Unmissable Yorkshire Dales and Rural North Yorkshire Christmas Events 2025
Discover the best Yorkshire Dales / rural North Yorkshire Christmas events 2025. Dates, times, addresses, websites, ticket links, and parking info for Bolton Abbey, Grantley Hall, Grassington, The Gamekeeper’s Inn & more.
Updated 11/12/2025
Christmas in the Yorkshire Dales and rural North Yorkshire feels wonderfully old-fashioned—in the best way. Stone villages glow under fairy lights, brass bands cue carols on crisp afternoons, and country estates serve spiced treats beside roaring fires. This hand-picked guide to Yorkshire Dales / rural North Yorkshire Christmas events 2025 blends family magic, foodie indulgence, and timeless market cheer.
You’ll find Father Christmas in a woodland village at Bolton Abbey, a carol-filled afternoon tea at glamorous Grantley Hall, crafty wreath workshops, and classic markets in Grassington and Skipton. To make planning effortless, every listing below includes the key essentials: date, start time, full address, the official website for details, a direct ticket link (or booking instructions), and clear parking guidance.
Whether you’re travelling with little ones, meeting friends for a wintry day out, or hunting for handmade gifts, there’s something here to light up your December.
Tip: rural roads can be busy near big events—arrive early and pre-book where possible. For extra inspiration on exploring the National Park between events, see the Yorkshire Dales National Park visitor site. Happy festive planning—and see you under the twinkly lights!
Father Christmas at Bolton Abbey (Bolton Abbey, Wharfedale) — Enchanted Woodland Village Experience
Across selected dates, Bolton Abbey transforms its village into a cosy winter wonderland where children meet Father Christmas in his log cabin after hands-on bushcraft fun by a crackling fire. Lanterns glow along pathways, elves share warm drinks, and each session feels calm and personal, with timed entries and small groups. The experience runs most weekends from late November and throughout December, culminating just before Christmas Eve.
Sessions last around 90 minutes, with time to chat and take photos with the big man himself. Grown-ups and older siblings are welcome to soak up the atmosphere, and there are relaxed sessions on chosen dates for guests with additional needs. Tickets are limited and sell quickly; one complimentary Bolton Abbey car parking ticket is included per booking, making arrival smooth. Wrap up warm and wear sturdy shoes—the activities are outside, with shelter in key areas.
Date: Nov 22–23, 29–30; Dec 6–7, 13–14, 20–23, 2025.
Time: 9:00–17:00 (90-min sessions; last slot 15:30).
Address: Bolton Abbey, Skipton BD23 6EX.
Website & Ticket Link: via official website here
Parking: Complimentary car park ticket per booking (use Bolton Abbey Car Park).
Combine your visit with a stroll by the Priory or a hot chocolate at the village cafés to make a magical day of it in the heart of Wharfedale.
“12 Days of Christmas” Trail – Bolton Abbey (Strid Wood, Wharfedale) — Family Puzzle Walk
This much-loved festive trail threads through Strid Wood, where charming displays echo the famous carol and clue sheets lead families along a gentle, pushchair-friendly route beside the River Wharfe. Starting by the Cavendish Pavilion Shop and finishing near the Strid, the trail runs in daylight hours, with activity sheets provided at the kiosk.
It’s a brilliant low-cost outdoor adventure: the trail is included with your Bolton Abbey car park ticket, so there’s no separate admission. Expect families counting turtle doves, spotting golden rings, and pausing for selfies under wintry branches. Organisers recommend the Riverside Car Park to begin at the proper trailhead and suggest a different route back to avoid congestion, especially on peak weekends. Dogs on leads are welcome.
Date: Nov 29, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026.
Time: 9:00–16:00.
Address: Start near Cavendish Pavilion/Cavendish Shop, Bolton Abbey, Skipton BD23 6EX.
Website: Bolton Abbey
Ticket Link: Included with car parking (pre-book Estate entry).
Parking: Use Riverside Car Park (recommended).
Wear warm layers, grippy shoes, and bring a flask—this is a classic Yorkshire Dales winter walk with festive sparkle. If you’ve visited Father Christmas earlier in the day, the trail makes a perfect add-on before dusk; otherwise, head to the tea rooms for mince pies after the final clue.
Christmas Wreath Workshop – Bolton Abbey (Festive Village) — Hands-On Craft Morning
Create your own eco-friendly Christmas wreath in a cosy, twinkling setting led by Chelsea medal-winning florist Vanessa Wellock. This half-day workshop provides everything: a compostable base, freshly gathered foliage from the estate, pheasant feathers, dried oranges, ribbons, and cones—plus mince pies and festive music to set the scene.
No experience is needed; expert guidance walks you through lush layering and neat finishing touches, so you leave with a beautiful door-ready wreath. The session takes place under a large canopy near Bolton Abbey Car Park; it’s outdoors with open sides, so dress warmly and bring gloves and secateurs if you have them. After booking online, your e-ticket also covers Estate entry at the car park kiosk on arrival.
Date: Wednesday 3 December 2025 (09:30–12:30).
Time: 09:30–12:30.
Address: Christmas Village (adjacent to Bolton Abbey Car Park), Bolton Abbey, Skipton BD23 6EX.
Website & Ticket Link: via official website here
Parking: Bolton Abbey Car Park (entry covered with e-ticket on arrival).
It’s a brilliant pre-Christmas treat with a friend, and perfectly timed to display your handiwork all December long. Wrap the morning with a riverside stroll or a celebratory hot chocolate in the village. Places are limited, so early booking is essential.
