Yorkshire Events and Activities to Attend this Christmas
The festivities of Christmas have begun and we’ve rounded up plenty of places to go and things to see for the whole family
THE NUTCRACKER CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS TRAIL
15TH NOVEMBER–24TH DECEMBER
The Station, Richmond
thestation.co.uk
Take on this quest around The Station’s Nutcracker Children’s Christmas Trail. Fun for all the family, there are puzzles to solve and prizes to be won. Your trail booklet is available from The Station Shop.
FIND THE RABY REINDEER
26TH NOVEMBER–31ST DECEMBER
Raby, Staindrop
raby.co.uk
Enjoy a festive walk to High Force Waterfall this December. Collect the Christmas clues and see if you can find Rudolph and his friends along the way – but don’t forget to wrap up warm! Winter is when the waterfall is at its most powerful, so don’t forget to take some pics. Walk done, head to High Force Hotel and tuck into a hearty Teesdale lunch or a luxury hot chocolate.
STORIES WITH SANTA IN THE COURTYARD GROTTO
THROUGHOUT DECEMBER
Castle Howard, York
castlehoward.co.uk
Castle Howard are welcoming back the award-winning Story Craft Theatre who’ll be bringing some magic to their grotto this year. The grotto has its very own elves who’ll meet you in their workshop before taking you to get your photo with the main man. To complete your visit pick up a present, which this year has been created by local crafting company Forest, Craft and Play, and drop any Christmas letters in the grotto’s special post basket.
CHRISTMAS JUMPER SATURDAY
3RD DECEMBER
Wetherby Racecourse
wetherbyracing.co.uk
Head to Wetherby Racecourse for an exciting day of jump racing action as we go into the festive season. As well as exciting racing, don’t miss the Christmas jumper competition and Christmas Cracker fun and games in the Parade Ring between races.
YORE MILL CRAFT SHOP AND GALLERY CHRISTMAS FAIR
3RD & 4TH DECEMBER
Yore Mill Craft Shop and Gallery, Aysgarth
yoremillcraftshopandgallery.co.uk
Yore Mill Craft Shop and Gallery are hosting their Christmas Market where as a well as enjoying a cup of mulled wine and a mince pie, you can browse a wide range of artists and makers from Yorkshire and the North – perfect for Christmas presents.
ADULT WORKSHOP: WREATH MAKING WITH NATTRASS
3RD DECEMBER
Darlington Hippodrome
01325 405405 darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk
Get creative this December by making your own festive wreath to decorate your door. You’ll be guided by Flowers By Nattrass, and all workshop materials will be provided – all you need is a bit of creativity and lots of festive spirit. A mulled wine and a mince pie should help with that!
LONG LIVE THE CHRISTMAS TREE!
FROM 12TH NOVEMBER
Harewood House, Leeds
0113 218 1010
harewood.org
Yorkshire’s most vibrant country house is celebrating Christmas trees in a unique and wonderful way this year. Artists and makers from across Yorkshire (and beyond) will bring a festive twist to the State Floor, creating their versions of trees inspired by the natural world, winter rituals and Harewood itself.
CRAFT YOUR CHRISTMAS WITH SARA DAVIES
24TH NOVEMBER
St George’s Hall, Bradford
01274 432000
bradford-theatres.co.uk
Dragon and Strictly star Sara Davies is taking to the road to give you tricks and tips to help craft your Christmas this year. She is offering practical demonstrations and creative ideas to make gifts, garlands, cards and crackers – plenty of festive inspiration.
STAG WILLOW WEAVING
30TH NOVEMBER
Thorp Perrow, Bedale
thorpperrow.com
Anna Cross from North Yorkshire-based Anna & the Willow has been running her workshops for the past 11 years. In this workshop, Anna will guide you through the process and help you create your own stag’s head ready to be displayed over the festive period. The workshop is suitable for beginners and will include lunch and refreshments.
CONTEMPORARY WINTER WREATH MAKING
9TH DECEMBER
The Hepworth Wakefield
hepworthwakefield.org
Create a luxury moss-based festive wreath with Zosia Berkieta-Lewis from Leeds-based botanical and floral studio and shop The Plant Room. Using woven and moss-based structures, experiment with dried florals and fresh cut botanicals to make a wreath perfect for the home or garden (or to give as a gift this Christmas).
HOME IS NOT A PLACE UNTIL CHRISTMAS EVE
Graves Gallery, Sheffield
museums-sheffield.org.uk
Home is Not a Place, a new exhibition at Sheffield’s Graves Gallery, presents Johny Pitts’ photographs which document his journey across Britain. The exhibition is accompanied by a book with the same title in collaboration with Roger. Driving along the Thames and then from Margate to Land’s End, Bristol to Blackpool, Glasgow to John O’Groats and Scarborough to Southend, Johny and Roger Robinson followed the coast clockwise to document black British culture. The works produced in response to this are on display alongside Johny’s images of Sheffield’s Firth Park, where he grew up. Side by side, they explore the idea of home through the lens of the black British experience. Read more about their work at livingnorth.com.
