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The countdown to Christmas has begun with festive preparations in full swing across Yorkshire. Our luxury holiday lodges at Abbots Green are the perfect base from which to enjoy the celebrations. With so many magical events taking place, we’ve cherry picked a few of our favourites here that are sure to appeal to everyone.

Christmas at Castle Howard

Selected events until January 2nd

Visit Castle Howard near York to enjoy various festive events, including meeting Father Christmas and his friends, and seeing the venue’s grand rooms transformed into magical forests and kingdoms with theatrical installations, projections and soundscapes.

Christmas at Nunnington Hall

Selected days until December 18th

Step back in time at Nunnington Hall and discover how Christmas celebrations and decorations have changed over the centuries. A community exhibition, ‘Arts for Christmas’, will showcase the best arts and crafts of Yorkshire and beyond. There’ll be festive carol singing and a time travelling toy trail, while a special visitor and his elves will be taking time out of their busy schedule to stop by the Hall (weekends only)! And if you fancy a treat, the lovely tea-room will have plenty of festive foods on offer.

Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland

Until January 8th

A festive day out for all ages, Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland is home to the North of England’s largest outdoor ice rink, The Ice Factor, which features a 30ft high sparkling Christmas tree as its centrepiece. We love the unique collection of vintage funfair rides, games and stalls dating from as early as 1933. Why not enjoy a warming mulled wine or hot chocolate at the alpine-style café in between your ice skating, or head for a spot of Christmas shopping at the York Designer Outlet.

Christmas at York Castle

Until January 4th

Step onto York Castle Museum’s recreated Victorian Street, Kirkgate, with its twinkling Christmas tree and decorated shops. Discover how Christmas was celebrated 150 years ago and enjoy a variety of free festive activities for all ages to enjoy including story telling, cracker making and lino printing.

Monk Park Farm Christmas Experience

Selected days until December 23rd

Father Christmas and his farm elves are bringing festive magic and fun to Monk Park Farm near Thirsk. With activities taking place both indoors and outside, there’s loads for all the family to do whatever the weather, including Santa’s grotto, story telling with Father Christmas, festive crafts with Mrs Claus, reindeer food making, elves sweet shop and toy shop, festive barrel ride, letter writing to Father Christmas, and festive food and drinks in the Hungry Monk Café. We love the dedicated ‘Quiet Thursdays’ for children, teenagers and adults with autism and sensory processing disorders.

Glow Illuminations at RHS Harlow Carr, Harrogate

Until December 30th

See the beautiful Royal Horticultural Society gardens sparkle with special lighting effects and an illuminated trail. New for 2022 is is a ‘pixel lawn’ with hundreds of synchronised, dancing lights.

Ripon Cathedral Christmas Gift and Food Fair

November 26th and 27th

Get into the festive spirit with this magical event for all the family in one of the area’s most breathtaking venues. Browse stalls of gifts, homewares and food, enjoy children’s attractions, craft activities, chocolate tombola and live music.

Santa Specials, North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Selected days between December 3rd and 24th

There is nothing quite like the experience of joining Father Christmas and his special helpers onboard a special steam train, the Santa Express. Travel through the heart of the North York Moors for a truly festive journey.

This guide has been updated in November 2022 to ensure the information is as accurate as possible, but we would always advise calling ahead, checking online or pre-booking to avoid disappointment.

Visit the main YHL Parks Website