Selby Other Christmas Activities 2026

Participants create a natural foliage wreath using mossed bases, seasonal greenery, and decorative elements. Step-by-step guidance is provided throughout the session, making it suitable for beginners as well as experienced crafters. Tea, coffee, and mince pies are served during the...

Visitors can explore 100 themed Christmas trees set inside the cathedral's Nave, North Transept, Chapter House, and Lady Chapel. The trees are decorated with unique themes created by local businesses, schools, and charities. Guests can also participate by writing their...

Visitors gather to sing along to traditional Christmas carols and festive favourites. The concert features performances by local school choirs, soloist Alexandra Mather, regular guest Steve Cassidy, and the York RI Golden Rail Band. The annual community event also supports...

Visitors can wander through a festive market to kickstart holiday shopping and sample food and drinks from street vendors. The event features funfair rides, a giant snowglobe for children, and live performances by local groups on the main stage. The...

Visitors wander through rooms where ceilings come to life, presents tell stories, and portraits share secrets, concluding with a grand finale in the Servants’ Room. The experience transforms the State Floor with whimsical theatrical displays, talking furniture, and choral surprises....

Guests begin their journey in the Grotto dome, exploring a North Pole village featuring whimsical games, interactive play, and Santa's elves. An enchanted elevator whisks families away to a cosy log cabin, where they are greeted by Mrs Claus. Children...

Visitors can browse a festive market offering early Christmas shopping, street food, and drinks while enjoying a community atmosphere. The main stage features live entertainment from local performers, leading up to the official town light switch-on. Children and families can...

Families step into an enchanting village of themed yurts on the North Lawn, starting at the Elf Cocoa Café with songs and an interactive welcome. Visitors attend Santa School for a festive performance with music and storytelling, craft keepsakes in...

Visitors can browse festive markets at Ossett Town Hall to purchase holiday gifts and enjoy delicious street food and drinks. Local musicians and performers take the main stage throughout the afternoon, with funfair rides and a giant snowglobe for children...

Visitors board festive train rides at the historic Middleton Railway to celebrate the holiday season. Children up to ten years old can meet Santa and receive a special present. The experience provides a traditional Yorkshire Christmas outing for the whole...

Visitors board the Christmas wonder train for a festive journey along the tracks after the sun goes down. The trip travels around the Pugneys Country Park lake, offering an evening outdoor experience for visitors. It is designed as an open-air...

Passengers travel along local canals and rivers aboard Apollo, a historic 1929 working narrowboat, riding in the open hold. Local skippers share navigation details and history, or guests can simply sit back and cruise. Santa joins the trip to hand...

Led by Rachael Robson from Wharfedale Soaps, participants use SLS- and SLES-free clear melt and pour soap alongside essential oils and micas to craft eight custom bars. Projects include a winter scene soap scented with peppermint and lemongrass, snowflake soaps...

Participants gather inside the decorated stately home to create a festive stag painting with step-by-step instruction from artist Joyce Buzeman. All painting materials are supplied, and painters leave with their completed artwork to keep or gift. Ticket holders also have...

Transform everyday items into a textured, handcrafted Christmas wreath using Powertex. Participants combine fabric, lace, and a variety of decorative bits and bobs with the water-based textile hardener to create a sustainable seasonal decoration. Everyone finishes with a completed handmade...

Join the Wakefield Museums & Castles team for a hands-on workshop transforming plain candles into seasonal works of art. Participants explore holiday colours, patterns, and Christmas-inspired designs to take home unique decorations or gifts. The session offers a cosy, sociable...

Participants craft a handmade Christmas wreath ready to take home and hang for the holiday season. The workshop takes place in the Regency Dining Room inside the hall, with all necessary materials provided. Attendees also enjoy complimentary tea, coffee, and...

Visitors take part in Christmas-themed arts and crafts activities. The workshop is led by the Groundwork Yorkshire Countryside Rangers.

Participants take part in a two-hour guided wreath crafting session led by Dottie’s Florist to make their own holiday wreath. The event includes a hot drink or mulled wine upon arrival and a hot Christmas buffet.

Participants create their own Christmas snow globe painting on a 30 x 40cm canvas with step-by-step guidance from local artist Joyce Buzeman. All paints, brushes, and required art materials are provided for the session. Following the painting class, guests are...

