Christmas Family Fun in Yorkshire 2025
Father Christmas in Yorkshire
Where to find Santa Claus in Yorkshire this Christmas - he's in caves, on boats and even can be found in more traditionl grottos. Book a special trip for your family this Christmas in Yorkshire.
Northern Ballet's A Christmas Carol
Dickens' timeless tale is reimagined through dance, music and storytelling which will transport you to Victorian England and leave your heart aglow.
7th to 9th November 2024 - Sheffield Lyceum
12th to 16th November 2024 - Hull Truck Theatre
17th December 2025 to 4th January 2025 - Leeds Grand Theatre
Polar Express on Wensleydale Railway
14th November to 23rd December 2025
The Polar Express is steaming back to the Yorkshire Dales ready to amaze, delight and create memories you’ll cherish in years to come. Get your pajamas and dressing gowns on and your Polar Express tickets in hand and get ready to take part in the train ride of your life!
Free Christmas Events in Yorkshire
Free and low cost Christmas events in Yorkshire, meet Father Christmas, see the lights, enjoy a Christmassy trail, don't break the bank making Christmas memories.
Christmas at Thackray Museum
30th November 2024 to 5th January 2025
Cosy up in your dressing gown and slippers, grab a fresh cup of cocoa and prepare to be immersed in a unique and heartwarming take on a festive classic, The Night Before Christmas.
A Christmas Carol on KWVR
28th & 29th November, 5th, 6th, 17th, 18th, 19th & 20th December 2024
This production combines the beautiful surroundings and experience of the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway with prestige theatre, including some of the nation’s most highly trained performers and an acclaimed and award-winning production team.
Santa's Christmas Tour at York Chocolate Story
30th November to 23rd December 2024
Get ready for a festive adventure on Santa’s Christmas Chocolate Tour! This guided journey takes you through the ages of chocolate, revealing York’s rich heritage with each stop. Along the way, enjoy delicious chocolate samples, and meet Santa in his workshop, where you’ll create your own Christmas-themed chocolate treats.
The Christmas Experience at Lotherton Hall
23rd November 2024 to 5th January 2025
A magical journey through the enchanting world of Christmas. From visiting Santa in the North Pole to crafting in the Elf Village, there’s something for all the family. Explore the Christmas Traditions Woodland Walk, and Fairy Dell. Marvel at Lotherton’s splendour in the Hall and lit gardens.
Alice's Christmas Wonderland at Castle Howard
15th November 2024 to 5th January 2025
Curiouser and curiouser! Tumble down the rabbit hole into a Christmassy wonderland like no other.
Alice is planning a huge Christmas party, and she invites you to follow the White Rabbit through Castle Howard’s grand halls and regal rooms with each twist and turn revealing fanciful festive surprises.
Winter Woodland at Sewerby Hall
6th to 22nd December 2024
The hugely popular Sewerby Winter Woodland is returning! An all-new spectacular display of lights, sounds and special effects will bring the grounds to life for a great evening out this festive season.
York Castle Museum at Christmas
16th November 2024 to 5th January 2025
Take a break from the 21st century and immerse yourself in all things traditional at York Castle Museum. The famous Victorian street, Kirkgate, welcomes visitors on Saturday 16 November to wonder at the joys of a beautiful Victorian Christmas and entry to Kirkgate is included with admission.
Winter Illuminations at Yorkshire Wildlife Park
Dates Between 15th November 2023 and 3rd January 2025
Wrap up warm and experience the park after dark as you explore the magic of our illuminated enchanted realms, as we light up the dark nights this festive season!
Yorkshire's Winter Wonderland
15th November 2024 to 5th January 2025
York’s favourite festive event, Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland, offers a magical winter experience for all ages, with a glistening outdoor ice rink, thrilling funfair, magical Santa’s Grotto and cosy alpine café The Chalet – now with a rinkside terrace!
The Deep Freeze at The Deep
16th December 2024 to 5th January 2025
Dive into a wintery wonderland at The Deep, and explore Earth’s incredible aquatic animals that are able to survive and thrive in extreme polar conditions.
