UPDATED FOR CHRISTMAS 2024! Believe me there are so many activities to do in the Harrogate area this Christmas, but these are our top recommendations for things to do this Christmas in Harrogate. With a mixture of paid and free Christmas activities in Harrogate there’s something for every budget.
RHS Harlow Carr Glow
21st November – 28th December 2024
All the family will enjoy a magical evening at RHS Garden Harlow Carr for their spectacular light show ‘Glow’. Grab a hot chocolate from Bettys and see the garden in breath-taking beauty as amazing illuminations light your way around the Glow trail.
Glow at RHS Harlow Carr is Wednesday to Saturday, 21st November to 28th December 2024.
Members: (Peak/Off Peak): adult £9.25/£8.75 & child (5-16) £5.45/£4.35, under 5’s FREE
Non-members: (Peak/Off Peak): adult £16.50/£13.95 & child £8.75/£7.45, under 5’s FREE.
Light Up A Life Service at Ripon Cathedral
8th December 3.30pm
Light up a Life is a very special remembrance service at Ripon Cathedral. “You will experience music, readings and time for reflection and see our community’s lights illuminated as we come together to remember those we love. We welcome families to join us, and will have special opportunities for young people to be a part of Light up a Life”
There is also a service at St Michael’s Hospice on the 15th December.
As a family we have attended this service for over 10 years now. It has truly become a seasonal tradition. I know that these services may not be for everyone but I really love it, so it had to be included.
Beauty and the Beast at Harrogate Theatre
27th Nov 2024 to 19th Jan 2025
Is it even Christmas in Harrogate without a trip to the panto?
The Harrogate panto is back and this year it’s Beauty and the Beast. But the best news by far is that Tim Stedman is back for his 24th season (if you know, you know!). Tim is truly a well loved Harrogate gem.
Be our guest for a tale as old as time… When an arrogant Prince is cursed to live as a Beast in an enchanted castle, his only hope is to find true love… Will Belle melt the Beast’s frosty heart? Will the spell be broken before the last rose petal falls?
Tickets range from £20.00pp to £160 for a box.
Christmas at Mother Shipton’s
Sat 23rd November – Tues 24th December 2024
Step into a world of magic and wonder as you enter Mother Shipton’s magical Christmas experience. Get ready, for Santa is flying through the starry skies to meet you!
From the moment you step into this enchanted land, Santa’s cheerful elves will welcome you with open arms. Every child with a Santa Experience Ticket will receive a pack of festive activities, a magical pass to unlocking the wonders that await.
Car admission (up to 5 people) £36-£42. Santa experience tickets (in addition to entry prices) Children 0-12yrs £13-£16.
You can read all about our summer visit to Mother Shipton’s here.
Harrogate Christmas Fayre
29th November to 15th December 2024, Monday – Saturdays 10am to 7pm, Sundays 11am – 4.30pm.
Bring on the mulled wine! The Harrogate Christmas market is back with 17 days of festive shopping with both local and European traders. For more details see the Visit Harrogate site.
Santa’s Christmas Funland
Yorkshire Events Centre 14th -24th December
3 hours of unlimited indoor FESTIVE fun handpicked by Santa himself and created bespoke by his cheeky elves!
A real magical experience for all of the family to enjoy hosted by Santa himself, meeting and greeting all of his visitors and making sure Mr Grinch stays on his best behaviour…
Real GIANT ice rink, Santa’s funfair rides, Candy lane sweet treats, hook a penguin or catch a snowball skilled games, The GRINCH, Segway elves, Santa’s elf panto shows, Elf craft shops and SO MUCH MORE!
Tickets now available at the Crow Leisure group website!
Session 1 – 10am – 1pm, Session 2 – 2-5pm, Session 3 – 6-9pm
Admission: £31.50pp peak times/£24.50 off peak, child ticket includes free gift from Santa! Under 3s go FREE!
Knaresborough Christmas Market
Saturday 7th, 10am-5pm & Sunday 8th, 10am-4.30pm December 2024
Whilst the market itself is centred around Knaresborough’s historic Market Place, there are festive events, independent shops and eateries throughout the town … so leave yourself some time to explore.
