Christmas Tractor Runs 2026
The Yorkshire Dales
This is the place to find all the details about the Festive Tractor Runs taking place in and around the Yorkshire Dales, including dates, time estimates and route information.
Tractors and Christmas?
NOW you’re talking!
Yes, it’s become pretty popular in the last few years for farmers to festoon their usually entirely practical work vehicles with an absolute explosion of festive lights. Twinkling decorations and plenty of tinsel adorn those Massey Fergusons with what is basically the visual representation of what it would look like if Christmas threw up all over a tractor. If you’re lucky, they may even have their own soundtrack.
AND WE ARE TOTALLY HERE FOR IT! Yes. As the parent of a tractor lover, this is the most epic of trends and the best bit? These runs are raising THOUSANDS of pounds for local charities. LONG. MAY. THEY. LAST!!
You’ll have noticed more and more have been popping up all over the country in recent years, and the Yorkshire Dales is no exception, yes, these tractor runs will have the streets lined with (extremely noisy) onlookers, soaking up the rural Christmas spirit.
So I thought I’d dedicate a whole page to ‘em.
You’ll find details of the routes, dates, times and links to the social media pages for real-time updates. I’ve also included links to the various fundraising pages where possible.
Rudolph’s Run in Burley in Wharfedale 2024
Rudolph’s Run 2026 (Wharfedale and Craven area)
Date: 20/12/2026
Time: 6pm start 8.10pm finish
Route: Otley, Burley in Wharfedale, Ben Rhydding, Ilkley, Addingham, Silsden, Steeton, Sutton in Craven, Kildwick, Bradley, then Skipton
On Sunday the 20th December 2026, the Lothersdale Agricultural Discussion Group have arranged 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 in Craven, Kildwick, Bradley and and then finishing in Skipton at just after 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
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.
Catterick Young Farmers Festive Tractor Run
Date: 20/12/2026
Time: 4pm start from Hospital Compound (DL9 4BW)
Route: Hipswell, Richmond Town Centre, Gilling West, Skeeby, Richmond, Brompton on Swale, Scorton, Catterick Village, Colburn, Tesco 6.10pm.
Starting and ending at Catterick Garrison at around 4pm, the tractor run arranged by Catterick Young Farmers will head from Catterick Garrison, to Hipswell, Richmond Town Centre, Gilling West, Skeeby, Richmond, Brompton on Swale, Scorton, Catterick Village, Colburn, finishing at Tesco at 6.10pm.
The event takes place on Sunday 20th December 2026.
This is in aid of Catterick Young Farmers and Brain Tumour Research.
Festive Tractor Run in North Ribblesdale (Settle area)
Date: 6/12/2026 (TBC FOR 2026 - cannot see any confirmed details yet)
Time: 3pm start 6.10pm finish
Route: North Ribblesdale RUFC, Eldroth, Bentham, Ingleton, Clapham, Austwick, Little Stainforth, Settle Market Place, North Ribblesdale RUFC
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.
Info correct for 2025
Festive Tractor Run in Kirkby Stephen
Date: 28/11/2026
Time: 4pm
Route: Kirkby Stephen, Hartley, Winton, Brough, Bleatarn, Warcop, Soulby then Kirkby Stephen
Starting from the Kirkby Stephen Auction Mart, the tractor run has been arranged by the Pennine Young Farmer’s Club and starts at 6pm 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 (This was the 2025 route - not yet confirmed for 2026)
Proceeds go to local charities, Kirkby Stephen Christmas Lights and Pennine Young Farmer’s Club.
Tinsel Tractor Run
Date: 5/12/2026
Time: 3pm start from Tates Garden Centre
Route: Tates Garden Centre, Ripon Morrisons, Bishop Monkton, Roecliffe, Boroughbridge Morrisons, Langthorpe, Skelton, B6265 Hewick, Ripon Cathedral, Ripon Market Place
This year, the tractor run wishes to raise £10,000 for Yorkshire Cancer Research. The tractors set off at 3pm and reach Ripon Market Place by 6.30pm.
The event takes place on Saturday 5th December 2026.
This is in aid of Yorkshire Cancer Research.
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