qualified Elf assistants and earn their completed certificates. Some of these lessons include learning the elf motto and how to properly Ho-Ho-Ho, and of course, how to address a reindeer.
Onto the North Pole sorting office, where your elf postmaster is busy sorting and weighing all the letters from the good and bad children of the world. The young elves will sit at their desks and it’s time to write their wish-list to Santa before posting it off to the North Pole.
Having completed training, all that is now required is the final sign-off from Santa. We embark on a journey to the North Pole to see Santa himself. We start this magical journey going through a faux-fur lined wardrobe into Narnia and an encounter with the Snow Queen in her sleigh, who will mesmerise them with an enchanted tale, and then send them on their way with a sweet treat.
An unexpected diversion takes the travellers into the fantasy world of Dr. Suess, and right to the middle of Who-ville itself. It’s now over to our intrepid elves to help the residents in preventing The Grinch from stealing Christmas. This will be done with various activities, including asking the eagle-eyed youngsters to spot where the Grinch turns up.
With Christmas saved, it’s time to go onward to our traditional Victorian themed area where children will enjoy filling their containers (provided) with reindeer food to take home for sprinkling on their own doorsteps on Christmas Eve.
And so, It is now time for the main event. Santa resides in his grotto which is surrounded by light-up reindeer and Christmas trees. Your individual family visit (max 5 minutes) will give you the opportunity to take photos, have a chat with Santa, and all paying young elves will receive a small gift along with Santa’s authentication of their personalised certificate.
The fun doesn’t end there! The whole family can now join in the North Pole 9-hole mini golf course to complete their experience. Putting the ball through wintry obstacles and icy challenges will be fun for the new elves and their parents alike. This themed area will be full of sparkle and magic, and is the perfect end to a memorable visit.
Buy tickets here.
Stockeld Park, Wetherby
18 th November 2023 until the 8 th of January 2024
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.
Vivaldi’s Four Seasons at Christmas
Ripon Cathedral – Thursday 29 November 2023 – Time: 7:30 p.m – 9:15 p.m.
Hear Vivaldi’s stunning Four Seasons live . Exceptional classical performances from the Piccadilly Sinfonietta. The perfect way to celebrate the festive season
Age requirement: CityMusic Promotions events are not suitable for children under the age of 5 years old (babies will not be admitted)
Concert Details
Musicians
The Piccadilly Sinfonietta
Warren Mailley-Smith (Piano)
Violin soloist to be confirmed
Book tickets for Vivaldi’s Four Seasons at Christmas.
Lotherton Hall Christmas Experience
From 25 November 2023 to 7 January 2024
From 25 November 2023 to 7 January 2024, families will make memories to last a lifetime as they enjoy a magical day out at the Edwardian stately home just outside of Leeds, embarking on adventures with fairies, elves and Father Christmas himself.
Steeped in Christmas magic and excitement. Enjoy a magical Twelve Days of Christmas Walk through the Captains Wood around the estate, make the turtle doves fly, walk through the five gold rings and be one of our drummers drumming! Uncover a secret fairy hideaway in our rock garden. Visit Santa in the North Pole and meet our elves helping in their workshop.
Marvel in the splendour of the Edwardian House with the rooms dressed in all their festive finery. Wander down to the Elf Village where young ones can join the elves in making craft activities or listen to stories, and everyone can enjoy a cup of hot chocolate or warm snack under our twinkling canopy. More wonderful Christmas days out Yorkshire.
Look at our review of Lotherton Hall Christmas Experience here.
The Ginger Cow Santa’s Grotto
Bookings will reopen at the start of October 2023
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!
Tickets priced per child , accompanying adults go free. Please be sure to book for the correct number of additional children. Babies who do not wish to receive a gift are free, but all children wishing to see Santa, receive a gift and make reindeer food, must have a pre-purchased ticket. Adults numbers are limited to 3 per time slot.
The tea room will also be open with a selection of hot & cold drinks and freshly made cakes & bakes to purchase on the day, or why not add a festive afternoon tea for two at £30 for two people, £15 for each additional person. Afternoon teas are available for pre-order only – please contact us by 30th November to book yours or to book a table for the café”
Book tickets for The Ginger Cow Company’s Santa’s Grotto here.
Swing into Christmas
Saturday 16th December, Royal Hall, Ripon Rd, Harrogate HG1 2SY. Doors: 19:00. Tickets: £30.00-£60.00. Box Office: 01423 502116
Celebrate the festive season in style with the vocalists and instrumentalists of Down for the Count Orchestra , as they Swing Into Christmas !
This is a festive celebration like no other, as Down for the Count recreate the music of Nat ‘King’ Cole, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra and many more in a luscious 28-piece orchestral setting evoking the sounds of the great Capitol Studios recordings.
