The Christmas tree may up and festive songs are on the radio, but it's going to Santa's grotto, seeing the Christmas lights, and visiting the atmospheric Christmas markets that really get you in the festive mood.
Market towns and pretty Yorkshire villages transform into their own winter wonderlands. We've put together our favourite events in the area, so on your Christmas break in one of our decorated Christmas cottages and lodges, you know the place to be! You'll also find lots of gorgeous country cottages, so enjoy the mulled wine and throw a log on the fire and relax while we do hard work.
What's on in the area this December
Winter walks at Fountains Abbey…
This Christmas why not escape the hustle and bustle of the high street, wrap up warm and explore the Winter Wonderland at Fountains Abbey. The abbey is lit in rainbow colours, and under the grand columns of the nave and listen to the choir or band in the Cellarium. On weekends, head to watch the deer feeding.
Follow winter walking trail through the abbey and the Water Garden, where you’re sure to see frost-covered spiders webs, red holly berries and winter birds splashing on Studley Lake. Mulled wine and mince pies are served to warm you up when you come back inside.
Santa’s Grotto at Thorp Perrow…
Follow the festive trail at Thorp Perrow through the Arboretum, until you find yourself at the grotto, nestled deep in the woods. The elves welcome and guide you through the winter wonderland, where you’ll meet a host of wonderful creatures before arriving outside Santa’s log cabin home. Inside, you’ll meet the donkeys and take a sneak peek into the elves bedroom. You will have the chance to meet Santa in his cosy living room and a gift will be given to all of the children on Santa’s nice list this year!
Country Living Magazine Fair, Harrogate…
A travelling event, it runs from 5-8th December in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. Enjoy expert workshops on gift wrapping, how to style your home at Christmas, techniques to make special handmade gifts and decorations for yourself and loved ones and much more. They’ve made shopping easy, with drop off points when you find you’ve picked up too many wonderful gifts on the stalls. Find out more…
Malton Christmas Food Market…
Set in the market place, the Christmas version of the very popular monthly food market also has non-food gifts to browse. There are 100 stalls expected, with fantastic food, festive gift stalls, street food, live music, choirs and entertainment including Victorian themed fairground rides for the children. The Christmas market will be awash with all the festive foodie goodies that you would expect and some unique gifts and stocking fillers too.
York’s Christmas Market…
York is one of our favourite cities with medieval charm and wonderful buildings. At Christmas there are scents of spiced mulled wine and delicious food, making it a must-do. The St Nicholas Christmas Fair won Best Large Speciality Market at the Great British Market Awards in 2019 and the Shambles Market has a diverse selection of traders and unique crafts. There’s also a Yorkshire Winter Wonderland held near York’s Designer Outlet, which is fun for families.
Held on 8th December in the historic market square you will find an eclectic mix of stalls selling handcrafted goods, local produce, plus there's festive entertainment. There are plenty of spots for a hot drink and mince pie if you're shopped out!
Head to The Station, a beautiful Victorian railway conversion in Richmond, for a workshop on making a beautiful Christmas table centrepieces to enhance your Christmas table. It is run by Chatsworth Florist Heather Roberts.
Held in the market town square on 7th December, enjoy arts and crafts, plenty of inspiration for Christmas gifts, a fairground and go to meet Santa in his grotto. The Leyburn Band with be playing, so be ready to carol! A lovely family day out.
A romantic holiday for couples, retreat to The Palins if you’re looking for a Christmas cottage. Perfect for two, this country cottage is nestled in the Yorkshire Dales, near Leyburn. There is one-bedroom with an en-suite wet room, it’s well-equipped and dog-friendly. Only launched in October, The Palins has stunning new interiors and a great reputation because of its well-reviewed big brother cottages at Sun Hill Farm.
The most wonderful time of year deserves an equally magical festive setting. Celebrate with a Christmas break in a decorated holiday cottage or lodge, where you can relax and enjoy the festivities in Yorkshire.
We've handpicked the perfect holiday cottages for a romantic weekend away. Perfect for couples, cosy up in front of the fire, enjoy a glass of bubbly in the outdoor hot tub or indulge in breakfast in bed at these one and two-bedroom holiday cottages in North Yorkshire.
Our top tips on how to get your home into the holiday spirit with a little help from Niche Living, the designers behind Greenbank Barns and Gayles Hall Barns