Christmas 2025 - Holiday Activities

Free & Low-Cost Christmas Activities

Harrogate • Knaresborough • Ripon

Looking for festive fun without breaking the bank? Here’s a list of FREE or low-cost activities for families this Christmas holiday.

👉 Full list available at:
HADCA Website

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Harrogate Events

• North Pole Post Box
  Post your letter at the magical North Pole Post Office on Cheltenham Parade.
  More info

• Candy Cane Express
  Free rides around Harrogate town centre during the Christmas Fayre (Dec 5–14).
  More info

• Meet Father Christmas at Horticap
  Tickets £5 (includes gift). Book via 01423 522876.
  Horticap Facebook

• Christmas Tree Festival at St John’s
  70 decorated trees on display Dec 6–21. Free entry.
  More info - St Johns

• Make & Take Christmas Crafts
  Dec 23 & 30, free craft sessions at Royal Pump Rooms Museum.
  More info

• Mercer Art Gallery Christmas Art Club
  Dec 23, £7.50 per session for ages 10–18.
  Book here

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Knaresborough Events

• Christmas Tree Festival at St Peter's
  Decorated trees on display Dec 6–131. Free entry.
  More info - St Peter's

• Knaresborough Christmas Market
  Dec 6–7, 10am–5pm. Free entertainment & Park & Ride.
  Market Info

• The Kiosk at Conyngham Hall
  Festive food, crafts, Santa visit & Silver Band on Dec 13.
  Event Details

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Starbeck Activities

• Starbeck Community Library
  Dec 6, 10am–11.30am. Age 5-11 years, £3 per child- Booking essential at the Library or phone 01609 536662

• Hoglets Theatre presents Wood Owl and the Box of Wonders (suitable for ages 3 up)
  Dec 4, 3:20pm.
  Adults £2, children £1 – book in the Library or at Starbeck Post Office

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Ripon Activities

• Ripon Community House Christmas Fair
  Dec 6, 10.30am–2.30pm. Santa visits £1.
  More info

• Tinsel Tractor Run
  Dec 6, 3pm–6.30pm between Ripon & Boroughbridge.
  Route Info

• Spa Gardens Illuminated Winter Wonderland
  Dec 19–21, 2pm–8pm. Free entry.
  Details

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✅ Accessible Walks & Trails
Available to download for FREE on the Open Country website, Breakfree packs feature easy going walks/cycle routes across the local area. These packs have been developed with wheelchair users in mind but they also appeal to families with young children and pushchairs, cyclists, anyone who might struggle with exercise and older people with limited mobility. The trails have clear, colour maps for each location, with all the information you need to help plan your day. For a hard copy of the Trail pack call Open Country on 01423 507227.

Open Country Website