Five festive Christmas events in Yorkshire to attend this December

Christmas is nearly upon us!

Here at PenLife, we’re so excited to celebrate all through December and we’re sure you are too.

Let’s explore five of the most exciting festive events happening around Yorkshire this Christmas.

1. Meander around festive stalls at the York Christmas Market

Of course, we had to start with York Christmas Market – a staple of the UK Christmas market scene and conveniently local too.

Wander through 75 alpine market stalls and ride on the vintage carousel in King’s Square with friends, coworkers, family, or even for a romantic evening out with your significant other.

What’s more, the York Christmas Market has made a special commitment to inclusivity and sustainability. A handful of the market stalls are specifically designed with sustainable gifting practices in mind.

Plus, York’s Take a Seat initiative encourages those with all mobility needs to visit the market and feel comfortable doing so. The Safe Space Scheme also provides reassurance to those who want to attend the markets alone and remain safe in public spaces.

These friendly, welcoming, and truly festive markets could be the perfect way for you to kick off the Christmas season. The York Christmas Market runs between 14th November and 22nd December 2024.

2. Take your whole family to Yorkshire Winter Wonderland

Did you know that there’s a Winter Wonderland right here in our home county?

Hosted at the York Designer Outlet, Winter Wonderland presents an array of festive events that will surely bring joy to children (and those young at heart) who want to get into the Christmas spirit.

There’ll be:

• Ice skating
• Santa’s grotto
• Rides for different age groups, including teacups and vintage Dodgems
• A cosy chalet serving festive food and drinks.

Open between 15th November 2024 and 5th January 2025, there’s plenty of time left to visit Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland. What’s more, unlike its London counterpart, this Winter Wonderland is free to enter. You can purchase tickets for specific attractions, like Santa’s grotto and ice skating, online – with so much choice on offer, there’s bound to be something that suits everyone in your group.

3. Savour the season at The Christmas Experience, Lotherton Hall

For a quintessential Christmas day out, look no further than The Christmas Experience, hosted at the historic Lotherton Hall in Aberford, Leeds.

Featuring events including crafting with Santa’s elves, Mrs Claus’ Tales, and weekend magic shows, this annual event is sure to tick your family’s boxes this Christmas.

You can wander through the festive lights of the Woodland Walk after dark, or visit during the day to say “hello” to Father Christmas, Mrs Claus, and their elves. Plus, there will be seasonal food and drink offered in the Courtyard Café, so you can complete your Christmassy day out with a toasted marshmallow or mulled wine.

You’ll need to book your visit in advance, so go to their website and secure your spot for The Christmas Experience at Lotherton Hall. It’s running between 23rd November and 5th January, so there’s lots of time left to book your festive day out.

4. Sing your heart out at the annual York Community Carol Concert

One of the most magical aspects of the Christmas season is the music. Whether you love rocking out to Slade and Mariah Carey or enjoy more traditional hymns and carols, when you hear a piece of Christmas music it’s a sign that we’ve truly arrived at the holiday season.

The York Community Carol Concert provides anyone who loves Christmas carols an opportunity to sing their hearts out with others who share your joy. Held on 15th December at 2 pm in the York Barbican, this 65-year-old tradition is sure to warm your heart.

Join several local choirs and musicians for an evening of festive music and community spirit. You can purchase your ticket online to be a part of the York Community Carol Concert.

5. Watch the winter solstice sunrise at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park

If you’re looking for something a little different this Christmas, why not watch the sunrise on the shortest day of the year?

Historians have discovered that ancient cultural celebrations, including huge feasts, were held all around England during the solstices – the shortest and longest days of the year – marking the changing of the seasons. Today, many people pay little attention to these events, but if you want to mark the winter solstice as a special occasion, the Yorkshire Sculpture Park has just the excursion for you.

On Saturday 21 December at 7 am, visitors will walk through the Sculpture Park by torchlight, up to the Deer Shelter Skyspace. Here, you can watch the latest sunrise of the year, huddled up in a warm coat.

The sunrise walk is followed by tea, coffee, and breakfast at The Kitchen Café onsite. You can book your tickets for this festive solstice experience online, where you’ll also find all the important information to know before your visit.

Any of the above events is bound to fill you with gratitude and put you in the festive mood this December.