Expect to hear faithful recreations of the best music of the swing era including I’ve Got You Under My Skin, Let’s Face The Music and Dance and ‘S Wonderful , alongside original arrangements of jazz and festive standards written by the Orchestra’s principal conductor Mike Paul-Smith and featured on our new album Swing Into Christmas , including Winter Wonderland and The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting).
The show is full of joie de vivre and fantastic musicianship – and is guaranteed to put a smile on your face this Christmas. Grab your family and friends and join us as we Swing Into Christmas!
Mother Shipton’s, Knaresborough
SAT 25 NOV 2023 – SUN 24 DEC 2023
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.
Wander through the gorgeous winter woodland to see the enchanted Christmas Village, festooned with festive delights and merry displays to marvel at along the way.
See Santa (socially distanced)
Meet Chief Elf Chestnut
Optional add-on purchase of a special soft toy gift to receive from Santa’s Elf Helper whilst you meet Santa
Winter Woodland Walk
Festive Displays & Scenes
Christmas Post Office
Adventure Playground*
Cave where Mother Shipton was born*
Petrifying Well*
Gift Shop
Museum
Wishing Well
Wishing Logs
Take-Away refreshments available to purchase
Picnic tables available & toilets open
Dog Friendly (on a lead, the only place that dogs can’t go is inside the adventure playground)
Read all about Mother Shipton’s at Christmas here.
Visit Santa at Mother Shipton’s
York Christmas Festival
16th November to 22nd December 2023
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.
Scarborough Sparkle
24 Nov 2023 – 26 Nov 2023
Scarborough Open Air Theatre – Burniston Rd, Scarborough YO12 6PF
From the 25th to 27th of November, Join us at Scarborough Open Air Theatre for Scarborough Sparkl e, a Magical, enchanting Christmas wonderland on the North Bay of Scarborough. Our Tipi bar will be open for food, drinks and toasting marshmallows by the fire, perfect for getting into the Christmas spirit! Free Entry to all.
Christmas at Roundhay Park – Illuminated Trail
To be announced for 2023
Christmas at Roundhay Park – A new Christmas trail featuring larger than life illuminations and much-loved seasonal music, will light up Roundhay Park in Leeds one of the biggest city parks in Europe, between 8 December 2022 and 1 January 2023.
Tickets are on sale now for this captivating light trail, where you will spend quality time with loved ones, as you create everlasting memories in this unique park. Christmas at Roundhay Park offers you the chance to wander between striking light installations designed by a range of international artists, all carefully choreographed to a soundtrack of much-loved festive music.
From the flickering fire garden, wild wicker sculptures to magical and whimsical light creations, it’s ‘instant Christmas’ providing picture perfect moments all the way.
The Polar Express Train Ride at Wensleydale
Friday 10th of November – Saturday 23rd December 2023 (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.
G4 Christmas – Beverley Minster
Wed. Nov 15, 2023 7:30pm – 9:30pm
Experience sumptuous harmonies in an idyllic, festive setting…
Selling out every year, G4 will be back on the road in 2023 with their biggest and best Christmas tour to date!
With a series of 34 shows in beautiful venues nationwide, join Jonathan, Lewis, Mike and Duncan as they recall the musical experiences of their childhoods.
Expect to hear timeless classics such as When A Child is Born, Silent Night and All I Want For Christmas, as well as delightful medleys to evoke the Christmas spirit, all delivered exquisitely in some of the UK’s most iconic historical venues.
VIP ‘Meet & Greet’ tickets are available, including a pre-show Meet & Greet with G4 at 6pm for all “G4 Christmas” tour dates.
Santa Experience on York City Cruises, York
25th November – 23rd December 2023 (Selected Dates)
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…
A Christmas Carol
30 Nov 2023 and 1 Dec 2023 at Sheffield Cathedral
Chapterhouse Theatre Company is proud to bring you A Christmas Carol, Charles Dicken’s timeless tale of hope and redemption, this Christmas. A Christmas Carol follows the miserly Ebeneezer Scrooge as he embarks upon a journey through his past, present, and future, learning along the way to appreciate the true meaning of Christmas.
With dazzling musical sequences and authentic period costuming, this production promises to be the perfect accompaniment to the festive season. Join family and friends at the most magical time of the year and be swept back in time nearly two centuries to the world of Scrooge’s London.
North Yorkshire Moors Railway, Pickering and Grosmont
25 & 26 November 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23 & 24 December.
Join Santa and his special team of elves at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway from either Pickering or Grosmont Station before a magical adventure aboard the Santa Express which will take you on a festive journey you won’t forget!
