Lots of fun and festive family days out in Halifax and Calderdale. CURRENTLY UPDATING FOR 2020 – CHECK BACK SOON!
18th December 2019 – 4th January 2020
Bill Kenwright’s brilliant production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s sparkling family musical returns to the Dome this December.
Starring the hit tv show finalist Britain’s Got Talent sensation, Mark McMullan.
Retelling the Biblical story of Joseph, his eleven brothers and the coat of many colours, this magical musical is full of unforgettable songs including Go, Go, Go Joseph, Any Dream Will Do, Jacob and Sons, Close Every Door To Me and many more.
Special Family Ticket Price – family ticket for four – £60. (2 adults and 2 under 16).
Special offer for additional individual tickets at £20 (quote code JOSEPH for singular tickets)
Box Office 01302 370777
Doncaster Dome, Doncaster Lakeside, Bawtry Road, Doncaster, DN4 7PD
14th November 2019 – 6th January 2020. 10am – 8.30pm (excluding 25th & 26th December)
If you’re wanting to find some festive fun for all the family, celebrate at the true home of Christmas, Stockeld Park!
The magical Winter Illuminations will be lighting up the Enchanted Forest and the Snowflake Maze will be open for you to explore! Fancy more of a challenge? Try the Nordic Skiing! Enjoy the Winter Illuminations from a different view by taking to 1.2km Nordic Ski route! The ice-skating rink will also be open over Christmas and our rink is covered, meaning you can whizz around the rink in any weather!
Special events include:
Pre-book online HERE and quote: MUMCALDERDALE for an extra 10% discount! (Excludes 7, 8, 14, 15,21, 22, 23, 24 December 2019)
Stockeld Park, off the A661 Wetherby Road, LS22 4AN.
TBC 2019
Get in the festive spirit with a stroll through a wintery Strid Wood and spot the wooden Christmas trees dotted along the trail.
Each Christmas tree has a number of oversized advent calendar doors waiting to be opened….
See what clues lie behind the 24 doors and do your best to solve the festive crossword puzzle. Trail sheets will be available at the kiosks on arrival.
This is a free event, however, the estate’s admission applies. Park in Riverside car park near the Cavendish Pavilion.
Suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Dogs are welcome on a lead.
Bolton Abbey, Skipton BD23 6AL. Tel: 01756 718000
Dates: December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19-24, 2020
Tickets on sale: October 27, 2020 at 7pm
This year’s Santa experience includes a trip through the elf check-in, a visit to Santa in his enchanting grotto and a high-quality present.
This brand new, entirely outdoors socially-distanced Santa experience will see Santa doing a parade loop around the sheep racing arena. All children will be given a keepsake colouring book featuring our most famous animals, drawn by local artist Elysia Gilman.
Elves will be on hand to ensure social distancing is in place around the track and to move customers in and out of each session.
Tickets include farm admission, so you can see animals in the undercover barns and roundhouse, visit the reptile house and enjoy the outdoor adventure playgrounds.
Please note: there is no opportunity for children to have a one-to-one meeting with Santa at this event.
Price: £9.95, plus £1 booking fee. Includes farm admission.
Weekends from 23rd November and every day from 20th December 2019 – 5th January 2020. 19th December 2019 designated Toddler Day
Meet the friendliest elves around as well as Father Christmas himself in Santa’s Grotto. Watch the festive show ‘Snow Day*’ and see Jack Frost help a child experience the magic of snow for the very first time. There will also be extra activities and Christmas magic with decorations and a huge outdoor tree.
*Winter show, is a 30 minute interactive show in the theatre suitable for ages 3-7 years.
Normal admission applies.
Drop-in event, no booking required, Suitable for babies and toddlers.
Eureka, 2 Discovery Road, Halifax, HX1 2NE. Tel: 01422 330069
Glow’ Winter Illuminations, 21st November – 28th December 2019 (except 26 Dec)
Enjoy some festive fresh air with a magical adventure through the beautiful Harlow Carr. There will be special lighting effects, illuminated sculptures and a festive-themed marquee with carols.
Winter illuminations will be lit three evenings a week (Thursday – Saturday, except Boxing Day) from 4.30pm – 8pm, with last entry at 7pm.
RHS Members and their guests half price. Non-member adult £10; non-member child (5-16) £5; non-member family £27.
TBC 2019
Visit the Farm and get warm by the fire in the Joiner’s shop and let your Christmas creativity run wild with our Christmas crafts – transform a pinecone into a cute Christmas friend. Carry on to the finely decorated House and enjoy the changing programme of live performance of carol singers, musicians and dancers. Check out the festive feasts enjoyed by residents of Temple Newsam’s past, see the gifts, play our games, dress up and join the quest to hunt down presents for Arthur the Elf.
