Yorkshire Christmas events 2025: 10 fun-packed festive occasions

With Christmas fast approaching, you may be looking for events and occasions to fill the festive calendar. Here in Yorkshire, you're spoilt for choice.

Grottos! Illuminations! Immersive theatre! Craft fairs! And that's just the tip of the turkey. There's something for everyone, whether you're entertaining the kids, spending quality time with a partner or having some much-needed you-time.

Here at Stump Cross Caverns, we love to welcome guests at Christmas. There's something festive about our caves, even in the heights of summer. And at Christmas, the limestone caverns feel like a network of magical grottoes.

So, all aboard the Polar Express! Let's see what God's own country has to offer this Christmas season.

1. Christmas at Stump Cross Caverns

Stump Cross Caverns is a show cave on the road between Pateley Bridge and Grassington. Since 1860, visitors have marvelled at our stalagmites, stalactites and other rock formations.

It's a beloved destination for everyone from cave scientists to cavers, from curious adults to captivated kids.

That's why we do so much throughout the year to engage families – and especially the little ones. Christmas is no exception. That's when we hold our annual interactive Christmas experience .


Kids get to meet Santa and his elf. This is a Santa's grotto with a difference, as the kids make reindeer food to take home with them.

After sharing their wishes with Santa and whipping up a ready meal for Rudolph, the whole family can explore the caves in a self-guided tour. You'll be amazed at the weird and wonderful shapes the rocks have grown into over thousands of years.

Then there's the same package but with a classic Christmas film thrown in . This takes place in our private cinema – a cosy hideaway from the wintry Dales scenery.

The event runs on weekends from Saturday 29 November until Sunday 21 December, then every day from Monday 22 November until Christmas Eve.

Looking for a Christmas adventure you won't forget in a hurry? Book for Christmas at Stump Cross Caverns today. 

2. Late-night festive opening at Haworth Parsonage

 Haworth is a village in West Yorkshire with a legendary literary connection. It's home to Haworth Parsonage, the building where the Brontë sisters grew up. It was here that the future authors of  Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights  and Agnes Grey spent their childhood.

Today, the parsonage is a Brontë museum – and this December, for one night only, it's having a late-night festive opening .

Visitors can explore the parsonage by candlelight and even do some last-minute shopping in the gift shop. General admission applies, but Haworth locals get in free of charge.

As well as this night in the museum, Haworth is hosting a rich spread of Christmas events this year. There'll be illuminations, carols, a torchlight procession and more.

3. Yorkshire's Winter Wonderland, York

 Is there anything more nostalgic than a Christmas trip to the ice rink? Yorkshire's Winter Wonderland gives you this classic experience with an ice rink described as "fabulously festive and magical" by The Sunday Times.

Running from Friday 14 November to Sunday 4 January, the ice rink comprises 975 square metres of ice with a 30-foot-high Christmas tree slap bang in the middle.

Once you've had your fill of skating, you can explore the rides at the funfair or enjoy some refreshments at the alpine-themed Chalet cafe.



4. Christmas Craft Fair at York Racecourse

Yes, Christmas is about family. But let's face it: it's also about shopping.

The Christmas Craft Fair, held each year at York Racecourse, is a huge event boasting more than 250 stands.

Expect artisanal gifts, local food, fashion, homeware and Christmas decorations. If you've got Christmas shopping to do, this is one of the best places to do it.

5. Christmas at Stockeld Park

Stockeld Park is a Grade I-listed, 2,000-acre country house and estate.
Its ancient woodland, toadstool seats and yew-tree maze are well worth a visit, whatever the time of year. But this Christmas, they'll be lit up by a spectacular light show.
As if that wasn't enough, visitors can also take a turn on the ice rink or boo and hiss at the pantomime. These Christmas events run from Saturday 22 November until Christmas Eve.

6. RHS Glow 2025 at RHS Harlow Carr

Not far from Harrogate, RHS Harlow Carr is a beautiful public garden with over 60 acres of wildflowers and trees.
This Christmas, Harlow Carr will be transformed by an illuminated light trail. Everything from the trees to Thaliana Bridge and Queen Mother's Lake will be bathed in majestic yet mysterious colours. On top of that, there'll be festive food for sale to warm you up. Yum!



7. A Christmas Carol     at Keighley and Worth Valley Railway

 Christmas has inspired some incredible stories. Perhaps one of the most memorable is Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol . This Victorian favourite tells the tale of a greedy moneylender who learns the true meaning of Christmas after a night of ghostly visitations.
This year, Keighley and Worth Valley Railway are putting on a production of A Christmas Carol with a difference. Starting from Haworth railway station, this is an interactive and immersive theatrical experience built around period steam trains.   Want to see what it's all about? Check out the trailer from 2024:

8. Kelham Island Museum Victorian Christmas Market, Sheffield

Kelham Island is Sheffield's cool quarter – and on the weekend of 6 and 7 December, it's home to 80 market stalls and a host of fairground rides. Plus, there'll be brass bands, hog roasts and plenty more.

It's all the fun of the fair in classic Victorian style. What's not to like?


Don't forget that Christmas is coming to Stump Cross Caverns from Saturday 29 November to Christmas Eve. It's a Yuletide extravaganza and exciting cave adventure in one. Fancy some festive fun? It's easy to book your tickets online .