Twenty-four days and counting to Christmas Day! If you need ways to fill the days at this wonderful time of the year, dip into our collection of festive diary dates
1. Twinkly trees
Take a tour of decorated trees at Helmsley's All Saints Church where you're invited to 'Follow the Star' and enjoy the annual Christmas tree festival in aid of local charities. All the warm and fuzzy feels here...
Nov 30-Dec 13. helmsleyparish.org.uk
2. Minster magic
Experience York Minster’s popular Christmas Tree Festival, set inside the medieval Minster, with 70 trees on display in the cathedral’s stunning Nave, Chapter House and Lady Chapel. Explore the trees, which will be decorated to individual themes by local businesses, schools and charities, and add your own Christmas message to a tag on the festival’s prayer trees.
Nov 30-Jan 5
yorkminster.org
With advent calendars in mind there’s no better place to start than the artsy village of Saltaire. Residents and businesses create a living advent calendar with decorated windows which you can follow on a special trail. Such is its popularity that there are a lot more than 24 windows to see, so it’s a charming way to spend a few hours, plus Salts Mill is on the doorstep.
Saltaireinspired.org.uk
4. Breakfast with Santa
At Weetons, Pannal, Harrogate, experience the magic of meeting Santa and his elves and feast on a tasty Weetons breakfast. Available every Saturday and Sunday in December and 23/ 24 December from 8.30-10am. weetons.co.uk
5. Market town mooch
Richmond is full of character and a place for some festive shopping is the Christmas in Richmond Market Place. A variety of local entertainers, both on stage and sauntering around the cobbles, will create a Christmas atmosphere as you wander round market stalls, indoor and out, and local shops. Sustenance from hot chocolate and delicious food.
December 1, 10-4
originalrichmond.co.uk
Join the Christmas Carol Concert by Candlelight, at Ripon Cathedral. This much-loved festive event will raise essential funds for Macmillan Cancer Support, raising more than £555,706 in the past 26 years. A magical night of music, carols, readings and a guest speaker to rouse the Christmas spirit.
December 2
macmillanriponcarolconcert.co.uk
In grand surroundings see A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens bring Victorian London to life through original music, theatrical magic, and stunning lighting. Yorkshire venues include Carlton Towers and East Riddlesden Hall.
December -5 and 13-15.
thedukestheatrecompany.co.uk
The Devonshire Arms, Bolton Abbey has created an atmospheric pop-up Christmas market, showcasing festive goods, gifts and produce from artisan suppliers, mostly local to the Dales. Shop for treats including home dipped candles, festive wreaths, ceramics, hand-crafted jewellery and culinary gifts. There will also be an outdoor drinks bar. On November 30 see the lighting of the grand Xmas tree.
Dec 1, Dec 7&8, Dec 14.15.
Devonshirehotels.co.uk
Hear a live orchestra in the stunning setting of Selby Abbey this winter. Visitors to The Christmas Orchestra can enjoy heart-warming tunes alongside popular sing-along classics and relive the nostalgia with compositions from iconic films such as Home Alone, Love Actually, The Holiday, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Muppet Christmas Carol, The Nutcracker, The Grinch, and Polar Express.
December 4
thechristmasorchestra.co.uk
10. Tree time
See Beverley Minster transformed as 150 beautifully decorated Christmas trees light up this historic space. Displays are created by local charities, schools, businesses, and community groups, all bringing their unique touch to the event. Quiet sessions for an hour at 9am on the 4th, 5th and 6th.
December 4-8.
beverleyminster.org.uk
11. Be kind
Help wrap gifts for Calderdale Lighthouse, a charity which helps vulnerable and disadvantaged Halifax families. At Dean Clough’s Crossley Gallery help wrap presents for children of struggling families, making sure they don’t go without this Christmas. You can bring ‘wish list’ gifts too.
