Christmas Events
If you're looking for some festive events over the North East & Yorkshire this December take a look at our list to help inspire some ideas:
1. Leeds Christkindelmarkt
Leeds’ German Christmas market, Christkindelmarkt, is back, bringing a taste of Bavaria to the city. With traditional wooden chalets offering artisan gifts, delicious food, and festive drinks, this market is a celebration of Christmas spirit. Children can enjoy rides on the carousel and meet Santa Claus!
Date: 8th November - 22nd December
Location: Millennium Square, Leeds
Why Attend: A festive outing filled with fun, food, and festive cheer in a beautiful location.
2. Middlesbrough Christmas Market
Middlesbrough is hosting its very own Christmas market, featuring local crafts, unique gifts, and an array of festive food stalls. The market is a great place to explore with children, allowing them to soak in the festive atmosphere while supporting local businesses.
Date: 1st - 23rd December
Location: Centre Square, Middlesbrough
Why Attend: A delightful community event that encourages family bonding and festive shopping.
3. Leeds Winter Wonderland
Leeds Winter Wonderland is a magical experience for families. With a large ice skating rink, festive attractions, and a Christmas market, there’s something for everyone. Children will love the fairground rides and visits to Santa’s Grotto!
Date: 8th November - 5th January
Location: Millenium Square, Leeds
Why Attend: A fantastic venue for creating unforgettable holiday memories with the whole family.
5. Christmas at Temple Newsam
Temple Newsam is hosting a series of festive events, including guided tours of the beautifully decorated house, Christmas crafts for children, and festive performances. This historic venue is perfect for exploring and celebrating the holiday season.
Date: 1st - 23rd December
Location: Temple Newsam, Leeds
Why Attend: A chance to experience history while enjoying festive activities suitable for families.
6. Leeds City Museum's Christmas Trail
Join Leeds City Museum for a fun Christmas trail where children can explore the museum while searching for festive clues. This interactive experience combines education and fun, making it a perfect family outing.
Date: 1st - 24th December
Location: Leeds City Museum
Why Attend: An engaging way for children to learn while participating in a festive adventure.
8. Festive Fun at the Royal Armouries
The Royal Armouries in Leeds is hosting a festive family day with exciting activities, including crafts, storytelling, and festive games. It’s a wonderful opportunity for children to learn while having fun in an engaging environment.
Date: 21st December
Location: Royal Armouries, Leeds
Why Attend: A unique way to enjoy the holidays while exploring history and creativity together.
9. Sheffield Cathedral Illuminated: The Gift
‘The Gift’ will be Sheffield Cathedral’s fifth Christmas illuminations spectacular, lighting up the building inside and out.
Since ‘The Angels are Coming’ in 2019 nearly 40,000 people have marvelled at the incredible multi-sensory light and sound immersive experience inside and outside this ancient building.
Date 3rd-7th December
Location: Sheffield Cathedral
Why Attend: Soak up the festive feelings of goodwill, enjoy the beautifully decorated Christmas trees, relish in seasonal treats from 1554 Coffee and Gift Shop, say a prayer and light a candle next to the famous Sheffield Steel Nativity.
10. Beamish Hall Forest of Light
Gather the family and join us as we open the doors to our wonderful world of magical illuminations and fantastic lighting displays this festive period.
At night, when the moon takes its place in the sky our magical forest comes to life. Forest of Light is a captivating illuminated experience set within our Enchanted ancient Woodland.
Location: Beamish Hall
Date Various dates throughout December 4pm-8pm
Why Attend: We have created a world filled with illuminations, music, interactive props, projections to dazzle and amaze with specially commissioned pieces for Forest of Light, which means that this is a unique experience not to be found anywhere else.
11. Santa Underground Huddersfield
The National Coal Mining Museum‘s Santa Underground is a truly unique Santa – his magical grotto is 140 metres below the surface! Will the bell place you on the naughty or nice list? Good children receive a present and certificate, while naughty children get (of course) coal!
Location: The National Coal Mining Museum, Huddersfield
Date 23rd November – Sunday 22nd December (Various times)
Why Attend: Its always great to get a visit with Santa and learn some local history at the same time!
12. Enchanted Forest Reindeer Trail, Darlington
The newly redeveloped Hopetown visitor attraction will be decking the halls of the historic Carriage Works and transforming the site into a fantastical forest of magical trees and woodland creatures. You’re invited to take a wondrous walk, hunt for clues and find all of the reindeer to help Santa get on his way for Christmas Eve
Location: Hopetown visitor attraction, Darlington
Date 26th November – 31st December
Why Attend: Entry to the Hopetown site is free so you’ll be able to explore the museum too.
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