FUN SEASONAL ACTIVITIES FOR ALL AGES
Browse the Best Local Festive Events, Winter Trails, Christmas Experiences & Seasonal Dining
Near Easingwold, Boroughbridge, Ripon, Masham, Bedale, Knaresborough, and North Yorkshire
Christmas Events, Festive Trails, Decorated Houses, Tree Festivals, and Dining Experiences
Browse Ure Life’s list of festive afternoon teas, Christmas menu dining experiences, winter walks, illuminated trails, Christmas tree festivals, and stunning festive displays and seasonal decorations within local stately homes and grand buildings.
Make this festive season truly magical with our guide to the best Christmas events, illuminations, trails and festive dining experiences near Ripon, Boroughbridge, Knaresborough, Easingwold, Bedale, Masham, and Thirsk. North Yorkshire is packed with winter wonderlands, sparkling walks, cosy pubs offering Christmas menus, and family-friendly events that capture the spirit of the holidays. Whether you’re planning a romantic Christmas date night, a fun family day out, or festive meet-ups with friends, this guide brings together the best seasonal experiences in the region.
Discover enchanting Christmas light trails, winter garden walks, holiday open days, festive afternoon teas, special dining events and unique seasonal activities happening across these beautiful market towns and villages. Many events are limited or require advance booking, so having everything in one place helps you plan ahead with ease.
Embrace the magic of the season, explore new places, and make unforgettable memories across Easingwold, Masham, Ripon, Boroughbridge, Bedale, Thirsk, and Knaresborough.
Thu 6 Nov 2025 – Sun 22 Feb 2026
Luminescence – A Winter Light Trail
Swinton Park Estate
Immerse yourself in a magical woodland and lakeside landscape this winter within the heritage gardens of Swinton Park Hotel.
Sat 8 Nov 2025 – Sun 4 Jan 2026
A Glittering Invitation: Christmas at Harewood
Harewood House
Christmas becomes a dazzling celebration as interior designer, Siobhan Murphy, transforms Harewood House into a vibrant world of maximalism, colour and festive storytelling. This year, the magnificent State Floor will once again shimmer with Christmas splendour as Harewood are delighted to present this year’s theme, A Glittering Invitation.
Sat 8 Nov 2025 – Sun 4 Jan 2026
Festive Afternoon Tea at Harewood
Harewood House
As music drifts through the House and Christmas trees shimmer with colour, retreat into the elegant charm of the Billiard Room for tiers of festive treats including a selection of sandwiches and cakes.
Thu 13 Nov 2025 – Sun 4 Jan 2026
Christmas at Castle Howard with the Wonderful Wizard of Oz
Castle Howard, York
The house is transformed into the magical world of Oz. Experience our festive take on L. Frank Baum’s much-loved story, told through installations, soundscapes and projections, created by CLW Event Design and Imitating the Dog – the same creative team that brought you Alice’s Christmas Wonderland and Christmas in Neverland.
Find out more
Fri 14 Nov 2025
Cocktail Masterclass
Thirsk Town Hall
This cocktail masterclass hosted by Ewe La La Mobile Bar and Fairfax Distillery is aiming to raise money for Thirsk’s Christmas lights. The £35.00 ticket includes three cocktails and a glass of fizz on arrival. Starts at 7.30 pm.
Find out more
Fri 14 Nov – Wed 31st Dec 2025
Christmas Afternoon Tea
Castle Howard, York
Dainty finger sandwiches, home baked sweet and savoury scones, and delectable miniature cakes created locally by UK Pastry Champion chef Florian Poirot. Refresh your tea and sandwich plate if you have room for more. Served in the grand Grecian Hall complete with roaring fire. Available daily in November and December, excluding Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day.
Find out more
Fri 14 Nov 2025 – 4 Jan 2026
Festive Igloos at The Grantham Arms
The Grantham Arms, Boroughbridge
A popular festive-dining experience is returning this season – book a 2-hour slot in a private, illuminated, festive igloo for food & drink in comfort.
Find out more
Fri 14 Nov 2025 – 4 Jan 2026
Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland
York Designer Outlet
Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland ioffers a magical winter experience for all ages, with its glistening outdoor ice rink, thrilling funfair, magical Santa’s Grotto, and cosy alpine café, The Chalet.
Find out more
Sat 15 Nov 2025 at 1.00 pm
Ripon Christmas Light Switch-On
Ripon Market Square
The annual Christmas lights switch-on returns with a visit from Santa and his reindeer, a climbing wall, live entertainment, and free fairground rides. Lights switch on at 5.00 pm.
