How to best spend Christmas in Yorkshire
09 March 2022
European Christmas markets are extremely popular destinations to visit during the festive season, but you don’t have to travel hundreds and hundreds of miles to enjoy Christmas as the UK has a vibrant Christmas scene as well.
Christmas in Yorkshire is just as special as anywhere else in Europe as the region has a whole host of Christmas markets and other attractions that put on a range of events and celebrations for what is the most wonderful time of the year.
Whilst holidays to mainland Europe over Christmas are very expensive, there are a number of quality Whitby hotels that are very reasonably priced that you and your family can stay at over the Christmas and New Year period.
Here we have compiled a list of some of the best attractions and events that you could head to if you decide to spend Christmas in Yorkshire.
North Yorkshire Moors Railway
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is a popular attraction all year round, but over the festive and New Year period you can go on a winter’s day out with a difference.
This year North Yorkshire Moors Railway are running daily services from the 27th December to 3rd January between Pickering and Grosmont.
On 3rd January there will be a special Pickering to Whitby excursion being run by the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, but hurry as places are running out fast.
Leeds Corn Exchange
Leeds Corn Exchange creates a sparkling winter wonderland for Christmas shopping, offering not on the high street and hand crafted gems to Leeds shoppers. Every weekend in December visitors to the Victorian building can enjoy a range of free fairs – including homewares, clothing, gifts – and browse through the 27 permanent independent retailers.
On 19th and 20th December visitors can enjoy a unique gift fair that has an abundance of handmade gifts on sale from over 30 stalls.
The monthly record fair, taking place on 27th December, is a must visit for music lovers as vinyls from acid jazz to urban beats will be available.
If that’s not enough there is a baby rave taking place right up until 24th December. This event will see Frozen Workshops, Arts & Craft sessions, Pottery Painting, Interactive Story Telling sessions and Messy Play classes being on offer. There is even a Santa’s grotto for the kids.
There is nowhere quite like the Leeds Corn Exchange this Christmas!
Thornton Hall Farm Country Park
At Thornton Hall Farm Country Park there are a whole host of Christmassy events taking place in the build up to the big day.
Santa is back on the farm in his grotto and visitors can meet him on 20th, 21st, 22nd and 23rd December. Visitors can also meet elves, go on carriage trips to the reindeer park, have their faces painted and go on pony rides.
Christmas ticket prices are £7 per adult, £5 for under 2s and free for under 1s. The admission price includes a free gift from Santa himself!
Harrogate Christmas Market
The Harrogate Christmas Market has this year unfortunately been and gone, but it will be back for 2016 and those of you looking to go on a holiday to North Yorkshire at a Scarborough hotel in 2016 should keep a date in November or early December free.
It is one of the best Christmas markets in Yorkshire and this year was no different with just under 60,000 people visiting the stalls and attractions, a record attendance. The largest ever number of coaches – more than 150 over the four days – helped to contribute to the record-breaking visitor numbers.
The event this year saw around 200 traders participate in the market, and due to its success the Christmas market is expected to be just as successful next year.
York St Nicholas Christmas Fair
Welcome to Yorkshire recommend visiting the St Nicholas Fair, York’s annual festive market. Magical market stalls will be selling a range of gifts, goodies, food and drink for visitors to try.
The market is open until 23rd December and visitors will be able to browse through over 100 chalets dressed with fairy lights.
Ackworth Garden Centre
If you want to do a spot of Christmas shopping during your break in Yorkshire, then you should head to Ackworth Garden Centre.
If you are late in putting up your decorations, then you are in for a treat as the garden centre has a whole host of Christmas decorations, lights and trees available for great prices.
This year the Ackworth Christmas grotto, which is open until Christmas Eve, will be going with the theme of Frozen. Visitors won’t just be able to see Father Christmas, but will be able to catch a glimpse of Olaf, Anna, and Elsa, plus Peppa Pig and Dave the Minion.
Take a winter walk in the North York Moors National Park
There is nothing better than going on a picturesque walk with the family over the Christmas period and if this is something that appeals to you then the North York Moors National Park is the ideal destination for you.
Boasting 2,300km of paths and tracks, it is ideal for walkers and cyclists alike. The stunning views on offer are certainly worth braving the cold for.
Image Credit: North Yorkshire Moors Railway, Leeds Corn Exchange, Thornton Hall Farm Country Park, Harrogate Christmas Market, Welcome to Yorkshire.
