Santa Experience on York City Cruises
City of York | 23rd November – 23rd December
York City Cruises are providing fun for all the family thanks to their festive Santa Experience. You and your little ones can sail along the River Ouse in a beautifully decorated boat while taking in the stunning sites York has to offer. Accompanied by Santa Clause himself and his friendly elves, this experience also allows you to explore Santa’s North Pole Grotto under Lendal Bridge and guarantees a magical time for kids and adults alike – not to mention a personalised present for each child on the nice list!
www.cityexperiences.com
‘Illuminate’ at Burnby Hall Gardens and Museum
Pocklington, East Yorkshire | 29th November – 21st December
A dazzling one-off winter spectacular to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of the Stewarts Trust is set to take place this year. The Trust have been responsible for running Burnby Hall Gardens and Museum for the last 60 years and are marking the occasion with a gorgeous display of light in the lush gardens. This will be an unforgettable, family-friendly experience where visitors will have the unique opportunity to witness the beautiful, 8-acre Burnby Hall Gardens by night, illuminated by stunning, winter-themed lighting and installations.
www.burnbyhallgardens.com
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride at Wensleydale Railway
Wensleydale, North Yorkshire |16th November – 23rd December
This Christmas, for the 5th year running, the hugely popular THE POLAR EXPRESS™ train ride experience returns to Wensleydale Railway. Father Christmas himself and familiar faces from The Polar Express film are waiting to provide an enchanting, family-friendly experience for all – starting from Leeming Bar station and travelling through the Yorkshire Dales. Guests will receive a hot chocolate from the on-board singing chefs, a sweet treat, and the iconic Silver Sleigh Bell as seen in the 2004 film as their first gift of Christmas.
wensleydale-railway.co.uk
‘Mischief at the Mansion’ at Harewood House
Leeds, West Yorkshire | 15th November – 5th January
‘Mischief at the Mansion’ is the long anticipated second instalment of Harewood House’s 2019 ‘Night at the Mansion’ experience. This event, brought to you by award-winning artists at Studio McGuire, is sure to be a truly unique and memorable night for all those who attend. This innovative concept invites visitors into a world of digital artistry full of mesmerising stories and spectacles. The dazzlingly decorated Harewood House is not to be missed this time round and is sure to exceed even the highest of expectations.
harewood.org
Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland at York Designer Outlet
City of York |15th November – 5th January
This festive wonderland is free to enter and is the perfect place to spend the countdown to Christmas. Tickets are available to purchase for Santa’s Grotto and The Ice Factor – an expansive, outdoor ice-skating rink with a stunning Christmas tree centrepiece. Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland is full of cosy log cabins, twinkling lights, and thrilling funfair rides with tokens to be purchased on site. The Chalet rinkside café and viewing terrace overlook the festivities and a range of tasty food and drink are on offer throughout. There’s no reason not to see for yourself!
www.yorkshireswinterwonderland.com
York Christmas Markets
Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a leisurely stroll, hot chocolate in hand, through a cosy market filled with trinkets and treats to get you in the Christmas spirit. Yorkshire is the place to be when it comes to Christmas shopping in one-of-a-kind stalls, trying out local and international delicacies, and being serenaded by cheerful tunes and carols. For more details on where to go and when, be sure to read our Guide to York Christmas Markets…
visityork.org