Best Christmas Days Out, Seasonal Attractions & Santa Visits Near You

Experience the magic of Christmas across North Yorkshire with a range of festive activities, Christmas markets, and Santa visits near Ripon, Thirsk, Boroughbridge, Easingwold, Knaresborough, Bedale, Masham, and beyond. Families can enjoy twinkling lights, local crafts, and delicious seasonal treats at Ripon Cathedral’s Christmas Gift Fair or the Knaresborough Christmas Market, both filled with festive charm and entertainment.

For magical days out, explore Fountains Abbey near Ripon, where the historic ruins glow with Christmas lights and festive music. Harewood House, Castle Howard, The Forbidden Corner, and Thorp Perrow Arboretum often host enchanting winter walks and Santa’s grotto experiences, perfect for younger visitors whilst Monk’s Park Farm, Spillman’s Farm, and Piglet’s Farm offer an array of storytelling, festive shows, barrell or sleigh rides, and elf experiences. Popular Christmas experiences include the Polar Express Train Ride by Wensleydale Railway which departs from Leeming Bar and Stockeld Park near Wetherby which offers an unforgettable festive adventure with an ice rink, enchanted forest, and Santa’s grotto. Whether you’re seeking cosy market shopping, dazzling light trails, or magical places to see Santa, there’s a perfect Christmas day out waiting in North Yorkshire.

Use Ure Life’s Guide to Christmas 2025 below to discover festive events near you – here to help you create special memories this holiday season.

Ure Life’s Christmas Guide 2025: Browse Things to Do at Christmas in North Yorkshire

Across towns, cities, and villages including Ripon, Thirsk, Boroughbridge, Masham, Easingwold, Bedale, Northallerton, Leyburn, Richmond, Knaresborough, York, Harrogate, Wetherby, and Leeds

Beyond the traditional markets and Santa grottos, North Yorkshire offers countless festive experiences to make your Christmas truly special. Enjoy winter walks through the Yorkshire Dales or a cosy pub lunch beside a roaring fire in Masham or Bedale. Visit local farm parks and garden centres near Ripon and Thirsk, where children can meet reindeer, decorate gingerbread, and post letters to Santa. Many nearby stately homes, including Beningbrough Hall and Lotherton Hall, host spectacular Christmas displays, light trails, and themed events perfect for families and couples alike. Whether you’re exploring charming market towns, indulging in seasonal food, or capturing magical moments under the lights, Christmas in North Yorkshire offers endless ways to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.

For Christmas shopping outside of the towns, you can head to York Designer Outlet for ice skating, festive photo ops, and the free undercover children’s play area. In addition, each town tends to offer Christmas light switch ons, late night Christmas shopping events, and an array of Christmas markets including artisan markets, food markets, and craft fairs.

Across the towns, there are local Lions sleigh rides heading door to door, Christmas Tractor Parades, and of course pantomimes and live festive shows. In addition, there are larger Christmas markets across York, Harrogate, Wetherby, Northallerton, and Leeds such as the Harrogate Christmas Fayre, the Leeds Bierkeller Christmas Market, The Wetherby Dickensian Christmas Market and York’s award-winning Christmas Market as part of the York Christmas Festival.

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