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17
Dec
5 things to do in and around Harrogate this weekend December 19-21
Take part in carol singing in Ripon
Ripon Churches Together will be leading festive carol singing from the bandstand in the Spa Gardens as part of Ripon’s annual Winter Wonderland.
Everyone is welcome to join in, whether they wish to sing along or simply enjoy the community atmosphere – no booking or sign-up is required.
The bandstand in Ripon Spa Gardens. Photo credit: Ben Colson Photography
Leave time before or after the singing to explore the Winter Wonderland itself, now a well-established highlight of Ripon’s seasonal celebrations (more on this below).
Free, 5-6pm, December 19, Ripon Spa Gardens, 9 Park Street, Ripon, HG4 2AX.
Listen to carols by professional singers
Choir Jervaulx Singers stages the launch of its second album, In the Stillness, in a live performance of carols by candlelight – the perfect start to Christmas.
Held at St John’s Church in the village of Sharow, near Ripon, the soloists will be performing well-known songs that include Silent Night, In the Bleak Midwinter and O Holy Night, to name just three.
With a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie in hand, it's sure to get you in the festive mood if you’re not already.
Free for under 18s, £20 for adults, 7.30pm-9.30pm, December 20, St John's Church, Sharow, Berrygate Lane, Sharow, Ripon, HG4 5BJ.
Celebrate the region's makers
Discover last-minute, one-of-a-kind gifts at Real Markets’ Makers Market in Harrogate.
Hosted on the third Sunday of each month on Cambridge Street – the same spot as the Harrogate Farmers’ Market – this festive edition brings together talented artists, makers and local producers. Expect seasonal food and drink, beautifully crafted gifts and plenty of inspiration.
Browse carefully curated products and speciality local produce, all offered by friendly, knowledgeable stallholders.
It's a great way to pick up a unique item and also follows the Harrogate festive market that was on last week.
Free, 10am-4pm, December 21, Cambridge Street, Harrogate, HG1 1RW.
A peaceful pause before the Christmas rush
Step away from the festive frenzy and enjoy a mindful wellbeing walk this Friday.
Knaresborough-based Rachel Is Mindful is hosting a women-only pre-Christmas walk around Swinsty Reservoir – a gentle, scenic stroll through the beautiful Washburn Valley.
Describing her sessions as “forest bathing on foot”, Rachel says her mindful walks are:
Perfect for anyone who would like a calm, uplifting, nourishing walk somewhere beautiful and to be inspired by nature, with warm, welcoming company in a small group.
Whatever the weather, these walks offer space to unwind, breathe, and set your responsibilities down for a while – an ideal reset before the big day.
There will be a midway stop for refreshments, so participants are encouraged to bring a picnic and a warm drink.
Looking for more walking ideas? Check out these four Yorkshire reservoir walks.
£15 per person, booking is required; call Rachel on 07738 719 396. Meet at 10.30am at Swinsty Moor car park, North Lane, Otley, LS21 2NP, December 19.
Ripon Spa Gardens Illuminated Winter Wonderland. Photo: Helen Tabor Photography
See Ripon Spa Gardens lit up
Ripon Spa Gardens is holding its Illuminated Winter Wonderland this weekend.
Taking place from Friday to Sunday, admire the festive light displays, along with carol singing (see more above), a snow machine, crafts, and festive food and drink such as mulled wine and hot chocolate.
The family‑friendly event is a good opportunity to experience the beauty of Spa Gardens in wintertime, blending historic charm with seasonal cheer.
Free, but donations are welcome, 2-8pm, December 19-21, Ripon Spa Gardens, 9 Park Street, Ripon, HG4 2AX.
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