Yorkshire


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lotherton-leeds"><a href="https://thechristmasexperience.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lotherton</a>, Leeds</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-1000-Elves-at-The-Christmas-Experience-at-Lotherton-1.jpg" alt="Four elves at Lotherton" class="wp-image-1180" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-1000-Elves-at-The-Christmas-Experience-at-Lotherton-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-1000-Elves-at-The-Christmas-Experience-at-Lotherton-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-1000-Elves-at-The-Christmas-Experience-at-Lotherton-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-1000-Elves-at-The-Christmas-Experience-at-Lotherton-1-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Santa, Mrs Claus and the cheeky elves are a seasonal sensation again at Lotherton, near Leeds. Having just landed at the estate’s North Pole, slots for festive sessions with Father Christmas (via the Elf Emporium) until <strong>5 Jan 2025</strong> are almost sold out. For the first time, Mrs Claus will share stories about life even further North while helping children craft festive keepsakes. Yuletide Yurts provide magical shows and refreshments as well as a cosy fire pit to toast marshmallows.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-castle-howard-york"><a href="https://www.castlehoward.co.uk/whats-on/christmas-at-castle-howard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Castle Howard</a>, York</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="957" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-957-FC-in-the-Castle-Credit-David-Lindsay-FCSeeHomepage.jpg" alt="Santa, Mrs Claus and helper at Castle Howard" class="wp-image-1181" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-957-FC-in-the-Castle-Credit-David-Lindsay-FCSeeHomepage.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-957-FC-in-the-Castle-Credit-David-Lindsay-FCSeeHomepage-300x191.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-957-FC-in-the-Castle-Credit-David-Lindsay-FCSeeHomepage-1024x653.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-957-FC-in-the-Castle-Credit-David-Lindsay-FCSeeHomepage-768x490.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit: David Lindsay</figcaption></figure>



<p>Father Christmas gets about, for not only can you find him, Mrs Claus and jolly WonderPhil at the Castle, but in the Boathouse, too! <a href="https://castlehowardchristmas.seetickets.com/timeslots/filter/father-christmas-in-the-castle">Father Christmas in the Castle</a> from <strong>now until 24 Dec</strong> includes a rousing rendition of festive singalong numbers with jingle bells on before the meet and greet with Santa. Tickets also allow access to Alice’s Christmas Wonderland, the House and Gardens. At <a href="https://castlehowardchristmas.seetickets.com/timeslots/filter/santa-s-grotto-in-the-boathouse">Santa’s Grotto in the Boathouse</a> during weekends from <strong>30 Nov – 24 Dec</strong>, kids can watch a puppetry show, grab a selfie with (and gift from) the jolly fellow  and explore the Gardens. Accessible performances for both experiences on selected dates.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nymr-pickering"><a href="https://www.nymr.co.uk/Event/santa" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NYMR</a>, Pickering</h2>



<p>Brand-new Santa Specials are about to depart from the beautifully decorated Pickering Station along the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. Children can visit the festive Signal Box before clambering aboard to meet Santa Claus and his railway helpers. Each child will receive a unique Edmondson railway ticket, a keepsake of the traditional way of recording fares, along with a limited-edition soft toy. Departures on various dates from <strong>30 Nov – 24 Dec</strong>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-national-coal-mining-museum-wakefield"><a href="https://experiencewakefield.co.uk/event/santa-underground/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Coal Mining Museum</a>, Wakefield</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="998" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-998-Santa-Underground-SDP3872-0353.jpg" alt="Santa underground with miner National Coal Mining Museum" class="wp-image-1183" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-998-Santa-Underground-SDP3872-0353.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-998-Santa-Underground-SDP3872-0353-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-998-Santa-Underground-SDP3872-0353-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-998-Santa-Underground-SDP3872-0353-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>You’ll need to descend 140m underground to visit Santa in his one-of-a-kind, enchanting grotto at the National Coal Mining Museum from <strong>now till 24 Dec</strong>. The question is, having gone to so much trouble, will you make his naughty or nice list? Good children will receive a gift and a certificate, while those on the naughty list might just find a lump of coal in their stockings. Can’t beat a bit of ‘better be good’ blackmail.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-embsay-amp-bolton-abbey-steam-railway-skipton"><a href="https://thepolarexpresstrainride.embsayboltonabbeyrailway.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Embsay &amp; Bolton Abbey Steam Railway</a>, Skipton</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1001" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-1000-The-Polar-Express-Embsay-and-Bolton-Abbey-Railway-dancing-chef.jpg" alt="Dancing chef on Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway The Polar Express" class="wp-image-1184" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-1000-The-Polar-Express-Embsay-and-Bolton-Abbey-Railway-dancing-chef.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-1000-The-Polar-Express-Embsay-and-Bolton-Abbey-Railway-dancing-chef-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-1000-The-Polar-Express-Embsay-and-Bolton-Abbey-Railway-dancing-chef-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-1000-The-Polar-Express-Embsay-and-Bolton-Abbey-Railway-dancing-chef-768x513.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Santa swaps his sleigh to be a VIP passenger giving out gifts on <em>The Polar Express</em> trains chugging along the Wensleydale Railway tracks. The magic of the 2004 movie is recreated for this first-class experience with dancing chefs and singing waitresses serving hot chocolate and gooey cookies. Best of all, you don’t even need to get out of your pyjamas as sleepwear is positively encouraged. All aboard on various dates till <strong>24 Dec</strong> with a more relaxed sensory coach included.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breakfast-with-santa-bradford"><a href="https://www.visitbradford.com/whats-on/christmas/santa?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Breakfast with Santa</a>, Bradford</h2>



