If you are looking to visit somewhere that embraces the spirit of Christmas, then look no further than the beautiful Haworth. This picturesque town is truly a magical experience at Christmas, with lights, parades, bands, choirs, and a wide array of independent shops, bars, pubs, and restaurants that all help get you in the festive mood.
To inspire you to visit the village, we have put together this guide on the most festive things to do in Haworth at Christmas. We explore a range of activities, from music weekends to Santa family fun runs. So, let’s get going and explore Haworth at Christmas.
Where is Haworth?
First of all, for those who have never visited before, it is worth asking, ‘Where is Haworth?’. Haworth is a picturesque village on the edge of the Pennine moors, around 10 miles from the city of Bradford. Due to its hilltop location, you can enjoy incredible views of the Yorkshire countryside as you stroll along its cobbled streets, taking in its wonderful array of independent shops, pubs, coffee shops, and restaurants.
Haworth is internationally famous for its connection to the Brontë sisters, Charlotte, Emily, and Anne. They were the authors of such literary classics as Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre, The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, and Agnes Grey. They were the daughters of the Reverend Patrick Brontë and lived at the Haworth parsonage, which has since been converted to the Brontë Parsonage Museum.
Our Top 6 Festive Things to do in Haworth this Christmas
Haworth at Christmas is full of wonderfully festive events that provide fun for all the family. Are you planning a visit to this stunning West Yorkshire village? Well, if you are, we have created a list of our top 6 favourite festive things to do in Haworth this Christmas. We’ll start with something that’ll get your heart racing.
1. Santa Family Fun Run
Looking for festive things to do in Haworth at Christmas, but also want to keep fit and raise money for charity? Well, you’re in luck. You can enter the annual Santa Family Fun Run taking place at Haworth at 11 am on Sunday, November 30th.
Run by the Rotary Club of Keighley, the event is part of the Haworth Christmas programme and is fun, non-competitive, suitable for all the family. Due to its popularity in previous years, the 2025 edition will be the fourth time the event has taken place. It is staged in Haworth Central Park, with runners asked to complete ten laps of the park, which equals five kilometres. However, there is no pressure to complete the whole course; you can choose to drop out at any time.
The event costs a small fee to enter at £6 per adult, £3 per child, and £14 for a family entry (two adults and two children) if you pre-register before the event. You can also pay on the day with costs of £7 for an adult, £3.50 for a child, and family entry costs £16. Many of the runners sport Santa outfits, but if you don’t have one in your wardrobe, don’t panic, the organisers are giving every entrant a free Santa hat so everyone can take part in the fun.
Rotary Club President Liz Joyce said, “The most important aspect of this event is that it is enjoyable for every member of the family who wants to take part. It’s exciting to be part of Haworth’s Christmas programme, and if we can raise some money to help with our effort in the community, so much the better.’
So, get your running shoes and your Santa hat on, and get ready for a fun run around the park this Christmas.
2. Festive Experiences on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway
The Keighley and Worth Valley Railway is a historic and unique 5-mile branch line railway set in the heart of West Yorkshire. They run heritage diesel and steam trains from the industrial landscapes of Keighley to the picturesque Brontë Country.
This festive season, they bring laughter, joy and a little railway magic with two incredible events that will make your Christmas one to remember. Here is what they are offering:
- The Elf Explorer – Join the Elf Explorer for an exciting journey through the Worth Valley as the team of jolly elves entertain you and the family with songs, games, and festive fun onboard a stunningly decorated heritage train. The littles ones will get to meet Father Christmas and receive a special gift, while you enjoy a tipple and a mince pie during the ride.
- A Christmas Carol – Experience Charles Dickens’ ultimate classic Christmas tale like never before and step aboard a live, immersive performance on a historic carriage. The ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future take you on a journey of redemption and reflection through the wintry Yorkshire landscape for an incredible, unique experience.
For more information about the Worth Valley Railway’s Christmas events, visit their official website.
3. Haworth’s Famous Torchlight Procession
Another one of the best things to do in Haworth this Christmas is its much-loved Torchlight Parade, where the famous cobbled streets are turned into a spectacle of light, music, and festive cheer.
It starts at the bottom of Main Street at around 4.45 pm on both Saturday, December 6th and Sunday, December 7th, and then winds its way up through the village with lanterns, flaming torches, and the sounds of brass bands and carols leading the way.
Visitors are welcome to either watch or join in the procession. Whatever way you choose, you’ll experience a festive and heartwarming event that captures the joy of the season and the spirit of Haworth’s community.
4. Christmas at The Brontë Parsonage Museum
As we discussed earlier, visitors from around the world visit Haworth, the home of three of the UK’s most famous and celebrated authors. So, what better way to spend Christmas than at the Brontë Parsonage Museum, the converted home of the Brontë family. Here’s what the museum is offering its visitors this festive season:
- Late Night Festive Opening – Just once a year, the museum allows evening visits, enabling you to experience it in a new light. On December 4th, you’ll discover the Parsonage by the warm glow of candlelight and decorated for the festive season. The shop will also be open late, so you can pick up Brontë-related gifts, including books, local artwork, and jewellery.
- Wreath Making Workshops – On 28th and 29th November, join the workshop for the chance to make a stunning festive wreath with the guided support of a local florist. The class is aimed at both beginners and those who are a dab hand at wreath making. It is a hands-on, fun experience, and you’ll leave with a unique wreath to decorate your home for the Christmas season. You’ll also get a tasty welcome drink of hot chocolate, mulled wine, or coffee, along with a mince pie.
- Parsonage Unwrapped: Treasures of the Collection – The museum invites you to an evening behind the scenes to examine the incredible key items of their Designed-Outstanding collection. This special event will include a session in the library to see unique Brontë items up close. There is also an exclusive private view of the parsonage after hours.
For more information about Christmas events at the Brontë Parsonage Museum, visit the official website here.
5. Christmas Music Weekend
On Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th December, get ready to experience the sounds and the magic of the Christmas season at Haworth’s Christmas Music Weekend. As you stroll through the beautifully decorated village, you’ll be able to listen to choirs, brass bands, and solo performers at various outdoor spots (indoors in poor weather).
The full schedule is due to be released, but past performers for the music weekend have included Haworth Brass Band, Voices of Yorkshire choir, and Bradford Pipe Band. Head on down and you’ll be in for an incredible weekend of music and joy in our favourite Christmas village.
6. Nativity Procession
Last but not least on our unmissable things to do in Haworth at Christmas is its famous Nativity Procession, one of the most heartwarming and unique traditions in Yorkshire. It brings the story of Christmas to life in a way that children and adults will cherish forever. Starting at the bottom of Main Street at 2 pm, the parade winds its way through the village, led by real donkeys, and accompanied by the joyful sound of brass bands. Along the way, you’ll also hear live storytelling and carols filling the air, all creating a magical festive experience.
The procession concludes at St Michael and All Angels Church, with a short carol service at approximately 6.30 pm, open to everyone. So, come and join the procession on Saturday, 20th and Sunday, 21st December, and create festive memories you’ll never forget.
Want to Discover More About All the Latest Events in Haworth?
We live and breathe Yorkshire here at The Yorkshireman (the name might be a giveaway). So, discover our extensive Haworth archives for guides that cover history, events, and all the latest news from this picturesque village. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a regular, we’ll make your next trip one to remember.
If you are thinking of going further afield in Yorkshire, then discover our travel section and explore all the incredible places to visit around the county.
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