A gorgeous Winter Woodland Walk with lots of festive delights and twinkling lights to see along the way! The magic of Christmas is here; Santa will be visiting and giving children a special wave from his safe and cozy grotto, and his festive friends are taking up residence in our very own Christmas Village.
Visitors cannot go inside Santa’s grotto but they can take a photo inside Santa’s sleigh and sit upon the Christmas throne. Don’t forget to bring your letters for Santa to post in our Post Box!
Stop by the incredible Petrifying Well and see the Cave where the famous prophetess Mother Shipton was born. Make a Christmas wish in the Wishing Well and explore the historic outdoor attraction.
Warm up with refreshments and drinks from our coffee kiosk. Our toilets are open and we have picnic benches throughout the attraction. Access to the adventure playground is subject to weather conditions. Our museum and gift shop is currently closed.
Dogs are welcome everywhere except the adventure playground and must be kept on a lead.
Running on 5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd and 24th Dec 2020
Booking is essential https://mothershipton.digitickets.co.uk/tickets
A great covid-safe activity that adheres to Government social distancing guidelines for your safety. 
Drive-In Cinema’s Can Operate In ALL Tier 1, Tier 2 & Tier 3 Locations!
Right up to Christmas Eve!
Each weekend in December and every day from Boxing Day to 1 Jan*. Come together this Christmas for a full festive day out each weekend in December and every day in Christmas week. As the afternoon light starts to fade, make your way to the abbey and wander through the ruins aglow with bright and colourful lights.
* Please note that we’re closed on Fridays throughout November, December and January with the exception of Friday 1 January. We are also closed on 24 and 25 December but open on Boxing Day.
Follow the fairy lights down to the abbey, aglow with light, then sing-a-long to your favourite Christmas carols in the cellarium and enjoy a mulled wine as you stroll through the grounds this Christmas.
Listen out and you might catch a carol or two in the cellarium where traditional music will fill the air. Sadly we won’t have our usual live choirs and bands this year. Music will still be played while you explore the glowing lights in the abbey. Feel free to still have a sing-a-long!
You can experience Christmas here all day but the lights will start to show as it gets darker in the afternoon. Last entry to the estate is at 4pm.
Normal admission charges apply. You will have to pre-book a ticket to visit.
Make sure you bring lots of warm clothing and your torch (it’s dark by 4pm).
The event is within normal admission times so you’re able to park at any of the carparks: the visitor centre or Studley Royal. West Gate car park is reserved for those who need flat access to the grounds.
27th November 2020 – 3rd January 2021
TIER 3 UPDATE: The house will remain closed. Wildlife World is currently closed. The cafe will remin open as takeaway only. The Christmas Stalls will remain open outside the front of the house on weekends only.
Steeped in traditional Christmas magic and excitement, Lotherton is pleased to host The Christmas Experience once again for families to enjoy a festive trip out. Returning for 2020 are: The 12 Days of Christmas Woodland Walk; enjoy this enchanting interactive walk through the Captains Wood, do you know how many ladies will be dancing or birds calling? Discover the fairies in their secret Fairy Dell, listen to the giggles and whispers as you tip-toe through.
For more details on Covid secure measures in place click HERE.
For more details have a read of our review from 2019 HERE
Pre-booking required. Suitable for toddlers.
To book visit thechristmasexperience.co.uk
Off Collier Lane, Aberford, Leeds LS25 3EB.
Thursday – Saturday, 19 November – 19 December 2020
*Update Nov 2020 The Glow Evening are now sold out*
The Glow evenings will allow people to visit the garden safely after work and school and enjoy spending time in nature to benefit their physical and mental well-being.
Tickets for Glow must be booked online in advance. For further information, visit https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/articles/glow-illuminations
We know that many families will be disappointed to not have the chance to see Santa and Tinsel this year, but we’re delighted to announce that they have been working their Christmas magic with the team at Enchantica’s to create personalised sing along Christmas Adventure videos for families to purchase this Christmas. To find out more and book your video visit www.enchanticas.com
Harlow Carr will be open all through the Festive season, apart from Christmas Day.