<p>If you – like Santa – enjoy your grub, then you can meet him over a bit of brekkie at various Bradford venues. Rise and shine with the Big Man at The Broadway on <strong>7, 14 &amp; 21 Dec</strong>; enjoy a magical morning at Bradford Bulls’ Bartercard Odsal Stadium on <strong>14 Dec</strong>; join him tucking into tea and toast at the Great Victoria Hotel from <strong>21 to 24 Dec</strong> or filling his boots at Santa Sunday Lunch and Cheer at the Cedar Court Hotel on <strong>8 Dec</strong>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-temple-newsam-leeds"><a href="https://museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk/whats-on/54/christmas-at-temple-newsam" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Temple Newsam</a>, Leeds</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-1000-_LMG_Temple-Newsam_Christmas-2023_Joanne-Crawford-169-2.jpg" alt="Christmas tree in Temple Newsam" class="wp-image-1188" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-1000-_LMG_Temple-Newsam_Christmas-2023_Joanne-Crawford-169-2.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-1000-_LMG_Temple-Newsam_Christmas-2023_Joanne-Crawford-169-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-1000-_LMG_Temple-Newsam_Christmas-2023_Joanne-Crawford-169-2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-1000-_LMG_Temple-Newsam_Christmas-2023_Joanne-Crawford-169-2-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>It&#8217;s hard to believe, but not everyone loves Santa and if you think about it, a rotund man with a red cloak, big beard and laugh as loud as Jimmy Carr can be a bit overwhelming for timid tots. That’s why the Relaxed Christmas Experience at Temple Newsam on <strong>20 Dec</strong> could be a calmer way to introduce shy children and babies to Santa and Mrs Claus. Whilst you’re here, it’s fun to explore the beautifully decorated house with Christmas trees and dress up like former residents, celebrating just like they did 500 years ago. Father Christmas is in residence from <strong>30 Nov – 21 Dec</strong>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cannon-hall-farm-sheffield"><a href="https://www.cannonhallfarm.co.uk/event/santas-magical-elevator-at-cannon-hall-farm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cannon Hall Farm</a>, Sheffield</h2>



<p>Children may well be on Cloud Nine this festive season if they go down to Cannon Hall Farm. A Grotto experience with a difference means that the North Pole elves sprinkle them with fairy dust and then you&#8217;re all off on an elevator ride through the clouds to reach Santa’s home and Toy Factory. You may come back down to earth with a bump, though, with ticket prices of £24.95 per child and £15.95 per adult for various dates from <strong>30 Nov – 24 Dec</strong>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pontefract-museum-wakefield"><a href="https://experiencewakefield.co.uk/event/liquorice-santa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pontefract Museum</a>, Wakefield</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="999" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-999-Liquorice-Santa-hl-51973796360.jpg" alt="Liquorice Santa with letter and sweets" class="wp-image-1190" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-999-Liquorice-Santa-hl-51973796360.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-999-Liquorice-Santa-hl-51973796360-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-999-Liquorice-Santa-hl-51973796360-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-999-Liquorice-Santa-hl-51973796360-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Where else would you find a special sweet Santa in a liquorice grotto than in Pontefract, home to all sorts of festive fun crafts and activities around the Museum? Children will love the challenge of following a trail to find the punchline of a jolly, cheesy joke. Best of all, it’s free and no booking required from <strong>10.30 – 15.30 on 7 Dec</strong>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-abbey-house-museum-leeds"><a href="https://museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk/whats-on/81/santa-at-the-museum" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Abbey House Museum</a>, Leeds</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-1000-Abbey-House-Museum-santa.jpg" alt="Abbey House Museum Santa " class="wp-image-1192" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-1000-Abbey-House-Museum-santa.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-1000-Abbey-House-Museum-santa-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-1000-Abbey-House-Museum-santa-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-1000-Abbey-House-Museum-santa-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Santa Claus looks right at home in the seasonally-decorated Victorian streets of Abbey House Museum in Kirkstall where he’ll be patiently listening to wish lists and handing out gifts. The realistic 19<sup>th</sup> century setting is the equivalent of a modern high street and even includes the Hark to Rover Inn which might explain the jolly fellow’s red nose! Antique toys, too, with working old penny slot machines. The experience is included with general admission tickets payable on arrival from <strong>7 – 22 Dec</strong>.</p>


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