The most wonderful time of the year is fast approaching – but what is Christmas without family? From wholesome walks to quaint markets packed full of festive treats, we’ve rounded up the very best dog-friendly Christmas events in Yorkshire this winter, meaning the festive season can truly be a family affair this year. Can’t leave the pooches out, after all!
After all, who loves the sniffs and sights that come with the festive season more than your pooch? Yorkshire comes alive over the Christmas period, and depriving your dog of it would be such a sad thing to do. So, we’ve made sure you can take your dog on the perfect Christmas outing with all these Christmas events that are dog-friendly in Yorkshire
Grab a lead and get adventuring…
Check out our list of Dog-friendly Christmas activities in Yorkshire below…
1. Christmas at Temple Newsam
Christmas at Temple Newsam is returning this year, and luckily for our four-legged friends, they’re invited, too. After a hugely successful debut last year, Northern Lights is making its way back to the iconic Temple Newsam from 21st November to 31st December 2025, promising even more breathtaking illuminations, atmospheric music, and festive cheer. With over 100,000 visitors expected, it’s set to be one of the top Christmas events in the country.
Dogs and their owners can enjoy the sparkling Christmas Light trail, so long as dogs are kept on their leads during the trail. Find out more here. Temple Newsam, Temple Newsam Rd, Leeds, LS15 0AE.
2. Christmas at Harewood House
Harewood House will light up once again for Christmas 2024, bringing plenty of festive cheer to the West Yorkshire estate.
While pooches aren’t permitted to enter the house, there are 100 acres of wonderful grounds to explore alongside a stunning lakeside – so long as they’re kept on lead. Find out more here. Harewood House, Harewood, Leeds, LS17 9LG.
3. The Christmas Experience at Lotherton Hall
The beloved Lotherton Christmas Experience is returning this winter, and there’s plenty for our pooches to enjoy.
Offering a glittering woodland walk as part of this year’s experience, owners and their dogs can enjoy a wholesome stroll together, in a glowing woodland immersed in fresh, winter air. Find out more. Lotherton Hall, Off Collier Lane, Lotherton Ln, Aberford, Leeds, LS25 3EB.
4. Fountains Abbey
This Christmas, Fountain’s Abbey will be amplified by stunning, colourful lights, which will leave the historic structure glowing in the night.
Guests can explore the abbey alongside music and lights, with choirs and bands performing in the cellarium from 2-3pm. Dogs are permitted in the outdoor areas at Fountain’s Abbey. Find out more here. Fountains, Ripon HG4 3DY
5. The Piece Hall
The Piece Hall’s huge courtyard will transform once again this Christmas into a stunning festive wonderland that we can explore with our dogs.
Dogs are permitted in all outdoor areas and indoor spaces run by The Piece Hall, and this year, they can enjoy the Winter Makers Market, live performances and more. Find out more here. Blackledge, Halifax HX1 1RE
6. Burton Agnes Hall
Burton Agnes Hall promises a festive makeover this Christmas, and dogs are permitted to enjoy the grounds, too.
The beautiful East Yorkshire Hall’s Christmas offering will run from November 14th to 23rd December, with a magical a trail of giant, hand-carved and painted candy canes in the woodland behind the house. Food-wise, expect delicious wood-fired pizzas, alongside mulled wines and warming hot drinks. Find out more. Burton Agnes Hall, Rudston Rd, Burton Agnes, Driffield, YO25 4NB.
7. Kirkstall Abbey
Kirkstall Abbey makes for the perfect winter wander, pooch in tow, thanks to its dramatic backdrop that feels extra special when the leaves are frosty and crunchy.
There’ll also be one last Kirkstall Abbey Market this year during the last weekend of November, where visitors can get a head start on Christmas shopping and find unique items made by talented local producers. Find out more here.
8. Chatsworth House
Sitting just a short drive South of Sheffield, Chatsworth House will provide a magical atmosphere this winter, inspired by glittering Nordic winters.
Kicking off this November 5th and running into the new year, guests can wrap up warm and enjoy a winter walk through the beautifully illuminated gardens, with glowing scenes at every turn and even a Northern Light installation over the Canal Pond.
Chatsworth House will also host a Christmas market this year, too, where dogs are welcome to come along to while their humans browse quaint gifts, enjoy artisan food, and so much more. Find out more.
Read more: 42 Of The Most Festive Christmas Markets And Events To Enjoy This Winter