FESTIVE GARLAND WORKSHOP
17TH DECEMBER
The Hepworth Wakefield
01924 247360 hepworthwakefield.org
Create your own garland for your fireplace or as a table centrepiece this Christmas. You’ll be guided by Wakefield-based florist Alchemilla Floral to use seasonal spruce, fresh foliage and seasonal dried decorations, as well as any extra items you are welcome to bring along. Top tip: add fairy lights to your garland at home for an extra special touch.
FAIRYTALE OF NEW YORK
2ND DECEMBER
Darlington Hippodrome
darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk
From the producers of the hit show Seven Drunken Nights – The Story of The Dubliners, Fairytale of New York is the ultimate feelgood, Irish-inspired Christmas show. Featuring an international cast of singers, musicians and dancers, expect all your favourite Christmas songs including Driving home for Christmas, White Christmas, Silent Night and (of course) Fairytale of New York.
CHRISTMAS BRASS
11TH DECEMBER
Theatre Royal, Wakefield
01924 211311
theatreroyalwakefield.co.uk
The Wakefield Metropolitan Band are offering a seasonal treat. As well as all your festive favourites, the band will be performing a varied selection from traditional brass to more contemporary arrangements. This event usually sells out quickly, so book your tickets early.
THE SNOWMAN
14TH DECEMBER
Oval Hall, Sheffield City Hall
sheffieldcityhall.co.uk
Sheffield City Hall are hosting a special screening of the festive family favourite The Snowman, accompanied by a live orchestra. Alongside The Snowman, you’ll also enjoy The Flight Before Christmas – the new Shaun the Sheep film – staged with live orchestra for the first time. This event is ideal for the whole family to enjoy together.
NMVC CHRISTMAS CONCERT
17TH DECEMBER
The Forum, Northallerton
01609 776230
forumnorthallerton.org.uk
At The Forum, Northallerton Male Voice Choir will be getting everyone into the Christmas spirit as they’re joined by the Easington Colliery Band. Expect all your favourite Christmas songs and plenty of cheer.
EMMA BUNTON & FRIENDS
16TH DECEMBER
York Barbican
yorkbarbican.co.uk
Following the success of her special one-off Christmas show at the Royal Albert Hall in 2019, Emma is embarking on a tour for her favourite time of year. Emma Bunton’s Christmas Party will see her performing songs from her own back catalogue as well as some classic Spice Girls tracks and all your favourite Christmas hits. Emma will also be bringing along some special guests (to be announced soon).
KATE RUSBY AT CHRISTMAS
18TH DECEMBER
York Barbican
yorkbarbican.co.uk
Hailed as the start of Christmas for many, a Kate Rusby Christmas concert is part of the Yorkshire tradition. It’s filled with Yorkshire carols (including specific carols still sung in the pubs of South Yorkshire). Joining her on stage for this evening of Christmas cheer will be her talented band of musicians including producer and husband Damien O’Kane as well as The Brass Boys – a top-flight brass quintet.
NORTHERN BALLET’S THE NUTCRACKER
FROM 20TH DECEMBER
Leeds Grand Theatre
leedsheritagetheatres.com
Christmas isn’t complete until you’ve experienced The Nutcracker, and that’s a fact. Join Clara as she’s swept away by her Nutcracker Prince into an enchanting winter wonderland. Performed to Tchaikovsky’s score, played live by Northern Ballet Sinfonia, The Nutcracker is a sensational show for Christmas.
EAST 17: STAY ANOTHER DAY
22ND DECEMBER
Hull City Hall
hulltheatres.co.uk
Stay Another Day might not be about Christmas, but it really is a Christmas favourite for some (us). Plus, it was a Christmas number one (their only number-one song on the UK Singles Chart) – you can’t argue with that. EAST 17 are on their first ever National Theatre Tour which promises to be the must-see Christmas show of 2022. They’ll be joined by special guests S Club All Stars and Blazin’ Squad – a real throwback to the 90s–00s.
BAD MANNERS: CHRISTMAS SKA BLOWOUT
28TH DECEMBER
The Picturedrome, Holmfirth
picturedrome.net
Bad Manners offer the perfect example how great live ska music really is. Their big band has everything from live horns to all types of saxophones. Hear Lip Up Fatty, My Girl Lollipop and Lorraine live and we know you’ll be on your feet.
