Festive Yorkshire 2016
It’s time to feel festive. It’s the most wonderful time of the year and a warm Yorkshire welcome awaits you. The long nights, the nip of Jack Frost on your nose and the unmistakeable aroma of mulled wine and pine needles means only one thing, Christmas is almost upon us. This time of the year sees our beautiful county transform into a magnificent winter wonderland and there is plenty to see and do for children and adults alike, to make this year’s Christmas simply unforgettable. So whether it’s Santa’s grottos, marvellous markets or a winter getaway that’s on your list this year, this guide has it all to make your Christmas merry and bright. Sir Gary Verity Chief Executive, Welcome to Yorkshire
Cover images clockwise from top left: Swinton Park. Forest Holidays. Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal. Stockeld Park.
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Fee Fi Fo Fun... No festive season would be complete without a trip to see the county’s well-loved Dames roll out the classics at the Pantomime. From Aladdin to Cinderella, we’ve got your favourite fairy-tale covered in Yorkshire this year. Following an astounding panto at the Signal Box Theatre last year, Berwick Kaler and the gang are back where they belong: on the brand-new stage in the newly refurbished York Theatre Royal. Showing from 8th December to 28th January, Berwick’s 38th outing as dame will be a Cinderella like no other! Even more incredible sets, stunning costumes, outstanding song-and-dance routines, jawdropping effects and slapstick lunacy to amaze and delight all ages! Jump aboard a magical carpet ride to Old Peking as a whole host of famous faces take to the stage in Aladdin at the Grand Opera House in York from 9th December to 1st January. Starring Hear’Say’s Suzanne Shaw as the beautiful Princess Jasmine and Paul Sinha from ITV’s The Chase in the role of Abanazar, enjoy wondrous 3D special effects, glamourous costumes and a dazzling set. Don’t miss Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Lyceum Theatre in Sheffield from 9th December to 8th January. With Coronation Streets Wendi Peters taking on the role of the wicked Queen, get ready to boo and
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hiss at this baddy! At the other end of the county, The Georgian Theatre Royal in Richmond will also be presenting the muchloved traditional story of Snow White but with a twist. Set in the bygone era of Art Deco Hollywood, expect lashings of style, glitz and glamour. Get ready for a festive frolic as Sleeping Beauty – the Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto swings into City Varieties from 26th November to 8th January in Leeds this Christmas. Be prepared for a high-speed panto with all the traditional audience participation and corny gags plus the added bonus of a full-blown “boulder fight” and plenty of top pop and soul hits played live on stage! Out towards the coast, Hull Truck Theatre will bring a tale of buccaneers and buried gold to East Yorkshire as Long John Silver set sails in A Christmas Treasure Island from 2nd December – 7th January. Join Aladdin, Wishee Washee, Widow Twankey and of course the beautiful Princess Jasmine for a magnificent pantomime filled with slapstick, shouts of ‘it’s behind you!’, hisses, boos, panto dames, and everything else you have come to expect from your annual visit to Scarborough Spa’s traditional pantomime. Don’t worry if panto isn’t your thing, there are still plenty of other festive shows and musical extravaganzas to enjoy around the county. Mary Poppins will fly into the Alhambra in Bradford
Clockwise from above: Berwick Kaler will be performing at York Theatre Royal. Aladdin in York. Strictly Ballroom The Musical. Sheffield’s Lyceaum Theatre. Aladdin in Scarborough.
from 2nd November to 10th December. Come along and enjoy a magical show before the wind changes and whisks the world’s most famous nanny away. Or leave the kids at home and head to the West Yorkshire Playhouse from 30th November to 21st January to see the brand new stage adaption of Strictly Ballroom The Musical, an inspiring story of Scott, a championship ballroom dancer who defies all the rules and follows his heart, not only to find his true calling but also his true love. For something really special, enjoy an evening of dance as the Saint Petersburg Classic Ballet returns to Sheffield’s Lyceum Theatre with a magical production of one of the best-loved Russian ballets, Swan Lake from 10th to 14th January.
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Festive feasts There is no better time of year to treat yourself and loved ones to a delicious meal out at one of Yorkshire’s fantastic eateries. From cosy pubs to fine dining, we’ve got plenty of options to make sure you have a dinner to remember.
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Clockwise from top left: Rudding Park. Shibden Mill Inn. Rafters in Sheffield. Cosy fires at the Horseshoe Inn. Swinton Park.
