The Ultimate Guide to Christmas in Harrogate
UPDATED FOR CHRISTMAS 2026! Believe me there are so many activities to do in the Harrogate area this Christmas, but these are our top recommendations for things to do this Christmas in Harrogate. With a mixture of paid and free Christmas activities in Harrogate there’s something for every budget.
RHS Harlow Carr Glow
26th November – 30th December 2026
All the family will enjoy a magical evening at RHS Garden Harlow Carr for their 10th spectacular light show ‘Glow’. Grab a hot chocolate from Bettys and see the garden in breath-taking beauty as amazing illuminations light your way around the Glow trail.
Glow at RHS Harlow Carr is on selected evenings 26th November to 30th December.
Members off peak: adult £9.50 & child (5-16) £5.00, under 5’s FREE
Members peak: adult £11.25 & child (5-16) £6.25, under 5’s FREE
Non-members off peak: adult £15.25 & child £8.75, under 5’s FREE.
Non-members peak: adult £19.25 & child £10.50, under 5’s FREE.
Make sure to check out my guide to all the Festive Light Trails in the area this Christmas.
Harrogate Ice Pavilion
17th Dec - 3rd Jan 2027
What to Expect at the Harrogate Ice Pavilion:
Covered ‘real’ ice skating
Daily public skating sessions
Parent / Family & Toddler sessions
Disco Skate evenings
Learn to Skate experiences
School and Home Education group visits
A festive atmosphere with seasonal music
Corporate events and private hire opportunities
The Great Yorkshire Christmas Fair
26th - 29th November 2026
Discover 180 Unique Gifting, Food and Fashion stalls – All Under One Roof at The Great Yorkshire Christmas Fair.
Tickets available from £5 to £9.
Light Up A Life Service at Ripon Cathedral
Date TBC
Light up a Life is a very special remembrance service at Ripon Cathedral. “You will experience music, readings and time for reflection and see our community’s lights illuminated as we come together to remember those we love. We welcome families to join us, and will have special opportunities for young people to be a part of Light up a Life”
There is also a service at St Michael’s Hospice.
As a family we have attended this service for over 10 years now. It has truly become a seasonal tradition. I know that these services may not be for everyone but I really love it, so it had to be included.
Jack and the Beanstalk at Harrogate Theatre
25th Nov 2026 to 17th Jan 2027
Is it even Christmas in Harrogate without a trip to the panto?
Wakey wakey Harrogate! We’ve got an enchanting pantomime that will make all your dreams come true!
Wicked Fairy Carabosse isn’t very happy. She’s been left off the guest list to the celebration of the season – Princess Aurora’s christening. Furious at her lack of invitation, Carabosse casts a terrible curse! On her 18th birthday, Aurora will prick her finger on a spinning wheel and fall into a deep sleep lasting 100 years.
It’s a race against time to break the spell and save Princess Aurora from her magical slumber before it’s too late!
Packed with magic and sparkle, Harrogate Theatre’s spellbinding Sleeping Beauty is the ultimate festive treat for the whole family.
Tickets range from £20.00pp to £200 for a box.
Christmas at Mother Shipton’s
28th November – 24th December 2026
Step into a world of magic and wonder as you enter Mother Shipton’s magical Christmas experience. Get ready, for Santa is flying through the starry skies to meet you!
From the moment you step into this enchanted land, Santa’s cheerful elves will welcome you with open arms. Every child with a Santa Experience Ticket will receive a pack of festive activities, a magical pass to unlocking the wonders that await.
Car admission (up to 5 people) £44. Santa experience tickets (in addition to entry prices) Children 0-12yrs £18.
Harrogate Christmas Fayre - Bad news: there isn't one! Good News: there's plenty other activities on
From curling to a giant snow-globe, there are all sorts going on this year but the town centre won't be the same without the Christmas Fayre.
The most exciting announcement for Harrogate Christmas plans has to be a brand new Ice Trail starting on the 12th December. I hope it's like the one they have in York!