Enjoy the glorious winter walks and exploring our new sculpture trail. Young imaginations can run wild in the Logness Monster and Craggle Top Tree House play areas. Why not finish your day out with treats and hot drinks from Betty’s Café?
In order to effectively manage social distancing measures, we’re asking all visitors and members to pre-book a time slot ahead of their visit. We ask that everyone visiting Harlow Carr please familiarise themselves with the latest Government advice, avoid meeting in groups greater than six, unless they are part of the same household or support bubble and maintain social distancing of at least 2 metres from people outside of your household.
For more information and to pre-book your visit head to our website.
Crag Lane, Beckwithshaw, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG3 1QB
Weekends through November and selected dates in December.
This year, your Magical Journey to Santa is an exclusive family experience, where your children and accompanying adults journey along a magical pathway, escorted by one of Santa’s finest Elves. You can stop along the route to snap memorable family moments in this enchanting setting before arriving at the grotto to meet Santa and share your wishlist for Christmas. You’ll then choose your own gift from the North Pole toyshop.
Pre-booking required. Suitable for toddlers.
You can read our Mumbler review from our visit last year here.
Pre-booking essential. Suitable for toddlers
Stockeld Park, off the A661 Wetherby Road, LS22 4AN.
Would you like to become a ‘Friend of The Deep’ and support us during this difficult time? For a donation of £15, £25, £50 or £100 you can #JoinOurShoal with a personalised fish plaque which will be mounted on our supporter’s wall in the reception area and a digital certificate in recognition.
It could be a gift for a friend, in memory of a loved one, a family name, or just to show your support – it’s up to you! More info on the website here.
Unfortunately it is going to be a bleak winter for us and for many others. We have received so much support from you all already and we cannot thank you enough, it really does mean a lot. Your ongoing support is vital to us now – thank you so much.
As Hull is in Tier 3 from 2nd December, The Deep remains closed to the public at the moment in line with Tier 3 rules. Keep up to date with info on their website – www.thedeep.co.uk
21st November – 24th December 2020 (selected days)
THIS EVENT IS NOW SOLD OUT
This year we’re keeping the magic of Christmas alive by opening our Christmas grotto, however, they’ll be a few changes to keep everyone safe and sound!
Our grotto visit includes a reindeer hunt around our store, inside and out, and a chocolate lolly when you find them all!
Afterwards, you will make your way through our magical winter wonderland grotto, and be able to take pictures on Santa’s sleigh and on your winter wonderland walk.
You will then have a private family audience with Santa Claus, where you can tell him all your Christmas wishes – and promise him that you’ve been very good this year!
You will also receive a photo memento of your visit, and, with the help of Santa’s elves, you can choose a brilliant, well-deserved gift from our range of award-winning gifts in a tin, a new offering for 2020!
We advise you to book your ticket in advance by visiting our website here
Covid-19 Measures
As usual, you can purchase a ticket online through our website, and you can choose a time and day that suits you best. However, to establish social distancing we have had to reduce the number of slots available this year, and so we strongly encourage pre-booking your ticket to avoid disappointment as we anticipate having very few tickets available on the door.
For more information on please visit our website.
Ackworth Garden Centre, Barnsley Road, Ackworth,
Christmas is on! Yes, it’s going ahead! Santa could be visiting you and your family in the comfort of your own home using virtual magic!
His 20 minute virtual visit includes a welcome chat, story time, a few jokes, a sing-a-long and interactive questions from Santa. Mrs Claus will also be paying him a special visit to assist with the story and of course make sure he doesn’t eat too many mince pies! A fabulous keepsake and pre Christmas gift.
Please visit www.sandra-entertainment.co.uk for more details.
5-19th December 2020
Enjoy Breakfast with Santa this December at Lakeside Restaurant. Visit Santa in his festive grotto, get your picture taken with the main man himself, and receive a present to open on Christmas Day. Then tuck into a delicious all you can eat breakfast in Lakeside Restaurant.
