8 Festive Things to Do in East Yorkshire in December
Updated for 2026 – 09/10/2026
East Yorkshire Christmas Events 2026
Home to beautiful coastlines and countryside to enjoy all year round, there are plenty of festive things to do in East Yorkshire this December.
Interested in seasonal celebrations across England? Check out our guides on what’s on in Lincolnshire in December, festive events in Norfolk, Christmas events in Suffolk, December events in Essex and Christmas in North Yorkshire.
1. Christmas at Burton Agnes Hall & Gardens
Burton Agnes Hall opens for Christmas from 14th November to 23rd December 2026, daily from 11am to 5pm. The Elizabethan house is decorated with handmade decorations crafted from flowers and foliage grown and dried in the walled garden, and the woodland behind the house is filled with 24 giant hand-carved and painted candy canes, one for each day of advent. Young visitors can hunt for a felt snowman doll hidden in each room by the family. When dusk falls the topiary is strung with Christmas lights, fires are lit, and the atmosphere shifts noticeably. Wood-fired food, spiced hot drinks and baked goods are served throughout, and the gift shop stocks Christmas decorations and gifts.
Late night openings with carols and mulled wine until 9pm are on 1st December and 10th December. Tickets for late night sessions are separate, limited, and must be booked in advance. Book tickets at Burton Agnes Hall.
2. Magical Santa Experience at Sledmere House
The Magical Santa Experience at Sledmere Barns returns each December, with an immersive actor-led experience leading families through to meet Santa and Mrs Claus, followed by a visit to the Elf Toy Shop and a tractor ride to see Sledmere’s herd of Red Deer. Pre-school sessions run on selected Fridays for younger visitors. 2026 dates start Wednesday 25th November to Wednesday 23rd December and booking are available on the Sledmere House Christmas events page. Tickets sell out quickly so it’s worth checking early.
3. Fairytales at Christmas at Sewerby Hall & Gardens
Sewerby Hall’s Christmas experience for 2026 is a brand-new indoor trail through the historic rooms of the hall, each decorated around a different fairytale theme. It runs on weekends from 21st November 2026 to 3rd January 2027, plus 21st, 22nd and 23rd December, and is closed on 26th and 27th December. The Hall opens from 11:30am to 3:30pm on event days, with two arrival sessions: 11:30am to 1pm and 1pm to 2:30pm.
Advance booking is recommended as dates are expected to sell out. Book tickets here.
4. East Yorkshire Wildlife in Winter
From Flamborough Cliffs to Spurn National Nature Reserve, East Yorkshire has some good winter wildlife watching on offer. The Yorkshire Wildlife Trust’s Wild Guides cover barn owls, stoats, seals and harbour porpoise. A free and unhurried way to spend a winter afternoon close to the coast.
5. Bridlington’s Santa Express
The Santa Express land train departs from the Bridlington Spa land train platform on the Princess Mary Promenade and heads to the North Pole, where the 2026 adventure centres on a missing reindeer rescue mission. Help Mrs Claus track down Santa’s reindeer, decorate a gingerbread, take part in festive activities, visit Mrs Claus’s Kitchen for food and drinks, and meet Santa himself. The whole experience takes around an hour.
Runs on weekends from 28th November to 20th December 2026, plus Tuesday 22nd and Wednesday 23rd December, with five journeys per day. Buy tickets at BridSpa.com.
6. Victorian Christmas Market
Step back in time at Hull’s Victorian Christmas Market on Saturday 28th November 2026, at 10am in Trinity Square. Wander among traditional stalls inside and out, filled with festive treats, gifts, and seasonal cheer.
Enjoy the nostalgic charm of a Victorian Christmas and explore the Museum Quarter, which will be hosting events all weekend.
7. Carols at City Hall
Experience the magic of the season at Carols at Hull City Hall on Sunday 13th December, hosted by Hull Vineyard Church. This inspiring evening features powerful carols led by the Hull Vineyard band, heartfelt stories, festive readings, and special guest moments that capture the spirit of Christmas.
Celebrate the hope, joy, and meaning of the season with live music, community, and a message to uplift and inspire, an unforgettable evening for all ages.
Check the Hull Vineyard Christmas page for listings.
8. Beverley Festival of Christmas
Step into the festive magic of the Beverley Festival of Christmas on Sunday 13th December 2026, as the historic town transforms into a sparkling winter wonderland. Explore over 120 stalls brimming with gifts, treats, and seasonal delights.
Looking for a base to enjoy East Yorkshire at Christmas? Browse our holiday homes in East Yorkshire and make the most of everything the county has to offer. Our Events in East Yorkshire guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
There’s a strong spread for families with younger children. The Santa Express in Bridlington runs from 28th November to 23rd December 2026, with a land train journey to the North Pole, a reindeer rescue mission, and a visit from Santa himself. The Magical Santa Experience at Sledmere House runs from 25th November to 23rd December, with an actor-led experience, an elf toy shop, and a tractor ride to see the red deer. Fairytales at Christmas at Sewerby Hall runs from 21st November to 3rd January 2027 and is included with a Sewerby Hall Annual Pass. All three are a short drive from our East Yorkshire holiday park at South Shore.
Christmas at Burton Agnes Hall opens on 14th November 2026 and runs daily until 23rd December, from 11am to 5pm. There are also two late night openings with carols and mulled wine until 9pm, on 1st December and 10th December. Late night tickets are separate and limited, so book ahead if you want those dates.
Yes. East Yorkshire wildlife watching is a good free option throughout the winter, with barn owls, stoats, seals and harbour porpoise all spotted across sites from Flamborough Cliffs to Spurn. The Beverley Festival of Christmas on 13th December 2026 is a free market event with over 120 stalls in the historic town centre. Hull’s Victorian Christmas Market on 28th November is also free to attend.
South Shore Park in Bridlington puts you within easy reach of the Santa Express, Sewerby Hall, Burton Agnes, and the Sledmere House experiences. It’s also close to the coast for winter wildlife walks along Flamborough Cliffs. Our East Yorkshire events guide covers what else is on across the county throughout the year.