Family Festive Fun in North Yorkshire
Snow much fun!
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- Family Festive Fun In North Yorkshire
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and North Yorkshire is gearing up for a season packed with sparkle, stories, and Father Christmas sightings. Whether you’re planning a magical day out or a weekend escape with the kids, there’s no shortage of festive fun across the region. From twinkling trails to underground grottoes, here are some of the best Christmas experiences for families in 2025.
North Yorkshire Moors Railway
Dates: 29, 30 November; 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 to 24 December
From 29 November, families can hop aboard the Santa Express from Pickering Station for a festive steam train ride packed with songs, laughter and Christmas cheer. Santa’s Elves lead the fun, with musical moments, cheeky surprises and a visit from Father Christmas himself. It’s a joyful journey through the moors that kids won’t forget.
Mother Shipton’s Cave
Saturday 29 November to Wednesday 24 December
Step into an enchanted woodland where festive displays, cheerful elves and a cosy grotto set the scene for a magical day out. Children with a Santa Experience Ticket receive a festive activity pack and a magical pass to unlock the wonders ahead.
Toast marshmallows by the Christmas fire, sip hot chocolate, and explore the historic Petrifying Well, Cave and Wishing Well.
Please note that access to some areas is weather dependent due to the ancient woodland setting.
Ingleborough Cave
6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 22, 23 December
From 6 December, families can venture underground for a festive grotto experience like no other. Guided by Father Christmas’s Elves, children explore illuminated passages that lead to an exciting meeting with Father Christmas and a wide selection of gifts for all ages. Entry also includes access to the Ingleborough Estate Nature Trail, perfect for a wintry walk before or after your grotto visit. A minibus is available for those with very young children or elderly guests, subject to weather conditions. Set within the stunning Yorkshire Dales, this magical adventure is a seasonal favourite.
Early booking is recommended.
Stockeld Park
The Christmas Adventure
22 November to 24 December
From 22 November, Stockeld Park offers a full programme of festive activities for families. Highlights include the Winter Illuminations trail, a covered ice rink, and a live Christmas Theatre Show. Santa’s Grotto provides a warm and welcoming experience for children, with opportunities to meet Father Christmas in a magical setting. With a wide range of seasonal attractions across the park, Stockeld is a popular choice for a Christmas day out in Yorkshire.
Harrogate Theatre
Harrogate Theatre is the place to be this season for festive fun and live entertainment. With a packed programme of shows, including family favourites and seasonal specials, it’s a great way to celebrate Christmas with a touch of theatre magic. From glittering performances to laugh-out-loud comedy, there’s something for everyone.
More festive favourites across North Yorkshire:
Scarborough Sparkle (28 - 30 November): There’ll be fun fair rides, music, a snow machine, Christmas tree, Santa sleigh and meet mischievous green Christmas guest and special snow sisters.
Harrogate Christmas Fayre (5 – 14 December): Shop for unique gifts, ride the Candy Cane Express, and enjoy festive food and drink in the heart of Harrogate.
Beningbrough Hall (Saturdays and Sundays, 6 to 21 December): Join Father Christmas at Beningbrough Hall for festive storytelling, a fun riddle, and a special gift for each child.
Make it a Christmas to remember
Whether you’re chasing snowflakes, sipping hot chocolate, or watching your child’s face light up as they meet Santa, North Yorkshire has everything you need to make this festive season unforgettable.
Find out more about all the Christmas celebrations happening across the county on our Christmas page, and don’t forget to tag us in your photos.
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