A festive break full of magic and sparkle for all the family
With so much happening in Harrogate district this festive season, we don’t want you to miss a thing so to help you plan how to make the most of your Christmas break in our beautiful part of Yorkshire, we have highlighted some of the must see and dos to give you some exciting ideas.
Festive weekend family break (10-11 December)
Day One
Start your festive break with a visit to the Knaresborough Winter Fayre (10 December) held in the historic market place. There will be entertainment for all the family including a grotto, children’s rides, face-painting and mulled wine. With lots of cafes and pubs for lunch and shops to browse, you will find lots to do.
Mother Shipton’s Cave, on the far side of the river, is full of festive cheer with their Christmas Experience. You will be greeted by the jolly elves on arrival before a visit to Father Christmas in his grotto. Children can have their photo taken in Father Christmas’ magic sleigh, post a letter at the North Pole Post Office, create reindeer food and visit Holly Berry for some enchanting Christmas stories.
After lunch, drive over to Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden near Ripon for Music and Lights. As dusk descends, the abbey ruins are bathed in rainbow-coloured lights. Wander through the nave and the cellarium and listen to the seasonal music in the background. From 2-3pm, listen to a choir singing all your favourite festive songs.
Festive live music at Fountains Abbey
Day Two
Back in Harrogate, visit the Christmas attractions in Crescent Gardens for a morning of thrills. Book a skating session for all the family at our new Harrogate Ice Rink and go on the fairground rides. While the older children are enjoying the ice, parents can grab some hot food from one of the onsite vendors followed by some liquid refreshment from the onsite après-ski bar.
Book the Father Christmas Experience with Enchantica at Cedar Court Hotel for your little ones (various dates from 3-24 December). Take part in an elf-training workshop, hosted by Chief Elf, Tinsel and sing-a-long with the elves before meeting Father Christmas himself. Children will receive their very own Elf Graduation Certificate
In the evening head to the Edwardian Harrogate Theatre for some traditional panto fun. This year’s performance is Aladdin. Be ready to cheer the hero and his mum, Widow Twankey and boo the evil villain, ABBAnazer. Harrogate Theatre’s panto is a festive tradition in the town and it’s sure to have you all laughing from beginning to end.
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