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04
Dec 2020
Last Updated: 04/12/2020
Christmas weekend events light up in Harrogate district
With a drive in cinema, a virtual sing along and Christmas events at Harlow Carr, Lightwater Valley and Fountains Abbey there is plenty to do this year.
Christmas is certainly not cancelled in the Harrogate district. There are plenty of events still going ahead this festive season despite the restrictions.
Under the tier two rules large events can go ahead with 1,000 capacity indoors and 2,000 outdoors.
While it is unlikely that these events will draw in close to those numbers, some have sold out already but there's plenty more to do.
Drive in cinema at Ripley Village
What-a-movie is returning this Christmas after a successful series of screenings in the summer.
This time Ripley Village, between Harrogate and Ripon, will be the venue of choice for seven Christmas movies on December 19 and 20.
There will be contactless ticket scanning on entry, marshalled parking in bays and snacks can be delivered to cars.
Glow at RHS Harlow Carr
RHS Harlow Carr is holding a special lights event called Glow every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings up to Christmas.
It will also be open three days before new year. Tickets are currently sold out but with some last minute cancellations spaces do occasionally become available.
This year the lights are extended to include the entire length of the streamside and illuminates Harlow Carr's iconic features.
Read more:
- Harrogate Covid Co-Operation raises money for Xmas gifts for kids
- Saint Michael’s brings families together with virtual Christmas event
Festivities at Fountains Abbey
Sticking with the theme of lights, Fountains Abbey is also holding a special Christmas event this year.
Every weekend in December and from Boxing Day to January 1 the National Trust site near Ripon will be open for a full festive day.
When the sun starts to go down the abbey will glow with bright and colourful lights and while there will be no bands or choirs there will be Christmas songs for a sing a long.
Lightwater Valley Christmas events
Lightwater Valley is also holding a Festive Family Fun day which has been running since the end of November.
The park is lit up with giant lanterns, illuminated sculptures with an Alice in Winterland theme.
There is also a stage featuring festive visitors and puppet performances and rides will be open if the weather allows.
Lightwater Valley manager Colin Bowes recently confirmed that he had added additional dates after a spike in interest.
Enchantica virtual sing along
Tinsel the Elf and Father Christmas, who are normally part of Harlow Carr's grotto are also going virtual this year.
The pair have produced a festive sing along video to capture the magic of the grotto. It will give children the opportunity to tell Santa what they would like for Christmas.
It is a 20 minute show that starts with a personalised greeting for up to four children and Tinsel will take them on a visit to Santa at the North Pole.
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