North Yorkshire’s Christmas Movie Magic
From historic homes to market squares, discover the region’s most film‑worthy festive settings
- Stories & Inspiration
- Step Into A Christmas Movie Magical North Yorkshire Destinations
We don’t know about you, but when we think of Christmas in North Yorkshire, the famous film The Holiday instantly comes to mind - snow‑covered lanes, cosy cottages, twinkling lights and that unmistakable festive magic. Luckily, you don’t need to head to Hollywood to feel like you’re in a Christmas movie. Here are some of the most enchanting spots across North Yorkshire that will make you feel as though you’ve stepped straight into a Christmas classic.
Thornton-le-Dale
Often described as one of England’s prettiest villages, Thornton‑le‑Dale looks like it’s been lifted straight from a Christmas card. At the heart of the village sits the famous thatched cottage by the beck, one of the most photographed homes in Yorkshire. With festive lights twinkling along the streets, the gentle sound of the stream and cosy pubs welcoming visitors, Thornton‑le‑Dale offers a picture‑perfect backdrop for a winter escape - the kind of place you could easily imagine starring in a Christmas movie.
Photo credit: Adventures in Yorkshire
Knaresborough
With its quaint streets, riverside views and the iconic viaduct, Knaresborough is pure Christmas card perfection. When the town is lit up with festive decorations, it looks like a set from a Hallmark holiday film. In fact, Knaresborough has been used as a filming location for festive productions, including A Very Yorkshire Christmas (which starred Rachel Shenton who's also well known for her role as Helen in All Creatures Great and Small) and the new Tinsel Town film starring Rebel Wilson and Kiefer Sutherland, which transformed parts of the town into a snowy winter wonderland.
Castle Howard
Castle Howard is one of England's grandest stately homes, and at Christmas it becomes truly magical. The interiors are lavishly decorated with themed displays, while the sweeping gardens and parkland sparkle with frost. Castle Howard has long been a favourite filming location for period dramas including Bridgerton, and its festive transformation makes it look like the set of a classic holiday film. This year, Castle Howard transforms into a Wizard of Oz inspired wonderland, perfectly timed to capture a little cinematic magic alongside the release of Wicked: For Good.
Harrogate
Harrogate is known for its elegant Victorian architecture and stylish boutiques, and at Christmas the town centre transforms into a glowing wonderland. Shopfronts are adorned with pretty decorations and the streets are lined with sparkling lights. The annual Harrogate Christmas Fayre adds to the festive buzz with stalls selling artisan gifts, seasonal treats and mulled wine that fills the air with warmth. It’s easy to imagine Harrogate as the setting for a romantic Christmas movie, with its mix of charm and festive cheer.
North Yorkshire Moors Railway
If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping aboard The Polar Express, Pickering Station is the place to be. Vintage steam trains, decorated platforms, and festive rides create a cinematic experience that feels straight out of a Christmas movie. The station and railway also starred in A Very Yorkshire Christmas, cementing their place in festive film history. Adding to the magic, Goathland Station doubled as Hogsmeade in the Harry Potter films making the railway a destination where Christmas sparkle meets movie legend.
For more festive feels...
From stately homes dressed to impress to villages that look like film sets, Yorkshire truly shines at Christmas. If you’d like to keep the festive feeling alive, take a look at our Christmas page, it’s where you’ll find all the events, markets and seasonal fun to help plan your very own Christmas movie moment.
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