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Fantastic Festive Events in the Yorkshire Dales this Christmas

Rose Atkinson • Dec 04, 2021
The most wonderful time of the year is almost here! 

Christmas 2020 was full of lockdowns and cancellations, so we’re definitely intending to make the most of the 2021 festive season. There are so many fun things happening in God’s Own Country this season – from artisan Christmas markets to spectacular light trails, Santa’s grotto visits and festive train rides, and so much more.

Check out our guide below to discover some wonderful Christmas events taking place in the Yorkshire Dales this month…



Festive Days Out in the Yorkshire Dales

If you’re looking for somewhere to take the kids to meet Santa this year, look no further than Mother Shipton’s. Their magical Christmas experience is due to take place from Saturday 4th – Friday 24th December, giving children the opportunity to meet with the big man himself. Wander through their wonderful winter woodland and discover an enchanted Christmas Village, complete with festive delights and costumed characters. Take an ‘elfie’ inside Santa’s sleigh, sit upon the Christmas throne, or post your letters to Santa via the Elf Mail. 

Give your kids a Christmas experience they will never forget at The Polar Express train ride in Wensleydale. Taking place on selected dates from 19th November – 23rd December, you can ride the only licensed Polar Express in Yorkshire. Begin your journey on the Polar Express, where you will meet the film’s favourite characters including the conductor, singing chefs, hobo and of course, Father Christmas. Make your way to the North Pole and marvel upon the Northern Lights, before arriving and meeting Santa Claus himself.

Embark upon a wintery Alice in Wonderland adventure this Christmas at Lightwater Valley. Running from selected dates up until 23rd December, you will find hundreds of illuminated lanterns, illustrating tales from the infamous Alice in Wonderland and Alice Through the Looking Glass. Play chess on a giant board, join the Mad Hatter at his crazy tea party, marvel at the whopping four-metre-tall Alice lantern, and meet the Queen of Hearts herself. 

Experience true wonder at Fountain Abbey’s Music & Lights Christmas events. They have a jam-packed calendar full of festive treats this December, including various musical acts and entertainers. See the abbey ruins come to life with hundreds of twinkling coloured lights. Walk beneath the vaulted ceilings in the cellarium and watch the live choirs and bands fill the ruins with festive tunes. Singalong optional!

Follow the festive trail through the amazing Thorp Perrow Arboretum to find Santa’s grotto. You will receive a warm welcome from Mrs Claus, who will guide you through their magical winter wonderland. Stop and say hello to the donkeys, get a sneak peek into the elves’ bedroom and wander around the miniature ski village. Challenge your friends or family to see how many woodland creatures you can spot on the way – prizes for the winner optional!


Christmas Markets & Tree Farms in the Yorkshire Dales

Richmond Christmas Market is back and bigger than ever in 2022. With more stalls and variety than ever before, you can find hundreds of artisan traders both inside the Town Hall and outside in the marketplace. Live entertainment is also included this year, with a competition held for the most festive stall.

Low Lane Christmas Trees is our local Christmas tree supplier, situated in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. Their numerous varieties of Christmas trees are grown right here in Yorkshire, ranging from pot grown to 15ft plus. They also stock a range of handmade wreaths – both plain and decorated. Look no further for your Christmas tree!
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