The Gamekeeper’s Inn – Children’s Christmas Party (Threshfield, Yorkshire Dales) — Disco, Buffet & Santa Visit
Tucked inside Long Ashes Park, The Gamekeeper’s Inn hosts a cheerful Children’s Christmas Party—an easygoing afternoon where little ones dance, tuck into a buffet, and meet Father Christmas. It’s friendly, affordable, and ideal for local families or short-break visitors staying in the Dales. Pre-booking is essential and tickets are priced per child; adults accompany but the buffet is for children.
The Netherside Suite becomes a mini winter wonderland with festive tunes and plenty of photo ops. If you’re making a day of it, the Inn’s bar and restaurant serve comforting seasonal dishes, and the surrounding woodland trails are perfect for a brisk pre-party walk. There’s on-site parking at Long Ashes Park, and the venue is easy to reach from Grassington and Skipton.
Date: Sunday 14 December 2025.
Time: Afternoon (see venue; party listings typically from 14:30).
Address: The Gamekeeper’s Inn, Long Ashes Park, Threshfield, North Yorkshire BD23 5PN.
Website: The Gamekeeper’s Inn
Ticket Link: Phone 01756 752434 or email info@gamekeeperinn.co.uk to book (£9.95 per child).
Parking: On-site parking at Long Ashes Park.
For other festive dates—wreath workshops, bingo, brass band carols—check the Inn’s busy December calendar. To book the party, call or email the team directly; spaces are popular with local families, so lock yours in early.
Grantley Hall (near Ripon) – Afternoon Tea & Christmas Carols — Champagne Strings & Carol Singers
For luxurious seasonal sparkle, Grantley Hall’s Afternoon Tea & Christmas Carols blends five-star finesse with heart-warming tradition. Guests are welcomed with Champagne at 14:00 inside the elegant Grantley Suite before a refined afternoon tea to live string quartet accompaniment.
As twilight settles over the gardens, carol singers raise the roof and the mood turns jubilant, bringing classic favourites to life. Smart festive attire is the vibe here; think special-occasion treats, impeccable service, and photo-ready backdrops. Tables are sold in set sizes (with paired seating on shared tables), and events may sell out quickly—book as soon as dates go live.
Date: Sunday 23 November 2025.
Time: 14:00–17:30 (Champagne 14:00; tea 14:30; carols 16:00).
Address: Grantley Hall, Ripon HG4 3ET.
Website & Ticket Link: via official website here
Parking: On-site guest parking at Grantley Hall
If you’d like to make a weekend of it, consider an overnight stay with spa time and dinner at one of the on-site restaurants. The Hall sits in rolling countryside a short drive from Ripon, with valet-style arrival and plenty of space to unwind.
Grassington Christmas Markets (Grassington, Wharfedale) — Cobbled-Street Cheer & Local Makers
Grassington’s famous markets bring big Dickensian energy to a small Dales village—cobbled lanes, bunting, and stalls packed with artisan gifts, local produce, and festive bakes. Running across two Saturdays, the markets offer live music, mulled wine, and plenty of family-friendly photo spots around the Square and Town Hall.
Arrive early to beat the crowds and have time for a stroll to the riverside or a pub lunch by a crackling fire. Parking in Grassington is limited on market days, so use the National Park car park if you’re driving, and expect normal pay-and-display charges; signage and stewards guide visitors as the centre gets lively.
Date: Saturdays 29 November & 6 December 2025 (10:00–16:00).
Time: 10:00–16:00.
Address: Grassington Village Square, Grassington BD23 (central area).
Website: Grassington Christmas Markets
Ticket Link: Free entry; no ticket required.
Parking: Use the National Park car park (usual charges apply).
If you’re staying nearby—Threshfield or Hebden—consider walking in to soak up the scenery. This is a quintessential Dales Christmas day out: friendly, festive, and full of independent makers.
Skipton Christmas Market (Skipton, Gateway to the Dales) — Big-Town Festivities on the High Street
Skipton’s traditional Christmas Market takes over the historic High Street with 100+ stalls, live music, and plenty of festive street food. It’s a brilliant family day with entertainment through the day and easy rail access for car-free travellers.
The market runs on two Sundays, making it simple to plan around other Dales adventures—perhaps Father Christmas at Bolton Abbey in the morning and Skipton for shopping after lunch. Town car parks are a short walk from the High Street; allow extra time on busier periods.
Date: Sundays 7 & 14 December 2025.
Time: From 10:00 to 14.00.
Address: Skipton High Street, Skipton BD23.
Website: Skipton Christmas Market
Ticket Link: Free entry; no ticket required.
Parking: Town car parks nearby (High Street, Coach Street, Cavendish Street).
If you’re arriving by coach, the Town Council offers designated drop-off/pick-up slots. Crowd-pleasing and accessible, Skipton’s market is perfect for gift hunting and soaking up the lights and music as dusk falls.
The Yorkshire Dales / rural North Yorkshire Christmas events 2025 calendar sparkles with variety—from woodland magic and creative workshops to grand hotel finery and bustling markets. These celebrations pair festive tradition with the Dales’ scenic charm, turning ordinary winter days into memory-making adventures.
Pack your warmest layers, bring your appetite for mince pies, and keep a camera ready for those lantern-lit moments. We wish you a joyful, safe, and sparkling season across the Dales.
See you under the lights!
