Harrogate District Lights Up for Christmas
Tourism agency Visit Harrogate is shining a festive light on a host of illuminations that feature across the district.
Major tourism attraction, Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal in Ripon, lights up its World Heritage Site. On weekends on the run up to Christmas, visitors can wander through the estate and see the Abbey aglow with the colours of the rainbow, with live festive music in the cellarium.
Tripping the light fantastic, RHS Harlow Carr Gardens in Harrogate brings its winter attraction ‘Glow’ to the most northerly RHS garden. A colour-changing illuminated trail appears around the garden’s magnificent trees and shrubs as dusk falls, casting magical light on the Queen Mother’s Lake and Doric columns.
Harrogate district includes the medieval city of Ripon, Nidderdale - a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the four charming market towns, Boroughbridge, Knaresborough, Masham and Pateley Bridge.
Knaresborough features a children’s Light Parade to symbolically light the Christmas lights. Christmas Lights Switch On celebrations also take place in Harrogate and Ripon. For family adventure, Stockeld Park in Wetherby will illuminate its Enchanted Forest with a Nordic ski woodland trail and ice rink open for winter.
As the ‘Knightsbridge of the North’, Harrogate offers traditional Christmas shopping thanks to the eclectic mix of shops and boutiques in the cosmopolitan centre. The boutique Spa town has become a major part of the Christmas tourism trail.
Alongside the annual Christmas shop window competition, the popular Harrogate Christmas Market returns, with its distinctly Yorkshire stamp. It features 200 stalls offering the best of home-made and fairly traded Christmas goods from local and regional producers, artists and crafters, with festive food and drink, buskers and children’s rides, located in on one of the UK’s prettiest streets, Montpellier Hill.
There are a series of major Christmas fairs, from Ripley Castle to Ripon Cathedral, with Harrogate Convention Centre featuring the Country Living Christmas Fair, with over 300 crafters offering inspiration on festive styling, decorating and cookery.
Experience carol services in stunning locations such as the Cistercian Monastery at Fountain’s Abbey or the medieval Ripon Cathedral throughout the season. Father Christmas will of course appear in grottos in spectacular locations, including Beningbrough Hall.
There’s also Santa Special rail journeys hosted on-board the magical Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway.
Nature lovers can get crafty at Brimham Rocks to create Christmas gifts from natural materials gathered from the moorland, with craft workshops, or create your own winter wreath at Christmas Floristry workshops at Fountain’s Abbey.
Shake the cobwebs away and enjoy winter walks in Nidderdale AONB, or step back in time in the Georgian splendour of the water garden at Fountains Abbey with its medieval deer park.
The district is also home to some of Yorkshire’s best pubs, cafes and restaurants from cosy fireplaces to fine dining and afternoon teas, to refuel after late night shopping or a winter walk.
Festivities continue into Boxing Day as Knaresborough features its time honoured tradition with its Boxing Day Tug o’ War from opposite banks of the River Nidd, and Fountains Abbey brings its Boxing Day Pilgrimage, following the footsteps of 12th Century monks from Ripon Cathedral.
New Year’s Eve sees Ripon ablaze with its New Year’s Eve celebrations with a Watchlight Service at the Cathedral and Torchlight procession to the Market square with live entertainment and fireworks. Knaresborough unleashes 5,000 plastic ducks into the River Nidd with its New Year’s Day Duck Race.
Find out about these and more events happening across the Harrogate District at visitharrogate.co.uk
Christmas Listings
Father Christmas
17th November – 24th December
Stockeld Park
We like to make Santa feel at home, so have prepared him a beautiful luxury log cabin all the way from Lapland!
Stockeld Park, Wetherby LS22 4AN
Please visit www.stockeldpark.co.uk for full details
17th & 18th November
Stockeld Park
Santa’s Arrival & Sleigh Parade
Come and join Santa and his wonderful reindeer as he arrives at Stockeld Park to mark the opening of the magical Santa’s Grotto. Meet the reindeers – 11am, Santa’s arrival – 3pm followed by the parade through the enchanted forest.
24th November – 23rd December (Weekends only)
11.00pm – 3.00pm
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Father Christmas Grotto
Father Christmas is touching down at Fountains Abbey and he comes bearing gifts.
Fountain’s Abbey, Ripon HG4 3DY
25th November – 24th December (Weekends only) plus Tuesday 11th & Friday 21st December
Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway Santa Specials
Come and see Santa and receive a present on our one hour Santa Special rail journey.
