Things to do in Yorkshire this month

Looking for exciting things to do in Yorkshire at the weekend? Check out everything from festive Christmas markets to Champagne tastings and exciting seasonal craft workshops. We’ve got you covered this December.

Things to do in Yorkshire this December

Huddersfeast Night Market at Huddersfield Open Market | Friday 1st December

To kickstart the countdown to Christmas Day, Huddersfield BID are hosting a free one-day pop-up event in Huddersfield city centre. Anticipate a lineup of distinctive local artisans craftspeople and small independent businesses, transforming the night market into a one-stop shop for all your Christmas present needs.

Alongside a variety of food and drink stalls, including Spud & Bros Poutine, Lekker Eat Dutch and Magic Rock Brewing, listen to some Christmas carols and live entertainment as you stroll around. For something different to do at the weekend in Yorkshire, you don’t want to miss this one-night-only event.

Huddersfield Open Market, Brook Street, HD1 1RX

Get 20% off Dec – Jan Classes at The Grand Cookery School – SAVE up to 20%

Why not try something new this month? Situated within York’s 5 Star hotel The Grand is a state-of-the-art school offering a wide variety of courses. In December, our top pick classes are their Festive Bakes: Gingerbread class, a full day Beef Wellington class and the ultimate Christmas lunch half day class. This is definitely one of the best things to do in Yorkshire this weekend. For classes in December and January, you can save up to 20%, or up to 15% off classes between February and July.

Station Rise, York YO1 6GD

Most Saturdays: Cooper King Distillery Tour & Tasting, near York – SAVE 20%

Discover the adventurous story behind Cooper King Distillery based in North Yorkshire and join them on a guided tour of England’s only self-built whisky and gin distillery.

You’ll get the chance to sample three different gins, one vodka, one liqueur and one new-make spirit, and self-designated drivers will be offered a complimentary sample to take away and enjoy at home. It’s a great idea if you’re looking for something boozy to do in Yorkshire at the weekend.

The Old Stable, Stillington Rd, Sutton-on-the-Forest, York YO61 1EH

The Great Snow at Tattu, Leeds | Throughout December

For winter this year, popular Leeds restaurant Tattu has swapped their iconic pink blossom trees to a magical winter interior. The award-winning restaurant is excited to serve customers their final concept of the year, including the Imperial Sunday Roast that takes place every weekend, as well as other indulgent dishes such as the Asian pear sticky toffee pudding wraps for a bite of sweetness. You can also expect a menu of extravagant winter cocktails, exclusive this season.

Minerva, 29 E Parade, Leeds LS1 5PS – 0113 245 1080

Leeds Nutcracker Trail | Until 22nd December

Alongside the much-awaited Christmas Markets returning to Millennium Square and other places around the city, the Nutcracker Trail makes for a perfect family activity. With nutcrackers located in various locations around Leeds City Centre, locate them all to solve the mystery word and be in with a chance to win a voucher to spend at the beloved Christmas market.

Visitors can expect to find nutcrackers at Leeds Corn Exchange, City Square and Briggate – all you need to do is find the rest. This is ideal for those looking for things to do on the weekend in Yorkshire.

Leeds City Centre (various locations)

Festive Set Menu at Birdcage Hessle | Available from 1st December

With only a few weeks until Christmas Day, it’s time to start planning those family or friend meals out. Birdcage is a family-run restaurant in Hessle, East Yorkshire that serves a variety of classic dishes and signature cocktails.

Countdown to Christmas with the new festive set menu at Birdcage. Perfect for work parties, cosy catch ups or annual family meals, tuck into a two or three-course meal, with dishes including a mini charcuterie board, roast turkey will all the trimmings and an indulgent mint baileys cheesecake.

