The best thing about the festive season is the quality time you get to spend with family.
From grandparents to the babies, Christmas time is all about making cherished memories with family. Whether it’s festive railway adventures or ice skating, there’s plenty going on to fill your calendar with.
Finding stuff to do that suits everyone can be a chore though, especially when you’re already busy planning present shopping and getting ready for that all-important Christmas day meal. Luckily, we’ve got you covered with this list of family-friendly festive events taking place across Yorkshire.
Luminescence – A Winter Light Trail
Escape to the magical woodland at Swinton Estate and prepare to encounter nature at its most brilliant. The Luminescence winter light trail is an ethereal festive experience that uses the Earth as its inspiration.
Adults and kids alike are sure to be captivated by the glimmering tableaux, and if you get hungry along the mile-long trail don’t worry because there’ll be snacks available partway through. Book into one of the bars or restaurants at Swinton Park Hotel to make your outing that bit more special.
Where? Luminescence, Swinton Park Hotel, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 4JH.
When? From Thursday 6th November 2025 to Sunday 22nd February 2026.
How much? Adult tickets start from £12 and children’s from £7.50.
Christmas Markets
© Copyright Yorkshire-List 2025
There’s nothing like a festive market to get you in the spirit of Christmas. There are loads taking place across Yorkshire, whether you’re in the market for specific, artisan-made prezzies or just want to browse with some hot chocolate and roasted chestnuts while the kids have a go on a carousel.
The Leeds Christmas markets have the much-loved Ice Cube skating rink on site, and the European-style market chalets in Harrogate are a great alternative to busy big city markets.
Where? Check out our list of Yorkshire Christmas Markets to visit.
When? Most markets start in November and run all the way up until Christmas Eve.
How much? Free to attend.
Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland
This year marks the 20th anniversary of Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland and it’s set to be bigger and better than ever. Set outside York Designer Outlet, the Wonderland has been voted one of The Sunday Times’ top seven festive ice rinks in the country.
It’s not all skiing here however, there’s also fairground rides, a cosy aprés-ski chalet where you can relax with a winter warmer and a Santa’s Grotto is on site for the little ones to experience a spot of Christmas magic. With giant LED Christmas trees, illuminated gingerbread men, candy canes and deer, you’ll think you’ve stepped straight into the North Pole.
Where? Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland, York Designer Outlet, St Nicholas Avenue, York, North Yorkshire, YO19 4TA.
When? From Friday 14th November 2025 to Sunday 5th January 2026.
How much? Free to attend.
Bridlington Ice Trail
Credit: James Hardisty
Take a trip to the seaside this festive season and experience the magic of Bridlington Ice Trail. The event combines community, creativity and Christmas spirit with lots to enjoy for visitors of all ages.
You can marvel at dazzling ice sculptures that provide the perfect festive photo opportunity, or indulge your inner thrill-seeker watching the spectacular fire and ice displays. There are also charming market stalls for you to peruse, selling local crafts, delicious treats and one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts.
Where? Bridlington Ice Trail takes place in Bridlington town centre in the East Riding of Yorkshire.
When? Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th November 2025.
How much? Free!
Walking with the Snowman
Credit: Stefan Jakubowski
Walking with the Snowman will transform Doncaster into a festive wonderland. The stunning trail sees 12 interactive snowman sculptures dotted around the city. Each beautifully-crafted sculpture is designed to put a 12-days of Christmas twist on Raymond Briggs’ classic tale. Gather the whole family, pick up a map and follow the clues to find all 12.
When you do find them, remember to snap your best Snowfies! It’s a fantastic way to bond with the clan while discovering new corners of Doncaster–can you find all the snowmen before the end of January?
Where? Walking with the Snowman takes place throughout Doncaster city centre.
When? From Saturday 15th November 2025 to Friday 30th January 2026.
How much? Free!
Winter Illuminations: A Wizard’s Quest
Credit: Yorkshire Wildlife Park
Explore Yorkshire Wildlife Park after dark with their enchanting winter lantern trail. Breathtaking lights, mystical creatures, wise old wizards and the wicked snow queen await you on the grounds of one of Yorkshire’s most popular family attractions.
There’ll be food and drink stalls open along the nearly two mile-long light display route, so you can stock up on delicious snacks and festive themed drinks. Want more from your visit? Book an overnight stay at the Hex Wildlife hotel and you’ll get into the Illuminations for free.
Where? Winter Illuminations, Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Hurst Lane, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, DN9 3QY.
When? Every weekend and select Thursdays from Saturday 15th November 2025 to Saturday 3rd January 2026, then one final day on Saturday 10th January 2026.
How much? Adult tickets start from £16.95, children’s tickets from £13.95 and under 3s go free.
An Inspired Christmas at Treasurer’s House
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Explore the historic wonder of Treasurer’s House in York this Christmas. The National Trust site will be adorned with festive decorations, many of which are hand crafted. The layout of each room is inspired by the stories of the house’s former residents. Expect surprises aplenty as you wander through the house at your own pace.
Look out for an ode to the Snow Queen, the adorable felt mice in the Old Kitchen and the stained glass star trail which is perfect for younger visitors. When you’re done walking around, head to the café where you can try their esteemed festive menu– the Christmas pudding scone is to die for.
