Looking for an event to feature? Here’s our pick of events coming up in December. As ever, please check individual websites for the latest details.
Discover more…
There’s plenty more to experience, for details on the full range of events check out each destination’s What’s On pages:
It’s all about Christmas this month…
Love it or hate it, the festive season is now in full seasonal swing. Discover some of the highlights below, but for full details of Christmas treats check out individual destination round-ups for Lincolnshire, Hull and East Yorkshire.
The UK’s largest one-day Christmas is back
Beverley in East Yorkshire will be transformed into a seasonal shopping wonderland, on Sunday 14 December. Now in its 29th year, the Beverley Festival of Christmas market will feature more than 120 stalls, while Santa and his reindeer will join-in with a wider Festival that includes traditional fairground rides, birds of prey displays, and traditional brass bands.
Historic castle transforms into a Christmas spectacle
Lincoln Castle’s walls are being lit up as part of a Christmas spectacle featuring almost 40,000 lights. Displays include giant, illuminated letters spelling out the city’s name, Christmas trees, a Christmas Express ride, traditional fairground rides and food and drink stalls. Lincoln Castle Illuminated runs Wednesday to Sunday until 23 December 2025, with dog-friendly nights on 3, 10 and 17 December. Tickets for the full experience, including the Wall Walk, cost £12 adults and £6 children.
Be a Grinch this Christmas
Hull’s historic Hepworth’s Arcade has a new attraction this Christmas… 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 hosts the whimsical and mischievous Christmas spirit’s green Grotto on selected dates until 23 December, with tickets costing £5 per person, booked in advance.
Sparkling lights and seasonal sounds
Step into the grounds of Lincolnshire’s Belton House and be transported to a dazzling winter wonderland. Created by award-winning designers, the National Trust’s illuminated trail combines sparkling lights with seasonal sounds, alongside a festive fairground, treats, food and drink, plus Father Christmas. It runs until 31 December, and this year is also dog friendly. Tickets cost from £15 adults and £12 children (3-16 years) booked in advance.
Pop-in for a pop-up Christmas at Burghley
Burghley Christmas shop has opened its doors for the season. The popular pop-up shop in the Elizabethan house’s Chestnut Courtyard features decorations, curated gifts and housewares and is now open Wednesday-Sunday until 21 December. While the House and Gardens are now closed for the season, visitors can still park and wander the parkland for free throughout the year – with great views of the House – making it a top spot for a seasonal stroll.
All aboard for a seaside Santa Express
Back again for 2025, Bridlington’s Santa Express land train will offer visitors even more seasonal spirit – a chance to help The Grump rediscover the magic of Christmas. Every weekend from 29 November until 21 December, the tinsel trimmed transport will set off from the Bridlington Spa land train platform for a magical journey to the North Pole where visitors can decorate their own Gingerbread, take part in festive activities, and visit ‘Mrs Claus’s Kitchen’. Tickets cost £14 per for adults and £16 children (2-12 years).
Have a n-ice Christmas in Lincoln
Ice sculptures, ice-carving demonstrations and festive fun is set to bring some seasonal magic to Lincoln over the weekend of 6-7 December with the Lincoln Ice Adventure. Visitors can search out 14 hand carved ice sculptures located in various locations across Lincoln, while there will also be a Makers’ Market in Castle Square and live ice carving in St Paul in the Bail. Completing the festive line-up for the free to attend Lincoln Ice Adventure will be seasonal entertainment.
A storybook seasonal treat…
East Yorkshire’s award-winning family adventure attraction William’s Den has launched its Christmas Experience. Until 24 December, visitors can enjoy a day of seasonal activities, including meeting Father Christmas in a cosy Woodland Lodge, watching the new show and decorating gingerbread. Various prices, check website for details.
An invite to the Snowman’s Ball
The hugely popular Sewerby Winter Woodland returns to Sewerby Hall and Gardens this Christmas, from 5 – 23 December 2025. This year’s Winter Woodland theme at the East Yorkshire country estate is The Snowman’s Ball. Along with a spectacular display of lights and sound, new for 2025 will be a festive snow globe in the Pleasure Gardens, while inside the House, festive exhibition, The Snowman: International Icon of Winter, is a time-travelling exploration of the mysterious origins and rise in popular culture of the snowman. Tickets cost from £23 for adults and £17 for children (3-15 years).