The safety and wellbeing of our guests and team members is of highest priority. To help create a safe environment for all, we are working to the latest government guidance, installing protective screens, enhanced cleaning procedures, and introducing new measures to maintain social distancing. We would ask that you please bear with us during this time. We cannot wait to welcome you back and help spread some Christmas spirit!
Why not make a day of it and explore Ponderosa Zoo after?
Available each Saturday in December, up to 19st December.
Tickets must be pre-booked in advance.
Lakeside Restaurant, Off Smithies Lane, Heckmondwike WF16 0PN
Join us for a festive evening like no other as we take to the great outdoors for a spectacular lighting extravaganza for all ages to enjoy… ‘An Illuminated Christmas: Wish Upon A Frozen Star’!
We have partnered with a world class lighting company who’ll be designing a completely bespoke trail and light and sound show, with some live action too. And of course plenty of festive food, drink and shopping opportunities. Audiences will be able to book into time slots, to enable capacity management, flow around the trail and social distancing.
Upon a Christmas Wish: 3rd December 2020 to 3 January 2021
Christmas is always such a magical time at Harewood and 2020’s festive season will still be just that. Whilst we have had to make the difficult decision to postpone Lord Whitney’s Upon a Christmas Wish to next year, a Christmas at Harewood curated by our own in-house team will take its place as the charity looks to re-opening the House on 3 December. With a beautifully decorated House for all our Members and visitors to explore, we sincerely hope we can kickstart the festive season and look forward to the future.
Abbey Road, Kirkstall, Leeds LS5 3EH
5th December – 23 December 2020
Celebrate the festive season at Ponderosa Zoo this Christmas – take part in their cheeky elves Christmas stocking Trail, learn about their Reindeers and Scottish Wildcats or enjoy Breakfast with Santa at their Lakeside Restaurant!
Their cheeky elves trail & Reindeer & Wildcat talks are included with your admission to the zoo. Breakfast with Santa is just £7.50 and includes an all you can eat breakfast and a gift from Santa to open on Christmas day!
The festivities will start on December 5th December and will run until 23rd December:
• Cheeky Elves Trail – Available every day between 5th – 23rd December
• Reindeer & Wildcat Feeding & Talks – Available 5th – 6th, 12th -13th & 19th – 23rd
• Breakfast with Santa – Available each Saturday in December up until 19th December
Book tickets here: https://ponderosa.digitickets.co.uk/tickets
Father Christmas at the Piece Hall
THIS EVENT HAS NOW BEEN CANCELLED.
5 December 2020- 24 December 2020
The Piece Hall is delighted to announce the inaugural Father Christmas Comes to The Piece Hall a specially created Christmas experience in partnership with Sneaky Experience. Join us for this never seen before show as you are welcomed on a magical journey of storytelling and festive imagination.
Your ticket allows you to enjoy a site wide 35 minute interactive experience where you’ll meet Father Christmas and your children will receive a Santa Activity Bag, after which the family can discover the festive pack in the courtyard spaces or take away to do in your own time.
Head to the White Rose this Christmas for A Paddington Christmas Trail!
Paddington™ fans rejoice! A special Christmas Paddington™ trail is coming to White Rose Shopping Centre. Built from a whopping 445,226 bricks over 1,481 hours, the exciting installation means shoppers can join the world’s favourite marmalade-sandwich-loving bear, Aunt Lucy and eleven other toy brick models for selfie opportunities.
Over the festive period, White Rose Shopping Centre will be open 9am-9pm on weekdays, 9am-8pm on Saturdays, and 11am – 5pm on Sundays. Last minute shoppers will be pleased to know that it will also remain open until 5pm on Christmas Eve.
Santa’s Elves have moved into Rodley Park LS13 LEEDS, they have brought 100 fairy door homes scattered amongst the trees.
How does it work?
