North Yorkshire Christmas Events: 4 Festive Things to Do in December
Updated for 2026 – 20/10/2026
North Yorkshire Christmas Events 2026
Home to the Moors and famous coastal town of Whitby, North Yorkshire is a great place to visit. During the festive season, there’s some especially festive activities to enjoy. Browse the list to find the perfect picks for you and yours this December.
This is just one in our series of local guides to December and the Christmas period: check out what’s on in Lincolnshire in December, festive events in Norfolk, Christmas events in Suffolk, December events in Essex and what’s on at Christmas in East Yorkshire.
1. Christmas at Castle Howard with Dickens
Thursday 12th November 2026 to Sunday 3rd January 2027
The 2026 Christmas experience at Castle Howard brings Charles Dickens to life in ‘A Dickens of a Christmas‘, across the rooms of the historic house, with projections, soundscapes, costumed characters and theatrical installations inspired by his novels. Expect familiar faces including Ebenezer Scrooge, with the creative team behind the previous Wizard of Oz and Alice in Wonderland experiences returning to produce it.
Running from 12th November to 3rd January, with gardens tickets available from the same date. Alongside the main house experience, there’s Father Christmas in the Castle (selected dates, 21st November to 24th December), Santa’s Grotto in the new Jellycat Shop, a Theatrical Afternoon Tea hosted by a live actor, wreath-making workshops, and a farm shop and café.
Tickets for the house experience start from £24 for adults and £12 for children, subject to a booking fee. All tickets must be pre-booked.
2. Scarborough Sparkle at the Open Air Theatre
Friday 27th to Sunday 29th November 2026
Get ready to kick off the festive season in style at Scarborough Sparkle!
The town comes alive with dazzling lights, festive entertainment, and family-friendly fun. Enjoy a weekend full of magical displays, live performances, and seasonal treats as Scarborough shines brighter than ever. Don’t miss this sparkling start to the holidays!
3. Winter Illuminations & Christmas Adventure at Stockeld Park
Saturday 21st November to Thursday 24th December 2026
Experience the magic of the Winter Illuminations & Christmas Adventure at Stockeld Park this Christmas.
Enjoy festive activities for all ages, including meeting Santa in his grotto, skating on the ice rink, exploring the Enchanted Forest playgrounds, and navigating the giant Snowflake Maze.
Don’t miss the dazzling Christmas light show, enchanting Santa’s Grotto, live theatre show and festive ice skating. The Enchanted Forest transforms into an illuminated wonderland with lights and projections. Celebrate the season with Yorkshire’s most magical Christmas adventure, perfect for families and children of all ages!
4. Santa Express at North Yorkshire Moors Railway
Selected dates from Saturday 28th November to Thursday 24th December 2026
A one-hour festive return journey on the Santa Express North Yorkshire Moors Railway, with Old Sant Nick appearing on the train and each child receiving a gingerbread man plush toy. Back at the station, there’s festive shopping in the Emporium and Christmas fete games.
Runs on selected dates from 28th and 29th November and 5th, 6th, 12th, 13th 19th, 20th, 22nd, 23rd and 24th December 2026, with four departure times daily: 10:30, 12:00, 13:30 and 15:00. Booking is essential.
If you’re looking for a base to enjoy North Yorkshire at Christmas, take a look at our holiday homes in North Yorkshire.
Got an event suggestion we’ve missed? Let us know on social media.
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on what you’re after. Castle Howard’s A Dickens of a Christmas is one of the most immersive options in the region, running from 12th November to 3rd January with Father Christmas, a theatrical afternoon tea, and a Jellycat shop. Stockeld Park runs from 21st November to 24th December and covers ice skating, Santa’s Grotto, light displays and an adventure playground all in one visit. The Santa Express at North Yorkshire Moors Railway is a shorter experience but a genuinely memorable one for younger children.
A Dickens of a Christmas at Castle Howard opens on 12th November 2026 and runs until 3rd January 2027. All tickets must be pre-booked and include timed entry to the house. Gardens tickets are also available from the same date, with free entry for Members.
The Santa Express runs on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway on selected dates from 28th November to 24th December 2026, with four daily departures at 10:30, 12:00, 13:30 and 15:00. It’s a one-hour return journey with Santa on board, a gingerbread man plush toy for each child, and festive shopping in the Emporium at the station. Booking is essential as dates sell out.
Our North Yorkshire holiday parks put you well-placed for Castle Howard, Stockeld Park, Scarborough Sparkle and the NYMR Santa Express. Whether you’re planning a long Christmas break or a festive weekend, a holiday home gives you a comfortable base rather than driving back the same day. Our North Yorkshire events guide also covers what else is on across the county through the year.