Round-up of events for across North Yorkshire

The days are getting shorter and the nights are pulling in, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get out and about in North Yorkshire.

We’re well and truly into autumn and Halloween is upon us, so below are plenty of events that are bound to pique your interest.

We can’t include everything here, so be sure to keep a look out for local events where you live.

If you are organising a major event in North Yorkshire, please tell us and we’ll do our best to include it in a future issue. Just email yny@northyorks.gov.uk.

From now to Sunday 5 January

One of the UK’s largest and most celebrated open exhibitions, the New Light Prize Exhibition, is currently showing at the Mercer Art Gallery in Harrogate.

It showcases more than 100 works from well-known and emerging Northern artists. Discover affordable art for sale and explore unique creations that highlight the artistic talent of the North of England.

Admission is free, although there is a suggested donation of £5 to support future exhibitions. The gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 9.30am to 5pm.

For more details visit the Visit Harrogate website.

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Group of people viewing the New Light Exhibition at the Mercer Art Gallery. Photo credited to Sam Toolsie photography

The New Light Prize Exhibition is showing now at the Mercer Art Gallery in Harrogate until Sunday 5 January. Credit Sam Toolsie photography.

From now to Friday 20 December

Textile artists group, 6 Ply, show works inspired by research on the theme of women living in Ripon Workhouse informed from visits to the workhouse and documents held at the North Yorkshire County Record Office.

The exhibition will run until Friday 20 December at the Record Office, Malpas Road, Northallerton, Tuesday to Friday 9.30am until 4pm. Admission is free and there is no need to book.

From now to Friday 1 November

Bolton Castle, near Leyburn, in North Yorkshire has crafted the perfect ghostly scene for some Halloween-themed events this October. In addition, the team in the tearooms has gone all out to ensure their visitors have a choice of re-energising dishes to maintain momentum so children and adults can enjoy their visit.

Visitors will be able to enjoy the family trail with pumpkins and dark corners including silent witches with their bubbling cauldrons and seasonal recipes while the dungeon is dotted with skeletons.

There’s also storytelling where Halloween is given an extra chill for children with tales of castle ghouls and humorous asides.

Tickets cost £15 per adult and £12.50 for those aged five to 18 years old. Children aged four and under can get free admission. For further information, visit the Bolton Castle website.

From now to Saturday 2 November

Members of Thirlby Art Group return with their annual exhibition at The Courthouse. Presenting pieces across a wide range of media, it’s sure to have something for everyone. The event at Rural Arts, The Courthouse, 4 Westgate, Thirsk YO7 1QS, takes place between 10am and 4pm and entry is free.

For more information, phone 01845 525536 or email admin@ruralarts.org. For more information visit the Rural Arts website.

Friday 25 to Saturday 26 October

Moonlight on the Lake is an artistic journey around Peasholm Park which tells the story of Scarborough and its history through lanterns and illuminations which reflect on the surface of the water.

Staged by Animated Objects and ourselves, this is an opportunity for people to come and explore the park as the night draws in and enjoy a magical experience for people of all ages.

Limited tickets are available per time slot and booking is essential. This is a free event and runs from 5.45pm until 8pm.

For more information visit the Peasholm Park Facebook page.

Saturday 26 October to Friday 1 November

Get ready for a spine-chilling experience as Lightwater Valley presents Creepy Carnival this Halloween.

Step into Lightwater Valley’s eerie carnival atmosphere, and expect to be thrilled by the freakshow ambience and an array of strange and wonderful acts.

The attraction is located at North Stainley, HG4 3HT.

For more details, visit the Lightwater Valley website.

Saturday 26 October to Sunday 3 November

Get ready for a magical, spooky, and enchanting October half-term at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. Staff and volunteers at the award-winning heritage railway are inviting families to create unforgettable Halloween memories with a line-up of free activities, where children up to the age of 15 travel for free.

This year, passengers will be able to stop at the stations along the Pickering to Whitby line to take part in a spooky half-term line-up of family activities.

Visitors will be able to uncover the haunting histories of Pickering and Grosmont Stations and take part in a spooky story competition. Visitors can pick up a competition sheet from any station shop.

On Monday 28 October, there is a wand-making session at Goathland Station. There will be drop-in sessions for this activity throughout the day.

