Don’t miss the Elf Village, Father Christmas in Halifax, or a delightful seasonal steam train ride
Lights fantastic
Christmas is seeing the abbey glow...
Music and Lights, weekends at Fountains Abbey start on Nov 20 - Jan 3. On Sunday December 6 and Sunday December 13, there will be the Carols by Candlelight service and at other dates a choir. 2-4pm.
Lit up with all the colours of the rainbow on weekends throughout Decemer, the abbey is a sight to see. Walk beneath the cellarium’s vaulted ceilings, under the grand columns of the nave and listen to the choir or band as they fill the ruins with festive music.
nationaltrust.org.uk/fountains-abbey-and-studley-royal-water-garden
Magical time
Lotherton’s Christmas Experience is back from November 27, returning for its fifth fantastic year, and the elves have been busy tweaking the tinsel and adding the last sprinkle of festive fairydust to make this year as magical as ever. Santa’s diary has been given a special makeover to ensure socially distanced festive fun for all the family. The Elf Village has had a makeover and is home to Santa and his most trusted head elves, Seasonal favourites including the Twelve Days of Christmas Woodland Walk and the Enchanted Fairy Dell will return, although with a different look and feel, including one-way adventure paths to follow, sanitising stations along the way and social distancing guidelines in place.
thechristmasexperience.co.uk to find out more and book a magical trip.
Pieces of joy
Halifax Piece Hall is lovely and spacious and its festive events kick off on November 14 against the stunning architectural backdrop with the brightly decorated Christmas tree, live music from the bandstand and the return of the great traditional carousel. Coinciding with Halifax’s annual Christmas Light Switch On, 21 and 22 November will see the open-air courtyard host an additional Christmas Fair, before seeing the return of the ever-popular Christmas Fair on 27, 28 and 29 November. For younger visitors, Father Christmas Comes to the Piece Hall, has never been seen before and this bespoke experience will welcome small groups on a magical journey of storytelling and festive imagination with the opportunity to meet the man himself.
Thepiecehall.co.uk
Discover these wintry walks in Yorkshire
Craft a Christmas
Head to The Moors National Park Centre in Danby for Christmas essentials. Browse the range of special gifts, decorations and festive food and drink.
In the Inspired by… gallery, a range of craft products will be available from 15 talented artisans, as part of Brigantia’s Box of Delights exhibition, which opens on 14 November and runs through to 24 January 2021; perfect for presents and made with Christmas in mind.
Artisans will be showcasing their work in the Studio gallery while the shop has many tempting items, including seasonal food, books and a wide range of environmentally sourced products.
Northyorkmoors.org
Take the train
Hop aboard a heritage steam engine at the beautifully decorated Pickering Station for a magical Christmas adventure with the NYMR. Meet Santa’s helpers and steam along the track to Levisham Station whilst listening to Jingle Bells FM in your own private compartment. And you’ll hopefully catch a glimpse of Santa himself too, as he prepares for the biggest night of the year.
Tickets include interaction with Santa’s elves, a photo opportunity to remember your visit, a reserved private compartment on a decorated steam train, return travel from Pickering to Levisham Station (approx. 60 min journey), a quality present for each child and your very own copy of the Snow Bound Express newspaper.
nymr.co.uk
