As December settles over Yorkshire, the county has slipped fully into its festive rhythm. From the glow of shopfronts in our busiest cities to the quiet crunch of frost along coastal paths and market squares, there’s a real sense that winter has properly arrived. Towns and villages are dressing themselves in lights, Christmas markets are gathering steam, and everywhere you go there’s that unmistakable mix of woodsmoke, cinnamon and excitement.
This week’s roundup is packed with ideas to help you make the most of the season—plus a few early treats to brighten up the run-up to Christmas. Let’s dive into what’s happening across the county.
York Designer Outlet has transformed into a full festive destination this Christmas, with Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland, Santa’s Grotto, a funfair, charity appeals and big-brand shopping offers.
Dean Clough Mill in Halifax is packed with festive fun this December, offering free family trails, artisan markets, creative workshops, theatre, exhibitions and seasonal music.
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This year’s Northern Antiques Fair at Tennants in Leyburn was a runaway success, with strong sales across furniture, fine art, jewellery and maps.
Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s first-ever fundraising ball in Leeds marked the charity’s 25th anniversary in style, raising over £52,000 to help keep its life-saving helicopters flying.
St Aelred’s Catholic School Choir brought festive cheer to York’s Meadowbeck Care Home with a heart-warming Christmas carol performance that delighted residents and strengthened community ties.
Hull’s new £1.6m Federation of Sport gaming hub—backed by Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois—has opened in the city centre, bringing cutting-edge esports, simulators and VR experiences alongside new jobs.
A new book, The Tattooed Hills, spotlights Britain’s ancient and modern chalk figures—including Yorkshire’s own White Horse at Kilburn.
2026
Harewood House will open 2026 with Charlotte Verity: The Season Following, a major exhibition charting the beauty of all four seasons through two decades of the artist’s work. Luke Wright’s powerful new show Later Life Letter—blending poetry, storytelling and humour as he explores his own adoption. Inbetweeners star Joe Thomas is heading to Silsden Town Hall on 28 February 2026 for an intimate live conversation. Michael Ball brings his brand-new Glow tour to Yorkshire in September 2026, with four dates across Bradford, Sheffield, Hull and York. Urzila Carlson brings her brand-new Fatty on a Yacht tour to Yorkshire in 2026, with a single must-see date at York Barbican on 13 September.
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The Inn Collection Group is offering three-night Christmas staycation packages across its Yorkshire inns, giving guests a stress-free festive break with indulgent dining, cosy accommodation.
What’s on in Yorkshire this week?
Yorkshire is buzzing with an exciting line-up of events to suit all tastes. Whether you’re looking for live music, comedy, sports nostalgia, or family-friendly entertainment, there’s something for everyone. Here’s what’s coming up in the next week:
- Jack and the Beanstalk: The Pantomime at Whitby Pavilion Theatre on December 5th, 2025 7:00pm
- All Day Jump Horse Racing at Wetherby Racecourse – Saturday 6th December 2025
- Stereophonics: Hospitality Experiences at Utilita Arena Sheffield on December 7th, 2025 6:00pm
- Chantel Mcgregor Solo Acoustic Tickets @ The Fulford Arms, York. Monday 8th December 2025
- Home Alone in Concert at Sheffield City Hall Oval Hall, Sheffield on December 9th, 2025 7:30pm
- Rob Brydon & His Fabulous Band: A Festive Night of Songs and Laughter at Bradford Live, Bradford on December 10th, 2025 7:30pm
- While She Sleeps at Doncaster Dome, Doncaster on December 11th, 2025 6:00pm
- Afternoon Jump Horse Racing at Doncaster Racecourse – Friday 12 December 2025
- Jimmy Carr: Laughs Funny at Leeds First Direct Bank Arena, Leeds on December 13th, 2025 8:00pm
- Kate Rusby at Sheffield City Hall Oval Hall, Sheffield on December 14th, 2025 6:00pm
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