Top festive activities in North Yorkshire for 2025

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As the nights grow longer and the decorations go up and start to sparkle, North Yorkshire transforms into a sparkling winter wonderland. 

From enchanting light trails and festive concerts to magical pantomimes and immersive Santa experiences, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate the season. 

Whether you’re looking for a family adventure, a cozy culinary treat, or a truly magical festive escape, these top activities across North Yorkshire promise to fill your festive period with joy, wonder and plenty of Christmas cheer.

Savour the season at Swinton Estate

Step into the magical woodland and lakeside wonder of Luminescence – A Winter Light Trail on the Swinton Estate near Masham. The event runs from November 6, 2025 to February 22, 2026.

This captivating, mile-long journey of glowing installations and illuminated tableaux through the Estate’s heritage gardens is perfect for the whole family, with warming drinks and seasonal treats available along the way.

Before or after your walk, enjoy the Estate’s exceptional dining – from Sunday lunch or fine dining in Samuel’s Restaurant, to fondue, sliders, mulled wine, and boozy hot chocolate at The Terrace Restaurant and Bar, or afternoon tea served in the Drawing Room beside the fire.

For a touch of musical magic, don’t miss Lyrics and Lights – an afternoon of live performances paired with afternoon tea and access to the light trail on 11 December.

From late November to early January, indulge in seasonal dining across the Estate. Enjoy Festive Sunday Lunch in Samuel’s Restaurant, a Christmas-inspired menu in The Terrace Restaurant and Bar, or a cosy festive afternoon tea.

To fully embrace the season, join one of Swinton Estate’s creative workshops – crafting willow angels, decorations, stags’ heads, or a bespoke wreath under expert guidance.

Luminescence – A Winter Light Trail, runs from November 6, 2025 to February 22, 2026. Various time slots available, visit this link to book.

Swinton Park Hotel, Masham, HG4 4JH, phone 01765 680 900.

Enjoy Alistair Griffin's Christmas Concert by Candlelight

Get ready for a magical night of Christmas hits and festive favourites — all under the warm glow of candlelight. Join singer-songwriter Alistair Griffin, as heard on BBC Radio 2 and seen on BBC TV, for an unforgettable live performance in the stunning Christ Church, Harrogate.

From the soaring beauty of O Holy Night to feel-good favourites like Fairytale of New York, Last Christmas, and Step Into Christmas, this is the ultimate festive night out.

Grab a mulled wine, soak up the atmosphere, and kick-start your Christmas in style with one of Yorkshire’s best-loved voices. Christmas jumpers are encouraged!

From £20, 7.30pm-9.15pm, Christ Church, Church Square, Harrogate, HG1 4SW. Book here.

Go to Harrogate Theatre’s magical family pantomime

Harrogate's much-loved panto is back, and this year it's Jack and the Beanstalk. Here's a summary:

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, from November 26, 2025 to January 18, 2026, Oxford Street, Harrogate, HG1 1QF. Click here to book.

Experience the twinkling woods at Hazlewood Castle

Grab your lantern and step into an enchanting forest where the Bogglins of Bogglinton sing their merry carols and forest fairies sparkle under the winter sky. Follow a magical trail through softly lit trees, where delightful surprises await around every bend. 

At the heart of this festive wonderland lies Santa’s Woodland Village, bustling with cheer and brimming with Christmas spirit. Meet Santa himself in his charming woodland home, then warm up with delicious wood-fired pizzas, giant toasted marshmallows, and rich hot chocolates - or indulge in mulled wine, warm mince pies, and mulled apple juice for the little ones.

This is a truly immersive forest adventure, brimming with charm, wonder, and a storybook sense of magic. Perfect for families, friends, or anyone seeking a little festive sparkle this season.

£15 per adult ticket, £25 per child ticket (including a Santa present). The trail runs daily from 3pm-6.30pm, with Santa visits available between 4pm-7pm (pre-booking essential). Plan to arrive around an hour before your Santa time slot and allow 30 to 40 minutes to complete the trail. From December 10-24, book here.

See Santa at Allerton Castle

Step inside a real-life fairytale this Christmas as Enchantica’s brings its much-loved Father Christmas Experience to the magnificent Allerton Castle for the very first time.

Families are invited on a magical adventure through the castle’s grand, glittering rooms, guided by Father Christmas’s playful elves. Along the way, you’ll help the elves with festive challenges, discover hidden surprises, and unlock the magic of Christmas together.

From joyful singing to creative workshops and heartwarming moments with Father Christmas himself, this immersive experience is designed to fill your heart with wonder and festive cheer.

With two enchanting adventures to choose from - Elf Training for believers of all ages and the Codebreakers Christmas Challenge for ages 7+ - there’s festive fun for everyone.

Enchantica’s is celebrating 20 years of making holistic, family-friendly magic, with this year set to be their most spectacular Christmas yet.

Tickets are limited and already selling fast. Book early to secure your family’s place at Yorkshire’s most magical Christmas destination.

Free for babes in arms, £25 per adult ticket, £35 per child ticket, various time slots available, see the website for details, December 13-23, Allerton Castle, Allerton Mauleverer, HG5 0SE. Book here.

Do you have a festive activity that you'd like to promote? Get in touch with Francesca via email: francesca@thestrayferret.co.uk to find out more about how you can be added to this list.