Joanna Plaskitt of Visit Malton said:

“The number and variety of events taking place in Malton in the run-up to Christmas is absolutely amazing – our makers, bakers, singers and storytellers will be out in force to bring the seasonal spirit to life. From large events and concerts to intimate workshops and masterclasses, we’ve got something to put a smile on everyone’s face!”

Highlights include:

• Gingerbread House Decorating Workshop at The Patisserie (2 December) – a family-friendly event with guidance and all the ingredients needed to build a festive gingerbread house, including coffee and a mince pie. thepatisseriemalton.co.uk
• Malton Christmas Market (6 & 7 December) – a new market featuring food, gifts, street food, music, and children’s activities. maltonchristmasmarket.co.uk
• Epic Adventure Parties with Esmeralda the Elf and Father Christmas (6 & 7 December) – an interactive family show where children meet Father Christmas and receive a gift. ticketsource.co.uk
• Big Christmas Concert by Candlelight (7 December) – Alistair Griffin performs festive favourites under the glow of candlelight at the Wesley Centre. igniteconcertsyork.com
• A Merry Night at the Musicals (10 December) – Malton Sing Space Musical Theatre Choir presents an evening of Christmas classics and musical theatre. tickettailor.com
• Supper Club: A Scandinavian Christmas Special (11 December) – a three-course dinner with stories and cuisine inspired by Scandinavian traditions. thecooksplacemalton.co.uk
• Birdsall Christmas with The Overtones (19 December) – an intimate evening with the award-winning vocal harmony group at Birdsall House. tickettailor.com

For a full list of events and more ideas for festive shopping and treats, visit www.visitmalton.com/christmas-in-malton

Savoury highlights include Deep Fried Yorkshire Wensleydale & Cranberries Panko Cheese Balls, Yorkshire Dales Beef Bourguignon with Wensleydale Blue Cheese Crumble, and Yorkshire Wensleydale & Cranberries with Pork Sausage Pigs in Blankets. Sweet options include sticky Ginger Parkin served with Yorkshire Wensleydale cheese and a Mince Pie served with the local cheese.

The festive menu is served with Raydale Preserves Tomato and Chilli Chutney, Pan-Fired New Potatoes, Caramelised Onion & Nduja, and rounded off with Yorkshire Tea or coffee for £22 per person. Visitors can also add a glass of fizz or warm mulled wine.

Previously a sharing experience for two, the Cheesy Afternoon Tea can now be enjoyed by solo diners. “However you choose to celebrate, there’s a plate of cheesy joy waiting for you this festive season,” the Creamery said.

The Creamery has also introduced Gromit’s Afternoon Tea for children at £12 per person. This includes a cheesy crumpet, creamy Wensleydale mac ‘n’ cheese, chunky chips, cucumber sticks, cherry tomatoes, and honeycomb rocky road, served with milk or fruit squash in a Gromit mug.

Full details of the festive menu, including revised opening hours on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, are available on the Wensleydale Creamery website. The menu excludes Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day.

The display promises more mice than ever, all dressed in hand-crafted Georgian outfits made by Fairfax House volunteers. Guests can step into the glittering world of 18th-century York and join the Fairfax family as they prepare for a grand Christmas ball.

As visitors wander through the house, they will encounter a variety of Georgian amusements brought to life, from the excitement of a boxing ring and the bustle of a gambling den to classic parlour games and a ballroom decked for a spectacular celebration. There are also stunning examples of Georgian fashion, offering a glimpse into 18th-century style.

Curator Sarah Burnage said: “We absolutely love this time of year when the house is dressed for a Georgian Christmas and over-run with our mischievous mice. It’s always a pleasure to imagine how the Fairfaxes might have celebrated Christmas over 250 years ago, especially when hosting such a big party. We really hope visitors enjoy what we’ve created this year… we’ve certainly enjoyed creating it.”

Among the festivities, visitors should keep an eye out for the Townmice, who are determined not to miss out on the celebrations and may add a touch of playful mayhem.

