Your North Yorkshire Christmas Guide 2023

December 6, 2023

As we write this, the streets of York are a winter wonderland as the snow comes down heavily. It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and everyone is busy planning the month of December to make it a magical and unforgettable experience for everyone.

North Yorkshire is unrivalled for things to do during the festive season. The charming town of Knaresborough, the bustling city of Leeds, the iconic and famous Harrogate, the quaint charm of Malton, and the coastal beauty of Scarborough are all within an hour’s drive from the city centre, so how do you decide what the best things are to do for you and your family in 2023?

We have compiled the ultimate North Yorkshire Christmas Guide 2023, featuring all our favourite festive activities, days out and experiences, whether you have lived here all your life, are just coming for a weekend away, or anything in between. Welcome to the magic of Christmas.

Experience everything North Yorkshire has to offer this season.

Traditional festive markets.

York’s Christmas Market, set in the prime locations of Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square, is open until 22nd December, Monday – Sunday, 10 am – 7 pm. Step into this festive wonderland, experience the magic of the historical city and browse over 75 alpine chalets offering an array of locally crafted and artisan gifts from talented local traders.

Another fantastic family market is the Leeds Christmas Market, just a 30-minute train from York station. This large-scale experience features two Christmas-themed outdoor bars, an artisan fair, an outdoor skating rink, shows, experiences for all the family, delicious food, and drinks, and lots of market stall shopping. Open until 22nd December with varying opening times.

Carols by candlelight.

Christmas is only complete with a visit to the iconic York Minster to experience a festive musical performance like no other. Across December, the Minster offers various magical events, from live shows and concerts to a Christmas day service and their famous Christmas Tree festival, with over 60 trees adorning the stunning nave, Chapter House, and Lady Chapel.

At Fountains Abbey in Ripon, marvel at the flickering glow of hundreds of candles in the abbey cellarium as you sing along to well-known festive carols accompanied by the Ripon City Band. Their carols by candlelight service opens at 2 pm on Sunday 10th December and is children and well-behaved dog friendly. We guarantee it’s well worth a visit for a magical family experience.

Carols by candlelight.

Fun for all the family.

Are you looking for a Christmas-filled, unforgettable experience for the little ones in your life? Christmas in Neverland at Castle Howard is a day that no child will ever forget and offers everyone a packed day of enjoyment. Fly into the adventure house bursting with fairies, mermaids, and pirates and follow the boy who never grew up in a festive, fantastical world.

Stockeld Park is also an incredible place to take the kids at Christmas, with cafes, gift shops and endless fun all day. Enjoy Christmas craft events, Santa’s Grotto, pantomime shows, the indoor play area, Christmas tree shopping, the snowflake maze, winter illuminations, ice skating, adventure parks, and more. Tickets are limited, so grab yours fast.

Luxury hotel stays.

If a relaxing getaway is more your style, book a stay at a five-star luxury hotel, The Grand York, in the city’s centre and enjoy festive events, seasonal dining, a New Year’s Eve for the history books, and more. Want somewhere more remote? Grantley Hall is a hidden jewel in the Yorkshire Dales, with 47 exquisite rooms, suites, and breath-taking Christmas decor.

Goldsborough Hall, the first family home of Princess Mary in the 1920s and steeped in history and heritage, is the perfect place to stay outside of Knaresborough if you want an experience to remember this festive season. Their rooms come alive with roaring log fires, beautifully adorned Christmas trees, twinkling lights, mulled wine aroma, and delicious food.

Luxury hotel stays.

Nights at the theatre.

For a fe-fi-fo-fun extravaganza, book tickets to Jack and the Beanstalk at the York Theatre Royal. With stunning sets, hilarious comedy, and jaw-dropping special effects, it promises to be their most spectacular pantomime ever and guarantees to delight the whole family. So, make sure to catch this giant of a pantomime, and get your tickets today before they sell out.

Based on the novel by Charles Dickens, Oliver!, at The Playhouse Leeds follows the story of a small boy with a big heart as he journeys from a desolate workhouse to the paved streets of Victorian London in search of love and a place to call home. Featuring memorable songs such as ‘Food, Glorious Food‘ and ‘Oom Pah-Pah‘, it’s a heart-warming theatrical masterpiece suitable for all.

Christmas shopping.

Nothing beats a shopping day in York, especially at Christmas. Shop your high street and designer favourites, but also unique, handcrafted, artisan gifts you can’t find anywhere else in the ancient, cobbled streets and passageways. Then, jump on the train to Leeds, one of the UK’s most prominent shopping destinations outside of London, with hundreds of shops, restaurants, and things to do.

Harrogate is also a don’t-miss destination, less than an hour’s journey away from York. It is home to the famous Betty’s and an array of thriving boutiques, jewellers, booksellers, shoe shops, bakeries, chocolatiers, and a department store, all whilst overlooking the 200-acre Stray.

Christmas shopping.

Magical Santa visits.

Every Christmas, the one thing every child remembers is their audience and sit down with Santa Claus himself, so which ones are the best? Well, Stockeld Park and Castle Howard are high on the list. Still, Mother Shiptons Cave in Knaresborough is another stand-out favourite with its ticketed Santa experience, complete with an enchanted land, magical Santa grotto, greeting elves, and a unique soft toy gift.

For something a bit different, York’s Chocolate Story is putting on a chocolate-making with Santa experience, where the kiddies can meet Santa and make chocolate lollies with him and his trusty elf. The event also includes a gift from Santa and the opportunity to take photos with him. Throughout December, you can book many events sprinkled with chocolatey cheer, including Christmas family workshops and masterclasses.

Relaxing spa days.

If an adults-only treat is on the cards, we can’t think of anywhere better than Rudding Park Spa. Complete with a rooftop spa, hydrotherapy and thermal experiences, and the escape zone, it’s a peaceful and serene space for guests to relax, have a treatment, dine, drink and shop. For some extra luxury, book their Christmas Eve supper and spa experience.

Nestled in Nawton in the North Yorkshire Moors Countryside, the Yorkshire Spa Retreat is the perfect destination to stay, dine and spa all in one place, and its unique and luxurious spa experience is one of the best in the area. Their wild swim pond is worth the visit just on its own before you stroll into the market town of Hemsley, just a stone’s throw away.

Relaxing spa days.

Wow the kids.

The Polar Express 2023 train ride will pick you up at Leeming Bar station. It is a spectacular Christmas journey for kids of all ages, where they will meet the characters from the film, including the conductor, singing chefs, the hobo and, of course, the leading man, Santa Claus. Grab a tasty bite and authentic hot chocolate for the ride!

Finally, take the kids for a magical Santa sleigh ride at Piglets Adventure Farm in York. Available to book until 24th December, begin your journey to the magic woodland village where an enchanting world awaits. Check-in at Elf Airlines and spot your name on the live departure board before you mingle with the elf hostesses and glide through twinkling lights and snowy trees before arriving to meet Santa.

Merry Christmas from all of us at Stephensons.

That’s a wrap for our North Yorkshire Christmas Guide 2023. We hope you and your family have a very merry Christmas indeed. If you are wandering the streets of York, Knaresborough, or any of our other locations, please pop in to say hello!

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