Festive Events Across Yorkshire
This is Living North's ultimate guide to Christmas
Story Time
Father Christmas, seated by a crackling fire in Raby’s Grand Entrance Hall, will delight families with enchanting storytelling this festive season. Twinkling lights, shimmering baubles, and festive garlands will lead the way to the main man.
Fireside Stories with Father Christmas
NOVEMBER & DECEMBER
Raby Castle
raby.co.uk
Pyjama Party
This Christmassy experience is just like the movie. Pull on your PJs and dressing gowns and hop aboard The Polar Express from Leeming Bar station, and go on a journey where you’ll meet the characters from the film including the conductor, singing chefs, and of course Father Christmas. If your children are on the nice list, they’ll get their first gift – a Silver Sleigh Bell.
The Polar Express
16TH NOVEMBER–23RD DECEMBER
Wensleydale Railway, Northallerton
yorkshiredalesthepolarexpressride.com
Seeking Santa
There are so many Santa’s grottos to visit this festive season but could this be the coolest? Your children will explore magical underground passages with Santa’s elves, leading to the main man himself with a table full of presents! Tickets include entry to Ingleborough Estate Nature Trail.
Santa’s Grotto
7TH–23RD DECEMBER
Ingleborough Cave, Clapham
ingleboroughcave.co.uk
Put It On Ice
Grab your mouse ears and get ready to party as Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures, filled with magical moments your children will love. Featuring both new and classic tales, children will see the world from the rooftops of London with Mary Poppins, help Moana restore the heart of Te Fiti and travel through the Pride Lands with Simba, Timon and Pumbaa – all on ice.
Disney On Ice
18TH–22ND DECEMBER
Utilita Arena, Sheffield
utilitaarenasheffield.co.uk
Singing Loud For All to Hear
Elf The Musical comes to to First Direct Arena, Leeds this December, and the whole family will love this show! Buddy The Elf and friends are sure to put you in the festive spirit. In this stage adaptation of the hugely popular film, Buddy journeys from the North Pole to New York city in search of his true identity and the spirit of Christmas.
Elf The Musical
23RD & 24TH DECEMBER
First Direct Arena, Leeds
firstdirectarena.com
Merry & Bright
Immerse yourself in festive splendour as Auckland Palace opens its doors for a special new Christmas event. With 12 decorated rooms, including the State Rooms, St Peter’s Chapel and the Bishops’ Apartments, Christmas at the Palace allows visitors to enjoy the remarkable interiors, complete with stunning artworks and furnishings, transformed with a touch of Christmas magic. The event also features a unique 18th-century Neapolitan Nativity scene – one of the most impressive and important examples outside Italy.
Christmas at The Palace
15TH NOVEMBER–31ST DECEMBER
Auckland Palace, Bishop Auckland
aucklandproject.org
Curiouser & Curiouser
Go down the rabbit hole into a winter wonderland at Castle Howard where CLW Event Designs have once again worked their magic to create a fantastically festive display. Don’t be late for a very important date – Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea. Browse the Bauble Emporium, toast giant marshmallows by the Christmas Tree, and (new for this year) find The Chess Club, a secret dining room for grown-ups serving Wonderland-themed cocktails and sharing platters.
Alice’s Christmas Wonderland
15TH NOVEMBER–5TH JANUARY
Castle Howard, York
castlehoward.co.uk
Go Through The Wardrobe
Cast Doncaster becomes Narnia, where the White Witch has made it permanently winter. Follow Lucy through the wardrobe before Edmund, Peter and Susan and see if you can help Narnia’s curious creatures to restore their land and fulfil an ancient prophecy.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
26TH–30TH NOVEMBER
Cast Doncaster
castindoncaster.com
Tree-mendous
Marvel at the 70 Christmas trees which have been beautifully decorated by local businesses, schools and charities for various themes inside York Minster’s stunning Nave, Chapter House and Lady Chapel. Add your own Christmas message to a tag on the festival’s prayer trees and don’t miss the light switch-on at Minster Mash-Up, a special service for children and families.
Christmas Tree Festival
30TH NOVEMBER–5TH JANUARY
York Minster
yorkminster.org
An Enchanting Experience
This December, Wentworth Woodhouse are taking you back in time for a yuletide treat based on the classic poem, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. Immerse yourself in an enchanting visitor-led experience through the State Rooms, and a magical light trail in the West Front Gardens. Expect more magic, more lights and even bigger smiles, as you join them for a Christmas you won’t forget!