For something extra festive, don your favourite Christmas jumper and head to Tapton Hall in Sheffield on 18th December for a special Sunday lunch. Book now and choose from a superb menu, including a traditional turkey dinner. Take a trip to the heart of the Yorkshire Dales and discover Swinton Park in Masham, a luxury Castle Hotel. On 2nd December, enjoy an extra special evening out with a candlelit festive carol concert and readings followed by a gourmet four course dinner with aperitif and wines in Samuel’s Restaurant at the annual Swinton Park Carol Concert and Gala Dinner. Based just outside Harrogate, head to Rudding Park on 19th December and enjoy an evening of Carols by candlelight with dinner. Join Ripon Cathedral Choir in The Chapel followed by a sumptuous dinner in Rudding House. With a shared passion for food and service and a mission to give diners a truly memorable experience, the dynamic young team at Rafters in Sheffield are firmly rooting themselves on the fine dining food map in Yorkshire. With a string of awards to their name, everything on the Rafters menu from the butter to the bread is made in house, ensuring diners an evening of exciting and creative dishes. Officially the oldest pub in Britain, The Bingley Arms located in the village of Bardsey is steeped in history. Set in a tranquil position away from busy roads and near a trickling stream, the magnificent building is a perfect place to stop for a drink of real ale or to eat rustic Yorkshire food in the splendid restaurant. Shibden Mill Inn nestles in the fold of the Shibden Valley, near Halifax. With open fires and mulled wine, it’s the perfect place to warm up after a long country walk. Join them for their annual Winter Walk on the 28th December, the perfect way to walk off your Christmas dinner. A huge roaring fire awaits you at the Horseshoe Inn in Levisham. Using only the best local seasonal produce, this family run pub is wonderfully welcoming. Surrounded by spectacular scenery, grab a seat in the window to watch the world go by whilst sipping a pint of real ale. YORKSHIRE.COM
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It may be his busiest time of year, but Father Christmas and his Elves will be popping up all over Yorkshire to say hello and make a note of your Christmas wishes. Get kitted out with a hard hat and lamp and delve 140m underneath the National Coal Mining Museum in Wakefield to visit Santa in his enchanting underground grotto on selected dates from 26th November right up until 23rd December.
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Experience all the magic of Christmas at Thornton Hall Country Park. Take a trip to their very own Lapland and visit Santa and his Elves in his grotto, sit by the cosy fire, listen to his tales and stories and receive your very own personalised gift. Father Christmas and a few of his Elf friends will also be stopping by Eureka! The National Children’s Museum in Halifax from 3rd to 23rd December. The big man in red will be meeting visitors and giving out a few early gifts, before heading off to make his festive deliveries. Enjoy an extra special festive day out at Boston Park Farm on selected dates from 12th December. Settle down for a delicious set lunch in the tearooms with warm mince pies and cake, then jump aboard a tractor and trailer ride to visit Santa in his grotto where all children will receive a special gift. Join Santa and his special helpers throughout December on a magical adventure aboard the North Yorkshire Moors Railway Santa Express. Departing from Pickering Station, the Santa Specials bring Christmas to life and give children the chance to meet the legendary man himself in his grotto on board the train. The popular Santa Special Trains at Middleton Railway also start running on Saturday 3rd December. Meet Santa on board the train then enjoy a mince pie
and hot drink when you arrive back at Moor Road. Or why not hop aboard the Shipley Glen Tramway and pay a visit to Santa whilst enjoying a ride the oldest working cable tramway in Great Britain. At Bolton Abbey Station, the fires will be lit and the refreshment room will be brimming with mince pies and other seasonal fare. Stock up before your journey on the Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway where Santa will also be on board to say hello and deliver some presents. There’s lots of festive fun to be had at Tropical Butterfly House, Wildlife and Falconry Centre near Sheffield. Visit the nativity scene in the cosy stable, meet friendly farm animals and take a peek in the manger, then hitch a ride aboard a magical sleigh on your way to meet Father Christmas in his enchanting grotto. Explore acres of stunning woodland at Thorp Perrow Arboretum and walk through the illuminated woods to find Santa in his grotto along with donkeys, reindeer and or course his Elves on selected dates from 3rd to 24th December. Beautifully dressed with lanterns in the shape of Christmas trees and presents, the grotto at the Yorkshire Magical Lantern Festival is not to be missed. It’s the perfect place to get in the festive spirit and meet the big man in red. Clockwise from left: Eureka! The National Children’s Museum. North Yorkshire Moors Railway. Santa’s coming to Yorkshire. The Santa Special. Pick up a present at one of Santa’s grottos. Photo opportunities at Stockeld Park. Thornton Hall Country Park. National Coal Mining Museum. Shipley Glen Tramway. Donkeys at Boston Park Farm.
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Baby it’s cold outside Whatever your budget, there are plenty of options for places to stay this festive season, so why not treat yourself and get away from it all this Christmas.
outdoor hot tub. In the evening you can take in the restaurant’s romantic atmosphere and dine from a superb award winning menu.
Head to the picturesque village of Helmsley in North Yorkshire for a stunning stay at the Feversham Arms Hotel and Verbena Spa. Enjoy the sumptuous surroundings of the rooms and treat yourself to some relaxing treatments in the Verbena Spa.
