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What’s on in Yorkshire in December

elf the musical central park
Contents

Yorkshire comes alive this month with festive cheer, captivating art, and unforgettable performances. From the charm of Malton’s Christmas Festival to the magic of Alice’s Wonderland at Castle Howard, there’s something special waiting for everyone. Whether you’re planning a family outing, a romantic escape, or simply looking to soak up the season, Yorkshire’s got you covered.

Absolutely’s carefully curated guide highlights the very best events, blending the region’s rich culture, creativity, and festive spirit. Dive in and let our trusted picks help you make the most of this magical time of year.

Top Things to Do in Yorkshire this December


EVENT

Malton Christmas Festival

stall holders baked goods xmas2024. photo credit richard ponter on behalf of visit malton

Dates: 7-8 December

Venue: Malton

The Christmas Festival is Malton’s shopping event of the year. Visitors can expect a fabulous weekend of festive fun and family entertainment in and around Malton’s charming Market Place. On offer will be delicious food and festive gifts – you’ll have your Christmas list checked off in no time!

View at Visit Malton



Wild Yuletide

yorkshire sculpture park wreath workshop c beam irwin

Dates: Until 5 January 2025

Venue: Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Wild Yuletide celebrates creativity, art and the great outdoors, and will provide seasonal cheer and treats throughout the Christmas season. Activities include creative making workshops, festive dining and a stunning, uplifting immersive exhibition in the historic Chapel. Starting at the main YSP Centre, visitors will be welcomed by a display of decorations, including trees with adornments, lights and lanterns, generating a warm winter feel.

Book at Yorkshire Sculpture Park



Alice’s Christmas Wonderland

castle howard credit charlotte graham alice's christmas wonderland

Dates: Until 5 January

Venue: Castle Howard

Alice is planning a huge Christmas party, and she invites you to follow the White Rabbit through Castle Howard’s grand halls and regal rooms with each twist and turn revealing fanciful festive surprises. Complete your experience with an elegant Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea, select special mementos from the Bauble Emporium, toast giant marshmallow by the Christmas Tree, and stock up on delicious seasonal essentials from the Farm Shop and Garden Centre.

Get tickets at Castle Howard


ART


Forbidden Territories

hepworth wakefield salvador dalí, mountain lake, 1938 (1)

Dates: 23 November-27 April 2025

Venue: The Hepworth Wakefield

Forbidden Territories: 100 Years of Surreal Landscapes marks 100 years since Surrealism began with the publication of André Breton’s ‘Manifesto of Surrealism’ in 1924. Taking its title from Breton’s description of the Surrealist project as “the perpetual excursion into the midst of forbidden territories”, this will be the first UK survey to explore the role of landscape in one of the most influential artistic, intellectual and literary movements of the 20th century.

Book your tickets at The Hepworth Wakefield


THEATRE


Little Shop Of Horrors

Dates: 7 December-18 January

Venue: The Crucible

Little Shop Of Horrors will be the Christmas musical at the Crucible this year. The killer rock musical will be directed by Amy Hodge (Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World). When flower shop assistant Seymour acquires a mysterious new plant, he names it ‘Audrey II’ after his crush and co-worker. As the succulent grows and grows, it offers Seymour the kind of success he could only ever dream of… as long as he keeps feeding it.

Get your tickets Sheffield Theatres


A Christmas Carol

a christmas carol jonathan hanks, dominque larose and harry skoupas in a christmas carol. photo guy farrow

Dates: 17 December-4 January

Venue: Leeds Grand Theatre

One magical night. Three mysterious ghosts. The spirit of the season is overflowing in Northern Ballet’s A Christmas Carol. As the clock strikes midnight join Ebenezer Scrooge on the journey of a lifetime to discover the true meaning of Christmas. Travel with the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future through family firesides, cold winter nights and the promise of a brighter future. A festive feast for the senses, Northern Ballet brings one of the most loved stories of all time to life.

Book at the Northern Ballet


Elf The Musical

elf the musical central park

Dates: 23-24 December

Venue: First direct arena, Leeds

The arena spectacular version of ‘Elf The Musical’ features Santa’s magical flying sleigh, an audience snowball fight, and a giant candy cane journey from the North Pole, amongst many spectacular scenes all set against amazing video-film backdrops on a large LED screen. With a large cast the winter spectacular, which wowed Leeds’ audiences last year, will star one of the UK’s most exciting rising comedy talents, Jordan Conway, who will step into the big floppy shoes of Will Ferrell.

Get tickets at Elf the Musical UK


FAMILY


Festive Events

steam train in the snow at keighley & worth valley railway festive activities

Dates: Throughout December

Venue: Keighley & Worth Valley Railway

This festive season, the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, world-renowned as the setting for the timeless film classic The Railway Children invites families to celebrate the magic of Christmas in style. Located in the heart of West Yorkshire, this historic five-mile heritage railway offers a captivating blend of stunning scenery, charming stations, and rich history, making it the perfect destination for a festive day out.

Book at Keighley and Worth Valley Railway

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Mark Kebble

Mark's career in journalism started in 2001 when he landed a role on a small lifestyle magazine in Angel, North London. Soon enough, the magazine was purchased by a larger organisation and Mark found himself promoted to editor at the tender age of 23. He later became group editor, working on magazines for Angel, Crouch End, Muswell Hill and Highgate. He was also involved in a launch in Hadley Wood and a major new group website, later becoming Group Hub Editor. In 2021, Mark joined Zest Media Group and oversaw the launch of many Absolutely titles across the UK. To date, Mark has launched in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Sussex, Essex, Yorkshire and Cheshire. When he does have some free time, Mark is also the Chairman of an amateur football club in Surrey and is also a fully qualified FA football coach.
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