Last updated: November 11, 2024
Explore the holiday season in Castleford with our detailed guide. Whether you're a familiar face or a fresh visitor, this guide unlocks the holiday treasures of Castleford.
One popular event to look forward to is the Stockeld Park Christmas Adventure, where enchanting winter landscapes come to life with breathtaking illuminations and festive activities for all ages. The Light Up Wakefield event offers a stunning display of festive lights that transform the town into a winter wonderland. And the Hepworth Wakefield Festive Market is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring local crafts and delicious treats. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Contact information and details below.
Interactive light and sound installations in ancient woodland.
Stockeld Park Christmas Adventure offers a variety of activities including ice skating, Santa's Grotto, and the Snowflake Maze, set amidst the park's illuminated Enchanted Forest.
Where: Wetherby | More Info: Stockeld Park Christmas Adventure
Large-scale light installations and immersive experiences.
Light Up Wakefield is a spectacular event featuring light installations, craft activities, a Christmas Market, and street entertainment across Wakefield City Centre. The event includes unique pieces like Illuminos' The Timekeepers and Båll & Brand's The Ice is Melting, highlighting global warming issues. It is part of Our Year Wakefield District 2024, celebrating the region's heritage and culture.
Where: Wakefield | More Info: Light Up Wakefield
Secret window designs revealed daily until Christmas.
The Saltaire Living Advent Calendar features 57 illuminated windows in Saltaire village, showcasing traditional and modern festive scenes, quirky characters, and tales influenced by Saltaire culture and the creators' lives.
Where: Saltaire | More Info: Saltaire Living Advent Calendar
Live music and light displays in a historic abbey setting.
At Music & Lights at Fountains Abbey, the abbey ruins are illuminated with colorful lights as live choirs and bands fill the cellarium with festive music. Visitors can walk beneath the vaulted ceilings and grand columns of the nave, enjoying the live performances and recorded carols that fill the air.
Where: Ripon | More Info: Music & Lights at Fountains Abbey
Unique blend of local crafts and seasonal treats.
The Hepworth Wakefield Festive Market is a vibrant event featuring over 75 independent makers selling a variety of gifts, including candles, ceramics, food and drink, homeware, jewellery, prints, stationery, and textiles. The market offers family activities, live music, and street food, making it an ideal place to start your festive shopping.
Where: Wakefield | More Info: The Hepworth Wakefield Festive Market
Unique gifts and local craftsmanship in a beautifully decorated medieval manor house.
The Ilkley Christmas Makers’ Fair at Ilkley Manor House features local sellers offering stunning handcrafted goods, ceramics, jewellery, and quirky decorations. Enjoy festive mulled wine and delicious treats from the renowned Ilkley Kitchen while browsing the bustling stalls filled with unique gifts.
Where: Ilkley | More Info: Ilkley Christmas Makers’ Fair
Traditional pantomime with a talented cast and outrageous costumes.
Theatre Royal Wakefield presents Sleeping Beauty, a traditional pantomime with a talented cast, featuring magic, belly laughs, and outrageous costumes. The story follows the arrival of a baby princess in Wakeyland, where fairies bestow blessings but one fairy, Nocturna, has other ideas. A terrible curse is placed upon the child, and the king lives in fear for his daughter's life. Can the curse be broken, and can the princess be saved?
Where: Wakefield | More Info: Theatre Royal Wakefield: Sleeping Beauty
Interactive Santa's Grotto with gift selection for children.
Gulliver’s Valley Christmas offers a variety of activities including visits to Santa's Grotto, where children can choose their own gifts, and festive breakfast tickets. The event also features a Sleeping Beauty pantomime and indoor rides like Mayhem Manor. Cozy accommodations and joyful atmospheres make the Christmas short breaks truly special.
Where: Sheffield | More Info: Gulliver’s Valley Christmas
Interactive storytelling with Mrs. Claus in a historic setting.
At East Riddlesden Hall, embark on a storytelling journey with Mrs. Claus, where you can settle down for a cozy session and try festive-themed crafts in the historic surroundings.
Where: Keighley | More Info: East Riddlesden Hall: A Magical Storytelling Journey with Mrs Claus
Wonderland-themed decorations and dining experiences.
Immerse yourself in a psychedelic world at Castle Howard's Christmas celebration, featuring Alice's Wonderland-themed decorations, Mad Hatter's Afternoon Tea, and a Bettys pop-up shop. Enjoy festive surprises, special mementos, and delightful seasonal treats.
Where: Castle Howard | More Info: Castle Howard Christmas
Interactive Christmas crafts and Santa meet-and-greets.
Lotherton's Christmas Experience offers a festive celebration with beautifully decorated Hall and grounds, interactive installations, crafts in the Elf Village, and weekend magic shows. Visitors can explore Wildlife World, meet Santa, and enjoy various activities for all ages.
Where: Lotherton | More Info: Lotherton Christmas Experience
Scenic train ride with festive sightings.
Take a scenic train ride around Pugneys Country Park lake, spotting Santa and his reindeer in the festive atmosphere.
Where: Wakefield | More Info: Pugney’s Christmas Train
Immersive seasonal activities and dining experiences.
Harewood House offers a variety of seasonal activities, including the October Holiday Club, where children can explore history, art, and nature over three days. The Nyetimber Dining in the Gallery provides a unique dining experience amidst Italian Renaissance masterpieces. The Mischief Mansion exhibition brings history and imagination together in a festive setting.
Where: Leeds | More Info: Harewood’s Festive Season
Candle Lit Trail in a beautiful, award-winning eco-building.
Explore the serene beauty of Skelton Grange Environment Centre with a Candle Lit Trail, featuring a tranquil walk through the 2-hectare wildlife area with many environmental features.
Where: Leeds | More Info: TCV Skelton Grange Environment Centre: Candle Lit Trail
Hands-on chocolate-making experience with expert chocolatiers.
Embark on a journey through York's rich chocolate history, learning how three entrepreneurial families made York the home of chocolate. Create your own chocolate lolly and indulge in exquisite flavors. Discover the birthplace of iconic treats like Kit Kat and Chocolate Orange.
Where: York | More Info: Santa’s Christmas Chocolate Tour