FUN SEASONAL ACTIVITIES FOR ALL AGES

Browse the Best Local Winter Activities, Winter Trails, Illuminations, Shows, and Pantomimes

Near Knaresborough, Boroughbridge, Easingwold, Ripon, Thirsk, Bedale, Masham, Leyburn, Wetherby, Boston Spa, and Throughout North Yorkshire


Winter Trails, Live Music Concerts, Comedy Shows, Indoor Activities, and Pantomimes

Browse Ure Life’s list of winter activities in North Yorkshire and West Yorkshire

Discover an exciting mix of winter trails, live music shows, comedy gigs, fun activities and winter pantomimes across Ripon, Boroughbridge, Easingwold, North Yorkshire and West Yorkshire. From atmospheric illuminated winter walks and festive light trails to cosy theatre performances, stand-up comedy nights and live music in historic venues, there’s something to enjoy whatever the weather. Whether you’re planning a family day out, a romantic evening, or a fun night with friends, towns and villages across the region offer plenty of seasonal events to brighten the darker months.

Explore what’s on in Ripon, Thirsk, Wetherby, Bedale, Boroughbridge, Easingwold, and Knaresborough this winter, including traditional pantomimes, intimate acoustic gigs, tribute concerts, and creative indoor workshops. Popular destinations such as Ripon, Harrogate, York, Leeds and surrounding market towns also host a packed calendar of events, making it easy to find local entertainment close to home. From festive favourites to unique winter experiences, these winter events are perfect for keeping busy, supporting local venues and enjoying everything Yorkshire has to offer this season.

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.
Ripon

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Knaresborough Duck Race

52 Bond End, Knaresborough HG5 9AX

The much-loved annual New Year’s Day Duck Race, a long-standing Knaresborough tradition with tickets available from the cricket club or on the day.

Knaresborough

Fri 2 Jan 2026 at 1.00 pm

Jack and the Beanstalk: The Christmas Show by Same Difference Arts

Masham Town Hall

A hillarious retelling of the Christmas story of Jack and the Beanstalk, suitable for the whole family.
Masham

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Fri 2 Jan 2026 at 7.00 pm

Jack and the Beanstalk: The Christmas Show by Same Difference Arts

Stillington Village Hall, Near Easingwold

Same Difference Arts retells the Christmas story version of Jack and the Beanstalk in this 60-minute, family-friendly show. The loveable characters set off on a thrilling journey packed with mischievous villains, daring heroes, dazzling costumes, and toe-tapping songs.
Easingwold

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Romanby Jazz and Cabaret Club – Jump, Jive ‘n Wail

Romanby Golf & Country Club, Yafforth Road, Romanby

An afternoon of jazz and cabaret with high-energy swing, jive and rock ’n’ roll classics. Buffet lunch included.

Romanby

Jim Smith: Prime Cuts Comedy Show

The Forum, Bullamoor Road, Northallerton

Stand-up comedy from Scotland’s popular rural humourist Jim Smith – sharp observations and authentic tales from farm life.

Northallerton

Bitter Sweet: Sabrina & Olivia Tribute

The Forum, Bullamoor Road, Northallerton

Amazing pop tribute concert celebrating the music of Sabrina Carpenter and Olivia Rodrigo in a high-energy show for fans of both stars.

Northallerton

All Revved Up – Meatloaf Tribute

Masham Town Hall

A tribute show celebrating the rock anthems of Meatloaf with powerful vocals and energetic performance.

Masham

Medley Ripon Co-Working Pop-Up

The Ripon Inn, Ripon

Relaxed pop-up co-working meetup with refreshments and a friendly productive atmosphere — great for freelancers and remote workers.

Ripon

Books & Beverages at Harrogate Library

Harrogate Library

Social reading event with tea and refreshments — bring a book or discover new authors in this relaxed session.

Harrogate

The Music of Fleetwood Mac by Candlelight

Ripon Cathedral

Featuring a spectacular cast of West End singers and an epic live band, enjoy a candlelit concert packed with Fleetwood Mac hits as you’ve never heard them before.

