Your Guide To The Best Outdoor Christmas Activities In Yorkshire
Yes, we love sitting by the fire and cosying on up inside at Christmas, but we also love getting outdoors into the fresh air and experiencing the best of the season. And you know we love a bit of Yorkshire too.
If you live in Yorkshire or you’re spending some time here over the Christmas break, it’s time to get outdoors and explore. Here are some of the best Christmas things to do in Yorkshire to really get into the festive spirit.
Christmas at Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal
There’s so much going on around the ruins of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal this Christmas. Wrap up warm and head to Winter Tales at Fountains Abbey, where four different winter tales will be told at three different locations throughout the estate. Listen to The Mitten, The Silver Pinecones, The Nutcracker and The Children and The Sun.
At the weekend there’s live music from 2pm on Saturday and Sunday. The Abbey will be aglow with all the colours of the rainbow and live choirs and bands will fill the ruins with festive music. What a Christmas treat.
The Winter Illumination Trail at Yorkshire Wildlife Park
Join the other merrymakers during the long winter nights around Christmas and light up with festive cheer at the Winter Illumination Trail at Yorkshire Wildlife Park. The trail is 3km with lights and lanterns galore along the way. It’s the biggest winter light trail in Yorkshire and is well worth a visit with the whole family. The theme for this year is Around the World in 80 Days.
York Christmas Festival
Running from mid-November to the 22nd December, York Christmas Festival brings the festive magic to the city. You’ll find a range of events happening throughout the city, with carols at York Minster and York Christmas Market. Head to Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square for 75 Alpine chalets offering local crafts, artisanal products and delicious seasonal treats.
Polar Express on Wensleydale Railway
Running until 23rd December, everyone’s favourite Christmas train returns to the Yorkshire Dales. Throw on your pyjamas and climb aboard ready to be delighted and amazed. It’ll be the train ride of your life and the perfect festive activity for the kids before Christmas. Just remember to book your tickets in advance.
Christmas at Wentworth Castle Gardens
Head to Wentworth Castle Gardens before Christmas and get ready to enjoy Yorkshire’s fresh air and beautiful surroundings. You’ll find a range of Christmas activities to get involved in, including wreath making workshops. You can meet the deer on the 14th and 21st of December, and take part in an enchanted tree trail throughout December and January. Plus, you can enjoy a woolly jumper walk too.
Sheffield Christmas Market
Running from mid-November until Christmas Eve, Sheffield Christmas Market brings the joy and festive fun in the lead-up to Christmas.
You’ll find over 50 log cabins spread along Fargate, the Peace Gardens and the Moor, packed with Christmas delights. There’s a Santa’s Grotto for the little ones and a Big Wheel that promises wonderful views of the market below. The adults will love a mulled wine at the Alpine Bar.
Ice staking in Harrogate
One of our favourite things to do in Yorkshire has to be a spot of ice skating. Make your way to Harrogate and don your skates for a spin around the outdoor ice rink. Plus, there’s a 32-metre Ferris wheel and a Christmas market too.
Days of Christmas, Bolton Abbey
Running from the end of November until 6th January, the Days of Christmas extravaganza is one of the best Christmas events in Yorkshire, year after year. This beautiful setting in the Yorkshire Dales truly comes alive at Christmas.
Expect illuminated ruins, festive markets and enchanting woodland walks. Plus, there’s a Santa’s Grotto too, where the kids can meet the big guy in person.
Saltaire Living Advent Calendar
Visit the charming village of Saltaire for a unique festive experience. Every December since 2006, the windows in the village illuminate with festive scenes. Just like a normal advent calendar a different display is revealed each day. Just remember to check the website for the full details of the trail in 2024.
The Christmas Experience at Lotherton Hall
The beautiful Lotherton Hall and gardens goes all out when it comes to Christmas. You’ll wander through twinkling light displays and discover interactive installations. There’s crafting in the Elf Village, tales with Mrs Claus and magic shows at the weekend. And of course there’s the chance to meet Santa too – just remember to book your slot well in advance.
What to wear for your outdoor adventures at Christmas
Whether you’re looking for outdoor Christmas activities for kids near you or heading to a Christmas market to enjoy a mulled wine or festive beer, you’ll need to wrap up warm. These are your essential items:
- Winter jacket: Throw on your big coat and grab the kids’ winter jackets. At TOG24, we have a range of winter coats for boys and girls that are ideal for the festive season (and all winter for that matter).
- Fleece layer: When the weather really starts to bite, throw on your trusty fleece under your jacket and you’ll stay toasty and warm.
- Gloves: You can’t go wrong with some ski gloves to keep your hands warm.
- Socks: You may as well don some ski socks to keep your toes toasty too.
- Base layers: Taking the kids on a festive light trail at night can get super cold. It makes sense to all wear your thermal base layers. After all, it’s better to be warm than cold!
- Hats and scarves: Throw them on and you’ll be ready to tackle whatever weather the Yorkshire winter throws at you.
Now you’re ready to explore the best outdoor activities in Yorkshire. Where will you go this Christmas?!
