Things to do in Yorkshire this weekend
Can you believe it’s that time again? We can’t either. Christmas jumpers to the ready, and get your voices warmed up for everything from carolling to festive afternoon tea. This is our final list of 2025 for the best things to do this weekend in Yorkshire!
What a 2025 we’ve had, from food festivals to foodie marathons, it’s been a year of incredible events across God’s own country and we can’t wait for what the festive season has in store.
Things to do in Yorkshire this weekend
CrowdedHouse hosts Christmas carols
Leeds’ favourite rooftop bar, CrowdedHouse is hosting a festive evening of Christmas carols, mince pies and mulled wine led by Holy Trinity on Boar Lane.
With a panoramic view of Leeds’ wintry skyline, this is the perfect place to soak up all the Christmas vibes while belting out some classics. Head up to floor six and enjoy a cheeky tipple or two on Wednesday, 10th December.
Where? Level 5 & 6, Trinity Centre, 70 Boar Ln, Leeds LS1 6HW
Wentworth Woodhouse
The snow queen has taken over Wentworth Woodhouse for the festive season. As you make your way through the Grade II listed estate, enjoy scenes of enchanted gardens and icy palaces.
From polar bears to icy light projections, this is the perfect wintry day out that everyone can enjoy. Running from 2nd December to 4th January, you won’t want to miss out on tickets!
Where? Wentworth, Rotherham S62 7TQ
The Devonshire Arms Christmas markets
Coming to the Devonshire Arms this December is their artisan Christmas markets, home to a plethora of local and handmade vendors. Whether you’re looking for cakes and bakes or hand-poured candles, it’s an ideal spot for getting in some Christmas shopping.
With live entertainment and some mouthwatering food, head over to the stunning Yorkshire Dales for the first two weekends in December for guaranteed Christmas vibes.
Where? Bolton Bridge, Skipton BD23 6AJ
Things to do in Yorkshire this weekend: Swinton Luminescence Light Trail
Up next, Swinton Luminescence Light Trail is new for this year!
From 6th November 2025 to 22nd February 2026, immerse yourself in a magical woodland trail, suitable for all the family.
With beautiful light instillations and a stop off for a hot chocolate halfway round, this is the perfect activity for this season. Find out more and book your tickets here.
Where? Swinton Park Hotel, Ripon HG4 4JH
@yorkshirefoodguide FIRST LOOK: LUMINESCENSE | A WINTER LIGHT TRAIL AT SWINTON ESTATE ✨🦌🎆🔦 Stroll through their magical woodland walk along the lakeside, to discover a mile-long illuminated light trail- from shimmering deer to twinkling displays 🌌 Cosy up with Yorkshire’s best bites, hot chocolate & toasted marshmallows by the fire! 📆 6th November 2025- Feb 2026 Who are you bringing to see the magic? ✨ #YorkshireFoodGuide #Yorkshire #SwintonEstate #SwintonLuminesenceLightTrail #FamilyActivities #WinterActivities @Swinton Estate ♬ LIGHT – John Pattern & Jonah Kest
Christmas dining across Yorkshire
‘Tis the season of all things foodie. Whether you’re looking to feed the five thousand or even just five, there are so many spots perfect for any occasion.
We’ve curated a list of the best spots featuring cosy pubs and even extravagant private dining for you and your favourite people to share this Christmas. Check out the best festive dining this Christmas!
Things to do in Yorkshire this weekend: Beverley Reindeer Rampage
Cairngorm reindeer have paid a visit to Beverley, making a special route throughout Beverley’s shops, cultural spots and eateries, from 1st November until 31st December 2025.
Beverley Reindeer Rampage is a self-guided Christmas trail around the town centre with a puzzle to solve, which when completed, enters you to be in with a chance of winning a toy shop voucher!
The Riverfront York, Bosun’s charcuterie board
Head over to the River Ouse for the perfect December midweek treat. Served only on Wednesdays, indulge in cheeses and cured meats in a beautiful setting.
Charcuterie Wednesdays begin from the 3rd of December, take your favourite people and don’t miss out!
Ferry Ln, Bishopthorpe, York YO23 2SB
Chatsworth House Christmas markets
Another stately home you mustn’t miss this Christmas season is Chatsworth House, just half an hour from Yorkshire.
This December, they’re hosting an amazing Christmas market just outside their gates with the most beautiful independent stalls and vendors, perfect for a bit of Christmas shopping.
Take a look inside for the most showstopping decoration set up this year, resembling an enchanted garden. There is no surprise this is one of the most popular places to visit this December.