A Christmas Mousequerade runs from 15th November 2025 to 4th January 2026. Tickets cost £9.50 for adults, £8.50 for concessions, and children under 16 go free.

As a special seasonal highlight, the house will also host candlelit evenings on 17th, 19th and 22nd December from 5pm to 7pm, creating an intimate Georgian atmosphere with soft candlelight.

More information and ticket bookings are available on the Fairfax House website: A Christmas Mousequerade and Candlelit Evenings

The 22-metre-tall wheel offers visitors panoramic views across the city, adding to the city centre’s seasonal celebrations. Alongside the ride, there will be a Bratwurst stand and a Churro stall, creating a hub of festive activity.

Tickets cost £3 per person, with children under three riding for free. No booking is required.

Leanne Holmes, Bradford BID Project Manager, said: “The BID Wheel is all about bringing festive cheer and family fun to the city centre. We want to create memorable experiences that encourage people to visit Bradford, enjoy our shops, restaurants and attractions, and support our local businesses during the festive season.”

The wheel is part of Bradford BID’s ongoing initiatives to enhance the city centre experience, attract visitors, and support local traders. It will operate daily in Centenary Square from 18 November to 21 December, Monday to Friday 12pm-7pm and Saturday to Sunday 11am-6pm.

North Yorkshire Council is organising the festival, which opens with a lantern parade at 5.30pm on Friday in Peasholm Park, led by Animated Objects and local community groups.

Visitors can ride a festive train, enjoy marshmallows and music in a tipi bar, and watch performances on the main stage hosted by This is the Coast radio station. Local choirs and bands will perform, alongside competitions. Funfair rides, a snow machine, a Christmas tree, Santa’s sleigh, the Grinch and Frozen characters will also be on site. O’Briens is sponsoring the rides, catering and stage hire.

The North Bay Railway will transport visitors to the event, and Shoreline Suncruisers will run a free bus service from Eastfield.

Cllr Simon Myers, North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for arts and culture, said: “Scarborough Sparkle is a magical and enchanting wonderland, sure to get everybody into the festive spirit and offers entertainment for people of all ages. With an array of independent traders selling their products, it’s the perfect place to dive into the festive spirit and get a head start on Christmas shopping. The free bus service from Eastfield makes it easy for local people to attend, and we expect to see an increase in visitors from further afield at what is usually a quieter time of year for tourists.”

Local schools have formed choirs for the event. Claire Barber, headteacher of St Martin’s Primary School, said: “We are busy rehearsing and getting our performance ready for this fantastic event. We have taken part for many years now and we always see the Sparkle event as our start to Christmas in school. The lantern parade is a special feature for us and the children can’t wait to wrap up warm, add their glowing lights and take in the wonder that is Scarborough Sparkle.”

Animated Objects will stage the lantern parade for the ninth year, with help from community groups. Lee Threadgold, artistic director, commented: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be able to be bringing back this ever-popular event. There’s a lot of new lanterns to see this year, including a huge section based on The Twelve Days of Christmas to get everybody into the festive spirit. We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has taken part in our workshop sessions over the last few months to make this one of the most colourful parades yet.”

Admission is free. The festival runs 5pm to 9pm on Friday, 11am to 8pm on Saturday, and 11am to 5pm on Sunday. The free bus runs from Eastfield via Crossgates, Falsgrave and Scarborough town centre to Peasholm Park on Saturday and Sunday.

More information is at www.visitnorthyorkshire.com/events/scarborough-sparkle

At the heart of the festivities is a 400sqm covered ice rink beneath a transparent marquee. Skaters of all ages can enjoy daily sessions, beginner-friendly one-to-one lessons, and the special Penguin Clubs for young skaters.

The family fun continues with a city-wide Christmas market featuring Bavarian-style stalls. Visitors can sample seasonal favourites including German Bratwurst, smoked brisket, Canadian-style poutine, churros, homemade crumble, toasted marshmallows, and new treats such as warm caramelised nuts.

