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10
Dec
5 things to do in and around Harrogate this weekend December 12-14
Post a letter to Father Christmas
The North Pole Post Office Harrogate branch is open for business until midday Wednesday 24 December.
Post your letter at the North Pole Post Office box, situated in front of the Harrogate International Festivals offices on 32 Cheltenham Parade.
It has had a magical North Pole makeover by the elves, and you can share your pictures on social media, tagging Harrogate International Festivals' social media channels.
Please note: due to the high volume of letters received, a personalised reply is not possible. However, you can download a letter from Father Christmas from HIF’s website using the QR code located by the North Pole Post Office box.
(Image: Crow Leisure Group)
Take the kids to a one-stop-shop festive event
Harrogate's ice rink and Christmas Funland starts on Saturday and is on until Christmas Eve.
The event features a giant ice rink, crazy golf, and classic fairground games with a festive twist, kids can also have a meet-and-greet with Santa and go to the Elf Village pantomime show.
Don't forget to watch out for the mischievous Yorkshire Grinch, who will be popping in on some of the dates and up to no good pulling some festive pranks.
£3.99 for children three and under, over threes and adults from £26, 10am-1pm or 2-5pm, until December 24, Yorkshire Event Centre, Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate, HG2 8NZ.
Enjoy festive trees and live music
The Great Knaresborough St John’s Christmas Tree Festival 2025 continues this weekend in Knaresborough.
This free-to-enter event features more than 90 beautifully decorated, illuminated trees created by local groups and businesses, as well as a stunning centrepiece display on the theme of ‘Angels of Peace’.
On Saturday, December 13 there will be live music with the schedule as follows:
10am: Hannah Dormer on the piano and Helena Shaw on the violin
11am: The Songbirds
12noon: St Mary's Singers
1pm: Fun2Sing Choir
2pm: Scotton Pop Choir
3pm: Harrogate Spa Town Ukes
4pm: The Gallabelles
Free but donations welcome. It will be open from 10am to 5pm on Saturdays; 12 noon until 4pm on Sundays; and 12 noon until 5pm on weekdays, with refreshments and mulled wine available at the weekends. Until December 21. 1 Church View Terrace, Knaresborough, HG5 9AG.
Celebrate the season
Don't miss the last weekend of Harrogate's Christmas Market.
The town centre has been filled with festive stalls offering a mix of local crafts and traditional European goods. Visitors can wander among the 40 decorated chalets, sampling seasonal treats, picking up unique gifts, or finding decorations for the home.
With the Christmas lights already switched on, it offers another reason to gather, celebrate, and embrace the joy of Christmas.
Free, open from 10am-7pm Mondays to Saturdays and 11am-4.30pm on Sundays, until December 14, Harrogate town centre.
Listen to a playful jazz journey
The David Gordon Trio performs at Holy Trinity Church in Ripon this Sunday, offering a mix of jazz that moves effortlessly between styles and eras.
The band's set ranges from bebop to Argentinian zamba, with occasional nods to Bach or even nursery rhymes, all anchored in contemporary jazz.
Known for their playful approach and attention to melody, the trio creates music that is both inventive and approachable, making for an evening that promises curiosity and enjoyment in equal measure.
Free for under 18s and also free for up to two adults accompanying under 18s, 3pm, December 14, Holy Trinity Church, Ripon, HG4 2EY.
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