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09
Oct 2020
Huge demand for Christmas attractions as booking opens
Attractions across the Harrogate district have reported record levels of interest in their Christmas activities this year.
From visits to Santa's Grotto to illuminated woodland walks, some of the most popular annual events are still scheduled to go ahead despite the coronavirus pandemic.
However, with some significant events cancelled - including Harrogate and Knaresborough's Christmas markets - and places at those going ahead reduced to allow for social distancing, tickets have been in high demand.
At RHS Harlow Carr in Harrogate, booking opened last week for the annual Glow installation. Held on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings up to Christmas, as well as three days before new year, the event sold 25% of its tickets within the first week.
Organisers said they have reduced capacity and introduced a full pre-booking system for the first time in order to control visitor numbers, and they will be implementing the same enhanced cleaning measures currently being used for daytime visits.
However, the annual Stories with Santa sessions have had to be called off because they cannot be held safely under covid restrictions. A spokesman said they were hoping to reinstate the event in 2021. She added:
At Lightwater Valley near Ripon, extra availability has had to be added to the Festive Family Fun days running from late November. New family tickets have been released for Friday nights to enable more people to visit.
The park will be lit with giant lanterns and illuminated sculptures with an Alice in Winterland theme, there will be a stage featuring festive visitors and puppet performances and rides will be open if the weather allows.
Lightwater Valley manager Colin Bowes said:
At Harewood House, the Santa experience has already sold out, but the house, grounds and gardens will be transformed with the Upon a Christmas Wish theme from mid-November until January 3.
The venue has more than 20 events taking place in the run-up to Christmas, from shopping experiences to wreath-making workshops as well as festive afternoon teas. Pre-booking is essential and some events are already fully booked.
Other attractions
At Stockeld Park, Christmas Adventure tickets go on sale next week, and are expected to sell out quickly based on the popularity of the venue's Halloween events.
Brimham Rocks Adventure Farm has just put its Christmas Experience tickets on sale, with limited numbers compared to previous years.
Read more:
- Cut price Xmas trees to help boost Christmas spirit in Knaresborough
- Ripon's £65,000 plan to light up Christmas
Stump Cross Caverns has opportunities to meet Santa and receive a gift, with advance booking recommended. 'Rocking' Santa will meet families of up to six people in the cinema room and organisers said places are already proving popular.
Fountains Abbey is holding Carols by Candlelight on Sundays, December 6 and 13, rather than its usual single date. Full details of its storytime with Father Christmas events will be released nearer the time.
Birchfield Farm has said it will not hold its usual Christmas activities this year.
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