Celebrating Christmas in North Yorkshire: local events to fill you with festive cheer
Ripon Cathedral Food & Gift Fair
25-26 November, 9.30am to 4.30pm
Get your Christmas shopping started and enjoy a festive day out in the splendid surroundings of Ripon’s magnificent cathedral. Browse over 100 stalls selling an extensive selection of gifts, food and drink, whilst listening to festive music. Enjoy mulled wine and delicious Christmas delights including hot turkey sandwiches, mince pies and homemade cakes. With activities planned for the children, there’s something to enjoy for the whole family.
25th Anniversary Macmillan Carol Concert by Candlelight, Ripon Cathedral
Monday 5 December, 7pm
The Macmillan Carol Concert in the splendid surroundings of Ripon Cathedral is the start of Christmas for many. The annual fundraiser is supported by the choirs of Aysgarth School, together with the choirs and orchestra of Queen Mary’s School. Featuring professional musicians, talented performers and celebrity readers, this wonderful evening offers a festive programme of uplifting music in the atmospheric surroundings of the candlelit cathedral.
To book tickets, click here
Little Bird Artisan Market, Ripon Market Square
November 27 and December 18, 10am to 3pm
Curated by Little Bird, the popular artisan market returns to Ripon’s historic market square in November and December. Offering mouth-watering international food and drink and beautifully crafted Christmas gifts, there really is something for everyone on your Christmas list. Local crafters and producers offer a diverse shopping experience with unique products from ceramic jewellery, children’s gifts and handcrafted woodwork to framed photo prints and skin care products.
Festive Music and Lights at Fountains Abbey
Until Tuesday 3 January 2023
After a winter walk around the water gardens, as the light begins to fade, wander through the abbey ruins lit by all the colours of the rainbow. Walk beneath the cellarium’s vaulted ceilings and listen to live choirs and bands as they fill the ruins with festive music and carols. Refreshments are available including hot food from the Mill café.
For more information on live performances click here
Festive Trail and Santa’s Grotto – Thorp Perrow Arboretum, near Bedale
24 November to 24 December
Follow the festive trail until you reach Santa’s grotto nestled deep in the woods. The elves will welcome and guide you through the winter wonderland where you’ll meet a host of wonderful creatures before arriving outside Santa’s cosy log cabin. He’ll welcome you to his sitting room for a chat and a photo with a gift for every child.
Pre-booking is essential, purchase tickets now to avoid disappointment. For more information, click here
RHS Glow at Harlow Carr, Harrogate
17 November to 30 December
Enjoy an after dark spectacle of lights at Harlow Carr this festive season. Discover the garden in a whole new light as you follow an enchanting trail around magnificent trees and shrubs awash with colour, as the gardens are illuminated by spectacular installations. New for 2022, a ‘pixel lawn’ covered in hundreds of synchronised, dancing lights.
Take a break along the way to tuck into festive treats and warming drinks from Betty’s Tea House including mulled wine, mince pies, or hot chocolate.
Book tickets here
Illuminated Winter Wonderland, Ripon Spa Gardens
December 18 to December 21, 2pm to 8pm
The Spa Gardens will be illuminated with a twinkly festive trail and an alternative Christmas tree competition bursting with creativity, and if you’ve not had chance to enter, free crafting activities will take place throughout the evening. With carol singing, a brass band and seasonal refreshments including mulled wine, a festive atmosphere is guaranteed. Entry is free but all donations will be gratefully received.