Bolton Abbey Station BD23 6AF
Full schedule at: www.embsayboltonabbeyrailway.org.uk
30th November - 24th December
Christmas Stories with Santa at RHS Harlow Carr
Snuggle up for a classic Christmas tale with Santa
Book early to avoid disappointment.
Please visit www.rhs.org.uk/harlowcarr for dates, times & availability
Harlow Carr, Crag Lane, Harrogate HG3 1QB
1st December
Santa’s Grotto in Ripon
Follow Santa's footsteps to find Santa and his wife, Mrs Claus in their enchanted Grotto.
Ripon Town Hall, Ripon HG4 1DD
1st – 23rd December (Weekends Only)
11.00am – 3.30pm
Beningbrough Hall, Gallery and Gardens
Story time with Father Christmas
Father Christmas invites you to join him in the cosy library of the big hall for stories on the run up to the big day.
Booking is essential, telephone 01904 472014
Coach Road, Beningbrough YO30 1DD
Shopping, Markets & Fairs
16th October – 25th November
11.00am-3.00pm
Bath House Gallery – Christmas Crafts Showcase
Pop to Harlow Carr’s Bath House Gallery for a festive gift with a difference – from jewellery, scarves and handbags to children’s baking kits and Christmas decorations.
Harlow Carr, Crag Lane, Harrogate HG3 1QB
15th - 18th November
Thurs & Fri: 10.00am- 7.00pm, Sat: 9.30am-8.30pm, Sun: 9.30am-5.30pm
Harrogate Christmas Market
Thurs & Fri: 10.00am- 7.00pm, Sat: 9.30am-8.30pm, Sun: 9.30am-5.30pm
The ever popular Christmas market is back in the heart of Harrogate with 200 stalls offering a vast array of food, drink, crafts, children’s rides and more.
St. Mary’s Walk, Montpellier Hill, Harrogate HG1 2RZ
22nd – 25th November
Thurs: 10am-8.00pm, Fri & Sat: 10.00am-5.30pm Sun: 10.00am-5.00pm
Harrogate Convention Centre – The Knitting and Stitching Show
The definitive and best exhibition in the UK for lovers of textiles. Hundreds of exhibitors selling specialist supplies you just can’t find in the shops.
Harrogate Convention Centre, Kings Road HG1 5LA
22nd – 25th November
Thurs – Sat: 9.30am-5.30pm Sun: 9.30am – 4.00pm
The Christmas Fair at Ripley Castle
155 companies selling lots of Christmas goodies, decorations and clothing
Ripley HG3 3AY
24th November
9.30am – 4.30pm
Ripon Cathedral Christmas Gift & Food Fair
Over 100 stalls of seasonal food and gifts in the beautiful Cathedral Nave and Old Deanery.
Minster Road, Ripon HG4 1QS
29th November – 2nd December
Harrogate Convention Centre – Country Living Magazine Christmas Fair
Unique handmade gifts, decorations and homeware from over 300 artists, crafters and designers bringing ideas and inspiration on interior styling, decorating and cookery.
Harrogate Convention Centre, King’s Road HG1 5LA
1st & 2nd December
Knaresborough Christmas Market
A wonderful festive fair in the historic and picturesque market town of Knaresborough – quality stalls and lively entertainment.. Fireworks finale in the Castle Yard on Sunday.
Market Place, Knaresborough HG5 8AG
8th December
10.00am
Masham’s Traditional Christmas Fair
Craft and gift stalls, seasonal delights, yummy refreshments, carol singers and much, much more!
Town Hall and Market Square, Masham HG4 4DY
9th December
2.00pm – 6.00pm
Ripon Canal Christmas Market
Indoor & outdoor stalls, entertainment, hot food and drinks, Santa's Grotto, raffle, mulled wine bar and carols.
Canal Basin, Bondgate Green HG4 1QW
Late Night Shopping
Ripon – Thursday 6th December
Shops open late until 8pm with music, entertainment and more!
Pateley Bridge - Friday 14th December
Situated in the heart of Nidderdale, enjoy this beautiful market town after dark.
Harrogate - Thursdays throughout December
Late night shopping is typically each Thursday in December but is subject to change. Consult local press and media for details.
Events
1st November – 7th January
10.30am- 8.30pm (times vary over Christmas & New Year – see website for details)
Stockeld Park - The Christmas Adventure
Journey through the illuminated enchanted forest, ski around the woodland trail or ice skate to your heart’s content.
