If the festive decorations out in shops and the start of Christmas music permeating the airwaves hasn’t indicated enough, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.
Yorkshire is set for a bounty of festive activities in the run up to this year’s big day, from the traditional Christmas Markets in Leeds through to Father Christmas making an appearance at Malton Castle before his yearly courier rounds.
Many of the events we’ve picked are free to attend, but in the event that tickets need to be purchased, many are on sale either right now or shortly. We’ve been sure to add to the events though if you do require a ticket to avoid any nasty surprises.
So here’s our picks of some of the festive events taking place around Yorkshire before Christmas Day 2024.
5. Dewsbury Christmas Celebrations
Dewsbury town centre will be filled with local musicians, attractions, live reindeer, seasonally themed workshops and walkabout acts, and Christmas markets with gifts, food and drinks. Activities will be free for all, including live music stages, Santa’s Grotto, photo booths, snowboarding, and a reindeer rodeo over the weekend of December 7 and 8 2024. | Bruce Fitzgerald
6. Santa Underground (Wakefield)
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? (Ticketed event) | Provided
7. GLOW at RHS Garden Harlow Carr (Harrogate)
Enjoy an unmissable after-dark spectacle of lights at RHS Garden Harlow Carr this festive season, with a magical evening for all the family from November 21 2024 (ticketed event.) | Provided
8. Knaresborough Outdoor Nativity
In what has become an annual tradition Knaresborough Market Place becomes a stage for a community retelling of the Christmas story. Illustrated through readings and dramatic scenes performed by a cast of local residents come and join the crowd on Christmas Eve in the centre of Knaresborough. | Provided