Rides and attractions offer something for everyone. Take in the city lights from the illuminated Big Wheel in Victoria Gardens, spin on the Golden Gallopers carousel on Cookridge Street, or enjoy the thrill of the 30-metre-high Starflyer in Millennium Square. Children’s rides and winter-themed games add to the festive fun.

For a cosy break, head to the alpine Ski Bar under the glow of the 4-metre Ski Bear and enjoy mulled wine, Glühwein, or rich hot chocolate. Thor’s Tipi, with its Viking charm and log fires, returns in front of Leeds Art Gallery for live music evenings and a warm winter retreat.

Whether skating, shopping, or soaking in the atmosphere, Ice Cube at Christmas promises a perfect festive day out for families, friends, and visitors of all ages.

“Christmas is a magical time of year for all ages, and we’re excited to repeat our Santa experience for all the family,” said Lauren Turnbull, Cedarbarn’s assistant general manager. “The children have the excitement of meeting Santa and receiving an age-appropriate gift, whilst the adults can get involved in the Christmas crafting and enjoy a train ride on the Santa Express.”

The Santa Experience takes place on 13th, 14th, 20th and 21st December. Children’s tickets cost £18.99, with additional adult Santa Express tickets priced at £3. Children must be accompanied on the miniature railway. Tickets are available online at https://bit.ly/CedarbarnChristmas.

Visitors can also enjoy festive treats from Cedarbarn’s Airstream Trailer, including ciabattas, homemade children’s hot dog sausages, coffee, mince pies and cakes.

The Santa Experience is part of Cedarbarn’s wider festive programme, which includes wreath making on 7th December, daily festive lunches throughout the month, and special Christmas Sunday lunches on 14th and 21st December.

The parade will start from the Lower Avenue outside Frasers and make its way through the centre, finishing on the Lower Gallery with the first performance from the Christmas Cirque. Returning for a second year, the Cirque promises a dazzling display of acrobatics, juggling, and festive wonder.

Santa will wave from his sleigh as a marching band plays Christmas classics, joined by a host of mascots guaranteed to delight visitors of all ages. Football fans can look out for Captain Blade from Sheffield United, Ozzie Owl from Sheffield Wednesday, Miller Bear from Rotherham United, Toby Tyke from Barnsley FC, and Chester the Fieldmouse from Chesterfield FC.

Beloved characters including Harry and Marv, Pudsey the Bear, Dex from The Works, and Percy Pig from M&S will also join the parade, adding to the festive fun.

This year, Meadowhall is also debuting a giant LED light show outside the Oasis Dining Quarter. The show tells the story of Sparky, a star born in Santa’s workshop, as it spreads festive joy across Sheffield. The first performance takes place at 4pm today, with five-minute shows every 30 minutes until 8pm.

Looking ahead, Meadowhall’s Magical Winterland returns on Saturday 22nd November, transforming the Orange Car Park into a winter wonderland. New this year, the Winter Spectacular by Circus Cortex brings frost and fantasy under the big top, alongside Santa’s Magical Grotto, fairground rides, and seasonal food and drinks.

Darren Pearce, centre director at Meadowhall, said: “The Christmas Parade is one of our most loved traditions and is always the perfect way to mark the start of the festive season. This year’s line-up promises to be bigger than ever, with many popular faces visitors of all ages will enjoy. With the Cirque, our light curtain show, and brand-new decorations, we’re transforming the centre into a winter wonderland for festive fun, family time, and gift shopping.”

Meadowhall’s Christmas Parade is free to attend. For more information, visit meadowhall.co.uk/event/christmas-parade

The new menu is packed with drinks that scream Christmas. Baby, It’s Cold Outside is a warming winter tipple, blending your choice of Singleton Scotch or Edinburgh Mulled Gin Liqueur with orange peel, cinnamon sticks, and cloves. Santa Tell Me is pure indulgence in a glass, combining Mozart Chocolate Liqueur, Baileys, and a kick of Tequila Black. Even the designated driver is covered with Driving Home for Christmas, a zesty non-alcoholic blend of Seedlip Grove, cranberry, spiced gingerbread, lemon, and a ginger beer finish.