Stockeld Park, Wetherby LS22 4AN
3rd November – 16th December (weekends only)
11.00am – 3.00pm
Brimham Rocks - Build it at Brimham
Get crafty at Brimham on these winter weekends and take home a masterpiece made from natural materials gathered from the moorland. Have a go at using Brimham’s natural resources to make craft projects such as bird feeders, Christmas decorations and much more! There will be a different activity each weekend, so why not come again to try something different.
Brimham Rocks, Summerbridge HG3 4DW
15th November
Harrogate Christmas Lights Switch On
The town centre Christmas lights will be switched on in a ceremony commencing at 4.00pm
The Victoria Centre, Harrogate HG1 1AE
22nd November – 29th December (Thu – Sat)
4.30pm – 8.00pm (last admission: 7.00pm)
‘Glow’ Winter Illuminations at RHS Garden Harlow Carr
Enjoy an 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!
Harlow Carr, Crag Lane, Harrogate HG3 1QB
23rd November
Knaresborough Christmas Lights Switch On
The children's 'Light Parade' will leave the war memorial in the castle grounds at 6pm, walk down Castlegate to the Market Place, to symbolically light the Christmas tree lights at 6.30pm.
The Market Place, Knaresborough HG5 8AG
24th November
Ripon Christmas Lights Switch On
The fun begins at 4.00 pm with the switch on at 6.00 pm
Market Place West, Ripon HG4 1BN
24th November – 23rd December
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal 1930s Christmas at Fountains Hall
Discover what Christmas would have been like in the 1930s. Make paper chains or snowflake decorations and see what you would have got in your Christmas stocking.
Fountains Abbey, Ripon HG4 3DY
24th November – 23rd December (weekends only)
3.00pm – 5.00pm
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal - Music & Lights
Wander through the estate and see the Abbey aglow with the colours of the rainbow. Stop by the cellarium to catch some live festive music.
Fountains Abbey, Ripon HG4 3DY
24th November – 24th December (weekends only) 26th December – 7th January (Daily)
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal - Woolly Winter Workshop
11.00am – 4.00pm
At Swanley Grange – Get in the festive spirit making your own wonderfully woolly star decoration.
Fountains Abbey, Ripon HG4 3DY
24th November – 7th January
10.00am-4.00pm
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal – The Nativity Trail
Follow the stars to discover scenes of the Nativity by the Abbey and in the gardens.
Fountains Abbey, Ripon HG4 3DY
28th November – 20th January
Harrogate Theatre – Jack and the Beanstalk
Traditional festive panto fun for all the family.
Oxford Street, Harrogate HG1 1QF
30th November - 24th December
10.30am-3.30pm
RHS Garden Harlow Carr - The Magic of Christmas
Put on your best Christmas jumper and get in the festive spirit on a Christmas trail. Enjoy a range of Christmas crafts and don’t forget to enter the ‘design a Christmas jumper’ competition.
Harlow Carr, Crag Lane, Harrogate HG3 1QB
1st December
7.30pm
Ripon Cathedral - The Story of Christmas with Carols
Experience the wonder of Christmas with music, drama and dance capturing the evocative stories of Christmas led by a guest narrator and featuring the Ripon Cathedral Choir.
Minster Road, Ripon HG4 1QS
1st - 9th December
St. John’s Church Knaresborough, Christmas Tree Festival
Enjoy a glass of mulled wine as you view the magical selection of decorated trees and vote for your favourite.
Vicarage Lane, Knaresborough HG5 9AE
3rd - 4th December
10.15am – 12.30pm (lunch from 12.30pm)
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Christmas Floristry Workshops
Award winning florist Joanna will be providing expert tuition on how to make your own winter wreath. Includes a delicious two course lunch. £56.00.
Booking essential 01765 643197
Fountains, Ripon HG4 3DY
8th December
7.30pm
The Royal Hall, Harrogate – Harrogate Choral Society Presents: Handel’s Messiah
The Royal Hall will be filled with the beautiful sound of Handel’s Messiah, which for many signals the true start of the Christmas season.
Ripon Road, Harrogate HG1 2RD
8th – 9th December, 15th – 16th December
11.30am-12.30pm
Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal – On the Hoof
See the wild deer munching through their winter feed.
St. Mary’s Church, Fountains, Ripon HG4 3DY
9th December
3.30pm – 4.15pm
Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Carols by Candlelight
Wander through the estate to see the trees twinkling with lights and then visit the abbey cellarium which is lit by 1,000 flickering flames to sing along to your favourite carols.
