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Last updated: November 11, 2024

Plan your holiday adventure in Pontefract with our detailed guide. Whether you're a local or exploring Pontefract for the first time, our guide ensures you enjoy the festive season.

One highlight of the festive calendar is the York Christmas Festival, where visitors can immerse themselves in a charming winter wonderland filled with artisanal stalls and festive treats. Light Up Wakefield offers a stunning display of illuminations, transforming the city into a sparkling spectacle to delight all ages. And the Christmas Experience at Lotherton is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring enchanting Christmas lights and a delightful opportunity to meet Santa. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!

Contact information and details below.

Pontefract Holiday Light Displays

What to Expect:

Immersive light installations celebrating Wakefield's heritage and culture.

Description:

Light Up Wakefield is a spectacular event featuring a trail of 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 at the Pøules II, highlighting global warming issues. It also showcases analogue art with Fusion Layers and draws on Wakefield's coal mining heritage with Sentinel by Studio Vertigo.

Where: Wakefield | More Info: Light Up Wakefield

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Interactive light installations and community-led activities.

Description:

Light Up Ossett features pop-up activities, brass band performances, festive treats, and lantern-making workshops across the Wakefield District.

Where: Ossett | More Info: Light Up Ossett

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What to Expect:

Immersive light installations with accompanying music.

Description:

Northern Lights Leeds is a spectacular light trail at Temple Newsam, featuring unique illuminations and musical compositions. The event includes a Christmas Village with local street food and drink vendors, making it an inclusive and multi-sensory experience for all ages.

Where: Leeds | More Info: Northern Lights Leeds

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Spectacular light installations transforming the garden into a kaleidoscope of seasonal colours.

Description:

Witness breathtaking light displays at RHS Garden Harlow Carr, featuring thousands of glittering lights, colourful trees, and shimmering shrubs. Explore the garden's iconic sights in a new and dazzling light, with festive refreshments and seasonal activities available.

Where: Harrogate | More Info: Let it Glow at Harlow Carr

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Dazzling light and sound spectacle in ancient woodland.

Description:

Stockeld Park transforms into a dazzling display of lights and soundscapes, featuring illuminated sculptures and animated installations through almost a mile of ancient woodland. The event includes a Christmas lights trail, ice skating, and Santa's Grotto, making it a memorable experience for all ages.

Where: Wetherby | More Info: Winter Illuminations at Stockeld Park

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Interactive light and sound experience in ancient woodland.

Description:

Stockeld Park transforms into a vibrant celebration with ice skating, Santa's Grotto, and stunning Winter Illuminations. Explore the Enchanted Forest, navigate the Snowflake Maze, and enjoy a family-friendly Grinchilocks Christmas Panto.

Where: Wetherby | More Info: Stockeld Park Christmas Fun

Event Organizer?

Pontefract Holiday Markets and Shopping

What to Expect:

Family-friendly Christmas market with live entertainment and festive activities.

Description:

Light Up Castleford is a family-friendly event featuring a speciality market, street food, fairground rides, and live stage entertainment. The highlight is the main switch-on of the town's Christmas lights at 5:30 PM.

Where: Castleford | More Info: Light Up Castleford

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Wholesome Christmas market with live stage entertainment and festive activities.

Description:

Light Up Pontefract is a family-friendly event featuring a speciality market with local produce, funfair rides, and street entertainment. The event includes live stage performances by local acts and community groups, culminating in the main switch-on of the town's Christmas lights at 5:30 PM.

Where: Pontefract | More Info: Light Up Pontefract

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What to Expect:

Extensive selection of vegan products and live cooking demos.

Description:

The York Vegan Christmas Festival features 50+ stalls offering a diverse range of vegan products, including world food caterers, cakes, dairy and meat alternatives, skincare and beauty products, clothing, juices and smoothies, healthy treats, and more. The event includes free samples, talks, and cookery demos.

Where: York | More Info: York Christmas Festival

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Unique stalls with local artisan goods and street food.

Description:

The Piece Hall Christmas Market is a six-weekend event showcasing local independent food and drink producers, artisan makers, and pop-up street food. It features a wide range of unique stalls selling homeware, jewellery, gifts, and delicious food to take home.

Where: Halifax | More Info: Christmas Market at The Piece Hall

Event Organizer?

Pontefract Holiday Shows and Entertainment

What to Expect:

Interactive stage show with audience participation and festive activities.

Description:

Spilmans Christmas offers a variety of activities including a live stage show, snow Olympics, snowflake making, and reindeer food crafting. Meet Santa and enjoy heartwarming stories, pick your own Christmas present, and participate in festive activities like gingerbread decorating and a Christmas Disco.

Where: Thirsk | More Info: Spilmans Christmas

Event Organizer?

Pontefract Other Holiday Activities

What to Expect:

Illuminating fire art display in a historic garden setting.

Description:

The Nostell Fire Garden Nights feature the rose garden lit by 240 blazing torches and impressive steel sculptures, offering a unique evening of fire and art.

Where: Pontefract | More Info: Nostell Fire Garden Nights

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What to Expect:

Interactive Christmas activities with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Description:

Lotherton's Christmas Experience features beautifully decorated halls and gardens, twinkling light displays, and interactive installations. Visitors can engage in crafts in the Elf Village, listen to Mrs. Claus' tales, and enjoy weekend magic shows. The event includes a visit to Santa's snow-filled North Pole and offers something special for everyone.

Where: Leeds | More Info: The Christmas Experience at Lotherton

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What to Expect:

Handcrafted decorations reflecting the history and stories of Frank Green.

Description:

Treasurer's House in York is transformed with handcrafted decorations, each room inspired by the stories of Frank Green and those around him. Expect surprises and unique history reflected through the Christmas decorations.

Where: York | More Info: Treasurer’s House Christmas

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Interactive Santa experience with train ride and crafts.

Description:

At Murton Park, children can meet Santa and enjoy a train ride with Mother Christmas. Activities include wish-list writing, crafts, and a visit to the toy shop. Adults can enjoy a mince pie and a meal at the Yorkshire Barn Café. The event also features a Tea with Santa experience, where families can enjoy a one-course meal and meet Santa in a cozy setting.

Where: York | More Info: Murton Park Santa Special Extravaganza

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