Walk or run a 5km this Saturday

Kick off the new year by joining Parkrun in the first week of January – a great incentive to get moving after the festive season.

Whether you’re running, jogging, or walking, there’s something special about being outdoors with so many others who share the same fresh-start mindset. The sense of community and shared determination makes it less about your pace and more about starting the year feeling positive, energised, and proud simply for showing up.

In the Harrogate district, there are three Parkruns to choose from: Harrogate, Knaresborough and Fountains Abbey in Ripon. 

Plus, Harrogate hosts a 2km Parkrun on Sunday mornings at 9am – great for beginners or families.

Free, 9am, Saturday, January 3.

Get help with building financial confidence

At a time when many households are feeling the strain of rising living costs, the launch of Money Coaching by Harrogate & District Community Action (HADCA) is both timely and welcome. 

The two-part course begins on January 3 in Starbeck and offers practical, community-focused support that goes beyond short-term fixes, empowering people with the skills and confidence to manage their finances more effectively. 

By bringing expert guidance directly into the heart of the community, HADCA is reinforcing the vital role local organisations play in building financial resilience, reducing stress and fostering independence. 

Free, 10am-1pm, January 3 and January 10, Harrogate Neighbours Community Hub, 16 High Street, Starbeck, HG2 7HY.

Watch Harrogate Town vs Swindon Town

Football fans won’t want to miss this exciting fixture as Harrogate Town welcomes Swindon Town on Sunday, January 4. With a 3pm kick-off, the home ground is set to come alive as supporters create a buzzing atmosphere for what promises to be a compelling match.

Whether you’re a die-hard supporter or just looking for a lively afternoon out, a matchday at Harrogate Town delivers competitive football alongside a strong sense of local community, and is a great way to spend some time the first weekend of January.

See the website for ticket prices, 3pm, January 4, Harrogate Town Stadium, 59 Wetherby Road, Harrogate, HG2 7SG.

Enjoy the art of relaxation

If you haven’t yet visited Harrogate’s Turkish Baths, January is a good opportunity. There’s something especially appealing about stepping into a place dedicated to warmth and wellbeing during the coldest, greyest part of the year.

Opened in 1897, the baths are a beautifully restored slice of Victorian Harrogate, with ornate tiling and a sequence of heated rooms designed to help you slowly unwind. Steam chambers, warm marble slabs and cold plunge pools guide you through a ritual that’s as calming as it is time-honoured.

The bathing routine encourages better circulation, eases tight muscles and promotes relaxation. It’s also a surprisingly sociable experience – with the layout inviting quiet conversation and shared moments of calm.

From £27, 9am to 8.30pm, Mondays to Sundays, Parliament Street, Harrogate, HG1 2WH.

Toe tap away at Harrogate's intimate blues hotspot

If you haven’t already, an evening at the Blues Bar in Harrogate is a must-visit. It offers a music-led alternative to a more conventional night out, with a regular programme of live blues, rock and soul. 

The line-up typically includes a mix of touring acts and established local musicians, keeping the focus firmly on performance. The venue itself is compact, placing audiences close to the stage and reinforcing the sense that the music comes first. 

This weekend it will have performances by Mick McConnell & The Blue Thunder (Friday night), Jed Thomas (Saturday night), Killin Floor, Lie to the Council and Ed Balls Band (Sunday afternoon and evening).

Free, various times; see the website for details, 4 Montpellier Parade, Harrogate, HG1 2TJ.