Ripon

Eagles by Candlelight

Ripon Cathedral

A candlelit concert of classic Eagles hits performed by West End singers and live band in the stunning cathedral setting.

Ripon

Ripon Cathedral Concert – Barry Garlow & The Good For Nothin’s

Ripon Cathedral

Live music performance featuring Barry Garlow & the band, bringing classic and contemporary hits to the cathedral acoustics.

Ripon

Northern Toy Fair

York Sport Arena

One of the North’s largest toy and collectables fairs — great for families, collectors and hobbyists (check local venue details before travel).

York

Murton Park Mystery Trail

Murton Park, near York

Interactive mystery hunt around the park — explore clues, meet colourful characters, and solve the whodunnit with family and friends.

York

Luminescence – A Winter Light Trail

Swinton Estate, Masham

An illuminated woodland experience with magical trails, sculptures and light installations for all ages.

Masham

Half Price Entry at Thorp Perrow

Thorp Perrow, Bedale

Visit the arboretum in all its wintery glory, meet the animals, watch the birds of prey demonstrations, and enjoy food and drinks in the delightful cafe.

Bedale

Land of Lights Lantern Festival

Gullivers Rother Valley (near Sheffield)

Spectacular lantern display and illuminated trail transforming the valley into a colourful world of light and creativity.

Yorkshire

Fri 16 Jan – Sat 25 Jan 2026

Puss in Boots Family Pantomime by The Knaresborough Players

The Frazer Theatre, Knaresborough

Beat the January blues! The Knaresborough Players will be performing their annual family pantomime “Puss in Boots”. With something for all of the family this is a show not to be missed! Evening shows at 7.00 pm, Saturday matinees at 2.00 pm.
Knaresborough

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A Vivaldi & Mozart Candlelight Experience

Church of St John the Baptist, Knaresborough

Enjoy a candlelit classical concert featuring timeless works by Vivaldi and Mozart in a beautiful historic church setting.

Knaresborough

Sat 18 Jan – Sat 24 Jan 2026

Mother Goose: The Panto Egg-stravaganza!

The Forum, Northallerton

Join the Northallerton Area Variety Society for some fun-filled, family entertainment that is sure to cure any winter, post-Christmas blues.
Northallerton

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A Taste of Art: Mixed Media Journalling

The Courthouse, Rural Arts, Thirsk

A relaxed, tutored mixed media journalling workshop with artist Dove Armistead, perfect for all abilities and including all materials and a hot drink.

Thirsk

Burns Night

The Grantham Arms, Boroughbridge

Celebrate Burns Night with classic Scottish food and drink specials in honour of poet Robert Burns.

Boroughbridge

Festal Eucharist and Procession for Candlemas

Ripon Cathedral

The famous annual Candlemas service. A Festal Eucharist celebrating the Feast of Candlemas, marking the presentation of the infant Christ at the temple and his recognition by Simeon as a light for revelation to the Gentiles.

Ripon

Knaresborough Artisan Market

Knaresborough Castle and Museum, Castle Yard, HG5 8AS

A free artisan market showcasing a curated selection of independent local makers, perfect for browsing, shopping local and enjoying the castle setting.

Knaresborough

Guns ’n’ Yorkshire Roses

Park Place Social Club, Knaresborough, HG5 0ER

The UK’s leading Guns N’ Roses tribute band brings classic rock anthems to Knaresborough for a high-energy live show.

Knaresborough

The Great Pretenders – A Tribute to Queen

Starbeck Conservative Club, 5 The Avenue, Starbeck

A high-energy tribute to Queen, featuring all the classic hits and incredible live vocals for an unforgettable rock night.

Starbeck

Wed 4 Feb – Sat 7 Feb 2026

Fearby Panto – Hansel & Gretel

Fearby and Healey Village Hall, Near Masham

The Fearby Pantomime Society proudly present Alan Frayn’s Hansel & Gretel, with 7.00 pm performances and a 2.00 pm matinee on Saturday 7th February.
Masham

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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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