Doncaster Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Doncaster and surrounding areas
Doncaster’s main district glows for the festive season with bright Holiday lights, bustling Christmas markets and seasonal activities around the Frenchgate Centre and the Ouse. Don’t miss Yorkshire Wildlife Park Winter Illuminations or Christmas at The Dome: ABBA Fever for immersive lights, shows and family-friendly entertainment. Whether exploring festive markets, enjoying riverside walks or joining local performances, Doncaster offers a welcoming mix of lights, markets and holiday events to celebrate the season.
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Christmas Markets
23 eventsHistoric estate transformed for Christmas with house, garden light trail, and market.
Christmas Parties
20 eventsFestive a la carte dining with locally sourced ingredients
Christmas Lights
19 eventsNorth of England's largest outdoor ice rink
Christmas Shows
17 eventsFamily pantomime with indoor rides and attractions
Other Christmas Activities
21 eventsMagical breakfast with Santa and gift from his workshop.
Editor's Picks (6)
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Christmas at Chatsworth
(Bakewell)
Historic estate transformed for Christmas with house, garden light trail, and market.
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Sheffield Christmas Markets
(Sheffield)
Over 60 log cabins with local traders and Alpine Bars
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Yorkshire's Winter Wonderland
(York)
North of England's largest outdoor ice rink
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Chatsworth Christmas Market
(Bakewell)
Over 100 themed stalls in a festive market.
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Breakfast with Santa at Wheelgate Park
(Farnsfield)
Magical breakfast with Santa and gift from his workshop.
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Gulliver's Valley Presents Sleeping Beauty Pantomime
(Sheffield)
Family pantomime with indoor rides and attractions
This Week / Coming Up (6)
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Doncaster Christmas FAQ
The Doncaster Festival of Light and the city’s Christmas lights switch-on are among the largest annual events, drawing crowds with light displays, performances, and community gatherings. Yorkshire Wildlife Park’s Winter Illuminations, just outside the city, is also a major draw.
Doncaster’s Festival of Light stands out for its focus on public art and community participation, often featuring bespoke installations by renowned artists. The city also has a tradition of festive markets and family-friendly light trails.
The city center and areas around the Minster Church of St George are focal points for light displays, especially during the Festival of Light. For more residential displays, explore local neighborhoods and nearby villages for charming holiday lights.
Christmas markets and local makers typically set up in the city center, at community halls, and sometimes at larger venues like Yorkshire Wildlife Park. These markets are great places to find handmade gifts and support local artisans.
The Doncaster Festival of Light is a standout free event, and many city center light displays are also free to enjoy. Visiting neighborhood displays, browsing holiday markets, and attending community carol services are other budget-friendly options.
Families will enjoy the Doncaster Festival of Light, Yorkshire Wildlife Park’s Winter Illuminations with its themed trails and playgrounds, and visits to see Santa at local markets or events. These offer a mix of light displays, activities, and festive fun for all ages.