Enjoy the Magic of Christmas Away From the Chaos On These 3 Yorkshire Days Out

Whether you’re looking for historic interiors, festive treats or winter walks, there’s plenty to discover with National Trust this season.

Looking to plan a Christmas day out in Yorkshire? From hidden city centre gems to medieval abbey ruins, there are National Trust sites to explore all over the region – and each one has its own charm when the festive season rolls around.

We’ve hand-picked three places offering something different this Christmas, along with everything you need to plan your day.

Step into an Edwardian Christmas at Treasurer’s House

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Tucked away in the heart of York city centre, Treasurer’s House is a real hidden gem. If you fancy a peaceful break from the bustle of York’s Christmas markets, step inside the house for a traditional festive experience, complete with elegant interiors and festive decorations, many of which are handmade by the museum’s team of volunteers.

This year’s decorations take their inspiration from Nancy Lycett-Green’s dazzling 1906 debutante ball. Wander through the rooms at your own pace, spotting invitations, dance cards and handmade decorations that showcase the glitz and glamour of an Edwardian Christmas. Slow down, soak up the atmosphere and discover the stories of the people who once called Treasurer’s House home.

The cafe downstairs offers a welcome respite from the chaos of the city centre, where you can pause with a hot drink and a sweet treat. Continue your day out with a visit to the National Trust shop just around the corner, where you’ll find inspiration for your own home and gift ideas. From decorations to festive treats, there’s plenty to get you in the spirit.

When? 11am to 4pm Saturday to Wednesday, from Saturday 14th November to Sunday 20th December 2026. Last entry 3:30pm.
Where? Treasurer’s House, Minster Yard, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 7JL.
How much? From £13 for adults, from £6.50 for children aged 5-17. Family tickets from £19.50. Free for National Trust members and under-5s.
Perfect for: A peaceful festive experience while exploring York city centre.

Wander through a stately home filled with Christmas trees at Nostell

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This Christmas, trees take centre stage at Nostell. Situated on the outskirts of Wakefield, the grand Palladian house will be dressed to the nines for the festive season, with themed trees throughout the house and a magnificent illuminated outdoor tree. Keep an eye out for the curious clockwork tree in the Billiard room, adorned with clocks, cogs, pocket watches and keys.

As you wander, the decorations offer a new way to discover the house’s history and the personalities of its former residents. In the Library, a tree crafted entirely from books sits alongside the family’s collection, while hand-painted globes bring a spirit of travel and exploration to the Tapestry Room.

No visit to Nostell at Christmas is complete without a winter walk.
Set out across frosty parkland on the Obelisk Walk, exploring ancient woodland, grazing pasture and wildflower meadows. Afterwards, have a mooch around the shop then grab a fresh pizza from the trailer beneath the trees.

When? Tuesday 1st December 2026 to Sunday 3rd January 2027. Open daily, except Thursday 24th to Saturday 26th December 2026.
Where? Nostell, Doncaster Road, Nostell, near Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF4 1QE.
How much? House entry from £9.50 for adults and £4.75 for children aged 5-17, or from £14 and £7 for the house and gardens. Free for National Trust members and under-5s. Parking costs £5 per car, free for members.
Perfect for: Christmas shopping, seasonal treats and historic interiors.

Explore festive trails & Dickens’ tales at Fountains Abbey

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Near Ripon, Fountains Abbey is a picturesque destination for a festive day out in North Yorkshire. With 800 acres to explore across the estate, you’ll want to pencil in a full day for this one. Start your day at the deer park, where you can spot some of the 300 deer that call Studley home. There are red, sika and fallow deer – but younger visitors might mistake them for Santa’s reindeer… don’t worry, the rangers will play along!

You can also head out on a festive trail, picking up an activity sheet from Admissions before setting off through the ruins and water gardens. There’s plenty going on indoors too, as Fountains Hall is transformed into scenes from the Dickens classic A Christmas Carol. Fires glow, carols fill the hall, and shadowy corners hint at the ghosts of Christmas past. It’s a unique way to experience the magic of this timeless tale.

On weekends throughout December, you’ll have the chance to see the abbey lit up with all the colours of the rainbow – and it’s well worth sticking around until dusk to see it in its full splendour. There’ll be choirs and live bands performing in the cellarium from 2pm to 3pm, while the lights will be on from 10am to 4pm.

Crafty hands can also get creative with a festive family workshops. From crafting wreaths and handmade stockings to creating sustainable Christmas cards and festive decorations, there’s something for every young crafter to enjoy. Workshops are priced at £10 per child and can be booked on the website.

When? Saturday 28th November 2026 to Sunday 3rd January 2027, Saturday to Thursday. Event dates and times vary.
Where? Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, Fountains, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 3DY.
How much? Adults from £21, children aged 5-17 from £10.50. Family tickets from £31.50. Free for National Trust, National Trust for Scotland and English Heritage members, plus under-5s. Free parking at the Visitor Centre and West Gate.
Perfect for: Winter walks, deer spotting and seeing the ruins in a whole new light.