And there still will be a market on the 5th & 6th Dec but a smaller one in the Valley Gardens, run by the Little Bird Market guys.
For more details see the Visit Harrogate site.
Knaresborough Christmas Market
Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th, 10am-5.00pm December 2026
Whilst the market itself is centred around Knaresborough’s historic Market Place, there are festive events, independent shops and eateries throughout the town … so leave yourself some time to explore.
A wide variety of local artists will be performing in the Knaresborough Christmas Market during the weekend, including local morris dancers, brass bands and choirs.
Fountains Abbey, The Season of Music & Lights
From 2pm every weekend between 28th November and 27th December
It’s time to see the abbey aglow with all the colours of the rainbow. Lights are switched on at 2pm, bands and choirs will play in the cellarium from 2-3pm.
There’s plenty more going on at Fountains Abbey this Christmas. make sure to check out their website for details of Carols by candlelight, the Boxing day pilgrimage, ‘On the Hoof’ at Studley deer park, group storytelling sessions and so much more.
St John’s Church Christmas Tree Festival
5th to 21st December 2026
Every year more than 70 Christmas trees decorated by local groups and businesses, are displayed in the beautiful St. Johns Church in the heart of Knaresborough. 2026 is their 12th year.
Admission to the festival is free, but there will be the opportunity to donate to the church and the event’s chosen charity for this year. Read the latest news on their Facebook page.
Codebreakers Christmas
Our favourite Santa experience ever is back!! but this time in it's new home at Allerton Castle.
You probably know by now that I love to find activities that suit the awkward pre-teen ages and last year we found a Santa experience that absolutely smashed it out of the park!
Codebreakers Christmas is aimed at children aged 7+ and offers an escape room style interactive show with the fabulous Tinsel the Elf. I don’t want to tell you too much as I don’t want to spoil it but my highlight was all the kids laughing at their grown ups during the 12 days of Christmas song.
All 4 of us (2 adults and two 12yr olds) had the best time last year and we will 100% be getting tickets again for this Christmas. I have a feeling its going to sell out FAST!
Enchantica’s who run the Codebreaker Christmas also offer an ‘Elf-Training Workshop’ which is suitable for all ages and a Quiet Elf Show for children with sensory conditions or additional needs.
The only downside are the ticket prices £39.95 for children and an eye watering £29.95 per adult... and we don't even get a present!
Christmas at the Caverns
Selected dates from 28th November 2026
Visit Stump Cross Caverns this festive season for a Christmas experience like no other!
Interactive Christmas Experience (Including Cave entry and Christmas Film at 4PM)
Experience the magic of Christmas with our Interactive Christmas Experience! Meet Santa and his jolly Elf in a fun and festive setting, where children can share their Christmas wishes, receive a present and enjoy creating special reindeer food to take home for Santa’s reindeer.
After your visit with Santa, explore our stunning caves at your own pace with a self-guided cave tour, included with your ticket. To top off your festive day, enjoy a cosy screening of a classic Christmas film, perfect for getting into the holiday spirit.
This enchanting experience is ideal for families looking to create lasting holiday memories in a unique and magical environment. Don’t miss out on this festive adventure!
From £36.00 for 1 adult and 1 child.
Harewood’s 'Magic at the Mansion'
Harewood House 6th November 2026 to 3rd January 2027
Experience the magic of Christmas at Harewood, where unforgettable moments await around every corner. From our enchanting Magic at the Mansion within the house to artisan Christmas markets, festive afternoon tea, and visits to Father Christmas, it’s the perfect setting to create memories that will last a lifetime.
Step inside the house and explore the stunning State Floor, where a magical spell has brought its treasures to life, from stunning handcrafted decorations to lovable immersive characters Magic at the Mansions makes our third year of collaboration with the award winning Studio McGuire. Then head outdoors, wrap up warm, and toast marshmallows over an open fire as the festive atmosphere surrounds you.
Pricing: Adults from £24.50, Children £10.00 (free for members).
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