Free Christmas Family Days Out in Yorkshire 2025
You don't need a massive budget to have a magical holiday season! This year, enjoy a wonderful Christmas adventure with the Days Out Yorkshire guide to free and low-cost festive fun. Discover amazing Christmas Lights, exciting Trails, affordable chances to see Father Christmas, and plenty of family activities that won't empty your wallet
Saltaire Living Advent Calendar
1st December 2025 to 1st January 2026
56 windows will open in the run up to Christmas, with businesses and community buildings illuminated from 1st December, then at least one new window being ‘opened’ each evening until 24th December. Windows are illuminated from 4pm – 10.30pm each evening, and all remain lit until the 1st of January.
Light Up Sheffield
5th to 14th December 2025
For ten magical nights, Light Up Sheffield will see three of Sheffield’s most iconic landmarks - Sheffield Cathedral, Sheffield Central Library and Pounds Park - transformed with breathtaking light projections inspired by the city itself.
Selby Abbey Christmas Tree Festival
28th November 2025 to 5th January 2026
Come and see over 30 Christmas Trees decorated by local schools, charities and organisations in the Selby area and learn about the work they do.
Free Admission
York Nutcracker Trail
13th November 2025 to 4th January 2026
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.
Otley Snowman Trail
1st to 19th December 2025
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.
Selby Winter Windowland Snowman Hunt
2025 Event TBC
Follow the clues and the map to find the snowmen hidden around town for a chance to win some AMAZING prizes!!
Collect your maps from the Town hall from December 1st and submit your answers by Sunday 15th December.
Bridlington Lions Christmas Carol Concert
15th December 2025
This truly uplifting free concert, staged by Bridlington Lions Club to thank the people of Bridlington for supporting them throughout the year, really does herald the start of the Christmas season. Featuring Driffield Silver Band, Coastal Voices, Brid Beat and the choirs of our local schools.
FREE
Kirkstall Advent Trail
December 2025
The Kirkstall Advent windows are returning this December. The windows will be revealed each evening, with each display showcasing the creativity of the Kirkstall neighbourhood.
Barnsley Bright Lights
21st and 22nd November 2025
Barnsley Bright Nights is South Yorkshire’s biggest free annual light art festival. The two-day festival is now an established highlight of Barnsley’s award-winning town centre cultural events programme, featuring dazzling artworks, installations and performances across the thriving town centre.
Light Up Wakefield
21st to 23rd November 2025
Light Up Wakefield is back with more dazzling light art installations than ever before illuminating Wakefield City Centre! Spend time in the Cathedral Precinct enjoing live music and entertainment on the main stage before the Christmas Light Switch-On at 5:30pm – which kickstarts the Wakefield Light Trail!
Beverley Reindeer Rampage
Daily until 31st December
Help round up the herd for Father Christmas by taking part in this year’s Reindeer Rampage Christmas Trail around Beverley town centre. Pick up a free trail map and reindeer mask from the Tourist Information Centre on Cross Street for a chance to win a fantastic prize.
Lord Mayor's Christmas Tree Festival
2nd to 24th December 2025
The Lord Mayor's annual Christmas Tree Festival will return to Hull Minster this December.
The popular free event will see over 50 decorated trees fill up the church.
Free Santa's Grotto and The Trinch at Trinity Walk
Weekends 14th November to 21st December 2025
Meet Santa and the mischievous Trinch outside the bespoke grotto in the Christmas zone, FREE every Saturday and Sunday in the run-up to Christmas here at Trinity Walk
Knaresborough Christmas Tree Festival
6th to 21st December 2025
The Knaresborough Christmas Tree Festival takes place in St Johns Church, open daily with live entertainment on weekends.
Christmas In Yorkshire
Christmas in Yorkshire -a wonderful time of year, discover your Christmas Adventure, the best place to see Santa Claus, the best local Christmas markets and where to experience the best christmas Lights.
Skipton Nutcracker Trail
22nd November 2025 to 4th January 2026
Step into a magical wonderland with the enchanting Christmas Nutcracker Trail in Skipton this year!
Explore a world of festive delights as you follow the trail of beautifully adorned Nutcrackers around the town centre…
Doncaster Snowman Trail
15th November 2025 to 30th January 2026
Discover 12 beautifully crafted, interactive sculptures, each inspired by the beloved character from Raymond Briggs' classic tale. Perfect for families, friends, and festive explorers to enjoy an enchanting experience.
Game Knight
Discover all things Board Games at Game Knight, games for children, for all the family, for groups or friends and much more.