Yorkshire's towns come into their own at Christmas, full of festive spirit, family activities and the chance to shop local and mooch the markets. Susan Griffin looks at ways to spend the days.
Harrogate
This spa town is a delight whatever the season but looks particularly beautiful come Christmastime. Wrap up warm for a wander through the Valley Gardens or for something a little more bracing, enjoy the panoramic views from National Trust’s Brimham Rocks (nationaltrust.org.uk). Pop into Café Lago di Como for a homemade sweet treat and a hot chocolate, or for something stronger, head to the traditional Harrogate Tap (harrogatetap.co.uk). Amble through the artisan stalls at the Harrogate Christmas Fayre (Dec 2 – 11)) and if you’re feeling nimble enough, get your (ice)skates on at Crescent Gardens (visitharrogate.co.uk).
Beverley
Celebrate the region’s produce and crafts at the Made in East Yorkshire Christmas Market in Beverley’s town centre (Dec 7- 9) followed with The Beverley Festival of Christmas (Dec 11). Beginning with a parade and a cameo from Santa himself, you can soak up the festive atmosphere while stocking up on gifts and treats from over 100 stalls (www.beverleyfestivalofchristmas.co.uk). Warm yourself up with a festive meal or Afternoon Tea at The Beverley Arms (beverleyarms.co.uk) or grab a drink at the 17th century White Horse Inn, better known as ‘Nellies’ (nellies.co.uk). If you need to take a step away from the bustle, enjoy peaceful contemplation at Beverley Minster. The ancient landmark will host The Christmas Tree Festival between December 2 and 11 (beverleyminster.org.uk).
Halifax
The beautiful 18th century Piece Hall in Halifax will be the focus of festivities this Christmas. Spandau Ballet’s Martin Kemp kicks things off on December 1 with a Back to the 80s event, the same day the ice rink opens to the public. A silent disco, themed club nights, festive films and Winter Makers Market are planned throughout the month (thepiecehall.co.uk). Wander over to Halifax Borough Market for a taste of local produce and the free Christmas Magical Menagerie (Dec 15,16, and 22, 23) with workshops, music and a lantern display (halifaxboroughmarket.co.uk). For a bit of panto fun, catch Sleeping Beauty at Victoria Theatre from December 10 to January 2 (victoriatheatre.co.uk) and enjoy a pint at the atmospheric Victorian Craft Beer Café (victorian.beer).
Ripon
A visit to the ancient Fountains Abbey never disappoints (nationaltrust.org.uk). Throughout December, you can take part in the daily festive family trail and the seasonal Music & Light events. There is also the Illuminated Winter Wonderland at Ripon Spa Garden (Dec 17-20) that’s free to attend. Try your hand at willow wreath-making at Ripon City Wetlands (Dec 3) or under celebrated florist Jonathan Moseley’s tutelage in a masterclass at Grantley Hall (Dec 15). Find foodie gifts at Booths or browse the lovely indie Little Ripon Bookshop. Known as the cathedral city of the dales, a visit to Ripon Cathedral is a must. The Ripon Choral Society will be performing Handel’s Messiah with carols on December 10 (visitripon.co.uk).
READ MORE: The best Christmas markets and fairs in Yorkshire
Skipton
Back by popular demand, the Christmas Makers Fair will be taking place at Skipton Town Hall (Dec 4) to coincide with the Artisan Market at the Canal Basin and the Christmas Market on High Street (Dec 4 and 11). Pop by Alexander’s for their Off Piste pop up Alpine restaurant including Santa Sundays where the big man will be popping by (alexanders-skipton.com). Over at Thornton Hall Country Park, there’s the Christmas Adventure (christmasadventures.co.uk) with an enchanting village and reindeer ride as well as Festive Party nights for the grown-ups (Dec 9,10, 16 and 17) (thorntonhallcountrypark.co.uk). Or hop aboard the Graceful Swan at Hotel Rendezvous for 90-minutes of family fun on Sundays with festive activities and Santa’s Grotto (welcometoskipton.com).
Wakefield
Throw on the layers and take a stroll through Pugneys Country Park where younger members of the family can enjoy a trip on Pugneys Light Railway Christmas Wonder Ride every weekend. Over at the National Trust’s Nostell, the beautiful Georgian house will be decked out for the season as sounds of parties past fill the air (nationaltrust.org.uk). Wakefield Cathedral will host the Skelmanthorpe Male Voice Choir Christmas Concert (Dec 10), Carols by Candlelight (Dec 16 and 22) and Yorkshire Philharmonic Choir Christmas Concert (Dec 17) (wakefieldcathedral.org.uk). Make your own decorations, gift tags and tealights with Jasmine Pottery’s themed Christmas Sessions (jasminepotterystudios.com). There will also be a free meet and greet with Santa (Dec 2 and 9) at the Ridings Centre (ridingscentre.com). Looking for a creative gift? The Hepworth at Wakefield is holding a festive makers market (Dec 3-4). hepworthwakefield.org
Wetherby & Boston Spa
Support local traders and toast the Yuletide season with a glass of mulled wine at the Dickensian Christmas Market and Craft Fayre taking place on December 11. Drive over to the spectacular Harewood House (harewood.org) for winter workshops, including reindeer weaving and calligraphy, an exhibition of Christmas trees with a twist, and the opportunity to see Santa. For mouth-watering dishes this Christmas, make an order at the renowned Tarbett’s Fishmongers in Wetherby; tuck into comfort food at The Crown Boston Spa and take a look at what’s happening at Stockeld Park where Winter Illuminations, Christmas Silver Band and Santa’s Grotto will delight (stockeldpark.co.uk).