Brocco on the Park lies in the heart of social Sheffield, making it perfectly placed for a festive city break. Sleep soundly and dine in style amidst Scandinavian luxe décor at this boutique hotel with fabulous views across Endcliffe Park.
Dramatically situated 600 feet above sea level, overlooking Robin Hood’s Bay, you can’t beat the views from Raven Hall Country House Hotel. Why not get a group together and hire one of their lodges for a Christmas getaway with friends and loved ones? Up in the North East corner of Yorkshire you’ll find Wynyard Hall, a magnificent hideaway with breath-taking views. Retreat over the holidays for a luxury Christmas escape and enjoy luxurious accommodation and traditional festive dining. You can even pick up a few last minute artisan gifts at their festive shopping fayre. Enjoy the perfect Christmas escape at Falcon Manor in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales. With crisp fresh air and wide open beautiful spaces outside and roaring log fires, manor house luxury and the sparkle of a magical Christmas inside, why not treat yourself this festive season. For sheer indulgent luxury, head to the magnificent Yorebridge House, a boutique hotel in the heart of the beautiful Yorkshire Dales. The contemporary bedrooms boast fabulous views, luxury products and fluffy robes, some even have access to a private
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Relax, unwind and make Wentbridge House near Pontefract your home this Christmas. Set in the beautiful Yorkshire countryside, it’s the perfect spot for a relaxing break or a treat for the whole family. Open every day, you can indulge in delicious Christmas dining or a wonderful festive afternoon tea whenever you like! Located in the heart of the beautiful historic city of York, adjacent to York Train Station, The Royal York Hotel offers unique and stylish accommodation; surrounded by beautiful gardens and spectacular views. York is the perfect spot for a Christmas break, so why not treat yourself to a spot of real luxury this season and stay in style. Experience an enchanting Christmas break at Rockliffe Hall, a hidden gem in North Yorkshire. With five-star luxury, a golf course and a spa, simply relax and let the resort’s team of faithful fairies and eager Elves look after all the details. There will be entertainment aplenty for the little ones and big kids alike…
Clockwise from bottom left: Rockliffe Hall. Robin Hood’s Bay. Wynyard Hall. Decorated interiors at Wynyard Hall.
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Jingle Bell Rock With party season fast approaching, we’ve got some fantastic spots in Yorkshire to make sure you have a night to remember. Why not celebrate this Christmas with a Yurtbar Après Ski Party. For selected dates in December, YurtBar will pop up in north Leeds to provide an unforgettable Christmas Party experience. Complete with pine trees, roaring fires and fabulous sheep skin rugs, alpine themed yurts will provide the perfect setting for your work Christmas party or festive get-together with friends. Samba your way into Christmas with a Christmas Carnival Party at Mercure Wetherby Hotel or Mercure Hull Grange Park Hotel. Bursting with all the colours, sounds and excitement of the carnival, it’s a Christmas party with a difference. Channel the spirit of Rio and dress exotically, leave your inhibitions behind and enjoy an evening of fantastic food and foot-tapping music guaranteed to get you dancing. Dine amongst the fishes in the Two Rivers Restaurant at The Deep in Hull. Enjoy a three course meal and disco surrounded by the stunning Endless Oceans Gallery with magnificent sharks and rays as your backdrop. Following your meal, you can dance the night away and celebrate Christmas in style.
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Celebrate New Year’s Eve in style at Doncaster Racecourse. Stroll down the red carpet to a Champagne & Canapé Reception, before sitting down to dinner where you will sample the delights of a five-course luxury menu accompanied by a fantastic live Cabaret-style show. Your compere will lead you in the New Year countdown, with an eruption of fireworks and a Champagne toast to welcome in 2017. Brand new for 2016, The Camp Hill Estate in Bedale are opening an Alpine Ski Lodge Christmas Party Venue this season. Set in a unique rustic barn, enjoy a truly different, fun filled experience, the perfect way to reward your team and make them feel truly valued this Christmas. Choose Bradford’s most eye-catching venue for your Christmas party this year. For a festive night to remember, celebrate at the National Media Museum in the heart of the city. Why not hire the nostalgic Games Lounge and play your way through the history of video gaming. Clockwise from top left: Enjoy the Chistmas lights at City Hall in Hull before the Christmas party at the Mercure Hotel. The pop up YurtBar. The Alpine Ski Lodge at The Camp Hill Estate. The Deep in Hull. Party time at the Mercure Wetherby Hotel.