Storytelling with Hoglets Theatre takes place on Tuesday 29 October at Pickering Station, bringing the mysteries of the Moors to life with storytelling sessions. Visitors will need to pre-book a place, as each session is limited to 25 children.

Owl crafts take place at Goathland Station on Wednesday 30 October. These sessions are for children to create their very own feathered friend at the owl-crafting workshop.

Goathland Station is also the location for potion classes on Thursday 31 October when visitors can test their skills at potion-making.

On Friday 1 November, there is a mini-broomstick craft session at Goathland Station where visitors can create their very own handcrafted mini-broomstick.

For more information and to book tickets, visit the North Yorkshire Moors Railway website.

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Family sitting enjoying their hot chocolate with whipped cream

Get ready for a magical, spooky, and enchanting October half-term at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.

Saturday 26 October

Join ShakeItUp for Bard-Based Bedlam at the Georgian Theatre Royal in Richmond.

Using audience suggestions and their overactive imaginations, members of the theatre group will create a new Shakespeare-inspired play live on stage, complete with live music and songs.

The production is recommended for those aged 12 and over.

Tickets cost £16 and are available from the Box Office on 01748 825252 or online at the Georgina Theatre Royal website.

Saturday 26 October to Sunday 3 November

A huge inflatable obstacle course is coming to Harrogate for the first time after being added to the line-up for the indoor funfair.

The 200ft long course, Lava Zone, was enjoyed by thousands on a recent tour of the UK and joins a range of fairground rides for the event at Yorkshire Event Centre this half-term.

The popular Harrogate indoor funfair is back from Saturday 26 October to Sunday 3 November with unlimited access to more than 20 rides and inflatables during each three-hour session.

The nine-day event sees the return of Trabant and The Twist for the thrill-seekers with family favourites including The Dodgems and Waltzers with Jumping Jack, Mini Miami and the Mini-Wheel for children.

For more information, visit the Indoor Funfair website.

Monday 28 October to Wednesday 6 November

Adult Learning North Yorkshire is offering free Halloween-themed family activities across the county.

The family fun with crafts sessions are designed for parents, carers, and their children to come together and create eco-friendly Halloween decorations using basic, sustainable materials.

Events are taking place at in libraries at Catterick, Ripon, Whitby, Scarborough, Knaresborough, Norton, Selby, Skipton, Filey, Thirsk, Harrogate, Malton, Northallerton and Pickering.

For information and timings, visit the Adult Learning North Yorkshire website.

Tuesday 29 and Thursday 31 October

Ripon BID has partnered with Rascals Entertainment to bring slime and bracelet-making workshops for half-term and Halloween.

There are two days of activities to choose from – slime-making or bracelet-making workshops with balloon modelling and face-painting also on offer.

The events are from 10am to 2pm at The Claro Lounge.

Booking is essential and tickets can be purchased via the Rascals Entertainment website.

Tuesday 29 October to Sunday 3 November

Children will be able to get free admission to the Harrogate Royal Pump Room Museum this half-term.

From Tuesday 29 October to Sunday 3 November, between 9.30am and 5pm, visitors will be able to explore the museum which is packed with history and fun activities for all ages.

On Thursday 31 October, there is a free object-handling drop-in session with the museum team.

There is also a bat hunt trail where visitors have to find the models of the mammals hiding around the museum. There is no need to book.

Admission is £4 with children getting free entry.

For more information, visit the Harrogate Royal Pump Room Museum Facebook page.

Wednesday 30 October

The 'Autumn Daze' Festival will take place in the oriental-themed Peasholm Park on Scarborough's north side and feature a whole range of free, autumn-themed activities set against the colourful seasonal backdrop of the park's impressive woodland.

From bush craft demonstrations to marshmallow toasting, primitive fire-starting and craft activities to a scavenger hunt, there will be fun, adventure and a feel-good factor for all the family.

The event runs from 10am to 3pm.

Wednesday 30 October

Join Craven Museum for a Halloween craft session in the Concert Hall. Suitable for children of all ages, visitors can choose from a range of activities and craft materials.

Children can make a hanging paper pumpkin or bat, plus a scratch art bat.

Donations towards the running of this event will be gratefully received.

There are two drop-in craft sessions, from 10am to 12pm and then from 1pm to 3pm.

Room capacity is limited, and visitors may be asked to have a look around the museum and gallery and come back later in the session.