All the doors are named. By the elves post box there are printed lists (or download below). Make sure you bring a pen, if you find all 100 elf names post your entry into the post box with your details to be in the running to win a prize.
If you’re lucky, you may find a key hanging from the elf doors, but please if you find one, only take one. So many more doors and decorations to see.
This is an organised trail, please do not bring your own fairy doors!
Roadside parking and small playground. The trail is in the main park, so pram friendly.
Download the checklist by clicking the link below!
28th November to 24th December
The fires will be lit at Bolton Abbey station, the Refreshment Room will be bulging with mince pies and other seasonal fare, (as will the Buffet Cars) and decorations will be all around.
Santa will be on the train, giving out presents to well behaved children, festive music will be playing whilst entertainers & elves will ensure a jovial Christmas spirit throughout!
Also available evening Santa specials and festive afternoon tea
Pre-booking required. Suitable for toddlers.
Tel: 01756 710614
November 28 and 29 | December 5 & 6 | December 12 & 13 | December 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Father Christmas will be tucked away in his festive village nestled near the entrance to Strid Wood. His sparkling Christmas village will come alive with crackling open fires, twinkling Christmas trees and Christmas carols softly drifting through the air. With the help of his elves, our young visitors will have the opportunity to meet the Great Man himself and receive a special Christmas treat. For your safety Father Christmas will not invite you into his cabin but instead meet families outside. The experience will last approximately 20 minutes from beginning to end.
Pre-booking required. Suitable for toddlers.
Bolton Abbey, Skipton, North Yorkshire BD23 6EX. Tel: 01756 718000
Santa, his elves and his reindeer are all exhausted after their hard work over Christmas, can you find them napping around the abbey in the festive trail.
Free entry
10am – 3pm 28, 29, 30, 31 Dec, 2, 3 Jan
Drop-in event, no booking required. Suitable for babies and toddlers.
Pop in to the Visitor Centre afterwards for a warming drink and snack!
Please remember to sign in to test and trace when visiting and maintain social distancing from other visitors as you follow the one-way route.
Abbey Rd, Leeds LS5 3EH. Tel: 0113 378 4079
This year is the first year of Kirkstall Living Advent Trail! It’s almost December and there will be a new festive window revealed each day from 1st-24th Dec. Please spread the word and enjoy! #KirkstallAdventTrail
Leeds Town Hall present the first ever interactive Pantomine Experience of Cinderella!
By combining live theatre, virtual sets and an interactive audience, Panto Live offers you the ultimate pantomime experience!
This year, Cinderella comes to you directly in your own home – live!
Not pre-recorded, not via Zoom – this unique offering for 2020 will be broadcasted in full HD, completely live from our wonderful TV studio in Yorkshire, England, making the experience more exciting, unpredictable and unique to every audience!
18 December, 7pm UK time – The Worldwide Premiere
19 December, 2pm UK Time – UK Matinee
21 December, 11pm UK time (referred to as 7pm EST in the booking info)
23 December, 9am UK time (referred to as 7pm AEST in the booking info)
24 December, 12pm UK time – Christmas Eve Show
20th November 2020 – 3rd January 2021
Lightopia is returning to Heaton Park, Manchester!
Enjoy an award-winning and visually spectacular lantern and light festival. Explore interactive exhibits, immersive light installations, and the magical illuminated trail. This year’s event will also feature new creations to discover. New themes to uncover include a stand-out Christmas showcase, Astronomy display, and the immersive Musical City!
Weekends from 21st November 2020. Daily from 19th December 2020
Discover a fantastical twilight adventure at Lightwater Valley this season with the enchanting Alice in Winterland Christmas Lights Trail. Illuminated by the dazzling magical lantern displays, this Christmas, Lightwater Valley will be home to Alice, the Mad Hatter, the Cheshire Cat, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, Humpty Dumpty and many more of those Lewis Carroll’s childhood characters we all know and love.
Pre-booking essential.
