Ready for twinkling lights, dark nights and cosy, hot chocolate-fuelled strolls as the Christmas events Yorkshire 2022 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. Christmas at Spilmans
We are officially in the run-up to Christmas now and Spilman’s farm has curated the most magical festive experience that runs from now up to the 23rd of December. You can meet Santa, Mrs Clause and the rest of the gang on your visit.
Get crafting with Mrs Claus and decorate your own gingerbread man – you can even choose a present to take with you.
From the Winter Waiting Room where you’ll be able to choose a festive party hat to wear (while the grown-ups enjoy some warm mulled wine) to the Snowflake barn where you’ll learn all about snowflakes and even get a chance to post a letter to Santa.
And finally, you can meet the big man himself. Just head through the enchanted snowy forest and discover his log cabin where you can get a photo before carrying on the rest of your adventure.
After you’ve left Santa and the gang, you can enjoy toasting marshmallows around the cosy campfire, along with plenty of festive food and drinks. Church Farm, Sessay, Thirsk, YO7 3NB
2. Sheffield Christmas Market
Sheffield Christmas Market is set to return this November 12th, however, most of the details for the event remain under wraps. It has moved and is one of our favourite Christmas events in Yorkshire 2022.
3. York Christmas Market
The historic city’s wonderful winter experience will return to York this Christmas. The streets will be twinkling with beautiful lights and festivities. St Nicholas Fair is hugely popular and its charming chalets with great gifts and delicious treats will return from 17th November to 23rd December for its glittering 30th anniversary. Find out more here.
4. Temple Newsam Magical Illuminated Trail
Temple Newsam near Leeds will be transformed into a stunning trail of beautiful lights this Christmas, where guests will be able to get lost in tunnels made up completely of twinkling lights, as well as enjoy huge glittering bauble installations and beautiful lights glowing under the trees. No details about this year’s event have been released just yet, but stay tuned here.
5. The Polar Express Train Ride at Wensleydale
You can re-create the magic of the 2004 film The Polar Express with your family & friends on the Wensleydale Railway journey. You will get to meet characters from the film, such as the conductor, the singing chefs, the hobo and of course the main man himself Father Christmas. Book tickets here.
6. Bedale Christmas Street Market
Bedale will host a Christmas street market this year – where visitors enjoy various stalls in the marketplace, stocking festive gifts, food, drink and so much more.
Kids will also be treated to an outdoor fairground, alongside plenty of live entertainment throughout the day. The event is set to take place this December 3rd.
7. Christmas at Harewood House, Leeds
Harewood House is always special across the Christmas events West Yorkshire as to offer and it will be opening its doors again for the festive period. With Christmas shopping, seasonal food, and a number of festive experiences to enjoy during your visit – including stunning house decorations.
For those looking to get a bit crafty, expect tons of incredible workshops, including festive lino printing, calligraphy workshops, wreath making, willow weaving and more.
Guests are also welcome to attend a variety of festive opening evenings, where they’ll be able to see the house lit up by nightfall and explore the house at its most festive. Tickets are on sale now.
8. Sewerby Hall and Gardens Winter Woodland
Sewerby Hall has announced a brand new Winter Woodland for 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. Read More.
Expect tons of mischievous elves bobbing about, a party atmosphere and even reindeer. Get tickets here.
9. Into the Woods at Castle Howard
Following major success with their Narnia-themed Christmas event last year, the creative team is back with ‘Into the Woods‘ – a stunning Christmas experience that will completely transform the historic castle.
Expect theatrical installations and projections that tell the stories of some of our favourite fairytales, accompanied by state-of-the-art soundscapes and even an appearance from Father Christmas. Get tickets here.
10. York City Cruises Santa Experience
York City Cruises 2022 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 glass of wine for the grown-ups, 50 minutes on board the boat, soft drinks for the kids, goodie bags, a present from Santa and even all the tools to write an official letter to the Big Man. Find out more.
