Christmas is the both the most wonderful time of the year and the busiest! To help you plan which events are perfect for your family, we’ve rounded up the top Christmas events and activities in Yorkshire. Our list includes the best Santa experience, festive train rides and Christmas markets you won’t want to miss!
Chow Down Winter Village. 11th Nov – 31st Dec, Temple Arches. Your favourite outdoor food experience is having a festive makeover.
Christmas at Harewood. 13th Nov – 3rd Jan
Celebrate the festive season at Harewood. Delve into a voyage of the imagination with Lord Whitney’s fantastic Upon a Christmas Wish installations in the House. Take a magical walk around the Lakeside Path, twinkling with festoon lights. Let the kids run free and explore the Woodland Wonderland and Adventure Playground, and see the Terrace Gardens beautifully decorated with sparkling lights and giant Christmas trees. Visit the Bird Garden and see how the animals are preparing for Christmas! You can even spend a winter evening exploring the house after dark.
THOR’s Tipi. 19th Nov – 2nd Jan
Celebrate Christmas in a Viking inspired, pop-up tipi bar nestled in the heart of the city! Once inside you’ll find cosy log fires, twinkling lights & Christmas cheer in abundance. Outside you can enjoy the Winter garden with Christmas trees, atmospheric lights and outdoor heating. Feast on wholesome Winter fodder, from outdoor BBQ’s, washed down with the best Ales, Mulled Wine, Hot Cider, Hot Chocolate, Prosecco and much more.
Leeds Wheel of Light. 19th Nov – 1st Jan
Looking for the best views of the city? Take a ride on the Big Wheel and enjoy the breath-taking views of Leeds! Located in Victoria Gardens, the 110ft Wheel will open on Friday 19th November and run right through until New Year’s Day.
Carousel. 19th Nov – 1st Jan
The dazzling Golden Gallopers will take centre stage on the new events plaza on Cookridge St between 19th Nov and 1st Jan. The traditional carousel ride, thought to have begun its remarkable life back in 1881, has captivated thousands of families in Leeds over many years at Millennium Square and is sure to remain a popular Leeds Winter Favourite!
Briggate Tipi. Mid Nov to end Dec
NEW Briggate Pop-up Tipi, with Christmas themed decorations, family café and seating. You can bring your own food and drink so why not make use of the stalls and street food vendors around the city. Mid-November to end December 10am to 8pm Mon-Sat, 11am to 5pm Sun.
Ice Rink and Igloo Bar in Millennium Square. 26th Nov – 24th Dec
Millennium Square will be transformed into a winter wonderland with an ice rink and Igloo Bar opening from the 26th of November and also new for this year are pop-up market stalls and a free festive themed family trail located around key locations across the city centre. The traditional Carousel returns to the newly created public space on Cookridge Street.
Christmas at Temple Newsam. 26th Nov – 2nd Jan
After Dark illuminated trail through the grounds. Discover sparkling tunnels of light, walk under giant baubles and beneath the trees illuminated in Christmas colours. For a moment of reflection, pause at mesmerising, flickering flames in the fire garden, gaze at the specially chosen illuminations and glimpse Father Christmas along the way!
The Christmas Experience at Lotherton. 27th Nov – 2nd Jan
The Christmas Experience at Lotherton returns this year, with Santa and his elves ready to welcome visitors. BRAND NEW for 2021 is the Festive Woodland Walk which will include larger than life Christmas traditions including interactive elements for all of the family to enjoy. Families are invited to come on down to the elven bivouac to meet Santa and the elves under the magical wishing tree for stories and elf tales. Gather reindeer food for Rudolf and post a letter to Santa before finally meeting the main man himself outside Santa’s Cabin. You can also join the elves and Mrs Claus for Christmas crafts and Gingerbread decorating. Then take a walk through the magical, interactive festive woodland walk, visit the Wildlife World with the playful penguins, flamingos and many more and see the house in all its Christmas glory. There is even a shorter Santa experiences for pre-schoolers every weekday. Tickets and more information available here.
Harewood: Father Christmas Family experience. 4th & 5th, 11th & 12th, 18th – 23rd Dec
Make their Christmas magical with a private family visit to Father Christmas at Harewood from Saturday 4 December. This year he will be taking up residence in the historic Old Library, where twinkling lights and rich decoration make for a truly authentic experience. There will be storytelling and gifts to add a sprinkle of magic to all who visit. With each individual family group having their own short private audience with Father Christmas, tickets are limited for this unforgettable experience. Each child will receive a gift from Father Christmas and there will be an opportunity for a family photograph.
The Christmas Adventure at Stockeld Park. 20th Nov to 4th Jan
What was once but a simple Christmas Tree shop, from this small acorn grew what came to be Stockeld Park’s most famous adventure season. Join Stockeld for Christmas fun, get active and discover large themed outdoor playgrounds within the beautiful woodland of Stockeld Park. Watch the Enchanted Forest come alive after dusk with their famous winter illuminations!
November is potentially a great time for selling your home, there tend to be fewer properties on the market which can often result in higher prices and a quicker sale. If you would like a free market appraisal call David Phillip FRICS on 01134 676 400
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