North Stainley, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 3HT
Meet St Nicholas and Lady Winter in their Yuletide grottos. Enjoy a glass of hot punch (alcoholic and non alcoholic available), before being taken to the woodland grotto to make a wish with Lady Winter and then a short story with St Nicholas, aimed at the whole family.
This event will be an atmospheric Christmas of stories, candles and imagination not a commercialised event. Children won’t receive a toy but something more meaningful and symbolic instead, as well as chocolate coin.
Booking required.
Between Malton & York, YO41 1AP. hello@northwoodtrail.co.uk
THIS EVENT IS NOW CANCELLED
21st November – 24th December 2020 (Tickets go on sale 6am 4th September 2020)
Every day from the 21st Nov – 24th Dec jump aboard the Magical Sleigh Ride to Santa’s Woodland Village for a truly unforgettable Christmas experience with NEW activities for this year!
𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞’𝐬 𝐬𝐨 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐭:
🎅NEW exclusive individual family visits to see Santa
NEW Gingerbread Decorating
Check in at Elf Airlines
Ride on Santa’s magical Sleigh through the twinkling Woodland Village.
Receive the golden key to unlock his amazing Toy Shop.
Enjoy festive food and much more!
Fantastic initiative from Friends of Roundhay park, for this festive fun!
Head to the Winter Rocks Tree positioned at the Upper Lake and follow the trail of stones. Paint some rocks with your favourite designs and add them to the end of the line.
Bring Santa to you this year with our mobile grotto in a campervan.
Santa and his elves will drop the SantaVan off to your driveway for
the night, filled with toys, Christmas decorations, cosy bedding and
so much more. Let the SantaVan bring the Christmas spirit to you this
year!
www.goatroadtrip.com/santa-van
They will be visiting us each Friday and Saturday until Christmas between 12pm and 3pm at intervals!
Drop-in, Suitable for toddlers.
St Johns Centre, Merrion Street, Leeds LS2 8LQ
Santa is very excited to be visiting Thorp Perrow this year! 28th November to 24th December 2020
Take a winter walk through the Arboretum and discover Santa’s log cabin grotto. Mrs Claus will welcome you and guide you through our winter wonderland, where you will meet the donkeys, take a sneaky peek into the elves bedroom and the bustling miniature ski village. Can you spot the woodland creatures on your way?
Don’t forget to collect some reindeer food from the elf, take it home ready to scatter outside on Christmas Eve!
Prebooked tickets only. Visit the website at https://www.thorpperrow.com/grotto/
Visit Santa in our special Christmas room at Abbey House Museum. All precautions have been taken to make sure that this is a safe visit that still feels magical for children.
There is a bumper pack of crafts to take home along with your present and don’t forget a camera or phone for a Santa selfie.
Booking on Eventbrite is essential- CLICK HERE. £5 per child to be paid on arrival to site.
Strictly one family/ bubble per 10 minute slot.
We want a visit to Santa to be magical for everyone. If a member of your party has additional needs please contact sarah.allen@leeds.gov.uk to discuss any adjustments we can make, arrange a Friday morning relaxed visit or a social story.
To complete your visit, across the road in Kirkstall Abbey there is a free Reindeer Trail Tuesday-Sunday 10-3 and the Visitor Centre is open selling hot drinks and gifts.
Abbey Walk, Leeds LS5 3EH. Tel: 0113 378 4079
Selected Dates in December 2020
The Santa Parade
Pre-booking required.
Bark House Lane, Cawthorne, Barnsley. Tel: 01226 790427
There are 25 pictures in each of the areas and you can download a free certificate celebrating the Elf Trail.
More details available on their Facebook page.
20th November 2020 – 10th January 2021 (Various dates)
This festive season Yorkshire Wildlife Park will be transformed into a spectacular after-dark wonderland! Experience our brand new magical festival of light featuring amazing interactive exhibits, immersive lantern displays and glow in the dark trails.
Pre-booking essential.
Branton, Doncaster DN4 6TB
