Ready for twinkling lights, dark nights, and cosy, hot chocolate-fuelled strolls as the Christmas events in Yorkshire 2025 start to kick off? Don’t miss out on anything Christmassy in Yorkshire with our events guide to all the fun things happening in God’s Own Country this Christmas. From local Christmas markets, to spectacular light installations and, of course, Santa’s Grotto visits – there’s plenty to see and do this festive season. Check out our guide to the Yorkshire Christmas markets and events to enjoy this year.
1. Sheffield Christmas Market
Sheffield Christmas Market is officially returning, and it’s one of our favourite Christmas events in Yorkshire for 2025. Get ready for twinkling lights, seasonal food and drink offerings, and unique gift ideas. The big wheel is, of course back, as are the alpine huts and Santa’s grotto. A fabulously festive day out.
13th November – Christmas Eve, Town Hall Square, Sheffield.
2. York Christmas Market
The historic city’s wonderful winter experience is returning to York this Christmas, bringing bags of festive cheer to Yorkshire. The streets will be twinkling with beautiful lights and festivities, and this year, the street food is next level.
St Nicholas Fair is hugely popular and crowds are common, but its charming chalets are packed with great gifts and delicious treats.
13th November – 21st December, Parliament Street, York.
3. The Polar Express Train Ride at Wensleydale
You can re-create the magic of the 2004 film The Polar Express with your family and friends on the highly popular Wensleydale Railway journey. Meet characters from the film, such as the conductor, the singing chefs, the hobo, and of course, the main man himself Father Christmas.
The magical immersive event is like a ride on The Polar Express in real life, and naturally, it sells out every year. Book tickets here.
4. Christmas at Harewood House
Harewood House keeps it fresh with a new festive experience every year, and this year is no different. Enlisting the help of Siobhan Murphy – AKA Interior Curve – Harewood House will transform into a Regency-themed festive spectacular, with amazing rooms to explore throughout the house.
There’ll also be festive workshops with Siobhan herself, including gilded baubles and Regency fascinators, as well as the annual Father Christmas experience. Find out more here.
Harewood House, Harewood, Leeds, LS17 9LG.
5. Sewerby Hall and Gardens Winter Woodland
Sewerby Hall’s Winter Woodland returns this Christmas, including a ‘spectacular display of lights, sounds and special effects’ that will bring the grounds to life in a way never seen before.
Expect tons of mischievous elves bobbing about, a party atmosphere, and even reindeer. This year’s theme is The Snowman’s Ball, so expect plenty of festive characters and even some new installations for 2025. Find out more here.
Sewerby Hall, Sewerby, Bridlington, YO15 1ED.
6. Christmas at Castle Howard
Castle Howard has become an annual calendar staple for the festive season, thanks to their incredible displays that have blown guests away year after year. This year, we’re going down the yellow brick road to Oz.
Expect an Oz-tastic transformation of the house in the theme of the classic story, with tons of amazing rooms to uncover filled with installations, soundscapes and projections.
Their annual Christmas afternoon tea will also be back, and there’ll be Father Christmas in the Castle sessions for the kids to enjoy, alongside a Santa meet and greet for the pooches this year at the Garden Centre. Fun for all the family. Find out more.
The event will take place from 13th November – 4th January.
Castle Howard, York, YO60 7DA.
7. York City Cruises Santa Experience
York City Cruises 2025 Santa Experience will invite guests aboard where they can sit at their own table, with each child being allocated time to visit Santa in his Grotto. Tickets include a cuppa for the grown-ups, juice and chocolate for the young ens, a one hour cruise down the Ouse, goodie bags, a present from Santa, and even all the tools to write an official letter to the Big Man. Find out more.
8. Leeds Christmas Market – Yorkshire Christmas Markets
Leeds Christmas is back and bigger than ever. Covering both Millennium Square and City Square, marketgoers will get to enjoy tons of fantastic stalls, serving up festive grub, unique gifts and crafts. There’ll also be a weekend-only market at Bond Court, too, just like last time.
Pop-up performances, bars and an ice rink will add to the festive cheer, with tons of rides for families to enjoy, too.
21st November – 21st December.
Millennium Square, City Square and Bond Court, Leeds.
9. Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland, York
The magical winter experience is welcoming back the North of England’s largest outdoor ice rink with its 975 sq m rink of real ice and 30ft high sparkling Christmas tree as its centrepiece.
There will be an illuminated tree, log cabins, rides and more, making a magical setting that all ages can enjoy. There’s also a festive cafe overlooking the ice rink, where you can grab hot drinks and food.
This year’s event kicks off on 14th November and is on until 4th January. It’s free to enter, but you’ll need tickets for skating. Find out more.
Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland, St Nicholas Ave, Fulford, York, YO19 4TA.
10. Sleigh Rides at Piglets Adventure Farm
Piglets Adventure Farm’s Sleigh Rides are returning for 2025, where the kids can head out on a magical sleigh ride to Santa’s twinkling Woodland Village – where they’ll be able to meet Santa in his grotto.
Enjoy some pre-flight pizza and waffles in the ‘Departure Lounge’ before the trip to visit Santa, visit the Polar Post Office, and enjoy some pre-flight entertainment before taking flight to Santa’s grotto.
Piglet’s Adventure Farm, Towthorpe Grange, Towthorpe Moor Ln, Towthorpe, York, YO32 9ST.
11. North Yorkshire Moors Railway Festive Events
The NYMR is gearing up for a fantastic festive season, with an incredible Christmas Pullman running from 25th November right up until 4th January.
The vintage train heads from Grosmont through the North York Moors to Pickering and back, with a three-course lunch served to enjoy while passing through the stunning national park. The carriages will even be decked out to the nines for the occasion, with roast turkey and Christmas pudding on the menu. Tickets here.
For the kids, the famous Santa Specials will be back, which will see Santa and his railway helpers on board to help us get into the festive spirit. Find out more.
12. Haworth’s famous Torchlight Procession
The beautiful village of Haworth is beautiful all year round, but particularly in the colder months. At Christmas, the village is as quaint as ever, with its famous torchlight procession taking over the main street, leaving the village aglow with warm light as procession-goers sing carols through the streets.
This year, the procession weekend will take place on the 7th December. Find out more.
13. Lotherton Hall Christmas Experience, Leeds
The Christmas Experience at Lotherton Hall is set to return between 22nd November and 4th January – featuring appearances from Santa and his Elves and including a storytime experience with presents, a twinkling woodland walk and a stunningly decorated hall to enjoy. Find out more.
Lotherton Hall, Off Collier Lane, Lotherton Ln, Aberford, Leeds, LS25 3EB.
14. Richmond Town Christmas Market
Richmond Christmas Market will take place on December 7th, bringing a small array of outdoor market stalls, a craft fair inside the Town Hall, and a stage with live performances that guests can enjoy away from the icy cold weather.
15. Beverley Festival Of Christmas
Beverley Festival of Christmas is back this 14th December for one day only, with hundreds of festive stalls in tow that are perfect for unique gifts and tasty treats.
The gorgeous town is completely overtaken by the markets, meaning there’s plenty to explore on the day, including freshly made bakes, pies, treats, crafts, and so much more. The town gets incredibly busy, but it all adds to the air of festivity. Find out more.
16. Stockeld Park Christmas Adventure, Wetherby
Stockeld Park’s Christmas Adventure is returning on 22nd November, including their fantastic Winter Illuminations, Santa’s Grotto, and their fabulously festive ice rink.
The Enchanted Forest will be coming to life after dusk and will run right up until 24th December. Once you’ve enjoyed the outdoor action, guests can visit the Playhive Pizzeria, where you can fill up on delicious pizza, before enjoying the incredible playhive. Visit the website here for more information.
Stockeld Park, Wetherby Rd, Wetherby, LS22 4AN.
17. Yorkshire Wildlife Park Winter Illuminations & Christmas Fair
Yorkshire Wildlife Park welcomes back its Winter Illuminations this festive season, allowing guests to walk through Yorkshire’s biggest lantern display.
This year, there are over 3km of illuminated trails to follow, with seriously impressive sculptures in the shapes of animals, mystical creatures, and more. There’ll be tunnels of light, festive food, and so much more to enjoy, alongside Breakfast with Santa events, too, and a magical Christmas market. Get tickets here.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Hurst Ln, Doncaster, DN9 3QY.