Find out more
Sat 15 Nov 2025
Forest Moor WI Christmas Community Coffee Morning
Calcutt Village Hall, Near Knaresborough
From 10.00 am until 12.00 pm, Forest Moor Women’s Institute are hosting a Christmas Community Coffee Morning with a book stall, craft stall, cake stall, tombola, and some local chatter over hot drinks.
Find out more
Sat 15 Nov 2025
The Dinner Dance
Thirsk Town Hall
This cocktail masterclass hosted by Ewe La La Mobile Bar and Fairfax Distillery is aiming to raise money for Thirsk’s Christmas lights. The £35.00 ticket includes three cocktails and a glass of fizz on arrival. Starts at 7.30 pm.
Find out more
Sat 15 Nov 2025 – 10 Jan 202, Selected Dates
Winter Illuminations at Yorkshire Wildlife Park
Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Doncaster
Explore the park after dark and the 3km illuminated trail featuring bespoke lanterns, incredible light displays and seasonal selfie spots. Winter Illuminations is one of the UK’s most magical Christmas light experiences and perfect for all the family or a festive date idea! Dates available:
Find out more
- 15th – 16th Nov 2025
- 21st – 23rd Nov 2025
- 27th – 30th Nov 2025
- 4th – 7th Dec 2025
- 11th – 24th Dec 2025
- 26th Dec 2025 – 3rd Jan 2026
- 10th Jan 2026
Wed 19 Nov – Tue 23 Dec 2025
Glow at RHS Harlow Garr
RHS Harlow Garr
Light up your winter with a glittering wonderland walk around the illuminated gardens by night.
Fri 21 Nov – Tue 23 Dec 2025
Farmer Ed’s Enchanted Light Trail
Piglet’s Adventure Farm
Enjoy a winter stroll among the festive lights and illuminations on this new family-friendly Christmas activity.
Sat 22 Nov 2025, from 10.00 am
Malton St Clement’s Festival
Malton Market Place
Celebrate Malton’s craftspeople with sculpture trails, art, performances, lights, dancing and delicious local food throughout the town.
Sat 22 Nov – 24 Dec 2025
The Christmas Adventure at Stockeld Park
Stockeld Park
Step into the magic of Christmas with the dazzling light show, winter illuminations, festive ice skating, live thatre show, and enchanting Santa’s grotto.
Sat 22 Nov – 24 Dec 2025
The Christmas Adventure at Lotherton Hall
Lotherton Hall
Explore the festively decorated Hall and enchanting grounds and gardens. Wander festive trails, discover twinkling surprises, and explore the crafts, toasted marshmallows and weekend magic shows in the Elf Village. You can also book to meet Santa and Mrs Claus.
Sat 22 Nov 2025 – Sun 4 Jan 2026
Festive Afternoon Tea at Swinton Park
Swinton Park Estate
Experience the quintessential tradition of Afternoon Tea, reimagined with a festive twist, in the spectacular setting of Swinton Park Hotel on the Swinton Estate.
Sun 23 Nov 2025 at 2.00 pm
Afternoon Tea & Christmas Carols
Grantley Hall, near Ripon
Arrive to a welcoming glass of Champagne in our exclusive Grantley Suite, then relax and enjoy an afternoon tea accompanied by the Northern String Quartet and some enchanting carols.
Find out more
Thu 27 Nov 2025 at 3.00 pm
Easingwold Christmas Light Switch-On
Market Place, Easingwold
The annual Christmas lights switch-on returns with late-night shopping, artisan market stalls, live music & carols, from 3.00 pm to 8.00 pm across town.
Find out more
Fri 28 Nov 2025
Bright Friday: Knaresborough Christmas Lights Switch On
Knaresborough Town Centre
An evening of festive celebrations including a lantern parade from the Castle Grounds, live performances, and the Christmas lights switch-on. Make your very own magical lantern in the Lantern Workshop and join the parade from the Castle grounds through the town!
Find out more
Fri 28 Nov 2025
Thirsk Lights Switch-On & Christmas Fair
Thirsk Market Place
A festive evening with live entertainment, seasonal stalls, and the town’s official lights switch-on.