Where? Treasurer’s House, Minster Yard, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 7JL.
When? From Saturday 15th November to Sunday 21st December 2025. Open from 11am to 4pm, Saturday to Wednesday.
How much? Adult tickets start from £12 and £6 for children. A family ticket for two adults and up to three children is £30.
RHS Glow 2025
Another opportunity to bask in nature as it glows with festive cheer. RHS Harlow Carr will be hosting their annual Glow Illuminations, a garden light trail that transforms familiar landscapes into shimmering canvases of festive brilliance. Hidden visas bathed in soft glows, beautiful botany lit up with bold beams, it’s a family-friendly atmospheric journey that will leave you full of festive cheer.
There’ll be food and drink to buy on the night, including bratwurst and jacket potatoes from The Harrogate Arms and special sweet treats from Bettys. They also host a SEN night, where the attraction will be adapted to be less stimulating and more suitable for people with sensory needs.
Where? RHS Harlow Carr, Crag Lane, Beckwithshaw, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG3 1QB.
When? On select dates between Wednesday 19th November and Tuesday 23rd December 2025.
How much? Member prices start from £10 for adults and £5.25 for children, non-member prices start from £17.25 for adults and £9.25 for children. Under 5s go free.
Barnsley Bright Nights
Credit: Visit Barnsley
Barnsley really shines during Bright Nights, a festive celebration featuring art installations throughout the town centre. Follow a dazzling trail of 12 interactive installations and performances across the town, hosted at venues including Cooper Gallery, Barnsley Civic Theatre and More.
Stand outs include the Dancing Fountain at Barnsley College and Supernova, a constellation of giant illuminated stars shining bright in Glassworks square. After wowing crowds across the globe in Sydney, the amazing sculptures are making their UK debut in Barnsley, and you can be one of the first people to see them on this side of the world. Grab your camera and prepare to be amazed!
Where? Bright Nights take place at various locations across Barnsley town centre, South Yorkshire.
When? From 5pm to 8:30pm on Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd November 2025.
How much? Free!
Northern Lights Leeds
Watch Temple Newsam twinkle with Northern Lights, Leeds’ most illuminating festive attraction. You can follow a one-mile trail at the historic grand estate where you’ll encounter up to 14 distinct light installations and magnificent musical compositions amongst the well-groomed gardens and wondrous woodlands.
Unwind at the end of the trail with the Christmas Village where there’ll be a variety of stalls selling festive fare and drinks to warm you up. Look out for the neuro-inclusive evenings that cater to neurodivergent guests.
Where? Northern Lights Leeds, Temple Newsam, Temple Newsam Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS15 0AE.
When? On select dates between Friday 21 November and Wednesday 31st December 2025.
How much? Tickets start at £15 for adults and £5 for children.
Santa’s Christmas Funland
Let loose this Christmas with the ultimate festive adventure at the Great Yorkshire Event Centre in Harrogate. This year, Santa’s Christmas Funland is going all out with a bigger, brighter festival of family fun.
Your ticket gets you three hours in the indoor festive playground, with unlimited access to the rides, indoor ice rink, winter forest mini golf and Santa’s Grotto. There’ll also be dance sessions held in the Elf Village and for an extra cost, you can have a go on the bungee trampolines and game stalls. All that play can be hungry work, so be sure to visit the food and drink vendors before you leave.
Where? Santa’s Christmas Funland, Great Yorkshire Events Centre, Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG2 8NZ.
When? From Friday 13th to Tuesday 24th December 2025.
How much? Tickets start from £22.99 for adults and children and £5.99 for under 3s.
Christmas at Stockeld
Credit: James Glossop
Stockeld park never skimp on their seasonal offerings and at Christmas, they go even harder. The theme this year is all about keeping things magical, with a mesmerising light installation at The Enchanted Forest and a North Pole Village where you’ll meet Santa, Mrs Claus and their helpful crew of elves.
Throw in ice skating, a giant snowflake maze and the incredible Stockeld play areas and you’ve got a cracking Christmas day out you won’t forget in a hurry. When you’ve explored to your heart’s content, choose from one of their food venues and fill up on something wholesome!
Where? Stockeld Park, Wetherby Road, Wetherby, Leeds West Yorkshire, LS22 4AN.
When? From Saturday 22nd November 2025 until Monday 5th January 2026.
How much? Tickets start from £8.50 per person increasing to £31 for adults and £41 for children.
Jingle all the Day
Unwrap the magic of Christmas as Eureka! this December. The beloved children’s museum is putting a festive spin on their educational installations, with extra activities available for a truly merry family adventure.
There’s lots for the little ones to get stuck into, including elf-approved arts and crafts, a letter writing workshop where they can send their Christmas wishlist to Santa and storytime sessions with the big man himself! Want to take it up a notch? Get a VIP pass and you can start your day with breakfast with Santa, then set off on special holiday missions given in the Elf & Safety Briefing.
Where? Eureka! The National Children’s Museum, Discovery Road, Halifax, West Yorkshire, HX1 2NE.
When? Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from Friday 5th December to Sunday 21st December 2025.
How much? Standard tickets start at £17.95 for adults and children and £7.95 for 1 and 2 year olds, which gets you access for a whole year.
