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 2024?
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 the Harrogate Christmas Fayre and check out the Christmas Lights
Why not take a trip to Valley Gardens whilst you are there and head to the play park? Or if you can get there between the 29 November - 15 December 2024 you will be able to enjoy the Harrogate Christmas Fayre and the free candy cane express land train and musical entertainment.
Harrogate also has in previous years held its very own Christmas Lights Trail taking place around the town centre. There are no details confirmed yet for 2024 but keep your eyes peeled.
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 7th and 8th of December and stay for the free fireworks finale.
On between the 7th -22nd 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!
Go to the Illuminated Winter Wonderland in Ripon
Between the 13th and 15th December, go and see the illuminations in Ripon Spa Gardens, where you can also see Santa. 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 16th 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.
The Festive Tractor Runs 2024
See the Rudolph’s Run Tractor Run 2024 (Wharfedale and Craven area)
On Saturday the 14th December, 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.
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 5.30pm on the 23rd November 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 from Richmond Equestrian Centre at around 11.30am, the tractor run arranged by Catterick Young Farmers will head to Catterick Garrison, then to Richmond before heading to Reeth for around 1.30pm. The parade will then head over to Leyburn, through Middleham and onto Hackforth.
Event is an annual event, but final details yet to be confirmed for 2024. 2023 event took place on the 23rd December.
Head to Santa’s Post Office on Skipton High Street
On the weekends in December, you will have the chance to visit Santa’s post office on Skipton High Street and meet his elves! You can write your letter to Santa and then post it in the magic post box!
Find out more on the Visit Skipton website!
Do the Ilkley Christmas Trail
Do the Festive Elf trail around Ilkley town centre!
Do the Otley Snowman Trail
On from the 1st December until the 18th, 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!
The Ilkley augmented reality Christmas trail
Head to Tupgill Park’s Christmas Fair
This free fair is taking place on the 1st 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 £10/ child).
Looking for Free Festive 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 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.
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!