18. Meet Father Christmas, Bolton Abbey
Father Christmas is returning to Bolton Abbey this winter for a limited time only, with a pop-up twinkling winter village in the middle of the Strid Wood where guests will be able to seek him out and meet the Big Man himself.
This time, there’ll be bushcraft activities to engage in, including getting together to light the village fire as a team. Find out more here.
19. Christmas at Mother Shipton’s
Christmas at Mother Shipton‘s is back with a bang this year, with not only Santa’s Grotto popping up for the festive season, but a magic sleigh, Christmas tales, a North Pole Post Office, reindeer food workstation, cosy log gazebos, a tipi for refreshments, wishing well and more. Get tickets here.
Mother Shipton’s Cave, Prophecy House, Harrogate Rd, High Bridge, Knaresborough, HG5 8DD.
20. RHS Harlow Carr Glow
Harlow Carr is fully decked out with stunning light sculptures this Christmas, and it’s the perfect illuminated walk for those looking for a festive stroll. Expect amazing, glowing installations, alongside a festive courtyard with fantastic festive grub to enjoy.
Harlow Carr, Crag Ln, Beckwithshaw, Harrogate, HG3 1QB.
21. North Bay Heritage Railway Santa Specials
North Bay Heritage Railway in Scarborough is bringing back the festive celebrations this December, with fun rail rides featuring Santa himself. Hot drinks are included for all guests to warm up during your journey, with elves and the Big Man himself on hand to greet the kids, too. Find out more.
22. Christmas at Fountains Abbey
The ruins will be aglow with coloured lights this winter as night falls, with a family trail, festive music, carols by candlelight and a variety of craft workshops available to take part in, too. Find out more here.
Fountains Abbey, Ripon, HG4 3DY.
23. Pocklington Christmas Market
For one weekend only between 20th-21st December, Pocklington Christmas Market is set to host tons of stalls of various crafts, food producers, and traders offering truly unique gifts for the perfect bit of festive cheer.
Market Place, Pocklington.
24. Robin Hood’s Bay Victorian Weekend
The beloved Victorian weekend is returning to Robin Hood’s Bay this December 6th-7th. The annual affair will transport the tiny fishing village back in time, with plenty of Victorian costumes, festive entertainment, family-friendly activities, and more. Just be careful down that huge slope into the village! Find out more here.
25. Skipton Christmas Market
Taking place on Sunday 7th December and Sunday 14th December, Skipton will house two fantastic festive markets, with stalls taking over the streets with incredible gifts, food, and more. Find out more here.
26. Malton Christmas Market
The popular Malton Christmas Festival is returning this Christmas between 6th-7th December, and is set to be packed with plenty of foodie stalls to fill your boots at. The market isn’t just great for foodies, though, it’s also filled with wonderful gift stalls, too, meaning you likely won’t leave empty-handed after a potter around.
27. Knaresborough Christmas Market
Knaresborough‘s Yorkshire Christmas market is planned for the 6th-7th of December, bringing together plenty of independent traders, gifts, tasty treats, and more in the beautiful riverside town.
28. Scarborough Lights
Launching in 2023, Scarborough Lights is set to return to various locations around Scarborough, illuminating the seaside town with stunning, glowing illuminations.
There’ll be an array of free and affordable light shows to enjoy, including both indoor and outdoor displays and projects across areas such as Westborough – which will be aglow with its own LED tunnel – alongside St Mary’s Church, the Harbour and much, much more.
29. Treasurer’s House Christmas, York
The Treasurer’s House in York will open up between 15th November and 21st December, revealing stunning festive decorations that guests can awe at before hearing stories of the house’s past residents.
Treasurer’s House, Minster Yard, York, YO1 7JL.
30. The Piece Hall Christmas Events
Christmas at The Piece Hall runs until throughout November and December, bringing a Victorian Christmas to all.
Enjoy the 45ft Christmas tree, vintage big wheel, Victorian carousel and even wholesome Christmas markets taking over the courtyard, alongside bauble painting events, knitting workshops and more.
The Piece Hall, Blackledge, Halifax, HX1 1RE.
