Journal

Christmas in Yorkshire 2022

The holidays are coming and Christmas in Yorkshire is an experience you won’t forget. From festive market stalls to meeting Santa himself, Yorkshire has a range of Christmas events for the whole family to enjoy.

Christmas in Yorkshire

People exploring the Christmas market in York

Christmas in Yorkshire is a magical experience. With illuminated Winter Wonderlands, Christmas markets and decorated National Trust properties waiting to be explored, your festive season starts here.

Here’s our guide to Christmas markets and Christmas Events in Yorkshire 2022…


Christmas Markets in Yorkshire

People shopping at Christmas Markets in Yorkshire

York Christmas Market (St Nicholas Fair)

The popular St Nicholas Fair returns to York this year, complete with alpine chalets, handmade gifts and delicious treats. Enjoy a warming glass of mulled wine after wandering along the chalet lines streets. Or treat yourself to a tasty snack, whilst soaking up the festive atmosphere.

After a day exploring the popular Yorkshire Christmas markets, grab a hot chocolate (or something a little stronger) and put your feet up in Thor’s Tipi.

When? The York Christmas Festival will line the streets of York from 17 November to 23 December 2022.

Where? Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square.


Whitby Christmas Festival

The Whitby Christmas Market returns in 2022 with an atmosphere warm with Christmas cheer!

Watch the magical Christmas lights switch-on before exploring the many Christmas stalls. Experience an enchanting fireworks display and keep your eyes peeled for the main man himself, as Santa makes an appearance.

When? The Whitby Christmas Festival will take place between 18th November and 20th November 2022.

Where? Marina Car Park, Whitby

If you’re wanting to visit Whity Christmas Festival this season, take a look at these Whitby cottages for a cosy place to stay.


Scarborough Sparkle

A Christmas wonderland in the coastal town of Scarborough. Join the family-friendly events and christmas markets at Scarborough Sparkle this winter. Browse the festive stalls for a unique Christmas gift or take a ride on one of the illuminated fairground rides. A great evening for the whole family to enjoy.

When? Enjoy the delights of Scarborough Sparkle between 25 November and 27 November 2022

Where? Scarborough Open Air Theatre

Looking for a place to stay this Christmas? These Scarborough holiday cottages are the ideal place to relax after enjoying the delights of Scarborough Sparkle.


Christmas Events in Yorkshire

Santa reading a Christmas letter to a child

Watch the Snowman at York Minster

The Snowman Tour returns to York Minster for another year. Watch the festive classic in the majestic Minster, brought to life by the sounds of a live orchestra. This is a memorable event for the whole family. Be sure to get your tickets well in advance – as this special performance is sure to sell out.

When? Saturday 10th December 2022

Where? York Minster, York, YO1 7HH


Christmas at Castle Howard

After last year’s “Christmas in Narnia” extravaganza, Castle Howard becomes a place of fairytales as it hosts “Into the Woods: A Fairytale Christmas“.

The grand rooms have been transformed into magical forests and fairytale scenes. Plus, Santa himself will be making an appearance – so make sure you book your spot to avoid disappointment.

After finding the perfect Christmas gift for your loved ones from the gift shop, enjoy some indulgent winter treats and get cosy by the roaring log fires. If you weren’t feeling festive before, you will after a visit to Castle Howard at Christmas.

When? 12th November to  2nd January 2022

Where? Castle Howard Estate, York, YO60 7DA


Take a Ride on The Polar Express, Wensleydale Railway

Prepare yourself for a Yorkshire Christmas event like no other and experience the Polar Express aboard the Wensleydale Railway. Listen to the classic Christmas tale of the Polar Express as the dancing chefs serve up some delicious hot chocolate.

Upon reaching the North Pole, listen out for the sound of sleigh bells as Santa climbs aboard The Polar Express! Santa will provide generous gifts for all, including a silver bell from his sleigh. The journey back to Leeming Bar Station will be full of Christmas carols and excited chatter. All aboard The Polar Express!

When? Saturday 12th November to Friday 23rd December 2022

Where? Leeming Bar Station, Leases Rd, Leeming Bar, Northallerton DL7 9AR


Christmas at Nunnington Hall

Visit Nunnington Hall this Christmas and enjoy a festive journey through the ages. With a cosy tea garden complete with a fire pit and a chance to meet Father Christmas in his grotto, Nunnington Hall is full of Christmas cheer this season.

On Saturday 3rd December gather around the fire pit for an evening of carols, sourdough pizza and a visit from the big man himself!

When? Friday 25th November to Sunday 18th December, 2022

Where? Nunnington Hall, Nunnington, near York, North Yorkshire, YO62 5UY


The Santa Special on The North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Join Father Christmas and his team of elves at Pickering or Grosmont Station, before embarking on a magical Christmas journey. Everyone gets a chance to meet the man himself, as Santa passes through the heritage carriages.

When? Saturday 3rd December to Saturday 24th December 2022

Where? Pickering Station or Grosmont Station, North Yorkshire Moors Railway

If you’d like to spend Christmas in Yorkshire this year. Why not stay in one of these Grosmont cottages, and meet Santa on The North Yorkshire Moors Railway.


Christmas at Burton Agnes Hall

Christmas returns to Burton Agnes Hall this winter. The house will be radiating festive cheer, with handmade decorations filling the Long Gallery. Outside you’ll find a trail of giant, hand-carved candy canes. Can you find all 24?

Once you’ve explored the great outdoors, share a wood-fired pizza with your family, enjoy some tasty homemade treats and even a spiced hot drink. The gift shop will also be selling some beautiful Christmas decorations and gifts.

When? Monday 14th November to Friday 23rd December 2022

Where? Burton Agnes Hall, Burton Agnes, Driffield, East Yorkshire, YO25 4NB


Winter Woodland at Sewerby Hall and Gardens

Experience a magical winter wonderland at Sewerby Hall and Gardens with your loved ones. Visitors will be able to sample a range of local craft stalls and explore the house itself, filled with decorations and Christmas trees. This event returns for 2022 after a successful year last year, taking you on a mesmerising outdoor journey of spectacular sounds and lights. But watch out for the Snow Queen, who has cast a spell on the beautiful woodlands!

Travel through illuminated tunnels, explore the winter woodlands and take part in some enchanting activities. You’ll have the chance to make your own wand before meeting the Snow Queen herself. The spectacular event ends with an impressive light display set to music.

When? Friday 9th December to Friday 23rd December 2022

Where? Sewerby Hall and Gardens, Sewerby, Bridlington, YO15 1ED

A holiday cottage in Bridlington is the ideal place to rest after a day exploring the Winter Wonderland at Sewerby Hall and Gardens.


Looking forward to Christmas in Yorkshire? We definitely are after reading all about these magical Christmas events. Be sure to check out these Christmas Cottages in Yorkshire or Places to Stay in Yorkshire for New Year for a festive season to remember.

Or why not read our guide to the best market days in North Yorkshire for some other great Christmas shopping options