Looking for something festive to do with your friends and family this Christmas? The North Yorkshire Moors is jam-packed full of fun festive events in 2025; from sparkling light installations to quirky Christmas markets, and everything in between. Keep reading to discover our top 10 festive events taking place in the North Yorkshire Moors this winter…
A Fairytale Christmas at Castle Howard
12th November 2025 – 2nd January 2026
This Christmas, Castle Howard will be transformed into a winter wonderland full of happily ever afters and magical fairy tales. Discover state-of-the-art soundscapes in the form of enchanted installations and projections, bringing your favourite fairy tales to life in the castle’s great halls. Santa Claus will be making an appearance, bringing a special storytelling grotto to the courtyard. You can also enjoy festive afternoon teas, mulled wines, Christmas trees and after-dark winter light displays at Castle Howard this Christmas.
Christmas at Mother Shipton's
19th November – 24th December 2025
Santa Claus is coming to town! Let your kids meet the big man himself at Mother Shipton’s magical Christmas experience. You can enjoy a personal family visit with Santa in his cosy Christmas grotto, photos inside Santa’s magic sleigh, enchanting Christmas tales from Holly Berry, letter writing to Santa at the North Pole Post Office, and much, much more. Wander through the atmospheric winter woodland and discover the glittering Christmas Village, decorated with merry displays and delights.
York Christmas Festival
17th November – 23rd December 2025
Discover oodles of Christmas cheer in one of the UK’s most festive cities. This year marks the 30th anniversary of St Nicholas’ Fair, an iconic festive market that has been running since 1992. Stunning alpine chalets line the street selling an array of artisan gifts, creating an awe-inspiring winter wonderland. This year, a traditional Swiss chalet, The Winter Hütte, will be coming to the York Christmas Festival, offering a ‘Swiss with a Twist’ dining experience from Michelin-star chef Andrew Pern.
Santa Specials at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway
3rd – 25th December 2025
Join Santa and his magical team of elves at Pickering or Grosmont Station this December for an enchanted adventure on the Santa Express. Santa and his little helpers will be passing through the train’s traditional heritage carriages, meeting kids, and presenting them with a special gift – after all, there’s plenty of room on the nice list! There will be lots of festive fun and games onboard, with each child also receiving a North Yorkshire Moors Railway Christmas backpack.
Christmas Adventure at Stockeld Park
19th November 2025 – 4th January 2026
Yorkshire’s finest Christmas adventure and award-winning festive light display is set to return to Stockeld Park this year. Unique Christmas celebrations will be taking part across the park, seeing crowds as big as 125,000 people. Meet Santa, enjoy the wonderful winter illuminations in the Enchanted Forest, uncover the mysteries of the Snowflake Maze, or whizz and spin around the ice rink – the possibilities are truly endless! You can also purchase on of the real Christmas trees on offer, grown on the Stockeld Park Estate.
Christmas at Murton Park
3rd – 22nd December 2025
Prepare to be wowed at Murton Park with their unmissable Christmas experience this December. Meet Santa in his picturesque Long House in Murton’s festive village, sing a song with Mrs Claus, frolic around with the Murton Elves, take part in some festive arts and crafts, and make your very own reindeer food to put out on Christmas Eve. Adults will also get a free mince pie to enjoy, as they watch their children’s faces light up with Christmas cheer.
Lotherton Christmas Experience
26th November – 31st December 2025
Oodles of Christmas magic and excitement is coming to Lotherton Estate this Christmas. Embark upon an enchanted twelve days of Christmas walk through Captain’s Wood, uncover the secret fairy hideaway in the rock garden, visit Santa in the North Pole and meet the elves working away in the festive toy shop. The rooms of the Lotherton Edwardian House will be all dressed up for Christmas, with a picturesque Elf Village serving up hot chocolate and Christmas crafts.
Long Live the Christmas Tree at Harewood House
12th November 2025 – 2nd January 2026
Yorkshire’s most celebrated country house will be celebrating the Christmas Tree in the most unique way this festive season. Artists and makers from Yorkshire and beyond will come together to create a spectacular festive display of trees inspired by nature, winter, and Harewood House itself. As well as admiring the amazing art display, you can marvel upon the festive decorations in the house, enjoy kids Christmas activities, and take a wonderful winter stroll around the gorgeous gardens and grounds.
Magical Sleigh Rides at Piglet's Adventure Farm
19th November – 24th December 2026
A truly magical festive adventure awaits you at Piglet’s Adventure Farm. Check in at Elf Airlines and write your Christmas wishes to Santa, before hopping aboard Santa’s sleigh for an enchanting ride through snow-laden trees and twinkling fairy lights. Arrive at Santa’s Woodland Village and meet the big man himself, before receiving the key to the toy shop and choosing your favourite festive gift. Join the mischievous elves in a singing and dancing show, before exploring the wonderful Woodland Village. A great day out with the kids!
RHS Glow at Harlow Carr
17th November – 30th December 2026
Let it glow at Harlow Carr this festive season! Admire the amazing after-dark spectacle of twinkling lights and discover the garden in all its beauty on the spectacular glow trail. See iconic features such as Streamside, the Queen Mother’s Lake, the Winter Walk, Doric Columns and Kitchen Garden all lit up with festive sparkle. New for this year, you can enjoy ambient music around the Queen Mother’s Lake and be wowed by the pixel lawn with thousands of dancing lights.
Wonderful Winter Escapes at Valley View Farm Cottages
Our six charming holiday cottages are set in the heart of Old Byland, providing the perfect base for a fun festive break in the North Yorkshire Moors. We are filling up fast for the winter season – click here to book your wonderful winter escape at Valley View farm Cottages today!
