It’s the most wonderful time of the year and as the countdown begins to Christmas 2022 families, friends and couples are on the look out for magical days out that will help induce those Christmassy feels.
Any time of the year is a great time of the year to visit the UK’s biggest county, Yorkshire, but when the festive season rolls around God’s Own Country really comes to life.
From great days out with the kids to romantic escapes that are guaranteed to put you in your other half’s good books, here’s our guide to the top days out and Christmas events you can experience in Yorkshire this year.
The Christmas Experience, Lotheron Hall, Leeds
Lotherton Hall generally tends to pull out all the stops every Christmas and this year is no different. For a magical day out in Yorkshire take a trip to this iconic Leeds landmark.
Topping the Christmas events calendar for 2022 is the Hall’s popular ‘Elf crafts’ workshop where children are invited to enjoy gingerbread decorating every weekday up until the end of November.
Another festive highlight at Lotherton Hall is the fairy dell and festive woodland walk. Take your family and follow mysterious winding paths, stopping to admire several Christmas-inspired surprises.
Illuminated Trail, Roundhay Park, Leeds
Between 8th December 2022-1st January 2023 visitors to one of the largest urban parks in Europe will be in for a dazzling treat.
Roundhay Park in Leeds is set to welcome an incredible new Christmas trail featuring scores of stunning illuminations, food stalls and of course, festive feel- good tunes.
A great day out for families, groups and couples, tickets are on sale now for this enthralling light trail that features wild wicker sculptures, an amazing fire garden and magical light creations, all choreographed to a soundtrack of Christmas hits.
St Nicholas Fair, York
With cobbled streets, historic buildings, and a grand Minster to boot, it’s not hard to see why York is a must-visit destination, particularly during the festive period when the city looks even more magical.
Returning for its 30th year is St Nicholas Fair, a staple of York’s streets during the Christmas period since the early 90s. From 17th November-23rd December visitors to the city can explore a festive wonderland complete with charming alpine chalets where you can buy all sorts of quirky crafts and gizmos.
St Nicholas Fair is also renowned for its excellent winter street food offerings and to underscore that point new for 2022 Michelin-starred chef Andrew Pern is launching The Winter Hütte, a ‘Swiss with a Twist’ dining experience where patrons are treated to scrumptious seasonal dishes as well as festive favourites such as gluhwein and spiced cider.
The Winter Hütte is likely to get very busy so advance booking is recommended if you want to sit down and have a bite. If you can’t grab a bite, but still want to tuck into some incredible seasonal food, head to Pern’s award-winning riverside restaurant nearby. The Star Inn The City consistently ranks amongst the top restaurants in York so you won’t be disappointed.
Mother Shipton’s Christmas Experience, Knaresborough
Mother Shipton’s cave in Knaresborough is one of Yorkshire’s most visited attractions and this year they’ll be at least one more special visitor: Santa.
Ditch the shopping centre grotto and take the little ones here for a magical, memory-making festive experience.
Aside from seeing Father Christmas, children and adults alike are invited to wonder around Mother Shipton’s epic winter wonderland, complete with an adventure playground, festive displays and a Christmas-inspired waling trail.
If you’ve never been make sure to check out the wishing well and take a stroll around the museum.
Scarborough Sparkle, Scarborough
Between 25th to 27th of November, the famous Scarborough Open Air Theatre will play host to Scarborough Sparkle, a magical event that’s perfect for couples, families and groups of friends looking to fill up on Christmas spirit.
Featuring a Tipi bar serving up a range of classic festive tipples, as well as plenty of food options, entry to the event is free. To keep yourself warm and protected from the elements you can even toast marshmallows by the fire- what could be more Chistmassy?
