"Christmas always sparkles in our district"

The latest column from Tracy Morgan, Marketing manager of Visit Harrogate.
Glow at RHS Harlow Carr (Photo: Charlotte Graham)Glow at RHS Harlow Carr (Photo: Charlotte Graham)
Glow at RHS Harlow Carr (Photo: Charlotte Graham)

2020 has been the most unpredictable year, a year like no other.

However if there is one thing that we can be sure of, it is that at Christmas time the Harrogate District is a wonderful, enchanting place to be.

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With Christmas lights sparkling in the trees along the Harrogate Stray and around the town, glowing bright in the city of Ripon and throughout the market towns across the district, there is a truly magical, festive feel.

With just over two weeks to go until Christmas Day there’s still plenty of time to head out and enjoy a few hours of Christmas shopping followed by a wonderfully warming Christmas meal and a glass of mulled wine.

We have a delightful selection of independent shops, cafes and restaurants in the district all offering festive gifts and treats. So ‘Think Indie’ and support our independent businesses when you’re out and about shopping and dining this Christmas time.

We all know that things will be a little different this Christmas, but there’s still a lot of family fun and days out to be had at many of the outdoor visitor attractions across the Harrogate District. Here are five of our festive favourites:

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Stockeld Park – The Christmas Adventure. What was once a simple Christmas tree shop has grown into Stockeld Park’s most famous seasonal adventure. Discover the large themed outdoor playgrounds within the beautiful woodland and watch the Enchanted Forest come alive after dusk with their famous winter illuminations.

Fountains Abbey – Music and Lights. Explore the family trail and enjoy Christmas shopping before warming up with a hot chocolate. As the afternoon light starts to fade it’s time for ‘Music and Lights’ – see the abbey aglow with all the colours of the rainbow and hear music fill the cellarium.

Mother Shipton’s – Winter Wonderland Walks. A gorgeous Winter Woodland Walk with festive delights and twinkling lights along the way. Santa will be visiting and giving children a wave from his grotto while his festive friends will be taking up residence in the Christmas Village.

Lightwater Valley – Festive Family Fun. The park will be packed full of family entertainment and seasonal fun. Discover the fantastical twilight adventure with the enchanting Alice in Winterland Christmas Lights Trail before taking a magical spin on the festive fairground.

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RHS Garden Harlow Carr – Glow. The spectacular Glow trail, extended to include the entire length of Streamside, lights up winter nights with sparkle and magic at RHS Garden Harlow Carr. Glow is currently sold out but tickets may become available due to cancellations, so keep checking for availability.

So three things to remember; book ahead online before you go, tag @visitharrogate #MyHarrogate if you’re posting or tweeting while you’re there, and have a fabulous festive time!

Looking forward, as always Visit Harrogate will continue to provide travel inspiration and share the stories that make the Harrogate District a ‘Must Visit’ destination.

Keep up to date on www.visitharrogate.co.uk and follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

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The team at Visit Harrogate wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year. We look forward to welcoming visitors from both home and overseas back to the Harrogate District in 2021.