Across Yorkshire this December the festive season is about to start with plenty of great days out for all the family to celebrate the festive season. Here is a selection of events happening in Harrogate and The Yorkshire Dales.

Yorkshire Dales & Harrogate

Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is coming to the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway with the magic of the 2004 motion picture. November 15, 2024 – December 24, 2024

Chris Van Allsburg’s story will be theatrically recreated, so families can be immersed in the sights, sounds and intrigue of this classic children’s tale. Prepare to be surrounded by the magic and wonder of the Christmas season! A more relaxed sensory performance is available for those with Special Educational Needs.

Starts at Bolton Abbey Station - https://www.embsayboltonabbeyrailway.org.uk/

Forbidden Corner

Get ready for a magical Christmas adventure at the Forbidden Corner! We're thrilled to have the jolly old man himself, Santa Claus, back for 2024! Join them for a day of festive fun, exploring the enchanting grounds of the Forbidden Corner. Wander through the labyrinth of tunnels, discover hidden surprises, and experience the magic of the season! Head to their website to book your tickets now! £10 per child when booking tickets for The Forbidden Corner £12 per child to see Santa only (pay on the day) https://www.theforbiddencorner.co.uk/

Georgian Theatre Richmond - Treasure Island

4 December until 5 January 2025

Well, ahoy there me hearties! This year’s pantomime will transport you to a far-off magical island full of swash-buckling escapades, treasure and intrigue.

This sea-faring tale will be jam-packed with all the favourite Richmond panto ingredients plus oodles of laughs, great music and stunning sets. There will also be lashings of Tunnocks teacakes and, of course, the celebrated knitted element.

So, climb aboard for this fun-filled festive adventure and set sail for the voyage of a lifetime! Various times Tickets from £15 to £25 The Georgian Theatre Royal, Richmond, North Yorkshire Tel: 01748 825252 www.georgiantheatreroyal.co.uk

It’s Time for RHS Glow: Transforming RHS Harlow Carr into a Winter Wonderland

21 November to Saturday, 28 December 2024.

Get ready for the brightest time of the year! RHS Harlow Carr invites you to experience RHS Glow, a sparkling wonderland perfect for all ages.

Packed with atmospheric installations – perfect for selfies – the trail includes the stunning 30-meter wisteria-purple arch, the River of Light, the dazzling Mirror Ball Trees, and the vibrant Harlequin Tree. Sixty twinkling ‘Tri Lanterns’ will guide visitors through the garden, ending with the spectacular Rainbow Bridge.

Along the journey excerpts from Jack Frost – A Winter Story, a captivating story written and narrated by Alan Titchmarsh with spellbinding music composed by Debbie Wiseman will be featured a various locations.

Tickets start at £13.95 per adult and £7.45 per child, with free entry for children under 5 and carers. This unique experience is ideal for family and friends, creating unforgettable winter memories. https://www.rhs.org.uk/harlowcarrglow

Hopetown Darlington

Starting on Friday 6 December, Santa will be at Hopetown every Friday, Saturday and Sunday – and on Monday 23 December – leading up to Christmas.

Visit Santa in Hopetown’s stunning Grade II-listed Carriage Works. A visit to Santa’s grotto is the highlight of a two-hour event including festive crafts and storytelling, and a wondrous wintry walk in our Enchanted Forest Reindeer Trail.

Children can create their own holly crown and join Padraig the Storyteller around a traditional Anglo-Saxon cart as he regales them with long-forgotten Christmas stories. Hear about how the tale of the Holly King links to Father Christmas and the changing of the seasons. Meet Santa Claus himself and talk about Christmas plans this year. Every child visiting Santa will receive an early Christmas gift. https://www.hopetowndarlington.co.uk/

Ingleborough Cave

Weekends throughout December Join Santa's Elves on an adventure into a magical underground winter wonderland, where Santa and his table of presents await! Explore magical underground passages with Santa's Elves, leading to a festive meeting with Santa and a table full of presents! Book your spot at Santa's Grotto for an unforgettable adventure! Booking essential https://ingleboroughcave.co.uk/

A great family day out at Thorp Perrow. Come and visit Santa in his grotto. Follow the festive trail until you find yourself at Santa’s woodland cabin!

Visitors will be treated to an adventure through miniature forest fairy worlds and frozen tundra before meeting Santa and – if they’ve been good – receiving a little gift. A great family day out at Thorp Perrow. https://www.thorpperrow.com/

Wensleydale Railway THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride

16 November to 23 December

If you’ve never experienced the magic of the Polar Express, this just might be your crucial year. The Polar Express is steaming back to the Yorkshire Dales ready to amaze, delight and create memories you’ll cherish in years to come. Get your pyjamas and dressing gowns on and your Polar Express tickets in hand and get ready to take part in the train ride of your life! A fully immersive theatrical experience lies in wait for you beyond the station of Leeming Bar at Wensleydale Railway – if you just believe! Tickets are going fast - don't miss out!

Leeming Bar Station, Leases Road, Leeming Bar, North Yorkshire, DL7 9AR Website address: https://yorkshiredalesthepolarexpressride.com/

Wensleydale Railway Edwardian Christmas

Join Wensleydale Railway on Sunday 15th December for an afternoon of mulled wine, mince pies and more with our cast of Edwardian living history interpreters at a very Christmas-y Scruton Station. With festive songs played on the harmonium and Christmas activities available for all, it will be a lovely way to get yourself into the holiday spirit! Entry is between 2pm and 4pm, no pre-booking required. Adults £5 entry fee - includes mince pie and mulled wine (or non-alcoholic alternative) Children £2 entry fee - includes Christmas activities, juice and biscuits. Please note: that train services will not be running on the day of the event. Cars can park beyond the Station by the roadside on the west side of Station Road. Scruton Railway Station, Station Road, Scruton, North Yorkshire, DL7 0QN https://wensleydale-railway.co.uk/