11. Leeds Christmas Market
The Christkindelmarkt is reportedly set to return for six weeks this November 5th, bringing a ton of festive stalls, German food and drink, chalet bars and plenty of live entertainment.
12. 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 and more to make a magical setting that makes for the perfect festive experience for all ages.
This year’s event kicks off on November 18th and is until January 8th and tickets are on sale here.
13. Sleigh Rides at Piglets Adventure Farm
Piglets Adventure Farm’s Sleigh Rides are returning for 2022, where the kids can head out on a magical sleigh ride to Santa’s Woodland Village – where they’ll be able to meet Santa in his grotto.
The event will run from November 19th til Christmas Eve, and tickets go on sale later this week.
14. North Yorkshire Moors Railway Santa Specials
Santa’s Grotto with a difference – NYMR’s Santa Specials are confirmed to return for 2022 – with tickets on sale now (and selling pretty fast!).
Each ticket includes a private compartment to sit in on the steam train, interaction with Santa’s Elves, a photo with Santa, a return journey from Pickering to Levisham and a present for each child. Book here.
15. Haworth Christmas Market
The beautiful village of Haworth is home to independent gift shops, tea rooms and pubs and for one weekend over Christmas, the cobbled streets will be full of traders, choirs, carol singers and Father Christmas like a scene out of A Christmas Carol. Family and friends can enjoy the magical charm from 17th-18th December.
16. Lotherton Hall Christmas Experience, Leeds
The Christmas Experience at Lotherton Hall is set to return between 26th November and 31st December – featuring appearances from Santa and his Elves and including a storytime experience with presents, a twinkling woodland walk and the ‘Wildlife World’ experience where guests can visit the penguins, see the flamingos and more. Book here.
17. Richmond Town Christmas Market
Richmond Christmas Market will return this December 4th, taking over the entire marketplace with incredible festive stalls, packed with gifts, food, drink and more.
Live entertainment will also take place throughout the day, along with Father Christmas who’ll be handing out presents.
18. Beverley Festival Of Christmas
Beverley Festival of Christmas is back this 11th 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.
19. Lightwater Valley Festive Family Fun
Christmas at Lightwater Valley is currently under wraps as it prepares for its spooky Halloween event, however, details are expected to be announced soon.
20. Stockeld Park Christmas Adventure, Wetherby
Stockeld Park’s Christmas Adventure is back, including their fantastic Winter Illuminations, Santa’s Grotto and their fabulous Silver Band. The Enchanted Forest will be coming to life after dusk and will run from 19th November right up until 3rd January. Visit the website here for more information.
21. Yorkshire Wildlife Park Winter Illuminations & Christmas Fair
Yorkshire Wildlife Park will welcome back its Winter Illuminations this festive season, where guests will be able to walk through Yorkshire’s biggest lantern display. There’ll be over 2,400 metres 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. Get tickets now.
22. 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. Find out more here.
23. 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, wishing well and more. Find out more.
24. RHS Harlow Carr Glow 2022
Harlow Carr is to be fully decked out with stunning light sculptures this Christmas, and it’s the perfect illuminated walk for those looking for a festive stroll. Last year the event sold out fast so act quickly if you want to go this year. Get tickets here.
25. North Bay Heritage Railway Santa Specials
North Bay Heritage Railway in Scarborough will be bringing back the festive celebrations this month, 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.
26. Christmas at Fountains Abbey
The ruins will be aglow with coloured lights this winter as night falls, with a family trail, festive music, and a variety of craft workshops available to take part in, too. Find out more here.
27. Country Living Magazine Christmas Fair
This Christmas festive fair is back in Harrogate this winter for a once-a-year family-friendly day out with gift stalls, food and drink and great live music and so much more. It’s set to be a shopping extravaganza, and you can get tickets now.
28. The Snowman Cinema Screening
The Snowman is returning to Yorkshire this Christmas with a live orchestra, touring a number of cities in the run-up to Christmas. It’s described as a ‘heartwarming’ affair and isn’t one to be missed. Get tickets here.