Make and Take will also be taking place at the Mercer Art Gallery in Harrogate as an all-day drop-in from 10am to 4pm.

For more details, visit the Skipton Town Hall website.

Wednesday 30 October

The Filey and District Lions Club’s Halloween pumpkin lantern competition is being held between 5.30pm and 7pm behind the Evron Centre, Belle Vue Street, Filey, YO14 9LQ.

Following the popularity of this event last year, the competition is back bigger and better than before. Visitors will be able to enter their homemade lantern or just come to see the entries and vote for the winners. There are six prizes for winners across two age groups and an overall best lantern champion.

For more details, visit the Filey and District Lions Club website.

Wednesday 30 October

Waste to Wonder is a free day of creative workshops for all ages at Selby Abbey.

Artist Tony Wade will guide you in making art using autumn leaves and rubbings from the Abbey. Take your creations home and add to a collaborative map showing Selby’s important green spaces.

Writer Angela Bridge will help you write and share stories about climate and nature. Write your thoughts on leaves and be part of a collective story.

Design and sew your own cross-stitch heart which becomes a broach or badge. Show your support for nature with this fun, hands-on activity.

All materials provided. If sewing isn't for you, there are textile pens too.

The event runs from 10am to 2.30pm.

For more details email NowThenSPP@northyorks.gov.uk

Wednesday 30 October to Sunday 3 November

This October half-term, Knaresborough Castle is offering free entry for children to explore the historic venue and courthouse museum.

Activities include castle-crafting workshops, foam-building blocks, a reading corner and Lego-building.

There is also a new trail entitled Castles and Cats – a history hunt for all ages.

On Friday 1 November, staff from Knaresborough Library will be visiting the newly-renovated Castle Critters Room for a storytime session for children.

The venue is open Wednesday to Sunday, from 10am to 3.30pm. Admission is £4 for adults, with children getting free entry.

For more information, visit the Knaresborough Castle Facebook page.

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Adult and child exploring Knaresborough Castle

This October half-term, Knaresborough Castle is offering free entry for children to explore the historic venue and courthouse museum.

Thursday 31 October

Hags, hauntings, hobgoblins, and more emerge from the spooky suitcase of Lady Macbeth at Skipton Town Hall as it hosts Spooky Shakespeare. The spectres from performances past must retell their stories to find peace in the literary afterlife.

Join Gemma Curry from Hoglets for an engaging children’s theatre experience.

Visitors will be able to enjoy handmade puppets, music, and storytelling, all performed from a single suitcase.

The performance gives families looking for the chance to enjoy Halloween together with a touch of literary magic and creativity. The show is suitable for children aged four to 11.

Tickets for the event, which starts at 2pm, are £5, and for more details, visit the Skipton Town Hall website.

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Three spooky puppets from Spooky Shakespeare by Hoglets Theatre

Hags, hauntings, hobgoblins, and more emerge from the spooky suitcase of Lady Macbeth at Skipton Town Hall as it hosts Spooky Shakespeare on Thursday 31 October.

Thursday 31 October

With such a long history, it’s no wonder the streets of Ripon are filled with stories.

Explore the darker side of Ripon’s history from the macabre to the mysterious with a Halloween-themed ghost walk.

Discover ancient burial sites, curious bone finds and characters who lived and died hundreds of years ago, but who some say still linger.

Tickets should be booked in advance online. Events take place at 5.15pm and 7.15pm and prices are £6 for adults and £4 for under-16s.

For more details, visit the Ripon Museums website.

Saturday 2 November

The Wizard of Oz takes to the stage at The Forum, Bullamoor Road, Northallerton DL6 1LP.

Take a stroll down the yellow brick road this October half term as Tom Rolfe Productions proudly presents everyone’s favourite pantomime story The Wizard of Oz live on stage from 2pm.

Tickets are £14 for adults with children and senior citizens’ tickets are £12. For details call 01609 776230 or book online at The Forum website.

Saturday 2 November

The annual bonfire and firework display takes place on Oatlands Stray in Harrogate, HG1 1BJ.

Starting at 5pm, it includes fun for the family. There will be face-painting and family-friendly entertainment on the stage. Visitors will be able to grab a bite to eat at one of the food stalls or a drink from the bar.

The bonfire will be lit at 5.30pm and the firework display starts at 7.15pm.

The event is free with donations for local charities.