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
4TH-29TH DECEMBER
Wentworth Woodhouse, Rotherham
wentworthwoodhouse.org.uk
Let It Snow, Man
This festive season, bring your family together at York Barbican when world leading performer of The Snowman, Carrot Productions returns to York as part of a spectacular national Christmas tour. Each of the two performances is a double bill, and audiences can choose from an additional short film after The Snowman (The Snowman and The Snowdog at the 1pm show or The Bear, The Piano, The Dog and The Fiddle at the 4pm show). The unforgettable Christmas show will be performed by the Carrot Productions Orchestra, featuring some of the country’s top music talent, and there’ll also be a special visit from the Snowman himself.
The Snowman
7TH DECEMBER
York Barbican
carrotproductions.com
Feed me, Seymour!
When flower shop assistant Seymour acquires a mysterious new plant, he names it ‘Audrey II’ after his crush and co-worker. As the succulent grows and grows, it offers Seymour the kind of success he could only ever dream of… as long as he keeps feeding it! Blooming with favourites including Little Shop of Horrors, Suddenly Seymour and Skid Row (Downtown), this hilarious rock musical is out of this world.
Little Shop of Horrors
7TH DECEMBER–18TH JANUARY
Crucible Theatre, Sheffield
sheffieldtheatres.co.uk
Deck The Halls
In this festive workshop you’ll make a wintery decoration inspired by Barbara Hepworth’s sculptures. You’ll find your inspiration in the galleries before experimenting in the learning studios with white airdrying clay and natural objects.
Family Workshop:
Festive Clay
23RD NOVEMBER–22ND DECEMBER
The Hepworth Wakefield
hepworthwakefield.org
Wonderful Wreaths
Yorkshire Lavender have been running seasonal wreath workshops throughout the year but this is by far the most festive. Head gardener Julia is running two Christmassy workshops to teach you how to make a seasonal Christmas wreath to decorate your door this Christmas.
Christmas Wreath Making
30TH NOVEMBER & 7TH DECEMBER
Yorkshire Lavender, Terrington
yorkshirelavender.com
Festive Felting
Have a go at needle felting to create your Christmas decorations this year. This workshop is suitable for beginners, with no previous experience needed, are there are a range of festive designs to choose from.
Christmas Decorations Felting Workshop
4TH DECEMBER
The Station, Richmond
thestation.co.uk
Willow Wonderland
Willow artist Jess Wilkinson will lead you in designing and making a collection of unique willow stars and reindeer to add to your Christmas decorations. This workshop also includes a two-course meal in the Terrace Restaurant and Bar, and refreshments and biscuits on arrival.
Willow Christmas Decorations
9TH DECEMBER
The Deer House, Swinton
swintonestate.com
Mrs Christmas
Back on tour, Yorkshire singer-songwriter Kate Rusby is bringing the spirit of Christmas to Bradford, Sheffield and York. For nearly two decades, her Christmas concerts have been a magical experience for audiences, and this year’s tour, Winter Light, promises to a cosy and heartfelt celebration of the season.
Kate Rusby: Winter Light
6TH DECEMBER
St George’s Hall, Bradford
15TH DECEMBER
Sheffield City Hall
17TH DECEMBER
York Barbican
katerusby.com
You Bet
Don’t miss the seven thrilling races taking place at Catterick Racecourse on 17th December for their special Christmas raceday. Why not give the gift of racing this Christmas? A day at the races is a great present for everyone, from first time racegoers to racing fanatics. Catterick Racecourse prides itself on being one of the friendliest, providing a fun relaxed day out for everyone, whatever the occasion, and with racing all year round there is plenty to choose from! Gift vouchers can be redeemed against general admission tickets, annual passes or hospitality packages at any fixture throughout the year (subject to availability) and can be tailored to suit requirements.
Christmas at Catterick
17TH DECEMBER
Catterick Racecourse
catterickbridge.co.uk
Mediaeval Magic
The Mediaeval Baebes are bringing ‘The Ceremony’ to Leeds this Christmas. Be part of the ‘Lighting of the Chalice’ as The Mediaeval Baebes’ torch-lit procession winds its way with song and dance to Leeds Minster. Bring a drum, a lantern, or dress up and frolic, and enjoy music, dance and theatre.
The Ceremony
18TH DECEMBER
Leeds Minster
mediaevalbaebes.com
