Free train travel, seasonal markets and roaming performers, plus plenty of festive fun from a Grinch Grotto to the return of Santa Claus Showtime, aims to make Hull a top Christmas destination this year.
Launched with a Christmas lights switch-on by Pride of Britain 2025 award winner Marcus Skeet, known to his online followers as The Hull Boy, on 20 November, the city has a packed seasonal line-up planned for visitors and locals alike.
And for those who live in Yorkshire, Hull has an extra pre-Christmas treat – free train travel.
Hull Trains is working with Visit Hull to offer free travel to and from Hull from Doncaster, Selby, Howden and Brough on selected services in November and December (www.visithull.org/hull-trains-selected-services/).
New for 2025 will be a bumper festive weekend when the city centre will be flooded with festive cheer, 29-30 November.
A Christmas market on King Edward Street will feature street entertainment, food stalls and live music performances, plus festive panto in Queen Victoria Square, while musical performances will be staged inside Princes Quay.
More street entertainment will take place down Whitefriargate leading to a Victorian Market in Trinity Square and Hull Minster (Saturday only). Adding to the seasonal cheer, Hull Museums’ Victorian Christmas event will also take place on High Street during the weekend.
Free festivities also return to Trinity Market, Hull’s oldest, covered market given a new lease of life as the city’s home of street food, but this year they will have a ‘Grinchy twist’.
While the Market’s The Santa Claus Showtime featuring four free family performances each Saturday, is sold out, just around the corner in Hepworth’s Arcade, a new neighbour is moving in… The Grinch Grotto!
Opened in 1897, the Grade II listed Arcade is a striking example of late Victorian architecture, with a glass roof, ornate ironwork, and curved design. It will host the whimsical and mischievous Christmas spirit’s green Grotto on selected dates from 22 November until 23 December, with tickets costing £5 per person, booked in advance (www.tickettailor.com/events/thegrinchgrottohull/1932396).
Full details of Hull’s festive celebrations can be found at www.visithull.org/christmas-in-hull/
For places to stay and visitor information, see www.visithull.org