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Donate a bike this Christmas Buying a new bike this Christmas? Why not donate your old bike at your local Yorkshire Bank Bike Library Donation Station? Yorkshire Bank Bike Libraries have an ambition to give every child in Yorkshire access to a bike for free. We want to get the whole of Yorkshire cycling, whether it’s learning to ride for the first time, or learning about local safe cycling routes and basic bike maintenance. But to make this happen we need your help and your bikes! If you have a bike sitting in your garage that doesn’t get used, or perhaps your child has grown out of their current bike and you are planning to give them a new one this Christmas, we’d love to take the old one off your hands. We will then restore the bike to full working order and give it to a child who doesn’t have access to their own bike. Visit the website to find your nearest donation station, and help get Yorkshire cycling.
www.bikelibraries.co.uk/donation-stations
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Come and give cycling a go Not your typical Library, a Yorkshire Bank Bike Library offers loans of bikes instead of books! Perhaps you’ve never been on a bike and would like to learn how? Or you’d love to get out on the open road with your family, but haven’t got bikes? Your local Yorkshire Bank Bike Library is on hand to put you in the right direction. Each Library is unique, offering bikes to loan alongside different events and activities such as cycling lessons, family activities, guided local rides or bike maintenance lessons. Visit the website to see what your local Library has to offer.
www.bikelibraries.co.uk
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Winter Wonderland Get outdoors this festive season and visit the stunning landscape of Yorkshire, there’s so much to discover. Wrap up warm and explore RHS Garden Harlow Carr on a festive Christmas trail. Get in the Christmas spirit and search for festive clues all around the garden. Don’t forget to take a family photo with the polar bears and penguins before you leave. The impressive sight of Brimham Rocks is worth visiting any time of year, but stop by on the 17th and 18th December and follow the Christmas cracker trail through the rocks to find Santa in his snowy Winter Wonderland. With 30 sled dogs for you to meet, Pesky Husky provide a range of exciting experiences and ways to discover the Yorkshire countryside. Try your hand at Husky Hiking; a walk with the dogs through the open countryside, using specialist belts and equipment specifically designed for sled dogs. A fun and unique activity, this is perfect for families with children, walking groups, or anyone who wants to meet and spend some quality time with these amazing animals! Get a taste of the North Pole and visit the polar bears at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park. Home to one of the largest Polar bear reserves in the world, come and meet Pixel, Victor and Nissan, at Project Polar. While you are there, you could even adopt a polar bear as a Christmas gift for a loved one. A magical experience awaits at Brodsworth Hall this Christmas where the gardens will be transformed into a winter wonderland from 16th to 23rd December. As the night draws in, colourful displays, twinkly lights, atmospheric music and the smell of warming seasonal food will fill the grounds. Wander the illuminated trail to explore multi-coloured displays bringing the tree canopies, plants and iconic garden features to life through beautiful light.
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There’s all sorts of festive fun going on at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal. Every weekend you can see the abbey lit with rainbow colours and hear live festive music and carols in the cellarium. Get the whole family together and pick up a reindeers’ explorer map to follow in the hoofsteps of Father Christmas’s reindeer around the estate. Don’t forget to post your letter to Father Christmas in the post office at Fountains Hall and meet the man himself in his cosy grotto. Visit the Yorkshire Sculpture Park near Wakefield, an internationally renowned centre for modern and contemporary sculpture, presenting work by some of the world’s most extraordinary artists within 500 acres of historic parkland. Join a special ‘Twilight Walk’ on 10th December with the Heritage Team for a winter walk and talk around the Park’s historic lakes and woodland to discover interesting follies and features by candlelight.
Clockwise from top left: Pesky Husky. Yorkshire Sculpture Park. Brodsworth Hall. Fountains Abbey © National Trust images / Andrew Butler. Brimham Rocks. Yorkshire Wildlife Park.
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Eat, drink and be merry Treat yourself to some tasty treats this Christmas and indulge in some of Yorkshires finest food and drink.
Of course when it comes to sweet treats, Bettys is a Yorkshire institution. With tea rooms and shops in York, Harrogate, Ilkley and RHS Harlow Carr, they have all your Christmas favourites. From award-winning mince pies, to beautifully iced Christmas Cakes and unique continental specialities, find charming stocking fillers, or sumptuous gift boxes and hampers. For a real Yorkshire Christmas, try one of Toppings Award Winning Speciality Pies. Based in Doncaster, this family run business produces delicious speciality pork pies, hot pies and quiches, with an ethos to use the highest quality locally sourced ingredients in all of their award winning products. Pick one of these famous pies up at Doncaster Markets or Frenchgate Shopping Centre.
Malton is full of local food and drink producers ensuring you can have a true taste of Yorkshire this Christmas. Pick up some handchurned butter from ButterBees, the UK’s first and only butter parlour using local cream from happy cows and get your beer from Brasscastle Brewery, one of the UK’s leading microbreweries with several award winning national champion beers. Yo Bakehouse is an artisan bakery and coffee house and one of the newest arrivals into market street, Malton. With their attention to detail and great talent in baking sweet cakes and pies they are set to be popular.
with delicious cheeses, cold meats and olives as well as their own farm-raised grass-fed beef and lamb and artisan preserves produced on site, they have all the ingredients you need to create some delicious meals this Christmas.
