Harrogate Twixmas: What To Do In Between Xmas and New Year

Not quite Christmas… not quite New Year… you’re full of cheese and crackers but there’s still plenty of time to get out, stretch your legs and make some lovely memories.

If you’re wondering what to do in between Xmas and New Year in Harrogate, this round-up of Harrogate Twixmas ideas is packed with family-friendly events, winter walks and festive treats.

Perfect for keeping the kids busy, using up leftover chocolate energy and making the most of that in-between week.

Knaresborough Tug of War - a Boxing Day Tradition

A proper local classic and a brilliant way to spend Boxing Day. The Knaresborough Tug of War sees teams battle it out across the River Nidd, with crowds lining the bridges to cheer them on.

Date: 26 December

Time: Usually around 12pm but keep an eye on their Facebook for updates.

Cost: Free to watch

Location: High Bridge, Knaresborough

Wrap up warm, grab a coffee and enjoy the buzz, kids will love the atmosphere.

Harrogate Panto - Jack and the Beanstalk

Keep the festive magic going with a trip to the Harrogate panto. If you didn’t catch it in the run up to the big day then there’s still time. Jack and the Beanstalk is running throughout Twixmas and is a lovely treat for all ages.

Dates: Runs until 18th Jan 2026

Times: Matinees and evening shows

Cost: From £22 a ticket

Venue: Harrogate Theatre

Postcode: HG1 1QF

Perfect for a slower Twixmas day when everyone needs a sit down.

Winter Walk at RHS Garden Harlow Carr

A firm favourite with Harrogate families, Harlow Carr is beautiful in winter. Think frosty paths, peaceful gardens and a very tempting café at the end.

Dates: Open throughout Twixmas

Times: Usually 10am–3pm

Postcode: HG3 1QB

Ideal for pushchairs, scooters and a gentle fresh-air fix and perfect if you’ve got grandparents with you too.

Fountains Abbey Winter Wander

If you’re after space to roam, Fountains Abbey is hard to beat during Twixmas. The ruins, river paths and deer park feel especially magical at this time of year.

Dates: Open daily

Times: Typically 9:30am–4pm

Postcode: HG4 3DY

Great for older children who love exploring and if you were lucky and got a National Trust membership for Christmas this should be one of your first places to visit.

Free Entry to Ripley Castle Gardens This Winter 🌿

A brilliant budget-friendly Twixmas idea. Ripley Castle Gardens are offering free winter entry, making it a lovely option for a relaxed family walk.

Dates: Winter season

Times: 10am - 4pm

Cost: Free

Location: Ripley Castle Gardens

Postcode: HG3 3AY

Perfect if you want something calm and easy between busy festive days. Grab a coffee before your walk or bribe the kids with a Ripley Ice cream at the end!

Half Price Entry at Thorp Perrow Arboretum

Twixmas is a gorgeous time to visit Thorp Perrow, especially with 50% off winter entry.

Dates: Winter season

Times: Usually 10am–4pm

Cost: Half price winter entry

Postcode: DL8 2PS

Expect woodland walks, bird spotting, a park for the kids and plenty of space to wander.

Valley Gardens & Pinewoods Winter Walk

For a free and flexible Twixmas outing, you can’t beat Valley Gardens and the Pinewoods.

Dates: Daily

Times: Anytime

Cost: Free

Postcode: HG1 2SZ

Easy to combine with a hot chocolate stop in town, simple but an absolute classic.

Knaresborough Duck Race – New Year’s Day 🦆

Start the year with a splash at the Knaresborough Duck Race. A fun and cheerful way to spend New Year’s Day with the kids.

Date: 1 January

Time: Usually around 1.30pm

Cost: £1 a duck, free to watch

Location: River Nidd, Knaresborough

Postcode: HG5 8AR

Always a great atmosphere and a nice way to welcome the new year.

Yorkshire Wildlife Park Winter Illuminations

If you fancy a slightly bigger adventure, Yorkshire Wildlife Park’s Winter Illuminations are running on selected dates with up to half price entry.

Dates: Selected winter evenings see their website for details.

Reduced prices in December and even cheaper in Jan.

Times: Evening sessions

Cost: Up to 50% off

Postcode: DN4 6TB

A magical option for animal lovers and older children. Park entry is a separate cost but you can add these on and make a full day of it.

Cinema Days in Harrogate 🎬

Twixmas is peak cinema season, with plenty of family-friendly films showing at this time of year. Think Avatar, Zootopia, Wicked & SpongeBob.

Venues:

• Everyman Harrogate, my choice if I’m super tired and want a sofa to chill on.

• ODEON Harrogate, budget friendly option. Check out the kids showing in the mornings for £2.75 a ticket!

Perfect for cold or rainy days when everyone needs a cosy plan.

Making the Most of Harrogate Twixmas

Whether you’re after festive traditions, winter walks or discounted days out, there’s so much choice when deciding what to do in between Xmas and New Year in Harrogate. Twixmas really is a lovely time to slow down, get outdoors and enjoy being together.

Which one will your family be doing this Twixmas? Save this for later or share it with someone planning their Harrogate holidays!