Saturday 2 November

The 2024 Bedale Bonfire and Fireworks Display will be held in Bedale Park.

Gates open at 5.15pm, with the bonfire lit at 6.15pm and the fireworks display starting at 7pm for about 20 minutes. The event closes at 8.45pm.

In the interests of public safety and animal welfare, organisers do not allow dogs, other than assistance dogs, or other animals at this event.

Parking is available on the Market Place and in both the town's car parks, with overflow parking at BASA and the Camping and Caravanning Park.

For more information, visit the Bedale Town Council website.

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Colourful fireworks in the dark night sky

The Bedale Bonfire and Fireworks Display will be held in Bedale Park on Saturday 2 November. Credit Steven Lee.

Saturday 2 November

Selby bonfire is held between 6pm and 9pm on Scott Road. There will be children’s rides, hot food and drinks, two firework displays and a bonfire.

For more details, visit the Selby Town Council website.

Saturday 2 November

Filey and District Lions Club’s bonfire and fireworks spectacular starts at 6pm at West Avenue.

The bonfire will be lit at 6pm with fireworks at 7pm.

Saturday 2 November

Scampston Hall is the place for a night of spectacular fireworks choreographed to a Motown and Northern Soul soundtrack. The event takes place between 3.30pm and 9pm.

Visitors will be able to sing and dance along to classic tracks from the past as well as contemporary favourites.

An award-winning display team, The Fireworkers, in partnership with Imperial Lotus Southeast are promising a spectacular show.

Entertainment will be provided by Coast and County Radio and singer James Lomas. As well as two firework displays, there will also be a traditional funfair with children’s rides and a food village.

Tickets are from £8 and for more details, visit the Scampston Hall website.

Saturday 2 November

Join the 1st Kirkbymoorside Scouts for a Bonfire Night designed for families with children of all ages. The event takes place at 4 Manor Vale Lane, Kirkbymoorside, North Yorkshire, YO62 6EG, between 4pm and 8pm.

An alternative to usual events, it is accessible and enjoyable for all families, especially those with sensory needs. The evening promises a magical experience without the loud bangs of traditional fireworks.

Highlights include magical fires, marshmallow toasting, crafts, a silent disco and food.

For more details, visit the 1st Kirkbymoorside Scouts website.

Monday 4 to 9 November

Members of the Pateley Bridge Dramatic Society will be performing Dirty Dusting at the Pateley Bridge Playhouse. When lifelong friends and cleaners, Olive, Gladys, and Elsie, are suddenly faced with redundancy, they think their best days are behind them - until a misdialled phone call sparks a bold new business idea. For more information, visit the Pateley Bridge Playhouse website.

Tuesday 5 November

Physical Landscape Models from Past to Present is a talk to be given by Dr Gary Priestnall, associate professor within the School of Geography at the University of Nottingham, at 12.30pm at the North Yorkshire County Record Office, Malpas Road, Northallerton.

The talk will last about 45 minutes, followed by a discussion.

The entry fee for talks is £2 and includes light refreshments. Advance booking is not necessary.

For more details, visit the North Yorkshire County Record Office blog.

Tuesday 5 November

Richmond Town Council presents its annual firework display at Richmond School.

Sponsored by the Fleece Hotel, gates open at 6pm and the display starts at 7pm.

The event is free, but there is a suggested donation of £1 which can be given at the gate.

Visitor are being asked not to bring sparklers or their pets.

For more details, visit the Richmond Town Council website.

Wednesday 6 November

A 6-ply transfer and dye crayon, texture and stitch workshop is being held at the North Yorkshire County Record Office, Malpas Road, Northallerton, between 1pm and 4pm.

Join 6 Ply artists Sarah Lowe and Mary Exelby and learn how to use transfer and dye crayons embellished by hand-stitching to create a colourful, textured textile sample to transform into a three-dimensional festive gift or greetings card.

For more details, visit the North Yorkshire County Record Office blog.

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Selection of art materials with crayons and coloured string

A 6-ply transfer and dye crayon, texture and stitch workshop is being held at the North Yorkshire County Record Office in Northallerton on Wednesday 6 November.

Saturday 9 November

Masham’s bonfire and fireworks spectacular takes place at Masham Recreation Ground, Masham, Ripon from 5pm.

The bonfire will be lit at 6.15pm, with fireworks at 7pm. Food and drink will be on sale.