29. Robin Hood’s Bay Victorian Weekend
The beloved Victorian weekend is returning to Robin Hood’s Bay this December 3rd-4th. The annual affair will transport the tiny fishing village back in time, with plenty of Victorian costumes, festive entertainment, family-friendly activities and more. Find out more here.
30. Skipton Christmas Market
Taking place on Sunday 4th December and Sunday 11th December, Skipton will house two fantastic festive markets, with stalls taking over the streets with incredible gifts, food and more.
31. Malton Christmas Market
The popular Malton Christmas Festival is returning this Christmas on 3rd-4th 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.
32. Knaresborough Christmas Market
Knaresborough Christmas Market is planned for the 3rd-4th of December, bringing together plenty of independent traders, gifts, tasty treats and more.
33. Scarborough Sparkle
Scarborough Sparkle will return to Scarborough Open Air Theatre this November 25th-27th, bringing a ‘winter wonderland’ to the coastal town.
Expect Christmas-themed entertainment, shopping, plenty of market stalls and fairground rides.
34. Treasurer’s House Christmas, York
The Treasurer’s House in York will open up between 19th November and 18th December, revealing stunning festive decorations that guests can awe at before hearing stories of the house’s past residents.
35. The Piece Hall Christmas Events
Christmas at The Piece Hall is still set to be unveiled, however, judging by previous years, guests should expect wholesome markets and events within the grounds. It has one of the best Yorkshire Christmas markets West Yorkshire has to offer.
36. Thor’s Twinkling Tipi Tent
Thor’s Tipi Bar is returning to York’s Principal Hotel for a winter wonderland. The ‘Alpine Wonderland’ is a popular place to retreat to after exploring the markets in York and Leeds, and is set to return to both Parliament Street and the Principal Hotel in York, alongside Victoria Gardens in Leeds. Stay tuned for confirmation, though.
37. A Chocolate Covered Christmas, York’s Chocolate Story
York Chocolate Story is bringing back its epic Chocolate Covered Christmas event, 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. Find out more.
38. Thornton Hall Country Park Christmas Adventure, Skipton
Thornton Hall Country Park’s Christmas Adventure returns for 2022, bringing a wonderful Christmas village, magical deer rides, and even Santa’s grotto. Get tickets here.
39. Burton Agnes Hall, Driffield
Christmas at Burton Agnes Hall is set to be absolutely wonderful this year, opening from 14th November to 23rd December.
The house will be decked out in original festive decoration, and guests will be able to enjoy a trail of giant, hand-carved and painted candy canes in the mystical woodland.
Food-wise, expect delicious wood-fired pizzas, alongside mulled wines and warming hot drinks. Find out more.
40. The Great Yorkshire Christmas Fair, Harrogate
The Great Yorkshire Christmas Fair will relocate to Harrogate this year, 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 165 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.
41. Christmas at The Highfield House
The Highfield House is known for its variety of events that take place all year round, and this Christmas, they’ve got a solid roster of activities to enjoy.
From wholesome wreath-making classes to visits from Santa and Christmas parties with fine dining and live music, there’s a little something for everyone in store. Check out their calendar of events here.
42. Enjoy a Christmas kebab at this famous Yorkshire farm
Cannon Hall Farm is well and truly getting into the festive spirit this year, and their Christmas menu looks mouthwateringly good. We’re talking pigs in blankets hanging kebabs suspended over a massive Yorkshire pudding, alongside proper Christmas dinners, wellingtons and more. It’s a whole lotta hearty grub and we’re very here for it!
43. Whitby Christmas Festival
Whitby festival is taking place this year with tons of family-friendly events in store. You can expect great food and drink stalls, alongside entertainment and various activities between November 18th-20th.
Read More: 11 Of The Best Spots For A Cosy Hot Chocolate In Yorkshire
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