Glow at RHS Harlow Carr
21st November to 28th December 2024
Enjoy a magical adventure at RHS Garden Harlow Carr, discovering spectacular light displays along your way. See iconic features such as Streamside, the Queen Mother’s Lake, Winter Walk, Doric Columns and Kitchen Garden glow with dazzling colours.
Christmas Festival at Web Adventure Park
Dates between 23rd November and 24th December 2024
A meet and greet with Father Christmas and his elves - special sessions for babies first meeting with Father Christmas, toddler sessions and SEND sessions.
The Magical Winterland
22nd November 2024 to 5th January 2025
A Magical Winterland is coming to Meadowhall with fun for all the family. Featuring ice-skating, Santas Grotto Adventure, Winter Fairgound and Christmas Village.
York Minster Christmas Tree Festival
30th November 2024 to 5th January 2025
Experience York Minster’s popular Christmas Tree Festival, set inside the medieval Minster, with 70 trees on display in the cathedral’s stunning Nave, Chapter House and Lady Chapel.
The Great Yorkshire Christmas at Monk Park Farm
Start your day at Passport Control, collect your North Pole Passport and head straight to Chestnut the Elf’s Waiting Room to learn some very important information about your adventure…
Christmas Trails
Christmas Trails and Family Fun in Yorkshire. Enjoy some free family fun this Christmas with an entertaining trail - find reindeer, snowmen and more.
The Christmas Adventure at Stockeld Park
From 16th November 2024
Join Stockeld Park for Christmas fun, get active and discover large themed outdoor playgrounds within the beautiful woodland of Stockeld Park. Watch the Enchanted Forest come alive after dusk with our famous winter illuminations!
Christmas at Harewood
15th November 2024 to 5th January 2025
In Mischief at the Mansion, a troop of not-so-angelic cherubs have escaped from the Christmas tree and Harewood House sparkles into life with singing baubles, swirling ceilings and gossiping statues.
York City Sightseeing Christmas Tours
York is full of festive history and fun - so for 2024, York City Sightseeing put together a special Christmas tour so you and your family can explore York's Christmas markets and festivities!
Polar Express Pyjama Party at Barnsley Parkway Cinema
20th, 21st, 23rd and 24th December 2024
Celebrate the 20th anniversary of this magical film with a hot chocolate, train-shaped biscuit and plenty of other festive surprises
Ice Rink at Tingley Garden Centre
Christmas is all about spending quality time with your loved ones, and our ice rink is the perfect place to do just that. Gather your family and friends and make cherished memories on the ice!
The Polar Express at Embsay Railway
Selected Dates 15th November to 24th December 2025
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is coming to the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway with the magic of the 2004 motion picture. Chris Van Allsburg’s story will be theatrically recreated, so families can be immersed in the sights, sounds and intrigue of this classic children’s tale.
Christmas at the Treasurers House
16th November to 18th December 2024
Expect the unexpected this Christmas as the stories found in Frank Green’s travel journals take centre stage. His far flung, and at times far fetched, tales are the inspiration for a truly unique Christmas offer. Christmas Trail for families to enjoy.
Ice Cube Leeds
22nd November to 31st December 2024
This annual event promises a joyful experience for all ages featuring an array of exciting activities and attractions including the much-loved outdoor ice rink, a range of Christmas market stalls and other winter themed attractions.
Festive Flyer at Keighley and Worth Valley Railway
12th and 13th December 2024
The Festive Flyer departs from Ingrow-West or Haworth and steams towards ‘The North Pole’ of the Worth Valley, Oxenhope Station. Stepping off your steam-hauled express and onto the gas-lit platform at Oxenhope Station, there will be plenty that will get you in the Christmas Spirit.
Cirquoise Circus at Langlands Garden Centre
14th December 2024 to 5th January 2025
Bring the whole family to the Christmas spectacular and be amazed and astounded by the skills of Cirquoise, a new style family circus with all the acts we and you love – from laughter-filled clowns to death-defying acrobatics, breathtaking jugglers, incredible Crossbow skills and awesome contortionists
Winter Wonder Rides with Pugneys Light Railway
7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st and 22nd December 2024
Sparkling Christmas rides on the Pugneys Light Railway at the Pugneys Country Park near Wakefield.