Yorkshire is home to some fine spirit producers which are sure to set your Christmas off with a bang. Sample the extraordinarily distinctive Slingsby Gin, Masons small batch craft gin or Whittakers handcrafted gin and you won’t be disappointed. For something a little bit fruity, try the award winning SLOEmotion Damson Gin.
No Christmas is complete without a tasty pork pie. Made to a traditional recipe, only the freshest ingredients are baked into Vale of Mowbray Pork Pies. Classic hot water pastry encases tender, cured pork, delicately seasoned with an irresistible blend of herbs and spices. All topped with a golden pastry lid and baked to mouthwatering perfection.
The Granary Café and Farm Shop in Leeds prides itself on offering a wide range of home produced food. With a dazzling deli counter stocked
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A haven for food lovers and for those who want to give their loved ones something scrumptious, Blacker Hall Farm in Wakefield have a gift for everyone. Pick up a hamper, the perfect way to show off all the fantastic Yorkshire produce on offer, or grab a stocking filler that will make Christmas morning really special.
Left to right: Bettys. Toppings award winning speciality pies. Malton. Vale of Mowbray Pork Pies.
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Clockwise from top left: Bettys Christmas Pudding. Mulled wine ingredients from The Granary CafĂŠ and Farm Shop. Mince pies from Blacker Hall Farm. Slingsby Gin with a twist.
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Sleigh Ride With a Nordic Ski Trail, Ice Skating rinks and even a bobsleigh track, you don’t need to wait for snow to have a go at some fantastic winter sports this festive season.
Main image: Snozone, Castleford
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SIX WONDERFUL WINTER ACTIVITIES
Camp Hill Estate
Snozone, Castleford
Stockeld Park
Head to Camp Hill Estate in Bedale and have a go on one of only two Olympic-standard Bobsleigh push start tracks in England. Bring five of your fastest mates for the ride of a lifetime; don’t worry, lycra suits are optional!
Don’t worry if there is no snow outside this year, Snozone in Castleford have plenty of the white stuff indoors! Whether it’s your first time on skis or you’re an experienced snowboarder come and have a go on the indoor slope.
Try something a bit different at Stockeld Park near Wetherby and have go on their Nordic Ski Trail. Ski along the 1.2km illuminated trail which runs through an Enchanted Forest, winding through beautiful woodland and around a lake.
Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland
The Dome, Doncaster
iceSheffield
Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland at York Designer Outlet is home to the north of England’s largest outdoor ice rink, The Ice Factor. With its magical setting, giant Christmas tree and rink side Alpine-themed café, it’s a great day out for all the family.
Skate on the UK’s only split level ice rink with interconnecting ramps at The Dome in Doncaster. Offering everything from Ice Disco’s to figure skating sessions, they have a skating activity for everybody. So why not get out on the ice and have a go.
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Boasting two Olympic sized ice pads, iceSheffield has plenty to offer. Come along and have a go at ice skating, or why not try your hand at ice hockey or curling. With special sessions for over 50’s, wheelchair users, students and after school skating, they’ve got something for everyone.
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Christmas Markets
Left to right: Experience the amazing decorations at Castle Howard. Leeds German Christmas Market. Grassington Dickensian Festival. St Nicholas Fayre, York.
As the festive season approaches, there is no better way to get in the spirit than with a visit to one of many fabulous Christmas Markets dotted around the county. Returning to Leeds on 11th November, old favourite the Christkindelmarkt brings a little piece of Germany to Leeds. Millennium Square will transform into a scenic winter village; with wooden chalet stalls decorated with twinkling lights as well as some fantastic entertainment from a Bavarian Oompah Band. A truly magical experience awaits you on Fargate with the arrival of the Sheffield Christmas Market. Traditional Wooden Cabins offering a huge choice of seasonal goodies make this the perfect place to stock up on gifts, foods and treats! Head to the coast on 18th, 19th and 20th November for the brand new Whitby Christmas Festival. As well as a fabulous Christmas market, come and enjoy a fantastically festive weekend with a special Lantern Parade and Firework Display. On the first two weekends of December, travel back in time for the annual Grassington Dickensian Festival. Visitors will be treated to a glorious array of sights, tastes and smells from a bygone era. The village is adorned in Christmas lights and the square and streets come alive with a traditional market, musicians and street entertainers with shopkeepers and villagers dressed in Victorian costume. On Sunday 4th and Sunday 11th of December, head to Skipton to pick up some fantastic gifts from the Skipton Christmas Market. Running the full length of the High Street, the Christmas market has a whole range of stalls selling everything you could want for your family and friends.
