Experience a magical Christmas in the heart of Yorkshire! Your Christmas starts here…
Mulled wine, mince pies, horse-drawn woodland rides, evening parties and Christmas crafts. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year and there is so much to get you into the festive spirit here in the Selby area.
Put on your bobble hat, scarf and gloves and head out to explore beautiful market towns and villages decorated with fairy lights. Fill your shopping bags with gift-worthy treats from Christmas markets and get crafty to create your own festive wreath or something special with your own hands. For your loved ones.
We've put together a guide to the best winter activities here in the heart of Yorkshire.
Please note that many events require advance reservations and some locations are limited. Please check directly with each venue for availability.
christmas illuminations
See the magic of Selby Christmas Lights being lit at the Christmas Market on Saturday 2nd December from 10am to 5pm.
Festival music, food, tea and tours
The spectacular setting of Carlton Towers is the perfect beautiful place to start the holiday season. Seasons galore including Christmas teas and tours, wreath-making workshops, Sunday lunches with Santa, Christmas party nights, Christmas afternoon teas, Brunch with Santa, festive indoor markets and candlelit choir nights. You can choose from events.
Selby Abbey is awe-inspiring at Christmas. Enjoy a special Christmas fair on Saturday, December 2nd, candlelight carols on December 17th, a Christmas concert by the Carleton Main Frickley Colliery Band on December 20th, or just sit back and admire the Christmas tree and lights. Enjoy the gentle glow of.
Sparkle up your Christmas party night at the stunning and luxurious Hazlewood Castle, enjoy a carol concert, create your own Christmas wreath at our wreath-making workshop, or indulge in a festive afternoon tea, lunch or dinner.
A number of pubs and cafes are also the perfect place to enjoy a celebratory pint, indulgent sweet treats and catch up this winter.
Create your own Christmas
The heart of Yorkshire is packed with creative talent. Join local makers and businesses to create your own Christmas creations.
Like Hazlewood Castle, Hornington Manor will also be hosting Christmas wreath-making workshops on November 26th and 29th. Create your celebrations while enjoying mulled wine and festive songs in the atmospheric oak ceremony barn. Alternatively, on Saturday 9th December at Three Harges Woodmeadows, Escrick, on 30th November and 7th December at Carlton Towers, on Friday 1st December at Church Fenton Village Hall, or in Sherburn. Why not attend an event run by Woodmeadow Trust at the Old Girls' School? Nov. 24 at Elmet.
There are many ways to get a glimpse of the region's talent beyond making Christmas wreaths.
Carlton Towers will be holding Christmas sewing workshops on December 1st and 15th. Dragon Willow introduces willow weaving and teaches you how to make festive snowmen, wreaths, deer, hearts, and more. Helen Dry's Silver and Stone teaches you how to create your own masterpieces in silver, either for yourself or as a gift this Christmas.
Make your own pottery pieces or try your hand at a range of other festive crafts at Glazed and Confused Ceramics and Art Studio in Tadcaster or The Painting Pot in Selby. Their workshops are also a great place to catch up with friends and enjoy group festivities this Christmas season.
Christmas with small children
As you prepare for the big day, there's plenty for everyone from little kids to teens to enjoy.
Little ones will be enchanted by twinkling lights and festive music as they take a fantastic festive carriage ride around Escrick Park Estate on the fantastic Little Skipwith Carriage Ride. Warm up with mulled wine, mince pies and hot chocolate.
Spot Santa in the amazing Santa's Grotto at Wetherells in Selby from Saturday 25th November or with his elves and reindeer at Selby Garden Center. Visit him in the Festival Cave and check out his horned friends too!
Santa will be visiting the adorable Wonky Donkey Visitor Center in Knottingley on December 9th and 10th (pre-book). Throughout December, visit Elmet Alpacas in Sherburne, Elmet for brunch, Christmas crafts, and alpaca feeding (reservations required). Finally, he will be at the Skylark Center near Drax on December 16th and 17th from 12pm to 3pm. Take photos with the sleigh and enjoy Christmas crafts and themed activities.
christmas market
This Christmas is all about buying local. Stock up on delicious treats and libations, as well as unique creations from the region's best crafts and producers.
Join us at Skipwith's Drovers Arms 'Outdoor' Artisan Christmas Market on December 2nd, 9th and 16th. Explore the many huts and warming tipis while enjoying mulled wine, hot chocolate, or Yorkshire bratwurst sausages on the kitchen barbecue. There are other festival-themed events going on, so check out the website for more details.
The popular Selby Christmas Market will be held at Selby Market Place on Saturday 2nd December from 10am to 5pm. Watch the Christmas lights come on and enjoy food stalls, local crafts, live entertainment, dancing turkeys, Santa's sleigh, and more.
The Old Girls School Christmas Fair in Sherburn, Elmet will be held from 11am on November 26 and will feature craft stalls, tombolas, mulled wine, mince pies, Santa's Grotto and more.
Enjoy the Victorian Christmas Market and Festival held in Tadcaster every December 3rd, as well as craft fairs at Riley Smith Hall and church events.
The popular Rickall Dickensian Fayre returns to the Rickall Village Green on Saturday 2nd December from 4pm to 7pm. Discover more than 20 stalls selling seasonal gifts from stallholders dressed in Dickensian costumes. In addition to performances by the village band and village choir, there are many fun events for children, including pocket money games and a raffle where you can win wonderful prizes.
christmas tree and wreath
Fill your home with the scent of fresh pine. Get together and choose a tree to be the centerpiece of your family celebrations this winter. Choose from a large selection of tree suppliers from local farms and garden centers including Selby Garden Center, Lumby Garden Center, Fields Garden Center Rickall Christmas Trees and Wreaths and Barts Barrow.
christmas shopping
Get inspired at a local festival artisan market. Explore gift ideas at the wonderful Wetherell's Department Store and Selby Framing Center and Gifts in Selby.
gourmet festival
Pack your festive shopping bags with some of the best local food and drink the region has to offer. We guarantee that locals will look great on your Christmas table. Check out all the festive festivities offered at local farm stores, grocers, and breweries, including Selby's Spuds and Berries, Bart's Barrow, Jolly Saylor Brewery, Clay Bakes, and Cooper's Grocers.
Additionally, there are plenty of local shops to tempt you with tasty treats. Check out Molly Sharp's Cheese and Deli in Selby. Elmet's Sherburne Sweet Finkle is perfect for old-fashioned sweet stocking fillers such as Sugar Mouth.
Local cafes, pubs and restaurants also offer a wide range of delicious and festive food. Check out our food and drink section for delicious inspiration.
We offer a warm welcome to both residents and visitors in the heart of Yorkshire. Check out our What's On page for a complete list of events this holiday season.
Stay longer, go further…
To make the most of your Christmas holiday in North Yorkshire, stay a little longer and explore further. Choose from family-friendly events, magical ice skating experiences, and meet-and-greets with the greats themselves.
Explore other vibrant market towns such as Pickering and Thirsk, enjoy a luxurious stay in Harrogate and experience Christmas on the Coast. You can also experience the new festive Scarborough Lights event or take the train for an enchanting Christmas experience. Be entertained by a wealth of pantomimes and street parades, shop for last-minute presents at a traditional Victorian fair or get into the Christmas spirit with a candlelight concert. No matter where you explore North Yorkshire, you're sure to get a festive feel this Christmas season.