Santa's Christmas Funland
14th to 24th December 2024
at the Yorkshire Event Centre for a Christmas adventure like no other! This indoor Christmas funland is packed with 3 hours of unlimited fun for the whole family, all under one roof!
Elfie Run
8th December 2024
Join the first ever 5km Elfie Run for a festive fun filled day on Sunday 8th December! The Bone Cancer Research Trust Elfie Run is accessible to all, you can walk, skip, jog or ride and dogs are welcome too. Plus plenty of family festivities for everyone to enjoy at the spectacular Temple Newsam in Leeds including face painting, music, festive drinks and a best dressed elf competition!
Christmas at Nostell Priory
2nd December 2024 to 5th January 2025
Join in the festivities this Christmas as the house is decorated to the nines in a timeless, traditional style. Follow the family trail to see if you can find all of the Twelve Days of Christmas (you'll find some in the house and some in the gardens).
Christmas at Temple Newsam
30th November and 1st December
Celebrate Christmas at Temple Newsam and step into our spectacular mansion house at the most magical time of year. Explore the beautifully decorated House with Christmas trees adorning the rooms and traditional garlands.
Otley Snowman Trail
1st to 18th December 2024
An annual Christmas event in Otley’s calendar. Pick up a free booklet and have fun searching for the many snow people appearing in shops around Otley.
The Snowman Trail at North York Moors Visitor Centres
16th November 2024 to 12th January 2025
Pick up a festive booklet from Danby Lodge or Sutton Bank National Park Centre and follow the festive clues around the grounds to complete the trail. Why not head inside afterwards for a hot chocolate treat to warm you up!
A Christmas Mousetery at Fairfax House
9th November 2024 to 5th January 2025
The Fairfax Townmice are back this festive season for a classic whodunit, The Case of the Missing Ruby. Family-friendly caper featuring your favourite mousey guests, who have returned to cause havoc amongst the festive decor. Perfect for those looking to experience the joy and splendour of a classic Georgian Christmas with a twist.
York Nutcracker Trail
14th November 2024 to 6th January 2025
Celebrate the winter season with the memorable York Nutcracker Trail. York BID has partnered with local artist Marc Godfrey-Murphy to bring you 10 bespoke nutcracker statues, dotted around the city.
Elmers Christmas Art Trail in Doncaster
13th November 2024 to late January 2025
Get ready to slide into a new, exciting adventure with your loved ones as the Elmer Sculpture Trail comes to Doncaster.
If you're looking for a free, easy way to spend quality time with your family whilst exploring the city centre, look no further! The Elmer Art Trail promises a fantastic experience for everyone, from the youngest explorers to the young at heart.
Wartime Christmas at National Emergency Services Museum
7th and 8th December 2024
Turn the clock back 80 years and step into a fabulous forties festive wonderland! Join a whole host of costumed characters, living history interpreters and even Father Christmas for a truly traditional Christmas event.
Beverley Reindeer Rampage
2nd November to 31st December 2024
The Cairngorm reindeers have made their annual trip to Beverley to spread festive cheer across the town. They have been spotted creating mischief in shop windows across the town centre whilst preparing for the festivities. Can you help guide them back and reunite Father Christmas with his herd?
Beverley Minster Christmas Tree Festival
4th to 8th December 2024
Beverley Minster’s annual Christmas Tree Festival is packing 150+ beautifully decorated trees into its stunning medieval building this December.
Knaresborough Christmas Tree Festival
7th to 22nd December 2024
The Knaresborough Christmas Tree Festival takes place in St Johns Church, open daily with live entertainment on weekends.
Christmas at St Saviourgate
12th to 20th December 2024
York City Screen Picturehouse Cinema are bringing Christmas cinema to St Saviourgate. With festive classics, bests-of-the-year, Screen Arts and even something for the little ones, paying tribute to the comfort that the big screen brings during December's longest, coldest nights.
Bridlington Christmas Tree Festival
29th November to 15th December 2024
Bring the family see a forest of twinkling trees, each one beautifully decorated by a local business, school or organisation. Join in the fun and help raise money for the Church and Breast Cancer Now.