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Market listings Sheffield Christmas Market 19th November – 24th December
Country Living Magazine Christmas Fair, Harrogate 1st- 4th December
Skipton Yuletide Festival & Christmas Market 4th & 11th December
Leeds Christkindlemarkt 11th November – 18th December
Christmas Craft and Food Fair, Sledmere House 2nd – 4th December
A Winter Wonderland Christmas Fair at Tennants Garden Rooms, Leyburn 9th – 10th December
Christmas Craft Fair, The Moors National Park Centre, Danby 19th – 20th November Harrogate Christmas Market 17th – 20th November Whitby Christmas Festival 18th, 19th, 20th November St Nicholas Fair, York 17th November – 23rd December
Knaresborough Christmas Market 3rd – 4th December 24th Victorian Christmas Market, Kelham Island Museum 3rd – 4th December Grassington Dickensian Festival 3rd – 11th December
Castle Howard Christmas Market 19th November – 23rd December
Otley Victorian Fayre & Christmas Market 4th December
The Hepworth Wakefield Christmas Market 26th & 27th November
Richmond Town Christmas Market 4th December
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Malton Christmas Food Market, Malton 10th December Brodsworth Hall Christmas Market 10th & 11th December Beverley Festival of Christmas 11th December Bridlington Old Town Dickensian Festival 27th November
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Steeped in tradition, Kathe Wohlfahrt have been making and selling their stunning Christmas decorations for 52 years and have just opened a brand new shop in York. Make your tree really special with a stunning adornment or why not start a new family tradition and give a gift that can be used every year. Set in sixteen acres of lawns and beautiful gardens, Wentworth Garden Centre in Rotherham can cater for all your decorative needs. For those to whom Christmas means a real Christmas tree, they offer over 3000 premium grade trees to choose from. Fancy creating a Christmas Cake masterpiece this year? Why not head to the Icing Workshop in Farnley for a lesson in cake decorating. Use all kinds of equipment and edibles to produce a real show stopping centre piece for your Christmas table. Tong Garden Centre near Bradford have helped families choose their perfect Christmas tree for years, all from a range of Yorkshire grown and freshly cut trees that will stay looking great in your home throughout the festive season. Choose from a range of lush real green trees or a no-nonsense artificial tree. Pick up some decorative treats at Castle Howard’s festive covered market and browse a wide range of unique crafts, gifts and festive foods. Pop inside the house and take inspiration from the garlands, wreaths and decorations hand crafted by the gardens team from greenery, winter berries and branches gathered from the estate. If you fancy getting crafty, make a festive wreath for your front door inspired by the traditional Christmas decorations at the Brontë Parsonage Museum on the 10th December. All materials will be provided, and the workshop includes mince pies and mulled wine to get you in the festive mood! Located in the beautiful Crimple Valley in the town of Harrogate, Crimple Hall is Harrogate’s newest retail destination where heritage meets contemporary. With an extensive range of Christmas decorations, add some sparkle to your house this season.
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www.yorkshire.com/ festive
Caring for your Christmas Tree
Deck the halls
Whether it’s a Christmas tree for your front room or you want to go all out with wreaths, garlands and table centrepieces, we’ve got some fantastic suppliers in Yorkshire ready to help with your festive needs.
SHAKE THE TREE Shake the tree you are thinking about buying to see how many needles fall off generally, the more needles, the older it is.
ALLOW TO DROP Once the net is removed, allow your tree to drop before decorating.
WATER Check your tree has enough water every day and top up as necessary.
RECYCLE Some councils run tree recycling services and some even offer a collection service.
Inset top to bottom: Tong Garden Centre. Brontë Parsonage Museum. Castle Howard.
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Main image: Victoria Quarter in Leeds.
Yorkshire is home to some fantastic shopping locations. From small independent shops, to luxury boutiques and brand new shopping centres, there are plenty of options to choose from.
All I want for Christmas If you’re looking to spoil your loved one this year, Leeds’ Victoria Quarter is the place to go for luxury buys. With more than 75 designer brands, you’ll be sure to find the perfect present for even the most discerning fashionista. Why not really make a day of it and head to Trinity Leeds. Beneath a dramatic sweeping glazed roof, you will find four levels of open arcades housing over 120 shops bars and restaurants offering a mix of authentic street food, rooftop fine dining, cocktail bars and balcony restaurants. Bridlington Old Town is a charming pocket of Yorkshire. Full of fascinating architecture and cultural history as well as modern shops and stylish galleries, it’s well worth taking the time to visit. You can pick up a beautiful print from one of the many independent galleries or an antique treasure from the Georgian Rooms. A great place to shop for those who prefer something a little bit more unusual for Christmas.