2 Ferriby Rd, Hessle HU13 0PG – 01482 738397

Christmas Markets in Yorkshire

Among the amazing Christmas events taking place across the region, where better to get into the festive spirit than exploring your local Christmas market? Enjoy copious amounts of sweet treats, mulled wine and boozy hot chocolates, and spoil yourself with a selection of mouthwatering street food and a spot of shopping. Peruse the independent stalls to find the perfect gift for someone special, grab that last-minute secret Santa present or give yourself an early Christmas treat. The Christmas markets are not one to miss for something different to do with friends at the weekend in Yorkshire.

Aprés at The Orchard, Grantley Hall, Ripon

Experience the enchantment of winter approaching at Aprés at The Orchard, located within 5 Star hotel, Grantley Hall. The Orchard has been transformed into a cosy alpine haven with décor transporting you straight to the slopes in a magical winter wonderland.

In collaboration with Moet & Chandon, expect an array of champagne cocktails perfectly matched with their special winter menu featuring ‘hot smoked salmon’ and ‘crispy panko brie’ as well as fabulous entertainment and delectable canapes. Finish off the evening in Valeria’s Champagne and Cocktail Bar to party the night away for the perfect, unforgettable experience.

Grantley Hall, Ripon HG4 3ET

York Minster Christmas Tree Festival | 2nd December – 5th January

Held inside the Gothic York Minster, explore their Christmas Tree Festival where you can find 60 trees on display, each adorned with a unique theme. Found in the cathedral’s magnificent Chapter House, Lady Chapel and Nave, nearby businesses, schools and charities have decorated a special tree, and you can vote for your favourite in the “Best Dressed Tree” competition.

Running throughout the month of December, follow the Christmas Tree Trail as well as explore the stunning Minster before the big day.

Deangate, York YO1 7HH – 01904 557200

Various dates: Spanish food & drink experiences at Iberica, Leeds – SAVE 10%

Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply looking for a different activity to do with friends, these interactive tasting experiences have all it takes to conquer your palate and spirit in a true Spanish style.

Try out a ham carving experience or sample a selection of Spanish wines and cheese whilst learning how to pour wine the traditional Spanish way. How about a Sherry discovery experience trying out 5 different Spanish sherries paired with some savoury nibbles? Another boozy offer from Iberica is their gin and tonic experience, allowing you to expertly taste 3 different flavours of gin paired with high-quality tonics. These experiences are certainly some of the best things to do in Yorkshire on a weekend.

Hepper House, 17a E Parade, Leeds LS1 2BH

Baubles & Baubles Workshop at The Crown at Boston Spa | Tuesday 5th December

In collaboration with Glazed and Confused Pottery, step into the stunning country pub, The Crown at Boston Spa to get your creative minds crafting. Settle down for an evening session with a delicious mulled wine and decorate two ceramic baubles with your own unique ideas. The perfect way to get into the spirit of Christmas as we countdown to the big day. Adorn your wonderful baubles on your Christmas trees at home to make it extra special.

128 High St, Boston Spa, Wetherby LS23 6BW – 01937 229900

Christmas Tasting Menu Night at Manor House Lindley | Thursday 7th December

This December, the 5 star luxury hotel Manor House Lindley are hosting a Christmas edition of their beloved tasting nights. Set within their stunning 3AA Rosette restaurant, The Lantern Room, tuck into a menu full of festive flavours and seasonal treats. Crafted by their Head Chef John Brewster, prepare for a menu that will excite you and truly get you excited for Christmas.

1 Lidget St, Lindley, Huddersfield HD3 3JB – 01484 504000

Carols by Candlelight at Swinton Estate | Thursday 7th December

The Swinton Estate in North Yorkshire is an opulent retreat that features a 42-bedroom hotel, amongst other stunning facilities. This season, take a drive up to Ripon for a wonderfully festive candle-lit evening. After a fabulous Champagne reception, cherish the sounds of the 25-member choir of Yorkshire Voices and Yorkshire Decibelles. Afterwards, enjoy a gourmet dinner inside the 2AA Rosette awarded restaurant, Samuel’s Restaurant, combining elegant fine dining with exquisite service.

