Looking for exciting things to do with kids in Yorkshire this Christmas? We’ve got you covered, from amazing woodland trails to exciting festive experiences where they can run wild. There is something for everyone in God’s Own Country. We’ve hunted for the lesser-known things to do in Yorkshire as well as some classics and curated some fun-filled things for you to do.
As well as our guide to the prettiest free castles and heritage houses and gardens, this guide has found the best things for kids to do to make the most of time out of the house with them. Make sure you bookmark any of your favourites and make your way through our ultimate checklist of family fun days out.
1. York Market & Trail
An absolute must in Yorkshire, York Christmas Market 2023 is back this year bigger and better than ever! People travel from all over to visit the cute alpine chalets that line the city selling handcrafted gifts, treats and goodies. The market runs until Friday 22nd December 2023. Transforming it and St Sampson’s Square into a winter wonderland.
Local and national traders are set to line the streets of York selling street food, mulled wine and all those other fantastic bits and bobs – all in the glow of the wonderful Christmas lights.
2. Stockeld Park Winter Illuminations
Stockeld Park is getting ready for its most famous time of year, Christmas. You and the kids can enjoy all sorts of Christmas fun, from amazing illuminations to meeting Santa in his grotto. On top of that, you’ve got the amazing large-themed outdoor playgrounds to explore as well as the beautiful woodland of Stockeld Park for Christmas 2023.
Found in between Wetherby and Harrogate, the parks award-winning Enchanted Forest will come alive at dusk every day over the Christmas period with its famous winter illuminations – which will transform Stockeld Park into a dazzling, twinkling winter wonderland.
The 2,000-acre historic park is home to one of the country’s largest and most innovative light displays. There will be dazzling effects, with a soundscape and animations that come together to create almost a mile of beautiful ancient woodland for you to explore.
3. RHS Gardens Harlow Carr – Things To Do With Kids Christmas Yorkshire
Take an enchanting walk at RHS Garden Harlow Carr, marvelling at spectacular light displays along your way. See iconic features adorned with festive lights including Streamside, the Edwardian Garden, Queen Mother’s Lake, Winter Walk, Doric Columns, Bath House and the Kitchen Garden.
Marvel at the ‘field of fire’ on the Main Lawn and don’t forget to take a selfie through the gilded frame in the Sun Border.
4. Polar Express Yorkshire Dales – Things To Do With Kids Christmas Yorkshire
Calling all ‘The Polar Express’ lovers, it’s heading to the Yorkshire Dales this Christmas and you’re not going to want to miss this once in a lifetime experience. The live-action film featuring Tom Hanks follows a young boy as he boards The Polar Express on its way to the North Pole has become one of the top Christmas films.
It will be visiting the heritage railway Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway for the first time with thousands of visitors expected. Get your tickets booked via the Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway website here.
Read More: 10 Of The Most Christmassy Places To Stay In Yorkshire
5. Yorkshire Winter Wonderland
That’s right! The magical experience at York Designer Outlet is back! The North Yorkshire city will host the North of England’s largest outdoor ice rink, which measures a whopping 957sqm of real ice with a sparkling 30ft Christmas tree as its centrepiece.
Surrounded by log cabins, the ice rink will be the most festive spot in the whole of Yorkshire this Christmas, and you won’t want to miss it. York’s favourite festive experience will open on the 19th November through to January 2024.
The Ice Factor rink is a great experience for all ages to get stuck into the merry and magical fun time. Whether you’re zipping around on the ice or shakily making your way around the edge, it’s one of the most fun ways to spend the winter period with friends and family. They’ve even got penguin skate mates to help those who aren’t quite skilled enough around the rink.
6. Mother Shipton’s Cave Christmas 2023
From the moment you step onto this enchanted land, Santa’s cheerful elves will welcome you with open arms. Every child with a Santa Experience Ticket will receive a pack of festive activities, a magical pass to unlocking the wonders that await.
As you wander through the winter woodland, the Christmas Village awaits, a place where enchantment and holiday spirit intertwine. Gaze upon the merry displays and festive delights that fill the air with joy.
7. Scarborough Lights
Fancy watching an amazing drone light show over Scarborough Castle? Well, you can enjoy the illuminating event and more as part of Scarborough Lights 2023 – the first event for the new Scarborough Fair programme as part of a three-year vision.
The incredible drone display will open Scarborough Lights officially on the 15th of November and it is one event you don’t want to miss. The show will be viewable all the way from South Bay, but if you want to get the best view, you’ll want to head to the castle.
8. Harrogate Ice Rink
Immerse yourself in the magic of Christmas at Harrogate Ice RInk. It’s set to return to Cresent Gardens to create the magic of Christmas for families, couples and more. You can book a one-hour slot for the ice rink experience afterwards have a go on the carousel and enjoy some streeet food from one of the stalls.
This year, the ice rink returns to Crescent Gardens to create a festive, family atmosphere from 1st December 2023 to 7th January 2024. ICE RINK, CAROUSEL, BAR & TIPI, Crescent Gardens, Harrogate, HG1 2SG
9. Sewerby Hall Winter Wonderland
Embark on a journey to rescue Christmas, where brand new characters await you along the freshly unveiled route at Sewerby Hall. Explore the enchanting Christmas woodland with its special effects, light shows, and new displays for 2023. Take a leisurely stroll down Candy Cane Lane and marvel at the Giant Christmas Bauble.
The Nutcracker exhibition awaits, immersing you in a tale set on Christmas Eve many years ago, where toys spring to life, leading children on an unforgettable adventure. Delve into the Nutcracker’s cultural significance since its 1816 publication.
Indulge in a variety of food and drinks at the Clock Tower Cafe. Savor pizzas from the Stables Pizza Company, relish Love Hog Roast’s delectable sandwiches, and satisfy your sweet tooth with treats from Peaky Grinders. A fully licensed bar by Louisanna Bars awaits at the courtyard marquee. Along the Winter Woodland route, refreshments are available for purchase, including the option to enjoy toasted marshmallows at an extra charge. Join the festive rescue mission and make this Christmas memorable.
10. Yorkshire Wildlife Park Illuminations – Things To Do With Kids Christmas Yorkshire
Following a number of successful runs, Yorkshire Wildlife Park has announced the grand return of their Winter Illuminations event, providing families with the perfect way to celebrate the festive season.
It’s one of the best things to do with kids at Christmas in Yorkshire. Consisting of twinkling lights and giant lanterns that will trail 2,400 metres, the beautiful trail promises to be ‘bigger and better’ than ever before, with ample hand-crafted lanterns to awe at as you walk through.
The after-dark experience is set to kick off on November 17th, each weekend until January 14th 2024, offering a sparkling 90-minute circular route packed full of lanterns inspired by the park’s animals, the Christmas season, and this year’s newest theme, Space Odyssey.
In addition to the trail – which is wheelchair accessible – guests will be able to enjoy festive food and drink along the way, including pastries, pizza, sandwiches, fries, and more.
Read More: 16 Of The Most Christmassy Afternoon Teas To Try In Yorkshire