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At McArthur Glen Designer Outlet you will find sumptuous suede, luxurious leather, warming wool and sensational silk all under one roof making your Christmas shopping easier than ever. Pick up some luxury pieces at bargain prices and treat your loved ones to a little bit of fashion heaven. With over 120 designer brands to tempt you, you are sure to find something for everyone. When it comes to great shops, Sheffield’s got bags of them. But it’s more than just quantity, it’s quality that counts with a choice of everything from up to the minute High Street stores to one-off trendy boutiques waiting to be discovered down Ecclesall Road and in the city’s über cool Devonshire Quarter. Sheffield Antiques Quarter is a vibrant quarter with over 35 businesses selling vintage, retro, arts, antiques salvage and militaria, the perfect place to pick up something a little different.
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Gift Experiences
Stuck for a great gift idea? Try one of these fantastic experiences.
Bettys Cookery School Know someone who loves to cook? How about giving them the chance to learn from the patisserie masters at Bettys. With all kinds of classes to choose from including ‘One Pot Wonders’ and ‘Baking with Chocolate’, it’s the perfect gift for your foodie friend!
Tiger Moth Flight Experience Why not go all out this year and send a loved one up in a tiger moth aircraft to experience the thrill of wartime flying. After the flight briefing, aircraft checks and ground control procedures, they will learn all about taxiing, take off and of course the all-important landing!
Get a Grip Camera Workshop Excitement is building in the city as the opening of Victoria Gate, Leeds’ newest retail destination, approaches. Victoria Gate will be home to the largest John Lewis department store outside London and a range of luxury and designer brands, including 17 new to Leeds. Visit The Carding Shed in Holmfirth and discover a bygone era. While away a few hours in their retro, vintage themed shop, based in a magnificent former mill and pick up something one of a kind. If all that shopping makes you hungry, why not refuel at The Oil Can Café for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea or a glorious gateau. With so much on offer The Carding Shed offers a superb day out and an ideal spot to find something a little bit quirky for a loved one.
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One for your arty friend, set in the beautiful surroundings of Ilkley, this one day camera and photography course combines insightful lessons and demonstrations with practical assignments which help you master your digital camera.
Humble Bee Farm Why not treat a loved one to a weekend away? Try something a little different at humble Bee Farm and choose from Wigwams, Yurts, Bell Tents and camping on their working arable and stock farm in the picturesque Yorkshire Wolds.
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What’s On Yorkshire’s events and festivals are exciting, unique, innovative and spectacular. Here’s just a taster of what you can expect. For a complete listing, go to yorkshire.com/events
Doncaster Christmas Light Switch On 10th November Enjoy a festive evening in Doncaster town centre, including live entertainment, a Christmas parade led by Father Christmas as well as a festive craft and food market.
Gingerbread Castle 19th November – 23rd December Discover the building and monuments of Castle Howard constructed on a vast scale from gingerbread.
Lamplighter Festival 19th November, Todmorden Handmade Parade returns to the streets to light up the town where the mythical ‘Lamplighter’ puppet lantern.
Sheffield Christmas Lights 20th November Come along for a magical evening of celebrations as Sheffield’s Christmas Lights are switched on. With choirs, Santa’s grotto, carolling and street entertainment.
Skipton Christmas Lights Switch On Thursday 24th November With entertainment from 5pm, come along to see the festive light switch on.
Lotherton Hall Christmas Experience 25th November – 25th December This will be the ultimate festive day out, steeped in Christmas magic and excitement.
Magical Lantern Festival 25th November – 2nd January, Roundhay Park A stunning fusion of art, heritage and culture. This impressive outdoor Christmas themed event is a festival of light and illumination.
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YORKSHIRE.COM
A Christmas Carol 3rd – 4th December, Brodsworth Hall Gather round for a performance of this classic Christmas tale. Scrooge meets the unusual Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come, but will he change his ways in time for Christmas? Wrap up warm for this unique live experience!
Pateley Bridge Festival of Lights 9th - 10th December
Christmas at Flamingo Land 26th November – 24th December (selected dates) Santa and his Elves will be taking over the Coach House at Flamingo Land to deliver a storytelling spectacular.
Great Skipton Santa Fun Run 27th November
Situated in the heart of Nidderdale, see this beautiful market town illuminated and enjoy some festive shopping.
Boroughbridge Christmas Tree Festival 10th - 11th December Enjoy the individually designed Christmas trees decorated by local schools, businesses and community organisations at St James Church.
Come and join the fun run in Skipton and raise some money for some fantastic causes. You even get a free Santa suit for entering.
23rd Victorian Weekend & 2nd Baytown Beer Festival 2nd – 4th December, Robin Hood’s Bay Dress up in your best traditional period costume as pirates and bawdy wenches take to the streets along with bell ringers, storytellers and carol singers.
Black Swan Ice Rink 2nd – 4th December The ever popular annual skating event will return, with pop-up ice rink and outdoor food and drink stalls, overlooking Helmsley’s historic market place, heralding the start of the festive season in this pretty North Yorkshire Market town.