For more details, visit the Visit Masham website.

Saturday 9 November

The Tannahill Weavers will be at the Rifle Club in Whitby for a lively evening of traditional Scottish music, featuring kilts and bagpipes. One of Scotland’s premier traditional bands, the “Tannies” provides a combination of traditional melodies, driving rhythmic accompaniment, and rich vocals.

Doors open at 7.30pm with the music starting at 8pm. Advance tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite or bought at the door.

The Whitby District Rifle Club is located at the Sports Ground, West Cliff Avenue, Crescent Avenue, Whitby YO21 3EW. For more information, contact falconconcerts@gmail.com or telephone 07956 253988.

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The Tannahill Weavers sitting together with a ships masts behind them

The Tannahill Weavers will be at the Rifle Club in Whitby on Saturday 9 November.

Friday 15 to Sunday 17 November

The Whitby Christmas Festival takes place at Marina (Front) Car Park, Langbourne Road, Whitby, YO22 4AG. Full of festive cheer with craft stalls, live bands and choirs, kids entertainment, plus a fireworks display on Saturday.

Friday 15 November to Sunday 22 December

The Scarborough Lights festival brings spectacular illuminated art installations to the town, showcasing the work of a range of artists from Yorkshire, nationally and abroad.

The event, which was staged last year for the first time, will once again aim to attract more visitors to Scarborough during a traditionally quiet time of year for tourism.

Headline events this year include a fire garden in South Cliff Rose Garden, an installation called Reflections at St Mary’s Church and the Aquarium of Light at Scarborough Spa’s Sun Court.

Workshops for this year’s festival are being organised to allow families to take part in one of the main community events, a live advent calendar in Scarborough’s neighbourhoods.

The free workshops are aimed at helping people learn new creative skills while decorating their homes and businesses in the run-up to the festive season.

Other community events include workshops focused on stained glass, the use of illuminations in shadow puppet theatre and a special wizard-themed event.

For information and to buy tickets visit the Scarborough Fair website.

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Groups of people sitting enjoying the Scarborough Lights workshop

The Scarborough Lights festival brings spectacular illuminated art installations to the town from Friday 15 November until Sunday 22 December. Credit Charlotte Graham.

Saturday 16 November

Topcliffe Christmas Fair takes place at Topcliffe and Asenby Village Hall. Money raised will go towards supporting the village hall.

For more information or to book a stall call 01845 577426 or email thomisfamily@gmail.com.

Saturday 16 November

Ripon Christmas lights switch on takes place in the Market Square, Ripon, HG4 1BW from 1pm to 6pm.

Meet Santa and his reindeer as they make a special visit to Ripon to spread some magic, with fairground rides and live entertainment before the switch on at 6pm.

Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 November

The Thought Bubble Comic Convention takes place at the Harrogate Convention Centre on Saturday between 10am and 6pm and Sunday between 10am and 5pm.

There will be publishers and retailers and more than 100 comic-creating guests from across the world.

There will also be a weekend of panel events, including one-on-one interviews, live drawing and industry-led discussions.

Visitors can also expect guest signings where they can meet their favourite creators face-to-face.

There will also be free workshops from drawing lessons for beginners to how to publish your own work.

In addition, there will be a kids’ zone with free activities for children of all ages, a cosplay parade, and Bub’s Lounge for a break to read your new comics.

For more details, visit the Thought Bubble Festival website.

Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 November

Step into a magical wonderland at Stockeld Park, near Wetherby, when you meet Santa in his cosy grotto, take a spin on the ice rink, play in the playgrounds around the Enchanted Forest and explore the giant Snowflake Maze.

The Toys will be visiting the Stockeld Theatre too for a Christmas Show A Toy’s Story, where young and old can join Elf Tinsel, and become honorary Christmas Elves.

The magic really comes to life at dusk when the Enchanted Forest is transformed into an illuminated wonderland, full of colours, lights, and magical projections.

For more information visit the Stockeld Park website.

Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 November

Wensleydale Christmas Craft Fair takes place at The Market House, Hawes, DL8 3QX between 10am and 4.30pm. Pick up art and handmade crafts created by local and regional makers including handmade soap, jewellery, knitwear and pottery at this two-day show.

The event takes place at The Market House, Hawes, DL8 3QX.

For more details visit the WensleyFairs website.

