Go to the opening weekend of Harrogate’s panto

The much-loved Harrogate panto is back, and this year it’s Jack and the Beanstalk.

Times are hard for Dame Trott. She has no money, and her only child, Jack, isn’t much help either. When Dame Trott decides to sell their precious cow at the market, they are tricked into exchanging her for just a handful of beans – and that’s when the magic really begins.

Join Jack on an epic adventure, which involves climbing a huge beanstalk to an enchanted land and protecting everyone from the ‘Fee-Fi-Fo-Fum’ of a very hungry giant.

Packed with sparkle and jokes galore, Harrogate Theatre’s magical pantomime is a festive family favourite.

From £18, various times, until January 18, 2026, Harrogate Theatre, Oxford Street, Harrogate, HG1 1QF. 

Buy presents from a Christmas fair

The Great Yorkshire Christmas Fair at the Great Yorkshire Showground is a festive highlight of the season for some, transforming the Yorkshire Event Centre into an indoor wonderland. 

Featuring more than 180 boutique stalls that showcase everything from artisan foods and handcrafted homeware to jewellery and unique gifts, as well as elegant decorations and gourmet treats.

Visitors can also enjoy on-site restaurants, a café, a champagne bar, and convenient free parking.

Looking for more gift ideas? Buy someone you love a Stray Ferret subscription. And don’t forget to check out these exclusive discounts and offers available to Stray Ferret subscribers.

£7 for tickets bought in advance or £9 on the door, 9.30am-5pm Friday, 9.30am-5.30pm Saturday, 9.30am-4pm Sunday, November 27-30, Hall 1, Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate, HG2 8NZ.

Craft your own festive wreath

Head to Brimham Rocks to kick start your Christmas celebrations and create a beautiful, unique and compostable seasonal wreath.

These front-door-worthy Christmas wreaths are inspired by the local countryside at Brimham Rocks and use locally sourced foliage and flowers. 

The relaxed workshops are led by Michelle Allen-Brown of Storm & Rose and will take participants step by step through the process. 

Festive refreshments and car parking are also included in the ticket price.

£45 per wreath, 10am-12 noon or 1pm-3pm, November 27-28, Brimham Rocks, Summerbridge, Harrogate, HG3 4DW.

Festive crafts and family fun

Henshaws Arts and Crafts Centre’s Family Christmas Craft Fair promises to be a heart-warming start to the festive season, transforming its Knaresborough home into a bustling hub of creativity, community, and festive cheer. 

From handmade gifts crafted by artmakers to hands-on workshops that invite both children and adults to get creative. Little ones can decorate cookies, design their own baubles, and even step into a cosy grotto to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, while grown-ups sip mulled wine to the sound of carol singers or try their hand at wreath-making.

With free entry, festive food, and activities running throughout the afternoon, the fair captures the magic of Christmas.

Did you know? The Stray Ferret Christmas Appeal is aiming to raise £5,000 to help fund two new creative workshops at Henshaws. Sponsored by Raworths, please donate whatever you can here.

Free, 12 noon to 5pm, November 29, Henshaws, 50 Bond End, Knaresborough, HG5 9AL.

Enjoy festive afternoon tea

Fancy a vintage afternoon tea party, all for a good cause?

Raising money for various animal rescue centres, the event will take place at St Wilfrid's Church and there will be sandwiches, savouries, cakes, mince pies, as well as two glasses of prosecco per person.

There will also be live entertainment from Miss Marina Mae performing songs from the 1940s to present day, as well as a raffle and bingo.

£32 per person, 1pm to 3.30pm, November 29, St Wilfrid’s Church, Duchy Road, Harrogate, HG1 2EY.