Normal admission charges apply.
Drop-in events, no booking required. Suitable for babies and toddlers.
Temple Newsam Road, Off Selby Road, Leeds LS15 0AE. Tel: 0113 336 7460
Wrap up warm and look forward to a trail through the woods, hot chocolate and making Christmas decorations for your tree at home.
Car parking charges apply for non National Trust members.
Tickets are £7 per participating child. No ticket required for non-participating adults.
December 11, 2019. 10-11am.
Festive-themed messy play session in a private room. Ideal for babies who can sit up to children aged four.
£7.50 per child, £6.50 for siblings.Includes juice cup and entry into the playcafe. Limited spaces to ensure all children have space to play freely.
Old clothes/swimwear recommended, plus a towel, wipes and change of clothes. We will have soapy warm water and towels available.
TBC 2019
Bring the whole family along to the outdoor promenade nativity play in the ruins of Bolton Priory. Starring farm animals and young members of the community, it promises to be a memorable, festive experience.
Performances will last approximately one hour. The performance will move around the priory ruins. Warm clothing and suitable, sturdy footwear is advisable. There will be opportunities to meet the animals after each show.
Refreshments will be on sale after each performance in the West Tower.
FREE event – the Estate’s usual admission fee applies
Bolton Abbey Estate
December 12, 2020
Magical costumed workshop with Cinderella and the Fairy Godmother.
Help Cinderella with her chores and discover old toys, then create a magic wand and cast a spell.
Ages 4-8. 11.15am-1pm & 1.30-3.15pm.
Adults £3.50, children £7. To book, visit www.museums.calderdale.gov.uk
7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st & 22nd December 2019
Get trained by Santa’s elves and gain the skills required to join the elite elevs in the North Pole! Not only will you become a fully qualified toymaker but you’ll learn by constructing your very own festive brick toy, which you can take home afterwards.
Recommended age 5+ years.
FREE event but pre-booking required. Visit White Rose website to book.
White Rose Shopping Centre.
Cancelled for 2020 – check back for 2021!
Follow Santa’s elves through magical underground passages to where Santa will be waiting at his table of presents, and relax by the fire in the Yule Time Yurt. Dates available on weekends from November 30-December 22, 2019. 10.30am-4pm.
This year there will be a mini bus for the elderly and those with very young children.
Tickets £10 adults, £13.50 children over 18 months. £5 children 0-18 months. £8.50 concessions. Includes Ingleborough Estate Nature Trail entry.
15th November -21st December 2019 (Every Fri, Sat & Sun)
The Festive Family Funfair will be taking place on Victoria Gardens and Cookridge Street (between the Headrow and St Anne’s Street) every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 15 November until 21 December between 11am to 9.30pm (6pm on Sundays).
Rides will include Bungee Trampolines, Dodgem, Mini Miami, Disco Fever and Hook a Duck. Plus, there will also be a food swing grill and some refreshments stalls.
Victoria Gardens, The Headrow, Leeds,LS1 3AH
2020 CANCELLED!
8th November – 21st December 2019, 10.30am – 9.30pm Monday – Saturday. 10.30am – 7.30pm Sundays.
Christkindelmarkt is Leeds’ annual traditional German Christmas market, bringing a little piece of Germany into the heart of the city centre. Millennium Square will be transformed into a scenic winter village featuring a variety of authentic wooden chalet stalls, cosy indoor retreats, a traditional carousel and daily programme of light entertainment.
Every Sunday (excluding 10th November) families can enjoy a children’s show in the open air market square, featuring sing-alongs, games, face painting and balloon modelling, with appearances from the Winter Wonderland Princesses and other characters. 11am -1pm.
Drop-in event. No booking required. Suitable for babies and toddlers.
Millennium Square, Leeds, LS2 3AD. Tel: 0113 378 6988
15th November 2019 – 1st January 2020 11am – 10pm (8pm on Sunday’s)
The 110-foot Leeds Wheel of Light returns to Victoria Gardens for a fourth year, affording views across the city centre and boasting over 25,000 LED lights!
Price: £5 per person, children 1m or under are free when accompanied by a paying adult.
Check Facebook Page for Christmas holiday opening times and changes to the schedule due to weather.
Drop-in event, no booking required. Suitable for toddlers.
Victoria Gardens, The Headrow, Leeds, LS1 3AH
TBC 2019
An action-packed themed weekend featuring the legendary leader of medieval myths and romances.
Inspired by our global collection, the Legends event season explores mighty and mysterious warrior legends from cultures around the world through storytelling, performances, combat demonstrations, music, film and activities for all ages.
