10 Free 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 2023?
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.
Head to the Harrogate Christmas Fayre and check out the Christmas Lights (on from 16th November)
Why not take a trip to Valley Gardens whilst you are there and head to the play park? Or if you can get there by the 17h December 2023, you will be able to enjoy the Harrogate Fayre and the free candy cane express land train and musical entertainment.
Harrogate also has its very own Christmas Lights Trail taking place around the town centre, so why not head there to check it out! Grab your Harrogate Light Trail sheet from the website.
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 2&3rd of December at the Green Dragon Yard and at 4.30pm on the 3rd of December you can watch the fireworks from Knaresborough Castle!
On between the 2-23rd December at St John’s Church in Knaresborough, the Christmas Tree Festival 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!
See the Snow Globe at Ripon
Between the 14th and 17th December, go and see the snow globe at various locations around Ripon centre. If you are looking for a free festive fairground and Father Christmas, you’ll find them in Ripon for the light switch on on the 18th November!
The Christmas Lights at Burley in Wharfedale
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.
Do a Free Christmas Trail
Do the Skipton Gingerbread Trail
Between the 24th November and 3rd January, there will be a trail of gingerbread characters around Skipton. Find all the characters and deliver your completed sheet to Santa’s post box in Craven Court.
Find out more on the Visit Skipton website!
Head to the Leyburn Elf Trail
Set up around the town centre and around some of the neighbouring properties, Leyburn has been set up with cheeky elf scenes to go and spot! Tie it in with their Christmas Light Switch on, and you’ll get to see the
The Ilkley augmented reality Christmas trail
Head to Ripley Castle Gardens and Christmas Fair
On the 10th December 2023, there is the Christmas Market headed to Ripley Castle and whilst it’s on, entry to the gardens and grounds of Ripley Castle is free!
There are Christmas crafts on offer for the kids and the good news is it’s also dog friendly (if you arrive by car, parking charges apply)
Head to Tupgill Park’s Christmas Fair
This free fair is taking place on the 3rd December between 10am and 3pm at the Saddle Rooms next door to the Forbidden Corner and you will have the opportunity to go and see Father Christmas in his woodland grotto (that’s £4/ child).
Go To Kirkby Lonsdale for their Christmas Story Extravaganza!
Kirkby Lonsdale are really pushing the boat out this year, with a whole range of activities taking place between the 30 November and 3rd December. There are processions, live shows, music, a Santa Parade, kids crafts and see Santa in his Grotto! The full line up can be found on the Kirkby Lonsdale Fair website.
Looking for Free Fireworks?
There are going to be free fireworks at the Settle Christmas Light Switch on, on the 25th November, the Otley Switch on, on the 27th November and Knaresborough Christmas Market on the 3rd of December.
No Frills Fun…
Because the best things in life are free…. and the simple things are sometimes the best!
Go Santa Spotting
Don your headtorches and go find the perfect Santa Spotting position! 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 and snuggle up to watch the night skies.
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.
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!