Christmas Concert at Malham Cove
Carol Concert
3rd December
11th December, Rievaulx Abbey
Come and be entertained by a local brass band, playing seasonal favourites in the awe-inspiring setting of Malham Cove.
Get in the festive spirit with a unique Christmas carol concert. Wrap up warm and enjoy the music in the ruins of the majestic Abbey.
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Haworth Torchlight Procession and Carol Service
Mayor’s Christmas Eve Carol Concert
11th December
Enjoy the scent of mulled wine with the sound of your favourite Carols at the Royal Hall in Harrogate.
Head to Haworth for the annual Torchlight Procession and Carol Service. Starting at the bottom of the Main Street by the beautiful Christmas tree, the procession winds its way up the cobbled street to Haworth Parish Church, carrying the candlelit torches and singing carols as they go.
Skipton Town Hall Tea Dance 15th December
24th December
Fountains Abbey Boxing Day Pilgrimage 26th December Follow in the footsteps of the 12th Century Monks with the traditional pilgrimage from Ripon Cathedral.
Enjoy a wonderful afternoon of dancing with fantastic organist John Bowdler from Blackpool Tower Ballroom. This special Christmas event has a seasonal twist – don’t miss it!
Knaresborough Boxing Day Tug o’ War 26th December Enjoy this time honoured tradition as the teams pull against each other from opposite banks of The River Nidd.
YORKSHIRE.COM
REDCAR
A67
RICHMOND REETH SEDBERGH DENT
HAWES
STAITHES
GUISBOROUGH
YARM
A66
BOWES
YORKSHIRE DALES
SALTBURN
MIDDLESBROUGH
BARNARD CASTLE
A1
WHITBY
A171
DANBY
A172
NORTH YORK MOORS
LEYBURN
A684
A170
PICKERING
HELMSLEY
THIRSK
KIRKBY LONSDALE
A169 SCARBOROUGH
SUTTON BANK MASHAM
SEAMER
FILEY
HORTON-IN-RIBBLESDALE INGLETON SETTLE
RIPON
GRASSINGTON MALHAM
A59
SKIPTON
A64
A65
DRIFFIELD
YORK
WETHERBY
A658
SALTAIRE
A64
LEEDS
BRADFORD
A614 HORNSEA
BEVERLEY
A19 SELBY
A164
A63
HEBDEN BRIDGE
A63
HULL
HUMBER BRIDGE
HALIFAX TODMORDEN
PONTEFRACT
MIRFIELD HUDDERSFIELD HOLMFIRTH
For more information please contact: Welcome to Yorkshire Dry Sand Foundry, Foundry Square, Holbeck, Leeds LS11 5DL 0113 322 3500 info@yorkshire.com www.yorkshire.com
A15
WAKEFIELD
SCUNTHORPE
A1
BARNSLEY
FLAMBOROUGH HEAD
BRIDLINGTON
A166
A1079
OTLEY
KEIGHLEY HAWORTH
MALTON
KNARESBOROUGH
HARROGATE
ILKLEY
A629
A165
A19
PATELEY BRIDGE
N
ROBIN HOOD’S BAY
OSMOTHERLEY
NORTHALLERTON
DONCASTER
WITHERNSEA
A180 GRIMSBY CLEETHORPES
BRIGG
A18
PEAK ROTHERHAM DISTRICT A57
SHEFFIELD
KEY Motorways
Heritage Coasts
A Roads
Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Rail Routes
National Parks
Airports
Ferryport
How to get here For more travel information go to www.yorkshire.com/travel YORKSHIRE BY AIR Fly to Doncaster Sheffield Airport with Flybe, Welcome to Yorkshire’s official airport partner and airline, or to Humberside Airport or Durham Tees Valley Airport. Leeds-Bradford International Airport is our busiest air gateway, with flights from Aberdeen, Belfast, Bristol, Exeter, Edinburgh, Glasgow, the Isle of Man, London Gatwick, Newquay, Plymouth and Southampton.
YORKSHIRE BY SEA Ferry services to Hull and Newcastle link Yorkshire with Holland, Belgium and Germany. P&O Ferries operate overnight services to Hull from Rotterdam and Zeebrugge.
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YORKSHIRE BY ROAD Britain’s biggest and fastest highways cross Yorkshire from north to south and east to west, making getting here by car or by coach very simple. For details of the quickest (or the most scenic) driving routes see the AA or RAC websites www.theaa.com and www.rac.co.uk Yorkshire By Rail You can get to Yorkshire by train from the North West with First TransPennine Express, who offer direct services into the county from Liverpool and Manchester. Northern Rail also offer direct services to Yorkshire from the North West. Yorkshire’s cities and market towns are also easy to get to from other parts of the country. Travel to Yorkshire with high-speed trains from either London or Edinburgh in less than two hours with Grand Central and Virgin Trains East Coast services.
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