A wide variety of local artists will be performing in the Knaresborough Christmas Market during the weekend, including local morris dancers, brass bands, choirs and a fabulous Firework Finale on the Sunday.
Fountains Abbey, The Season of Music & Lights
From 2pm every weekend between 30th November and 29th December it’s time to see the abbey aglow with all the colours of the rainbow. Lights are switched on at 2pm, bands and choirs will play in the cellarium from 2-3pm and recorded carols will play from 3-5pm.
There’s plenty more going on at Fountains Abbey this Christmas. make sure to check out their website for details of Carols by candlelight, the Boxing day pilgrimage, ‘On the Hoof’ at Studley deer park, group storytelling sessions and so much more.
St John’s Church Christmas Tree Festival
Saturday 7th to Sunday 22nd December 2024
Every year more than 70 Christmas trees decorated by local groups and businesses, are displayed in the beautiful St. Johns Church in the heart of Knaresborough. 2024 is their 10th anniversary
Admission to the festival is free, but there will be the opportunity to donate to the church and the event’s chosen charity for this year. Read the latest news on their Facebook page.
Codebreakers Christmas
IT’S BACK!! Our favourite Santa experience ever! You probably know by now that I love to find activities that suit the awkward pre-teen ages and last year we found a Santa experience that absolutely smashed it out of the park!
Codebreakers Christmas in the teepee at The Cedar Court Hotel is aimed at children aged 7+ and offers an escape room style interactive show with the fabulous Tinsel the Elf. I don’t want to tell you too much as I don’t want to spoil it but my highlight was all the kids laughing at their grown ups during the 12 days of Christmas song.
All 4 of us (2 adults and two 11yr olds) had the best time last year and we will 100% be getting tickets again for this Christmas. I have a feeling its going to sell out FAST!
Enchantica’s who run the Codebreaker Christmas also offer an ‘Elf-Training Workshop’ which is suitable for all ages and a Quiet Elf Show for children with sensory conditions or additional needs.
Christmas at the Caverns
Visit Stump Cross Caverns this festive season for a Christmas experience like no other!
Interactive Christmas Experience (Including Cave entry and Christmas Film at 4PM)
Experience the magic of Christmas with our Interactive Christmas Experience! Meet Santa and his jolly Elf in a fun and festive setting, where children can share their Christmas wishes, receive a present and enjoy creating special reindeer food to take home for Santa’s reindeer. After your visit with Santa, explore our stunning caves at your own pace with a self-guided cave tour, included with your ticket. To top off your festive day, enjoy a cosy screening of a classic Christmas film, perfect for getting into the holiday spirit. This enchanting experience is ideal for families looking to create lasting holiday memories in a unique and magical environment. Don’t miss out on this festive adventure!
Ripley Castle Christmas Market
Sunday 8th December, 10am – 3pm
Run by Real Markets, the Christmas Market at Ripley Castle offers free entry into the grounds and gardens at Ripley too which is a brilliant bonus.
Father Christmas will be opening the market and there will be carol singers, crafts and activities for children too.
I often go to this monthly market for the arancini and cake stalls alone, so you can bet I won’t be missing this one!
Harewood’s Mischief at the Mansion
Harewood House 15th November 2024 to 5th January 2025
This Christmas, step into a magical festive world where history and imagination meet, in the long-awaited sequel to 2019’s award-winning ‘Night at the Mansion’.
A troop of not-so-angelic cherubs have escaped from the Christmas tree and Harewood House sparkles into life with singing baubles, swirling ceilings and gossiping statues. Marvel as the House tells you festive tales of bygone times, in an unforgettable experience that will delight visitors of all ages.
Pricing: Adults £24.95, Children £12.95 (free for members). And beware, non members are now being charges £5 for car parking too!
So that’s our round up of our favourite, not to miss activities this Christmas in Harrogate. We only found out about the Christmas tree festival last year so we are still discovering new things. Where are your favourite places to visit in Harrogate at Christmas?
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