FREE event. No booking required.
Armouries Drive, Leeds LS10 1LT. Tel: 0113 220 1999
Tickets on sale: September 9, 2020
Dates: 27th November 2020 – 5th January 2021
Journey into the North Pole to our tree-lined home where Santa and his elves have taken up residency for the final weeks preparation before Christmas day. Come and meet our elves, help out in the crafts workshop and even make your own souvenir to take away with you. Our Head Elf will make sure you are looked after during your time there. While you are there take the opportunity to write a postcard to Santa to make sure he knows what you want, and finally meet the big man himself!
Preschoolers Santa’s Cabin in the Elf Village – An experience for younger visits to see Santa for a present without the full North Pole additions. Open Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays 11am – 2pm from Monday 2 December, no pre-booking required.
Price: TBC
Mango the meerkat is calling for Little Helpers to bring the magic of Christmas to Tropical World. This December, your little ones can help Mango while enjoying lots of festive fun, such as Christmas crafts and activities, a photo with Mango, and receive a Christmas gift*. Christmas jumpers and festive attire encouraged.
*Please note some Christmas activities are subject to a small additional charge.
Drop-in event, no booking required. Suitable for babies and toddlers.
Festive trail around The Piece Hall shops to create a Christmas potion. Discover magical ingredients in each new window.
Collect a trail from the Welcome Centre and return once completed for a chocolate treat.
£1
Sunday, December 1 – Tuesday, December 24, 2019.
10am-5pm.
TBC 2019 10am -3pm
Santa, his elves and his reindeer are all exhausted after their hard work over Christmas, can you find them napping around the abbey in the festive trail.
Free entry.
Drop-in event, no booking required. Suitable for babies and toddlers.
Abbey Rd, Leeds LS5 3EH. Tel: 0113 378 4079
14 November 2019 – 6th January 2020, 10.30am – 8.30pm
Enjoy the exciting Adventure Zones, including Real Ice Rink, Nordic Ski Trail, fun filled Maze and Illuminated Enchanted Forest with four different Adventure Playgrounds.
Nov 16-17: Santa’s Arrival and Sleigh Parade
14 November – Jan 6: Winter illuminations
Nov 23-24: Monopoly Weekend
Entry to the Woodland Cafe, Gift & Tree shop is free during the winter.
Pre-booking required. Suitable for toddlers.
16th November – 24th December 2019
The Christmas Spectacular ticket includes a pre-booked Santa visit on the Magical Night Before Christmas Ride and also free access all day to all the other park’s rides and attractions.
Pre-booking required.
Treswell Road, near Retford, Nottinghamshire, DN22 0HX Tel: 01777 248274
Discover an indoor forest of storytelling trees at Gibson Mill, Hardcastle Crags.
Wrap up warm for the adventure, where you will see an exhibition of eleven tree sculptures with hand coloured images, inspired by stories collected by the brothers Grimm.
11am-3pm. Free.
November 12-December 22, 2019. More dates available, see the National Trust website.
Weekends from 30th November – 22nd December 2019. 10.30am-2.30pm
This is fantastic family experience where children can explore the maze with real snow falling down upon them, before visiting Santa and his merry Elves in the workshop. Here children get to have a go at Christmas crafts and enjoy a trip to see Santa.
All children receive a gift. Not suitable for children under 2 to participate.
Booking required. Tickets for children only, available via Eventbrite. All money goes to Hope Pastures – Horse and Donkey Sanctuary
The Light, The Headrow, Leeds LS1 8TL
23rd November 2019 – 3rd January 2020
Visit White Rose Shopping Centre and see your favourite characters as you’ve never seen them before. Complete the Christmas trail for a festive treat.
Presented and built by Brick Live.
Drop-In, FREE event, Suitable for toddlers.
White Rose Shopping Centre
November 28, 29, December 5, 6, 12, 13 & 19-24, 2020
An experience lasting around 2.5 hours. You’ll find six magical walk through areas, an enchanted drive-thru reindeer experience and visit Santa in his grotto to receive a gift.
Price: Varies depending on the date, but ranges from £25.95 for children and £18.95 for adults. Under 1s are cheaper.
16th November 2019 – 5th January 2020
Santa’s Grotto open 24th November – 24th December 2019
Experience the fun of skating on real ice around a 30ft high sparkling Christmas tree.
There’s a cosy alpine-themed, apres-skate café, vintage funfair rides and a path through the snowy enchanted woodland to find Santa’s cosy log cabin (£5 for grotto, including wrapped gift).
Booking advised for ice skating.
Santa’s grotto is a drop-in event. Booking available for certain weekdays but not weekends. Suitable for toddlers.
