Yorkshire Days out over Christmas 2019

If you’re planning on being in the Yorkshire area for the Christmas holidays, then here is a list of ideas for spending a few hours or all day out the house to break up the much needed rest days at home over the festive period.

Wensleydale Railway Polar Express

This Christmas experience is unlike any other. Brought to you by the organisers of the number 1 voted Polar Express in the World, Wensleydale Railway hosts THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride new for 2019.

Nestled in one of the prettiest parts of the Yorkshire Dales is Wensleydale Railway.

Standing outside and waiting for that first whiff of steam and the sound of the train whistling down the platform was just magical.

Settling on board your transported straight to the film itself as the chefs welcome you all.

The theatrical conductor gets you in the mood with a few well known Christmas songs and a simple rendition of the Polar express story. Complete with bit chocolate, cookies, a visit from Santa and singing chefs the Polar Express Yorkshire at Wensleydale Railway is truly an unforgettable atmospheric Christmas experience to remember forever!

Read my full review here.

Castle Howard

The Christmas Masquerade is on until 5th January 2020

We thoroughly enjoyed a presstrip to Castle Howard this year for their Christmas masquerade. If you’re thinking of visiting, then do, as you really won’t be disappointed! The Christmas masquerade with its spellbinding, beautiful design is a must-see theatrical and opulent treat throughout every room of the house. In the great hall stands their stunning, iconic 25ft tree complete with 3500 baubles.

Tips for visiting:

Look out for the harlequin hide and seek hunt around the house.
Festive food and drink for all the family is served in the warm, purpose-built Christmas marquees.
You could always make a whole day of it and go for a walk in the grounds and / or head to the Skelf Island adventure playground afterwards.
Check the website for twilight evening events and afternoon tea dates.

Stockeld Park near Wetherby~A Christmas Adventure

Fancy trying out Nordic skiing or ice skating? A peaceful woodland backdrop with an enchanted forest and enough kids playgrounds to keep them active all day! If you still have energy to burn then try out the spectacular illuminated maze. See here for a full review from our Christmas 2018 visit.

Lotherton Hall

22 November 2019 – 05 January 2020

View opening times on The Christmas Experience

We recently enjoyed our first family trip out to Lotherton Hall and I wanted to share with you what you can expect to see and do when you visit this Christmas.

The House – You get a real sense of an Edwardian Christmas, try and visit in the dark when the house is all lit up.

Skating – Have the full Winter Wonderland experience and go skating on their outdoor ice rink. We found the skating staff to be extremely helpful.
Elf Village – Head down to the Elf village for plenty to do, such as plate decorating, make your own crackers, bauble making, story time or simply slow down and sit under the twinkly canopy with a blanket and a drink of hot chocolate and a snack.
North Pole -Head through the frosty wintry wonderland and with the help of the Elves make a keepsake and write a postcard to Santa and then meet the big man himself.
12 Days of Christmas Woodland Walk -Great for burning off energy and entertaining the kids with the interactive stations on the way round, plus visit the fairies’ hidden dell.

Top tips:

Have plenty of time, as we needed more to explore all the Christmas activities.
Check the website for tickets to tailor your budget around the activities.

St Nicholas Christmas Fair

Take a stroll along St Nicholas Fair and soak up the festive atmosphere, as you discover fine Yorkshire produce from crafters and makers in the Made in Yorkshire Yuletide Village. If you’re looking for more traditional Christmas gifts, don’t forget to wander amongst the alpine chalets on Parliament Street. Sample festive food and drink at the St Sampson’s Square rustic Yorkshire Barn with delicious treats including hot chestnuts and glasses of warming mulled wine and head for a drink in Thor’s tipi.

Head down to Kings Square and experience all the fun of the fair. Don’t miss the opportunity to slide down a good old fashioned Helter Skelter. Sample festive food and drink at the St Sampson’s Square rustic Yorkshire Barn with delicious treats including hot chestnuts and glasses of warming mulled wine.

Harlow Carr~Harrogate

Enjoy RHS Garden Harlow Carr in a different light as special lighting effects bring a touch of magic. Follow the illuminated trail around the magnificent trees and shrubs as dusk falls. See the lake, Winter Walk, Streamside and Doric columns as you’ve never seen them before. Thursday–Saturday from 4.30pm – 8pm, with the last admission at 7pm.

Snowman ~ Beverley Minster

11th December 2019

Experience the magic of The Snowman in a whole new way this Christmas. The world’s most prolific performers of The Snowman film with live orchestra; Carrot Productions are delighted to be touring with their wonderful Christmas show again this December.

The concert will open with a toe-tapping Christmas Medley followed by a fun introduction to the orchestra. All the instruments are presented in a fun and approachable way, offering the young audience members the valuable experience of seeing – and hearing – the instruments individually. Following this there will also be a showing of a donkey’s tale. See the website to find out more

Winter Welly Walks

Dalby Forest with walking and cycle trails for all abilities and events such as star gazing and natural crafting activities plus the Gruffalo trail this Christmas, head to Dalby to blow the cobwebs away this December. Dalby Forest

Eureka ~Halifax

Winter Season Experience the museum as never before as they celebrate the winter season with extra activities, decorations and a huge outdoor Christmas tree. This is still on our visit to do list, but we have heard such great things.

Fountains Abbey

What could be more atmospheric than seeing Fountains Abbey glowing with Christmas lights and alive with joyful caroling right up to the big day. It’s also open in between Christmas and New Year to walk off the Christmas indulgence.

Local Cinemas

Check out your local independent and chain cinemas as there are many showings of old favourites from The Snowman and Snowdog to CBeebies Pantomimes and theatre productions. So if you fancy a big screen with a different kind of showing than take a look at the listings as the choice seems really varied locally this year.

I hope this gives you a few ideas to get out the house this Winter holiday and do please let me know what days out you have found in Yorkshire this Christmas.