Fountains, Ripon HG4 3DY
15th December
6.00pm
Harrogate Convention Centre – Family Christmas Concert
Traditional music and carols with the Harrogate Choral Society, Harrogate Symphony Orchestra, Halcyon Youth Choir and local primary school choirs.
Kings Road, Harrogate HG1 5LA
19th & 22nd December
7.00pm
Rudding Park – Carols by Candlelight and Dinner
Join High Row Choir in The Chapel followed by a sumptuous dinner in Rudding House at 8.15pm.
Rudding Park Hotel, Follifoot HG3 1JH
20th December
7.30pm
Ripon Cathedral – Christmas Organ Recital
Christmas Organ recital followed by seasonal refreshments in the South Transept
Minster Road, Ripon HG4 1QT
22nd December
11.00am – 8.00pm
Ripon Museums – Christmas at the Workhouse
There will be traditional games, carols and crafts as well as chance to try the foods and flavours of the workhouse Christmas. This unique evening will show how yuletide was celebrated at the turn of the 19th century.
Sharow View, Allhallowgate, Ripon HG4 1LE
22nd December
2.30pm & 7.30pm
The Brighouse & Rastrick Band with Harrogate Gilbert & Sullivan Society present: A Christmas Concert
Get in the Christmas Spirit with rousing favourites from the band, Christmas medleys, songs from the shows and join in with traditional carols
Royal Hall, Ripon Road
22nd – 23rd December
Brimham Rocks - Midwinter Storytelling
Sessions run throughout the day from 11.00am to 4.15pm
Experience a midwinter storytelling event celebrating myths and folklore inspired by the season and the magical landscape of Brimham Rocks. Join storyteller Noel Watkins for 40 minutes of interactive storytelling as he sparks your imagination through a series of stories, songs and riddles inspired by the winter season. Booking essential, please telephone 01423 780688.
Brimham Rocks, Summerbridge HG3 4DW
24th December
The Mayor’s Christmas Celebrations
Family celebrations in the Valley Gardens at 4.00pm followed by a Christmas celebration in the Royal Hall from 5.30pm (subject to confirmation)
Ripon Road, Harrogate HG1 2RD
24th December
6.00pm
Knaresborough Nativity
Traditional nativity organised by Christians Together in Knaresborough with actors from The Knaresborough Market Cross Players.
The Market Place, Knaresborough HG5 8AG
26th December
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Boxing Day Pilgrimage
Follow in the footsteps of the 12th Century Monks with our traditional pilgrimage from Ripon Cathedral.
Fountains, Ripon HG4 3DY
26th December
Knaresborough Boxing Day Tug o’ War
Enjoy this time honoured tradition as the teams pull against each other from opposite banks of the River Nidd.
Low Bridge, Knaresborough HG5 8HY
27th December
7.15pm
Christmas Ghost Walk
Stories about the darker side of Ripon’s history from the macabre to the mysterious – with a festive theme!
27th December, 2nd – 3rd January
11am
Access All Areas Panto Tours at Harrogate Theatre
Take a tour of the set up close and see the workings of a professional theatre.
Oxford Street, Harrogate HG1 1QF
31st December
Ripon New Year’s Eve Celebrations
New Year’s Eve WatchLight Service is at Ripon Cathedral with a Torchlight procession after to the Market square, where there will be live entertainment from 10pm and the traditional fireworks from Ripon Town Hall at midnight.
Market Place, Ripon HG4 1EQ
1st January 2019
Knaresborough Duck Race
Watch 5,000 plastic ducks race down the River Nidd
High Bridge, Knaresborough HG5 8DD
Food & Drink
Available throughout December
Swinton Park Christmas Lunches and Festive Afternoon Tea
Telephone 01765 680900 for more information
Swinton Park, Masham, HG4 4JH
3rd – 20th December (Mon – Thu)
12.00 – 1.30pm
Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Festive Christmas Lunches
Enjoy a delicious two or three course festive lunch with family, friends or colleagues this December.
Booking essential 01765 643197
Fountains, Ripon HG4 3DY
23rd December
Ripley Castle Christmas Afternoon Tea
Enjoy Afternoon Tea in the private Castle rooms with log fires burning.
Telephone 01423 770152 for more information
Find out about these and more events happening across the Harrogate District by visiting
visitharrogate.co.uk