Embrace the Twixmas vibes
Keep the Christmas celebrations going
- Stories & Inspiration
- Embrace The Twixmas Vibes
The turkey has been eaten, and the presents have been opened.
Christmas Day may be over, and Father Christmas has been and gone but there is still lots to do in North Yorkshire in the post-Christmas days and through to the New Year.
Head outside and embrace the crisp fresh air on a bracing walk in the countryside or by the coast. Explore our market towns for post-Christmas sale shopping or further indulgence in restaurants, cafes and pubs, or visit one of our attractions, perfect to fill a day. If you’re not done celebrating, you can check out one of the festive events still happening.
Whether you are meeting up with friends or looking for ideas to delight your house guests a visit to North Yorkshire will keep you entertained long after the big day.
Luminescence – A Winter Light Trail at Swinton Estate
Be enchanted by this magical display as you follow a twinkly trail of lights and illuminations, inspired by nature, through woodland and by the lakeside at Swinton Estate. The stunning installation is perfect for all the family.
Refreshments are available on the route, or you can enjoy a post-trail meal at the Terrace Restaurant in the hotel. You can arrive earlier in the day and visit Druid’s Temple before calling into the Swinton Bivouac Cafe for a cosy hot chocolate and a slice of cake.
Enjoy a Christmas menu aboard the North Yorkshire Moors Railway’s Pullman Dining Train. Sit down to a three-course meal with a mince pie to finish as the beautiful North York Moors countryside whizzes past your window.
The 36-mile steam train return journey from Grosmont to Pickering takes just under three hours so you have lots of time to sit back and relax as you watch the world go by.
Take the whole family to the panto at Harrogate Theatre. This year’s production, Jack and the Beanstalk, promises a show crammed full of japes, jollies and jokes. Performances take place between Christmas and New Year, and the panto continues its run until 18 January.
Join in the merriment and cheer on Jack as he climbs the beanstalk, boo the villains and shout ‘he’s behind you’ as loudly as you can!
Why not head to Harrogate early for a spot of sale shopping with a great choice of independent shops to browse in or have a bite to eat in one of the many eateries in the town.
Visit Stockeld Park for an illuminating evening. Walk through the Enchanted Forest as it glows with sparkling lights, projections, sculptures and installations. Children will love playing in one of the adventure playgrounds on the route including the Tangle Tree Climb and Teepee Encampment. There are refreshments along the way to keep everyone warm too.
Explore the illuminated Snowflake Maze as you follow the lines of hedges festooned with twinkly lights. Can you find the hidden musical instruments and make your way to the centre of the maze before you exit ready for some warming food from the Woodland Cafe or finish your visit on the ice-skating rink.
Enjoy being in the outdoors as you walk off the mince pies and turkey. A day out at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden is a great option for young and old. Children can follow the Toymaker’s Trail around the estate, try traditional games in the Swanley workshop and run around the grounds to let off steam in the fresh air.
Listen to music in the Abbey ruins on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 December between 2pm and 3pm. See the Abbey ruins bathed in coloured lights and listen to festive music.
Take a walk through the Studley Deer Park and you may see some of the herds of deer that live here.
For a unique experience, join the Boxing Day Pilgrimage from Ripon Cathedral to Fountains Abbey. The four-mile walk starts at 10.15am from outside the Cathedral following the 9.30am service and finishes with a 12pm service in the Abbey cellarium. Follow in the footsteps of the monks who set out from Ripon on Boxing Day to find a new monastery.
The post-Christmas days are a great time to get outside in the fresh air and enjoy an energising walk.
Visit one of the reservoirs in North Yorkshire and walk around the water’s edge enjoying the winter scenery, perhaps with snowy hills in the distance.
Swinsty and Fewston Reservoirs near Harrogate and Scar House Reservoir in Upper Nidderdale are super options for a morning or afternoon walk in the sunshine.
Or head to one of the beaches on the Yorkshire coast for a bracing stroll by the sea.
Many of the beaches are dog-friendly at this time of year so your pooch can join you too.
Runswick Bay and Robin Hood’s Bay are great for looking in rockpools or children can fly a kite on the sandy beach at Filey.
However you choose to spend the days between Christmas and New Year, you are guaranteed a perfect day out in North Yorkshire.
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