The festive season is just around the corner and North Yorkshire is getting ready to transform into a winter wonderland, offering countless family attractions that celebrate the spirit of Christmas. Whether you are looking for enchanting light displays, festive markets, or magical experiences for the little ones, North Yorkshire has something for everyone. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the top Christmas family attractions that will make this festive season unforgettable.
Glow at RHS Garden Harlow Carr
Selected dates 21 November – 28 December 2024
Entry by pre-booked timed tickets only.
Explore the breath-taking gardens in a new light as the spectacular illuminations light the way on a magical Glow trail. With festive food and drink treats along the way this is the perfect event to wrap-up warm and make memories with your loved ones!
Head to the Bath House gift shop to stock up on season treats and unique gifts from talented local makers.
North Yorkshire Moors Railway
Santa Specials
Selected dates 30 November – 24 December
Celebrate the magic of Christmas by embarking on a whimsical journey aboard the North Yorkshire Moors Railway Santa Specials. The enchanting experience begins at the beautifully decorated Pickering Station where you’ll have the chance to visit the festive signal box, pop into the Christmas tearoom and browse the festival stalls on offer before boarding the train for a magical visit from Santaf. Each child will also receive a limited-edition soft toy and more to take home to remember their special day!
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, Ripon
Winter Tales
Wrap up warm and discover the Winter Tales at Fountains Abbey. Visit three different locations across the estate and immerse yourself in four different Winter Tales: The Mitten, The Silver Pinecones, The Nutcracker and The Children and The Sun. Join the author, Dawn Casey, or a volunteer at one of the storytelling weekends.
Meet the author: Saturday 30 November and Sunday 1 December at 11am, 12pm and 2pm.
Group storytelling sessions: Every weekend from 7 December to 29 December.
Live Choirs
2pm every Saturday and Sunday between 30 November – 29 December
Watch the abbey transform with all the colours of the rainbow while listening to live choirs and bands.
Stockeld Park, Wetherby
Every day from 16 November
Just over the border, enter the magical world of Stockeld Park. On Saturday 16 November, Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive in spectacular style to officially open Stockeld’s Christmas Adventure.
Step into an enchanted wonderland where you can meet Santa in his cosy grotto, take a spin on the ice rink, play in the playgrounds around the Enchanted Forest and explore the giant Snowflake Maze. The Toys will be visiting the Stockeld Theatre too, for an exclusive Christmas Show ‘A Toy’s Story’.
The magic really comes to life at dusk when the Enchanted Forest is transformed into an illuminated wonderland, full of colours, light and magical projections – with new installations for 2024.
Ingleborough Cave, Yorkshire Dales
Selected dates 7 – 23 December
Join Santa’s Elves on an enchanting journey through magical underground passages into a winter wonderland, where Santa awaits with a huge table of presents! Entry also includes access to Ingleborough Estate Nature Trail.
Harewood House, Leeds
Friday 15 November 2024 – Sunday 5 January 2025, 10am – 5.30pm
This Christmas, the 18th century home transforms into a magical festive world in the sequel to 2019’s award-winning ‘Night at the Mansion’.
Enjoy a spellbinding experience for all the family, tuck into festive
afternoon tea, or take a walk in the beautiful grounds. Bigger kids will love the behind the scenes tour of the Christmas workshop, while under 4s can meet the Big Man in the atmospheric Old Library.
Castle Howard, Malton
15 November – 5 January
Tumble down the rabbit hole into a Christmassy wonderland as Castle Howard is transformed into a psychedelic world. Tuck into an elegant Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea, select special mementos from the Bauble Emporium, toast giant marshmallows by the Christmas Tree, and visit Santa in his grotto or at the boathouse.
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Harrogate Christmas Fayre
Friday 29th November – Sunday 15 December 2024
Harrogate’s famous Christmas Market returns for 17 days of festive shopping and entertainment! Take a ride on the Candy Cane Express road train, admire the views of Harrogate’s Christmas lights from the giant Ferris wheel and of course shop a wide range of stalls showcasing their unique gifts and decorations.
Make a break of it with a stay at Harrogate’s Crown Hotel where you can enjoy afternoon teas and try your hand at wreathmaking. After all the festive fun, take some time to recharge at Harrogate’s famous Turkish Baths for a rejuvenating experience.
Scarborough Lights
15 November – 22 December
The second edition of Scarborough Lights will take place in November and December with a variety of free and affordable light shows, installations and community activities, across Scarborough. Visit South Cliff Garden’s dazzling fire trail, admire the twinkling lights in the harbour, or be wowed by immersive artwork at St Mary’s Church.
Discover more Christmas events
There’s even more festive events and days out to enjoy across North Yorkshire this Christmas., from lively pantomimes to dazzling light switch-ons.
