Free and Cheap Things to Do at Christmas in the Yorkshire Dales
Are you looking for free or cheap stuff to do at Christmas in and around the Yorkshire Dales in 2026?
Because despite it being the MOST wonderful time of the year apparently, it’s also the most bloomin’ expensive! And with the rising cost of… well EVERYTHING, I for one am looking for plenty of free or virtually free things to do over Christmas.
So in case you’re curious too, here’s a list of ideas for free festive things to do in and around the Yorkshire Dales.
Don’t forget there are loads of awesome Christmas light switch on events, that are free to attend as well that promise to offer plenty of free fun for everybody!
Head to Harrogate for their Ice Trail and check out the Christmas Lights
Whilst 2026 does not see the return of the Harrogate Christmas Fayre, there is a brand new schedule announced including an ice trail, giant snow globe, posting letters to Santa, Christmas Fairs and the return of an ice rink!
Go to see festive Knaresborough and see the fireworks!
There is loads going on in Knaresborough this Christmas and the good news is it’s free! You can see Santa at the Christmas Market on the 5th and 6th of December 2026 and stay for the free fireworks finale at 4.30 on the Sunday.
Go to St John’s Church in Knaresborough and see the Christmas Tree Festival too and that will get you into the ultimate Christmas Spirit!
Pair it up with a wander along the River Nidd and check out all that this historic town has to offer!
The Christmas Lights at Burley in Wharfedale
Do the BRAND NEW 12 Pots of Settlemas Trail in Settle
Yes, the legendary flower pot festival has been unleashed at Christmas for the first time in 2025! There are 12 pots hidden around Settle, so make sure you pick up a trail sheet for £3 (generally available from the local shops).
(Yet to be confirmed for 2026)
Go to the Ilkley Christmas Tree Festival
Taking place on the 4th and 5th December 2026, this year will see the return of the Ilkley Christmas Tree Festival. This free event takes place over the weekend and also includes live entertainment. Head up to St Margarets church which is where the event is held.
Do the Skipton Nutcracker Trail
Nothing announced for 2026.
Find out more on the Visit Skipton website!
Do the Otley Snowman Trail
On from the 1st December until the 19th, check out the Otley snowman trail and grab a booklet to join in! You can grab a virtual trail sheet from the Otley Snowman Trail website!
Looking for Free Festive Fireworks?
There are going to be free fireworks at the Knaresborough Market on the 6th December, Settle Christmas Light Switch on, on the 28th November at 5pm, the Otley Switch on, on the 23rd November at 7pm 2026.
From the Rudolph’s Run 2024 in Burley in Wharfedale
The Festive Tractor Runs 2026
See the Rudolph’s Run Tractor Run 2026 (Wharfedale and Craven area)
On Sunday the 20th December 2026, the Lothersdale Agricultural Discussion Group have arrange a festive tractor run, where you’ll see tractors decorated and illuminated in their festive finest!
The trail starts at Otley Auction Mart at 6pm, then heads through Burley in Wharfedale, Ben Rhydding, Ilkley, Addingham, Silsden, Steeton, Sutton and then finishing in Skipton at 8pm.
The run is a charity fundraiser for Yorkshire Air Ambulance and Sue Ryder, so donations are welcomed.
AND Part of the Rudolphs Run…
The Junior Rudolph Run - Skipton 29th November 2026 (TBC)
Enter your decorated pedal tractor into the competition at Skipton Auction Mart by 12pm for the chance to win a prize. £5/ entry money raised goes to Yorkshire Air Ambulance and Sue Ryder Manorlands Trust.
See the Festive Tractor Run in Kirkby Stephen (Cumbria, North Western edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park)
Starting from the Kirkby Stephen Auction Mart, the tractor run has been arranged by the Pennine Young Farmer’s Club and starts at 4pm on the 28th November 2026 to coincide with the Christmas Light Switch on.
The run then heads through Hartley, Winton, Brough, Bleatarn, Warcop and Soulby before heading back to Kirkby Stephen again.
See the Festive Tractor Run in Richmond (North East Yorkshire Dales, Swaledale & Wensleydale)
Starting and ending at Catterick Garrison at around 4pm, the tractor run arranged by Catterick Young Farmers will head from Richmond Town Centre to Gilling West, Skeeby, Brompton on Swale, Scorton, Catterick Village, Colburn and then Tesco.
The event takes place on Sunday 20th December 2026.
This is in aid of Catterick Young Farmers and Brain Tumour Research.
See the Festive Tractor Run in North Ribblesdale (Settle area)
Not yet announced for 2026.
This Tractor run starts and ends in North Ribblesdale RUFC in Settle with a 3pm start.
The run travels through Eldroth, Bentham, Ingleton, Clapham, Austwick, Little Stainforth then to Settle Market Place before finishing back at the rugby club at 6.10pm.
Donations are welcome for Teenage Cancer Trust and Candlelighters.
The Otley Snowman Trail
No Frills Fun…
Because the best things in life are free…. and the simple things are sometimes the best!
Go Reindeer Squad Spotting!
Don your headtorches and go find the perfect spot to look up (just make sure you turn them off to get the full effect of the night skies!) Not only is it so much fun to head out after dark, this was a tradition started in lockdown and the kids LOVE it! Pack up a hot chocolate, take along a super festive read, a hot waterbottle and a blanket and snuggle up to watch the night skies.
If you look up, you’ll soon see plenty of moving ‘stars’ these are a combination of satellites and aeroplanes, but we don’t care about facts IT’S CHRISTMAS so they are almost CERTAINLY Santa’s team of reindeer out testing their flying skills, or maybe he’s training up some new ones!
Let your imagination run wild!
For a list of all of the dark skies reserves head to our Dark Skies page!
If you’re lucky you might even get to see the ISS overhead. You can find out whether it will be visible by checking out the NASA website.
Do your own Christmas Light Hunt!
Screenshot or print our free Christmas Light Trail and head out to your own Christmas lights! We love the lights in Burley in Wharfedale, because there is so much to spot in and around the Grange Park area of the village.
Looking for ideas of free or cheap things to do further afield?
Head over to Colette at Going on an Adventure Job to see her suggestions of free or cheap things to do in and around Manchester this Christmas!
Want more festive fun?
Check out our Christmas Nature Crafts for kids!
Looking for a Winter Walk?
Check out all of our family friendly walks!