Snacks are just as festive. Expect crispy brie and cranberry bites, pigs in blankets with honey mustard, a baked camembert sourdough wreath, and an “all the trimmings” pizza loaded with pulled turkey, pigs in blankets, mozzarella, red onions, and cranberry sauce. The menu runs from 17 November through the first week of January.

For a real festive treat, Electric Shuffle is also hosting a two-hour Festive Brunch Social on Saturday and Sunday afternoons throughout December. For £40 per person, guests get a bottle of prosecco each, bottomless pizza paddles, an hour of shuffleboard, and Christmas party tunes spun by the resident DJ. Show up in your most outrageous Christmas jumper and you could even win some festive goodies. The brunch starts on 22 November and runs through the holidays.

Electric Shuffle Leeds is making sure this Christmas is full of drinks, snacks, games, and good times. Whether you’re looking for an office party, a friends’ catch-up, or just a reason to get festive, it’s shaping up to be a merry one.

Images released by the Trust reveal rich colours and striking designs across the State Floor. Digital specialist Tom Le Bon and BOSUN Studio have added projections that carry visitors from one scene to the next, showing whispered gossip, bursts of fireworks, and the private thoughts of the Ball’s host.

Siobhan Murphy said the event will be a “feast for the senses”. In the Entrance Hall, an 18ft ombre Christmas tree made from 700 second-hand ballerina tutus will dominate the space. More than 300 pairs of pointe shoes, donated through The Drop-Off Pointe, have been painted pink and transformed into smaller rotating trees.

The Music Room offers a different rhythm, with classical music filling the space while animated notes swirl across the walls. Two tall Christmas trees decorated with gold instruments and feathers in pink and orange complete the scene.

In the Gallery, projections show guests gathered at the room’s edge, quietly sharing gossip, while ballgowns from Leeds Playhouse and couture by Julia Clancy line the walls. In the Spanish Library, visitors glimpse the host’s private reflections as her diary appears in projection and her voice reads her thoughts aloud. More than 200 books collected from charity shops and car boot sales form a “book tree” in the room.

The State Dining Room takes inspiration from a festive feast held by Marie Antoinette. Bejewelled swans, rotating macaron trees, and iced cakes made with Great British Bake Off contestant Helena Garcia adorn the table, which is dressed with Siobhan’s bespoke tableware inspired by Harewood’s historic interiors. Visitors can purchase the collection online or at the Christmas Shop.

Finally, the Servants’ Hall shows staff enjoying their own celebration, filled with music and laughter. Projections through the windows display fireworks over Almscliffe Cragg, while Christmas trees made from copper pans, brass jugs, and spoons stand alongside long chains crafted from vintage papers.

To create these spaces, Siobhan and Harewood’s volunteers have crafted more than 10,000 decorations using second-hand items, including over 2,000 saved from charity shops and car boots. DOME, Harewood’s Official Christmas Fragrance Partner, has also returned to provide a bespoke scent that enhances the bold colours and patterns throughout the house.

Children will discover miniature scenes placed throughout the House. Nine miniaturist artists, including Michael Robbins and thirteen-year-old Arabella Duffy, have created intricate displays for families to follow on a free trail.

Zoë Hughes, Head of Public Programme at Harewood, said: “There’s nothing quite like Christmas at Harewood, and this year’s celebrations will be our most spectacular yet. Siobhan Murphy’s dazzling, maximalist designs will reimagine the House in true Regency style, while Tom Le Bon’s vibrant light projections will elevate the experience even further, creating showstopping moments, unexpected surprises, and memories to treasure long after the festive season ends.”

A Glittering Invitation: Harewood’s Grand Christmas Ball runs from Saturday 8 November 2025 to Sunday 4 January 2026. Tickets are available at harewood.org/christmas