31. Thor’s Twinkling Tipi Tent
Thor’s Tipi Bar returns to York and Leeds for Christmas, with a pop-up tipi in York Museum Gardens, the Milner Hotel (formerly The Principal), and Leeds Victoria Gardens. The bar offers festive tipples, beers and more, alongside great street food.
Food is TBC, but last year saw Yuzu back in partnership, serving up Asian-style loaded fries, bao buns, festive sharing platters and more. Find out more.
32. York’s Chocolate Story
York Chocolate Story is celebrating Christmas with Santa’s Christmas tour, which allows guests to meet Santa, before helping to make tasty Christmassy treats.
If that wasn’t all, there’ll be guided tours telling the story of York’s chocolate-coated history, with Elves sprinkling a little Christmas magic throughout, alongside truffle classes and Christmas masterclasses for the grown-ups. Find out more.
York’s Chocolate Story, 3-4 King’s Sq, York, YO1 7LD.
33. Thornton Hall Country Park Christmas Adventure, Skipton
Thornton Hall Country Park’s Christmas Adventure returns for 2025, bringing a wonderful Christmas village, magical deer rides, and even Santa’s grotto.
The experience starts off at the Gatekeeper’s portal, where kids are granted access to the Christmas realm. Kids get to meet Mrs Claus for some baking, before heading off to Santa’s Grotto where they’ll receive a gift, and enjoy the soft play area, too. Get tickets here.
Thornton Hall Country Park, Thornton-in-Craven, Skipton, BD23 3TS.
34. Burton Agnes Hall, Driffield
Christmas at Burton Agnes Hall is stunning every year, opening from 15th November to 23nd December. It’s one of our favourite Yorkshire Christmas experiences, and it does help that it’s on our doorstep.
The house is decked out in original festive decoration, including trees cut from the Estate, and guests can even enjoy a trail of giant, hand-carved, and painted candy canes in the mystical woodland.
Food-wise, expect delicious wood-fired food, alongside mulled wines and warming hot drinks. Find out more.
Burton Agnes Hall, Rudston Rd, Burton Agnes, Driffield, YO25 4NB.
35. The Great Yorkshire Christmas Fair, Harrogate
The Great Yorkshire Christmas Fair will return to Harrogate this year between November 27th-30th, bringing tons of festive gifts and food to the Great Yorkshire Showground.
It’s the perfect place to do a bit of shopping, with over 180 traders there on the day stocking Christmas decor, unusual gifts and stocking fillers, and so much more.
The fair will take place indoors, and there are also two restaurants, a cafe, and a champagne bar to take advantage of. Find out more.
36. Christmas at Cannon Hall Farm
Santa’s magic elevator is coming to Cannon Hall Farm, transporting visitors through the clouds to Santa’s grotto.
There, guests will get to meet Santa in style, and even receive the magic key to the toy making factory to see the elves working hard ahead of Christmas Eve. Find out more.
37. Candlelight Christmas Concerts
Fever’s stunning Candlelight Concerts, which take place across the UK, are coming to Yorkshire this Christmas, with gorgeous festive concerts taking place this winter in Leeds, Sheffield, Hull and York.
The venues will be aglow with thousands of candles, while guests wind down to soothing classic renditions of an array of classics ranging different themes.
38. See a panto in York
York is the perfect place to see a panto this Christmas, with a number of fantastic shows at the city’s theatres such as Cinderella at the Grand Opera House, Peter Pan at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre and Sleeping Beauty at York Theatre Royal.
39. William’s Den Christmas Experience
During December, visitors can enjoy a magical festive experience at William’s Den, with plenty of fun activities to enjoy such as gingerbread decorating, a brand new festive show and a Christmas trail.
In true William’s Den style, there are both indoor and outdoor play areas, too, alongside a toast-your-own-marshmallow firepit, a Christmas toy shop, and William’s Pizzeria, where you can warm up with a bit of grub. Find out more.
William’s Den, Castle Farm, Wold Hill, HU15 2LS.
40. Northern Lights Leeds
After major success last year, Northern Lights is returning to Leeds, bringing a magical light trail for all the family to enjoy to Temple Newsam.
The 1-mile walk follows a flat trail that’s pushchair friendly, allowing the whole family (dogs included) to awe at the stunning installations. There’s also food and drink available and even carol singers on hand, making it a magical winter’s evening out. Find out more.
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