Find out more
Fri 28 Nov, Fri 5 Dec, Fri 5 Dec, Fri 12 Dec, Fri 19 Dec 2025
Oz Twilight Tour at Castle Howard
Castle Howard, York
Father Christmas, Mrs Claus and WonderPhil pay a special visit from the North Pole, with a joyous show full of heart and Christmas spirit followed by an individual moment with Father Christmas for each group. Each child with a ticket receives a special gift to take home. Regrettably this event is not wheelchair accessible but Santa’s Grotto in the Boathouse is.
Find out more
Sat 29 Nov 2025
Bedale Christmas Festival
Bedale town centre
Scheduled for Saturday 29th November 2025 from 10.00 am to 3.00 pm PM is Bedale’s Christmas fair with local produce and craft stalls, both indoors and outdoors round Bedale Town Hall. The event also usually features the switching on of the Christmas lights and occasionally some Christmas fireworks.
Sat 29 Nov 2025
Wetherby Christmas Lights Switch On
Wetherby town centre
Get ready for a magical day & night as Wetherby kicks off the festive season in style. Expect to see Christmas crafts, stunning decorations, live entertainment all day, fun fair rides, and of course, the big lights switch on event. There’s also a chance to meet Santa. From 11.00 am to 9.00 pm.
Sat 29 Nov – Sun 30 Nov 2025
Thirsk Christmas Tree Festival
Thirsk Methodist Church
Browse the decorated trees created by local organisations and individuals. Enjoy the light Refreshments available. Free admission with donations to the Herriot Hospice. Open 10.00 am – 4.00 pm on Saturday and 12.00 pm – 4.00 pm on Sunday.
Sat 29 Nov – 30 Dec 2025
Festive Lunch at The Terrace
Swinton Park Estate
Tuck into a delectable two or three-course festive lunch available throughout December, leading up to Christmas Day.
Find out moreSun 30 Nov 2025
Mental Elf Run at Dalby Forest
Dalby Forest
Join Scarborough, Whitby and Ryedale Mind for a festive fun run in the forest, all in support of local mental health services. Choose between a 3 km or 5 km route and jingle your way through the trees — festive fancy dress is highly encouraged! After your run, explore the pop-up Christmas market in the Courtyard, where you’ll find seasonal stalls, activities, and live performances. Plus, don’t miss a special visit from Santa in his grotto.
Sun 30 Nov, Sat 6 Dec, Sun 7 Dec 2025
Santa Trail at Ripon Walled Garden
Ripon Walled Garden
Little ones can enjoy meet and greet with Santa, receive a gift bag, write a letter to Santa and post it, make a Christmas decoration, and walk the festive Santa trail.
Wed 4 Dec 2025
Boroughbridge Christmas Light Switch On
Boroughbridge town centre
A festive lights-switch event and shopping night that includes a children’s trail, local musical performances, festive refreshments, craft stalls, tombola, mini funfair, the Boroughbridge Lions Santa sleigh, late night cafe and restaurant openings, and late night shopping. Restaurants and cafes also serve festive treats.
Find out more
Fri 5 Dec 2025
A Festive Evening with Nyetimber: Dining in the Gallery
Harewood House
Join us for a luxurious evening of wine and gastronomy, as Harewood hosts an expertly curated dining experience paired with Nyetimber English sparkling wine in the breathtaking eighteenth-century Gallery, magically dressed for the Christmas season.
Sat 6 Dec 2025
Ripon Tinsel Tractor Run (Ripon to Boroughbridge and back)
F Tate & Sons, Ripon
Get ready for a festive spectacle! Over 30 tractors, decked out in their holiday best, will roll into F Tate & Sons Garden Centre and Café on Studley Road, near Ripon, starting at 1.30pm.
- 1.30 pm – F Tate & Sons Ripon, stationary
- 3.00 pm – Set off from F Tate & Sons Ripon
- 3.15 pm – Ripon Morrisons
- 3.50 pm – Bishop Monkton*
- 4.20 pm – Roecliffe*
- 4.35 pm – Boroughbridge Morrisons*
- 5.00 pm – Boroughbridge Highstreet*
- 5.20 pm – Langthorpe*
- 5.35 pm – Skelton-on-Ure
- 6.30 pm – Ripon Market Place
Sat 6 Dec – Sun 21 Dec 2025
Knaresborough Christmas Tree Festival
St John’s Parish Church, Knaresborough
A magical display of over 70 decorated Christmas trees created by local groups, schools and businesses. Free entry. Opening times: Mon – Fri: 12.00 pm – 5.00 pm, Sat: 10.00 am – 5.00 pm, Sun: 12.00 pm – 4.00 pm.
