Ready for twinkling lights, excited little ones, and cosy, hot chocolate-fuelled strolls as the Christmas events in Yorkshire start to kick off? Don’t miss out on anything festive this year with our events guide to all the fun things happening in God’s Own Country.
From local Christmas markets to spectacular light installations and, of course, Santa’s Grotto visits – there’s plenty to see and do this magical season. So, let’s jump into 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 2026. Get ready for twinkling lights, seasonal food and drink offerings, and unique gift ideas. The iconic Big Wheel is, of course, back, as are the alpine huts and Santa’s grotto. A fabulously festive day out.
12th 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.
12th 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 real-life ride on The Polar Express, and, naturally, it sells out every year. Book tickets here.
Leeming Bar Station, Leeming Bar, Northallerton, DL7 9AR
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, including reindeer willow weaving and wreath making, as well as the annual Elf Village Father Christmas experience. Find out more here.
Harewood House, Harewood, Leeds, LS17 9LG.
5. Sewerby Hall and Gardens – Fairytales at Christmas
Visit Sewerby Hall and Gardens for a new festive experience – Fairytales at Christmas. You can explore the magnificently decorated rooms and discover your favourite classic fairytales throughout the house. As you follow the trail, you’ll see enchanting festive scenes and classic tales that will unlock your imagination. It is a perfect magical Christmas event for all the family. You can buy tickets here.
Weekends from Saturday 21st November 2026 until Sunday 3rd January 2027 (closed Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 December). Also, Monday 21st, Tuesday 22nd, and Wednesday 23rd December.
Sewerby Hall, Sewerby, Bridlington, YO15 1ED.
6. Christmas at Castle Howard
Get ready for A Dickens of a Christmas at Castle Howard. Just like Ebenezer Scrooge at the end of A Christmas Carol, it will leave you full of festive cheer! The event brings Charles Dickens’ classic novels to life in stunning Christmas style. There are theatrical surprises, soundscapes, projections, and encounters with familiar faces from the books, all of which help you feel immersed in these wonderful stories.
It is an event full of imagination, storytelling, and bucketfuls of Christmas spirit.
There is also a Christmas Carol theatrical afternoon tea, hosted by a live actor and featuring delicious cakes created by UK Pastry Champion chef Florian Poirot. There’ll also be Father Christmas in the Castle sessions, where the kids can enjoy a magical one-on-one meet with good old Saint Nick. Find out more.
The event will take place from 12th November – 3rd January. Castle Howard, York, YO60 7DA.
7. York City Cruises Santa Experience
York City Cruises 2026 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 ones, 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
Leeds Christmas is back and bigger than ever. Covering both Millennium Square and City Square, market goers will 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.
19th November – 23rd December.
Millennium Square, City Square, and Bond Court, Leeds.
9. Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland, York
The magical winter experience is back, with 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 13th November and is on until 3rd 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 2026, where the kids can head out on a magical sleigh ride to Santa’s twinkling Woodland Village – where they’ll 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. Also, you can get your skates on, as 2026 sees a brand-new ice rink.
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 till 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 sees Santa and his railway helpers on board to get into the festive spirit. Find out more.
12. Haworth’s famous Torchlight Procession
The beautiful village of Haworth is charming 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 5th and 6th December. Find out more.
13. Lotherton Hall Christmas Experience, Leeds
The Christmas Experience at Lotherton Hall is set to return between 21st November and 3rd 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.
Also, their popular 12 Days Walk is back for 2026. You’ll discover beautifully designed installations by the artists who first brought it to life in 2016. The works are inspired by iconic, nostalgic toys and are something you and the little ones can touch, admire, and play with.
Lotherton Hall, Off Collier Lane, Lotherton Ln, Aberford, Leeds, LS25 3EB.
14. Richmond Town Christmas Market
Richmond Christmas Market will take place on 29th November, 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 on 13th December for one day only, with hundreds of festive stalls in tow, 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 fresh bakes, pies, treats, crafts, and so much more. The town gets incredibly busy, but it all adds to the festive air. Find out more.
16. Stockeld Park Christmas Adventure, Wetherby
Stockeld Park’s Christmas Adventure is returning on 21st November, including their fantastic Winter Illuminations, Santa’s Grotto, live theatre show, and their fabulously festive ice rink.
The Enchanted Forest will come 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 is an exciting brand new theme – The Polar Bear Express. 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 Strid Wood where guests can seek him out and meet the big man himself.
This time, there’ll be bushcraft activities to join in, including working together as a team to light the village fire. 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, a wishing well, and much more.
Don’t just take our word for it, it has been named as one of the ‘Best Christmas Grottos to Meet Santa’ by the Daily Telegraph and voted ‘Best Christmas Experience in Yorkshire‘ in the Yorkshire Tots to Teens Awards. Get tickets here.
28th November – 24th December. 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. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Glow is 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.
26th November – 30th December. Harlow Carr, Crag Ln, Beckwithshaw, Harrogate, HG3 1QB.
21. Scarborough 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 from 19th to 20th December, Pocklington Christmas Market is set to host tons of stalls selling 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 5th-6th. 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 6th December and Sunday 13th 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 5th-6th 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.
Market Place, Malton
27. Knaresborough Christmas Market
Knaresborough‘s Yorkshire Christmas market is planned for the 5th-6th of December, bringing together plenty of independent traders, gifts, tasty treats, and more in the beautiful riverside town.
Market Place, Knaresborough
28. Scarborough Lights
Launched 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. Get all the details here.
12th November – 20th December
29. Treasurer’s House Christmas, York
The Treasurer’s House in York will open up between 14th November and 20th December. It reveals stunning festive decorations guests can admire before hearing stories of the house’s past residents and events. Find out more here.
Treasurer’s House, Minster Yard, York, YO1 7JL.
30. The Piece Hall Christmas Events
Christmas Markets at The Piece Hall run on six weekends in November and December, bringing plenty of festive cheer to all.
The markets will showcase some of Yorkshire’s finest independent producers and artisan makers, selling items including delicious foods, jewellery, homeware, and gifts.
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 (this year it’s Frank and Flame’s Authentic German Sausage). 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.
28th November – 23rd December. 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 2026, 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 14th November to 23rd 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 26th-29th, 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 unique boutique and gift stalls 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. Santa and Reindeer Rangers at Cannon Hall Farm
Brand new for 2026, you’ll get the chance to join Santa and his super busy reindeer rangers as they get geared up for Christmas. You and the little ones will get the chance to visit Santa in his grotto, meet some real reindeer and learn all about them, and visit the Toy Factory.
Enjoy a festive family day out with all the fun of the farm. Find out more here.
37. Candlelight Christmas Concerts
Fever’s stunning Candlelight Concerts, which take place across the UK, are coming to Yorkshire this Christmas, with festive concerts taking place in Leeds, Sheffield, Hull and York.
The venues will be aglow with thousands of candles, while guests wind down to soothing renditions of classics from various themes, including Disney, Christmas films, and musical artists such as Coldplay, Fleetwood Mac, and Michael Jackson.
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 Peter Pan at the Grand Opera House, Sleeping Beauty at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs 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 such as gingerbread decorating, a festive show, meeting Father Christmas, 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 at Temple Newsam.
The 1-mile walk follows a flat, pushchair-friendly trail, allowing the whole family (dogs included) to admire 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.
20th November – 31st December. Temple Newsam Road, Leeds LS15 0AE.
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