Participants create a custom rustic holiday wreath using freshly foraged foliage, dried garden flowers, and seasonal natural decorations. Following guided instruction, attendees craft their arrangements while enjoying hot tea, cappuccino, or hot chocolate alongside mince pies and cake. The workshop...

Children can take part in party games and win prizes and sweet treats. Music is provided by Mr Dan productions, and dressing up in costume is optional.

Participants design their own no-sew Christmas stocking using a burlap stocking as a canvas. Crafters can select from an assortment of festive fabrics, ribbons, lace, buttons, and bells to style their piece with traditional colors, rustic charm, or holiday sparkle....

Led by Claire Myers of Cherry Tree Glass Studio, participants create a fused glass wreath by arranging pre-cut decorative pieces like gingerbread men, holly, ivy, and Christmas jumpers. The process requires no glass cutting or grinding, and all tools are...

Participants take part in a guided photo walk through Leeds focused on capturing illuminated shopfronts, seasonal decorations, and candid street scenes. The session begins with a short briefing covering practical techniques for winter and low-light photography. Attendees explore the city...

Participants learn knotting techniques to create at least three different handmade festive Christmas decorations to take home. Led by artist Hannah of Dear Prudence Macramé, the session provides full guidance suitable for absolute beginners as well as people with previous...

Groundwork Yorkshire Countryside Rangers hosts outdoor sensory play sessions with a festive theme. The woodland activities are suited for children aged up to six years.

Led by local artist Joyce Buzeman, this daytime workshop guides attendees through painting a snowy Christmas cottage inspired by holiday films. The session offers step-by-step guidance designed for all skill levels, from complete beginners to experienced painters. Participants complete their...

Participants paint a Christmas decoration or holiday gift featuring a gingerbread house snow globe design. No prior painting experience is required to take part. Attendees may bring their own festive drinks and snacks to enjoy during the session.

Led by Emma and Lynn from North Print Collective, this workshop teaches participants how to safely carve a custom holiday design into a linoleum block. Attendees produce a collection of bespoke printed Christmas cards and have the option to print...

Participants learn step-by-step techniques to make five Jesmonite home items: two candlestick holders, a medium pot or bud vase, and two Christmas tree decorations. After practicing basic methods on the tree ornaments, attendees use marbling, block coloring, and terrazzo effects...

Participants learn to craft at least three different festive Christmas macramé decorations to take home under the guidance of artist Hannah Sibai. Full instruction is provided, making the session suitable for absolute beginners as well as people with previous macramé...

Experience the magic of Christmas as Santa Claus arrives at Wetherells in Selby. Children can book a special visit to his fabulous winter grotto, located in the newly relocated toy department. Each child receives a hand-picked gift from Santa himself,...

Experience the magic of Advent and Christmas at York Minster, a truly special time of year. This season features beloved traditions like the annual Christmas Tree Festival, alongside special services such as Nine Lessons and Carols and Sankta Lucia. Families...

Experience the profound joy of Christmas Day at the historic York Minster. This free, ticketless event invites visitors to immerse themselves in the spirit of the season with special services featuring the acclaimed Choir of York Minster. Attend Choral Matins,...

Experience the magic of Christmas at William's Den! This popular holiday event promises festive fun and enchanting activities for the whole family. Details for the 2026 season are eagerly anticipated, so check back soon for updates on this beloved winter...

Sleigh rides are offered through the Woodland Village. Activities include visiting Santa Claus in his grotto, choosing a gift from his Toy Shop, and attending the Elf Academy. Festive treats and reindeer food making are also available.

Experience the magic of Christmas at York Minster's Crib Service on December 24th. This family-friendly event brings the Christmas story to life with carols, music, and a special blessing of the crib. Children are encouraged to come dressed as their...

Discover the magic of Christmas with Santa's Grotto experiences at various Yorkshire Garden Centres. Choose between an immersive adventure at Tong Garden Centre, where you'll help solve the mystery of Santa's missing pocket watch, or a traditional meet-and-greet at Tingley,...

A free, 45-minute Minster Mash-Up event at York Minster marks the start of Advent with the switch-on for the York Minster Christmas Tree Festival. The event is suitable for families and attendees can join at any time.

The Choir of York Minster performs Johann Sebastian Bach's Cantata 140, 'Sleepers, wake,' during a special Evensong service for the Sunday next before Advent at York Minster. Entry is free.