ST NICHOLAS FAIR
17TH NOVEMBER–23RD DECEMBER
York
visityork.org/christmas
This year marks the 30th anniversary of St Nicholas Fair – a staple in York’s streets during the festive period. The famous Alpine chalets will line Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square with 70 local traders selling artisan products.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
22ND–26TH NOVEMBER
Cast, Doncaster
01302 303959 castindoncaster.com
This reimagined version of Charles Dickens’ Christmas classic about Ebenezer Scrooge, promises to be a fantastically festive show for all the family. It has been adapted for the stage by Neil Bartlett using only Dickens’ own words, and it’s directed by Kevin Spence.
NATIVITY THE MUSICAL
FROM 24TH NOVEMBER
Grand Opera House York
atgtickets.com
At St Bernadette’s School they’re attempting a musical version of the classic nativity. But Mr Maddens has promised that a Hollywood producer is coming to see the show to turn it into a film – and that’s not strictly true. Actually, it’s not true at all. This festive family film (which we love) is now a sensational stage musical featuring all the favourite sing-a-long hits including Sparkle and Shine, Nazareth, One Night One Moment and She’s the Brightest Star.
SHEFFIELD CATHEDRAL ILLUMINATED: THE MANGER
29TH NOVEMBER–4TH DECEMBER
Sheffield Cathedral
0114 275 3434
sheffieldcathedral.org
This Christmas Sheffield Cathedral are welcoming back award-winning Luxmuralis for their 2022 light show. This year, the Cathedral will be lit up by The Manger – beautiful imagery with a stunning re-telling of the Christmas story. Perfect for all the family, this beautiful light show is a great way to kickstart the festive season.
DESTINATION CHRISTMAS
FROM 2ND DECEMBER
Harrogate
visitharrogate.co.uk/christmas
The beautiful spa town of Harrogate is set to sparkle and shine as, once again, families, friends and loved ones can enjoy the enchanting experience of Destination Christmas. Back bigger and better for 2022, Destination Christmas will, for the first time, feature an outdoor ice skating rink in Harrogate’s picturesque Crescent Gardens, together with an apres ski bar for seasonal treats and refreshments – making it the perfect place to meet up with friends and family, take the kids for a special treat, or even enjoy a cosy Christmas date with someone special. A giant ferris wheel will also provide spectacular aerial views of Harrogate.
STICK MAN
7TH–31ST DECEMBER
Courtyard Theatre, Leeds Playhouse
0113 213 7700
leedsplayhouse.org.uk
Freckle Productions’ adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s Stick Man is coming to Leeds for Christmas. What starts off as a morning jog becomes quite the misadventure. This award-winning production, from the team behind Zog and the Flying Doctors, is complete with puppetry, songs and live music.
CHRISTMAS AT ROUNDHAY PARK
FROM 8TH DECEMBER
Roundhay Park, Leeds
christmasatroundhaypark.seetickets.com
For the very first time more than a million twinkling lights and seasonal sounds will decorate Roundhay Park in Leeds. Follow their illuminated trail and don’t forget to take pics.
SEWERBY WINTER WONDERLAND
FROM 9TH DECEMBER
Sewerby Hall and Gardens
sewerbyhall.co.uk
A new display of lights, sounds and special effects will bring Sewerby Hall’s grounds to life this Christmas. Walk around the free-flowing experience before arriving at the courtyard where you can refuel on hot food and drinks.
DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS DREAM BIG
14TH–18TH DECEMBER
Utilita Arena Sheffield
utilitaarenasheffield.co.uk
Disney’s most adventurous heroes are taking to the ice this winter. Expect to see your favourite characters including Mickey, Minnie, Miguel, Moana, Elsa, Belle and Genie as you’re transported to exciting worlds where heroes of every kind seek to fulfil their dreams. Not just for children, this is a spectacular show the whole family will want to see.
CHRISTOPHER’S CHRISTMAS
18TH–31ST DECEMBER
Carriageworks Theatre, Leeds
carriageworkstheatre.co.uk
It’s Christmas Eve and Christopher Nibble and his family are putting the finishing touches to his tree when they hear a shocking announcement on the radio – Father Christmas is lost! His Santa Nav has broken and the guinea pigs must gather together and hatch a plan to save Christmas.
CINDERELLA
22ND DECEMBER
Skipton Town Hall
01756 792809
skiptontownhall.co.uk
This hilarious family pantomime follows Cinderella’s journey against her evil step sisters to win Prince Charming’s hand in marriage. With the help of Buttons and her Fairy Godmother, can Cinderella’s dreams come true? Will she go to the ball? Combining fairytale enchantment with side-splitting comedy, this year’s panto will entertain the whole family.