Where? Bakewell DE45 1PP
@yorkshirefoodguide CHRISTMAS HAS ARRIVED AT CHATSWORTH HOUSE 🕯️🎄🎁 Step into the magic of this year’s theme at Chatsworth House, The Enchanted Garden, which is inspired by the wonders of nature. We explored the house, finding garden fairies and secret fairy doors, as well as hidden woodland creatures along the way 🦌 Who are you taking @Chatsworth to celebrate the season? 💫 #YorkshireFoodGuide #ChatsworthHouse #ChristmasatChatsworth #Yorkshire #ChristmasMarket #FoodieDayOut #Derbyshire #Bakewell ♬ original sound – BestOfChristmas
Things to do in Yorkshire this weekend: Festive afternoon tea
Afternoon tea is one of our favourite things to do in Yorkshire, and to our luck, we are in no short supply. This Christmas, some of our favourite spots have given their menus a festive makeover, and we are so excited.
Whether it’s in Grantley Hall’s stunning Drawing Room, or a cosy country pub like the Drovers Arms, soak up the ambience and enjoy a selection of the finest finger sandwiches and patisserie made of only the best Yorkshire produce.
Treat yourself or someone special to a luxurious afternoon tea in Yorkshire – it is Christmas after all!
Where? Grantley Hall, Ripon HG4 3ET
Castle Howard’s festive takeover, Wizard of Oz
Castle Howard’s festive takeover is launching once again, running from Thursday 13th November 2025 to Sunday 4th January 2026.
This year, the theme is The Wizard of Oz – and we know the set designers are going to bring something truly magical to the stunning interiors of Castle Howard.
With meticulous attention to detail and with a true festive feel, get ready to be transported to the world of Dorathy and the yellow brick road. If their last festive displays are anything to go by, this is a must visit event in Yorkshire this November.
Where? Castle Howard, York YO60 7DA
@yorkshirefoodguide WE’RE OFF TO SEE THE WIZARD… AND THE FESTIVITIES AT CASTLE HOWARD 🪄🎁🥂 Christmas has arrived at @Castle Howard with their festive takeover theme being The Wizard of Oz. A perfect foodie day out for all the family! Don’t forget to check out the @Bettys pop up – expect Christmas hampers and gifts, as well as some of Bettys best-loved products to enjoy ♥️ #YorkshireFoodGuide #CastleHoward #ChristmasMarkets #WizardOfOz #Bettys ♬ original sound – Yorkshire Food Guide
Things to do in Yorkshire this weekend: Christmas markets in Leeds, Sheffield and York
This month, some of our favourite Christmas markets in York, Leeds and Sheffield are back! It’s the best time of year when the town starts to smell like roasted chestnuts and mulled wine.
Stop by for warming street food bites or homemade bakes to enjoy with a cup of tea at home. Check out our favourite Christmas markets to explore.
Try something new in Yorkshire this weekend at The Grand, York – Save up to 15%
Looking for things to do in Yorkshire this weekend, where you’ve learned a new skill?
The Grand York is offering various delicious cookery classes, including half and full day classes and Parent & Child classes. Learn how to perfect your pastry skills, recreate pub classics, boss sushi or master the taste of various countries.
Where? Station Rise, York YO1 6GD
Things to do in Yorkshire this weekend: Fountains Abbey
Fountains Abbey has a full calendar this December, hosting carol singing, artisan markets and even a toymaking workshop for little ones.
With plenty to explore amongst the beautiful grounds themselves, these festive additions will make an amazing day out for the whole family.
Where? Fountains, Ripon HG4 3DY
Christmas at York Castle Museum
Step back in time to York in the Victorian era and straight into something from the set of a Christmas carol, with cobbled streets and traditional sweet shops.
You can expect card marking, carolling, and plenty of festive activities, all in the historic setting of York of over 150 years ago.
Where? Tower St, York YO1 9RY
Things to do in Yorkshire this weekend: Masons of Yorkshire Gin Distillery Tour with Tastings – Save 10%
If you are looking for boozy things to do in Yorkshire this weekend, 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. On arrival, you will receive a Mason’s gin and tonic of your choice followed by a guided tasting, including tips on detecting scents and flavours.
Where? Trinity Place, Conygarth Wy, Leeming Bar, Northallerton DL7 9EE
£20 Indian Tiffin Room Restaurant Voucher
31-32 Park Row, Leeds LS1 5JD- Authentic Indian street food
- Outstanding reviews in the national and regional press
- SAVE 25% off
£60 Black Bull Inn Moulton Restaurant Voucher
Moulton, Richmond DL10 6QJ- British seasonal dishes and hand-stretched pizzas
- Picturesque outdoor terrace
- SAVE 50% off
3-course Sunday lunch at Aldwark Manor, York
Aldwark, Alne, York YO61 1UF- In the heart of the Yorkshire countryside
- Served in the stunning Elements restaurant
- SAVE 16% off
Silversmiths Sheffield Evening Dining & Drinks
Silversmiths, Sheffield S1 2NT- Renowned Sheffield city centre restaurant
- Expect colourful, modern plates of local produce
- SAVE up to 22% off
Written by
01/12/2025