December 6, 10-2
Details: Dean Clough on 01422 250250 or reception@deanclough.com
A warm welcome awaits at the York Early Music Christmas Festival, a firm favourite on York’s Christmas calendar. The aroma of mulled wine and mince pies fills the air in the atmospheric, candle-lit setting of St Margaret’s Church. Music at this year’s festival includes Baroque pioneers Spiritato, as well as 17th century Christmas revelry, carols and folk songs from Siglo de Oro. Ensemble Augelletti returns with stories of music, astronomy and a Christmas star in York.
December 6-15
ncem.co.uk/yemcf
13. Light up
Haworth’s much-loved Torchlight Parade is back again and will light up the streets with lanterns and flaming torches, accompanied by a brass band. From 5.30pm, bottom of Main Street .
December 7& 8
14. What the Dickens?
Wetherby town centre will become a hive of activity when the long-established annual ‘Dickensian Christmas Market and Craft Fayre’ will take pride of place. This increasingly popular event, also includes the restyled ‘Artisan Market’
December 8
15. The Messiah
Hear Handel’s epic piece performed by The Schola Cantorum of Ampleforth College and the Ampleforth & Ryedale Concert Choir in Ampleforth Abbey Church.
Dec 8, 7.30pm
music@ampleforth.org.uk
For two nights in December, Nunnington Hall will be open to wander around at a time not usually open to visitors when the candles glow and the decorations look truly enchanting. Grab a mulled wine and listen to a visiting choir around the firepit. Step into the opulence of the Georgian era, the splendour of the Victorian golden age, see a Tudor feast fit for a King, or relive the exuberant 1980s parties.
December 7&14
nationaltrust.org.uk
At Middleton Lodge near Richmond get some tablescaping know-how at a festive afternoon where you’ll assemble a fabulous candle and foliage centrepiece and a two-course winter feast in the private dining room.
December 16
middletonlodge.co.uk
18. Carols in Wakefield
Carols by Candlelight returns for 2024, a fabulous evening of carols and Christmas music with Wakefield Cathedral Choir. As well as entry, your ticket will also get you a free mince pie and a mulled wine during the interval - or book in for pies&peas beforehand.
December 13 & 20.
wakefieldcathedral.churchsuite.com
19. An International Christmas
Share the season at Bradford Cathedral’s informal, multilingual Christmas service featuring music and readings from international communities based in and around Bradford. Celebrating the global significance of Christmas across different cultures.
Dec 14 – 6-7pm
bradfordcathedral.org.uk
20. Moorland shopping
Enjoy a relaxed Christmas shopping experience at Danby Lodge at its Christmas Shopping Weekend. Tastings, music and seasonal treats in the tearoom.
Dec 14&15
northyorkmoors.org.uk
Celebrate the Solistice at Yorkshire Sculpture and see the change of light from night to dawn form within the Deer Shelter Skyspace. As the winter solstice sun rises, you'll experience a heightened vision of the sky in a place of contemplation, harnessing the changing light of the Yorkshire sky. Afterwards enjoy a delicious breakfast overlooking the country park.
Dec 21
ysp.org.uk/whats-on
22. Merrily on high
Carlton Towers hosts carols and Christmas jingles in its stately surroundings. Join in with a drink in hand and an atmospheric roaring fire.
December 19
carltontowers.co.uk
23. Gin-gle bells
Eboracum Baroque return to York for their annual festive performance at the historic Merchant Adventurers’ Hall this year with York Gin. The programme features seasonal vocal and instrumental works including arias from Handel’s Messiah and Bach’s festive cantata, Jauchzet Gott. Enjoy a delicious drink of multi award winning gin on arrival.
December 20.
Indulge in the magic of the season with The Grand’s Festive Afternoon Tea in the heart of York. The menu includes a range of festive-inspired treats from a luxurious wild mushroom and truffle sandwich to the sweet and indulgent Christmas log. Say cheers with a festive cocktail, prosecco, Champagne or Gusbourne English sparkling wine.
Until January 5.
opentable.co.uk/r/the-rise-restaurant-york
25 It's here!
Pop on your best pjs, open the fizz, unwrap the parcels and have a very merry Yorkshire Christmas.