Masham, Ripon HG4 4JH – 01765 680900

Masons of Yorkshire Gin Distillery Tour with Tastings, Northallerton – SAVE 10%

Take a drive out to Northallerton to Masons of Yorkshire’s gin distillery. Set off on a tour around the North Yorkshire distillery, learn about the history of gin and discover the process and passion of distilling. The tour will also include a guided tasting, including tips on detecting scents and flavours. On arrival, you will receive a Masons gin and tonic of your choice on arrival.

Masons Distillery, Trinity Place, Conygarth Way, Leeming Bar, DL7 9EE

Festive Bottomless Brunch at The Schoolrooms, Sheffield | Saturday 9th December

Only a couple of weeks before Christmas Day, grab your friends for a weekend in Yorkshire and head towards the Peak District for a bottomless brunch like no other. For 2 hours, tuck into Christmas-inspired brunch dishes and unlimited seasonal cocktails for this festive bottomless brunch.

For those with a sweet tooth, try out the Gingerbread Buttermilk Pancakes with cinnamon, maple syrup and bacon. And for those who prefer the savoury options, the Blankets Brioche with pigs in blankets, a fried egg and brioche bun sounds like the perfect choice for you. The festive cocktails include a Winter Bramble, Christmas Sangria, Sloe Gin fizz and more.

Mill Lee Rd, Low Bradfield, Sheffield S6 6LB – 0114 285 1920. To book, head to their Facebook page.

Rooftop Rendezvous: Champagne & Sparkling Tasting at Kelu, Sheffield | Friday 15th December

Fancy sampling some of the finest Italian sparkling wines at the best rooftop bar in Sheffield? Kelu has just what you’re looking for. Rooftop Rendezvous is a wintery version of their beloved summer ‘Sunset Soiree’ series.

Expect a carefully curated tasting of 6 champagnes and premium Italian sparkling wines artfully paired with a 6-course tasting menu. Courtesy of Berkmann Wines, experience an evening of true Italian elegance with the season’s finest bubbles in the most enchanting setting. Look no further than Kelu for your weekend plans in Yorkshire.

Unit 3.1 krynkl, 294 Shalesmoor, Sheffield S3 8UL – 0114 299 1331

The Jazz Night Before Christmas at Pearly Cow, York | Sunday 17th December

If you’re looking for something different to do at the weekend in Yorkshire, Pearly Cow is the place for you. On 17th December, listen to the beautiful sounds of the Karl Mullen Jazz Trio, playing your favourite Christmas songs, as well as other jazz classics by Sinatra and more.

Embrace the Christmas spirit by indulging in a menu that features a selection of festive treats including a Christmas pudding.

1 Clifton, York YO30 6AA – 01904 946299

Peace on Earth: Christmas Crafts at Keelham Food Hall, Skipton | Wednesday 20th December

Perfect for parents and children, this festive crafting morning at Keelham Food Hall gives children the chance to create beautiful Christmas crafts whilst parents can set off on a last-minute shopping spree around the food hall. This one hour session gives children the chance to decorate festive lanterns, paper bird decorations and calendar designs – an ideal way to keep the excitement going with Christmas Day only five days away.

21 Gargrave Rd, Skipton BD23 1UD – 01756 664170

Fine Dining and Carols at The Old Liquor Store, York | Sunday 24th December

Delve into a festive six-course menu at York’s newest Italian restaurant, The Old Liquor Store on Bishopthorpe Road. Found within the Grade II listed building, spend your Christmas Eve filling up on Italian-inspired dishes including Lobster minestrone, Anatra farcita with honey glazed duck breast and a Tiramisu using York Cocoa Works dark chocolate. As you dine on delicious food, listen to the sounds of Karl Mullen on piano, the best way to spend your weekend in Yorkshire before Christmas.

Bishopthorpe Rd, York YO23 1FT – 01904 950147

---

DON’T MISS…

Save up to 38% this month on vouchers & experiences across Yorkshire