Find out more
Sat 6 Dec, Sun 7 Dec, Sat 13 Dec, Sun 14 Dec, Sat 20 Dec, Sun 21 Dec 2025
Beningbrough Hall at Christmas
Beningbrough Hall, near York
Visit the festively decorated hall and gardens with winter-themed displays. Enjoy seasonal food and drinks, Christmas shopping in the stables, and a walk among the evergreens and walled gardens.
Find out more
Sat 6 Dec – Sun 21 Dec 2025
Santa’s Grotto in the Boathouse
Castle Howard, York
Father Christmas, Mrs Claus and WonderPhil pay a special visit from the North Pole, with a joyous show full of heart and Christmas spirit followed by an individual moment with Father Christmas for each group. Each child with a ticket receives a special gift to take home. Regrettably this event is not wheelchair accessible but Santa’s Grotto in the Boathouse is.
Find out more
6 Dec 2025
Festive Lunch at Grantley Hall
Grantley Hall, near Ripon
Savour a touch of festive magic with family and friends at our elegant pre-Christmas lunch.
Find out more
Sun 7 Dec, Sun 14 Dec, Sun 21 Dec, Sun 28 Dec 2025
Festive Sunday Lunch at Samuel’s Restaurant
Swinton Park Estate
Come together for a stunning two or three course festive Sunday lunch within the opulence of Samuel’s Restaurant.
https://www.swintonestate.com/events/festive-christmas-lunch/?utm_source=Ure+Life&utm_medium=Ure+Life+Blog&utm_campaign=Ure+Life+Christmas” target=”_blank”>Find out moreWed 10 Dec 2025
Herriot Hospice Festive Afternoon Tea
Swinton Park Estate
Join Herriot Hospice for a festive afternoon tea at Swinton Park Hotel, with guest speaker, Rosie Page, daughter of the James Herriot.
https://www.swintonestate.com/events/herriot-hospice-festive-afternoon-tea/?utm_source=Ure+Life&utm_medium=Ure+Life+Blog&utm_campaign=Ure+Life+Christmas” target=”_blank”>Find out moreThu 11 Dec 2025
Lyrics and Lights: Musical Afternoon Tea and Light Trail
Swinton Park Estate
Indulge in a festive afternoon tea whilst listening to the soulful voice of singer Simon Turner and enjoying the festive, firelit atmosphere. Follow this with a wander through the grounds of the Swinton Estate with its wintery glowing installations and illuminated woodlands.
13 Dec 2025
Northallerton Christmas Tractor Parade & Market
Northallerton High Street
Decorated tractors parade through the high street alongside festive stalls, judged displays, Santa’s grotto, and late-night shopping. The event will take place between 5.00 pm and 9.00 pm.
Find out more
Fri 19 Dec – Sun 21 Dec 2025
Ripon Spa Gardens Illuminated Winter Wonderland
Ripon Spa Gardens
From 10.00 am until 12.00 pm, Forest Moor Women’s Institute are hosting a Christmas Community Coffee Morning with a book stall, craft stall, cake stall, tombola, and some local chatter over hot drinks. Open 2.00 pm to 8.00 pm each day.
Find out more
Sat 20 Dec 2025, from 3.00 pm
Walnut Winterland
The Walnut Tree, York
A magical festive afternoon with seasonal activities, music and community fun.
Sat 20 Dec 2025 – Sun 4 Jan 2026
Toymaker’s Trail at Fountains Abbey
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal
Follow the clues to find the toymaker’s stations as you make your way around the site. What will you discover through the special windows? This activity is free with normal admission.
Find out more
Sunday 21 Dec 2025 at 5.00 pm
Oatlands Community Christmas Trail
Oatlands Community Centre
A lovely festive family trail where all proceeds go to the community centre. Follow the Christmas Trail map for a night time, festive walk. Return the map to receive a prize.
Find out more
24–27 Dec 2025
Christmas House Party at Grantley Hall
Grantley Hall, near Ripon
A luxurious three-night festive stay including fine dining, entertainment, and spa experiences.
Find out more
31 Dec 2025 – 2 Jan 2026
New Year’s Eve House Soiree at Grantley Hall
Grantley Hall, near Ripon
A two-night celebration featuring gourmet dining, live entertainment, and fireworks.
Find out more
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If you know of any other activities, events, or clubs that are not mentioned on the above list, do let us know, especially if you or someone you know is hosting any things to do near Boroughbridge, Ripon, Thirsk, Easingwold, Masham, Knaresborough, or within the surrounding towns and villages.
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