Ilkley
Marking the starting point of The Dales Way, walk some, if not all, of the 80-mile route along riverside paths (dalesway.org). Visit the Toy Museum, Ilkley’s answer to Santa’s workshop, for a trip down memory lane. Create your own adorable Crochet Christmas Gnomes (Dec 3) at Mrs Duttons Wondrous Workshops and your own decorations at the Manor House (Dec 10) where there will also be performances throughout the month, as well as a Christmas Makers’ Fair (Dec 3-4). Rifle through the stalls for one of a kind presents at the town’s Antiques, Vintage and Collectibles Fair at The Clarke Foley Centre (Dec 4) and tantalise tastebuds at The Grove’s Real Food Ilkley Market (Dec 4). (visitbradford.com)
Settle
Amidst a limestone landscape sits the market town of Settle, which kicks its festivities off with the Christmas lights switch on (Nov 26). Stockpile sublime cheese and accompaniments at The Courtyard Dairy, voted Cheesemonger of the Year at the World Cheese Awards (thecourtyarddairy.co.uk). There will be a host of festive events at the Victoria Hall, such as a screening of The Nutcracker: Encore from Covent Garden (Dec 11); The Albion Christmas Band (Dec 12) and Christmas Crackers with Giggleswick and Settle Brass Band and Voices of Craven (Dec 14) at Victoria Hall (settlevictoriahall.org.uk). There are Christmas events over at The Folly (thefolly.org.uk) including Historical Christmas with Leeds Waits (Dec 3) and Octameron Christmas Concert (Dec 16). For a cuppa and a bite to eat, head to the uniquely named Ye Olde Naked Man Café and Bakery (yeoldenakedmancafe.com) for cakes, biscuits and gift sets.
Hebden Bridge
The small town in Upper Calder Valley is known for its art scene and local artists and makers will open their studios and workshops as part of Hebden Bridge Open Studios (Dec 3 and 4) to share and showcase their work. For toys, gifts and gadgets swing by Totally Awesome and Something Sweet for traditional confectionary. Catch the Christmas classic It’s A Wonderful Life on the big screen at the Picture House on Christmas Eve (hebdenbridgepicturehouse.co.uk), and a production of Cinderella at the Little Theatre from December 29-31 (www.hblt.co.uk). For some comfort grub in cosy surroundings, grab a seat at The Hinchliffe Arms (thehinchliffearms.com).
Wensleydale
Treat your loved ones (or yourself) to the gift of gorgeous pre-loved cashmere from the Nearly New Cashmere Co. store in Masham (nearlynewcashmere.co.uk), one of many independents in the town. While you’re there, be sure to pop by The Curious Merchant (thecuriousmerchant.com), the perfect place for gift inspiration. A trip to the world-famous Wensleydale Creamery (wensleydale.co.uk) in Hawes is essential if you’re looking to create the ultimate cheeseboard this Christmas. Walk off any gluttony with a trip to the three-stepped Aysgarth Falls in Leyburn (yorkshiredales.org.uk) and stock up on wine and local produce at the award-winning shop and deli Campbell’s of Leyburn (campbellsofleyburn.co.uk).
Haworth
Given Haworth hasn’t really changed since the Brontës walked the cobbled throughfare, there is a veritable old school charm about the place that’s particularly magical during December when bathed in twinkling fairy lights. There will be an atmospheric Torchlight Procession (Dec 3-4); a Christmas Music Weekend with brass bands and singers (Dec 10-11) and a Nativity Parade and Christmas Artisan Market in the Park (Dec 17-18) (haworth-village.org.uk). Over at the famous Parsonage, there is a special Brontë Treasures by Candlelight (Dec 2) and Wild Christmas Wreath-Making workshop (Dec 3) (bronte.org.uk). You can also alight the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway Elf Explorer throughout the month. Otherwise, enjoy the independent shops and cafes that line Main Street, such as And Chocolate of Haworth and The Cabinet of Curiosities, and pop in for a bite to eat at the historic Old White Lion Hotel (oldwhitelionhotel.com).