Sunday 17 November

North Yorkshire Group of North Vintage Tractor and Engine Club presents the fourth Thirsk Heritage Show at Thirsk Farmers Auction Mart.

The event features collections, bygones, models and crafts. Stationary engines will be running outside throughout the day.

It runs from 10am onwards and admission is £6 for adults, with children under 14 free. For more information call 01609 770111 or visit the North Yorkshire Group of North Vintage Tractor and Engine Club Facebook page.

Wednesday 20 November

A Snowman felting workshop is being held at Rural Arts, The Courthouse, 4 Westgate, Thirsk YO7 1QS.

The workshop is just one of a number of events you can join to be more sustainable this festive season.

Come along and learn felting skills first and you will craft your very own Snowman. All materials and tools provided.

The event takes place between 10am and 1pm and costs £55. For more information call 01845 525536 or visit the Rural Arts website.

Friday 22 November

Poet Ian McMillan and composer Ben Crick pay tribute to 20 celebrated Northerners in words and music from 7.30pm in Skipton Town Hall.

This year marks Skipton Camerata’s 20th anniversary. To mark the occasion, Ian McMillan is the narrator in the first performance of A Northern Score, the story of how the North of England has struggled, thrived and ultimately been defined.

Through Ian’s poetry and the music of conductor Ben Crick, A Northern Score portrays the lives and deeds of 20 remarkable individuals from the Middle Ages to the present who have shaped and influenced the region.

Before the interval, broadcaster and bassoonist Linton Stephens chairs a discussion with Ian and Ben about the creation of A Northern Score and the people who inspired it.

Tickets are £25 with under 25s £5.

For more details visit the Skipton Town Hall website.

Saturday 23 November

Members of Skipton Choir are thrilled to be celebrating five years since their formation with a concert in support of Martin House at Skipton Town Hall from 7.30pm.

Now 70 strong, the choir has gone from strength to strength: performing in and around Skipton, taking part in choral festivals and even recording an album.

All members are amateur singers and come together to share in the joy of singing under the direction of David Weale-Davey, always striving to produce concerts of the highest standard.

Mr Weale-Davey has curated a concert which will showcase the varied, energetic repertoire of music the choir has been working on this year. This concert will encompass Broadway showstoppers, folk classics and pop hits. You can expect a range of exciting music, including Fields of Gold, Sit Down You’re Rocking the Boat and What Shall We Do with the Drunken Sailor?

Tickets are £15 for adults and £12.50 for children.

For more details visit the Skipton Town Hall website.

Saturday 23 November to Tuesday 24 December

Father Christmas is visiting Castle Howard, Malton, North Yorkshire, YO60 7DA.

Enjoy a full day out at Castle Howard with a Father Christmas in the Castle experience, which includes access to Alice’s Christmas Wonderland in the main House and access to the gardens.

Tickets are priced from £31. For details visit the Castle Howard website.

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Family enjoying the Christmas decorations at Castle Howard

Father Christmas is visiting Castle Howard in Malton from Saturday 23 November to Tuesday 24 December. Credit Charlotte Graham.

Sunday 24 November

Skipton’s Christmas lights switch on takes place on the High Street, Skipton, BD23 1FD.

The events runs from 10am to 5pm and includes the Santa Fun Run at 11am. There will be live entertainment, food stands and shopping stalls, before the light switch on at 5pm.

Monday 25 November

Looking for the perfect way to kick start the festive season? Then Harrogate Horticultural Nursery’s wreath-making workshop might be the answer.

In this workshop, visitors will be guided through the process of making a festive wreath from winter evergreen foliage foraged from the nursery’s pinewoods. Dates available from Tuesday 26 November to Wednesday 18 December.

For more details and booking, visit the Horticultural Nursery’s website.

Friday 29 November

Helmsley Christmas lights switch on takes place in the Market Place, Helmsley, YO62 5BL at 5pm.

Sing carols with Helmsley Arts Centre Singers and Swinton and District Excelsior Band before the lights are switched on by the Town Crier.

Friday 29 to Saturday 30 November

Tennants Garden Room is hosting its Winter Wonderland Christmas Fair at The Auction House, Harmby Road, Leyburn, DL8 5SG from 10am to 4pm.

Curated with Living magazine, this luxury shopping event brings together independent designers and artisans showcasing a range of wares from cashmere and leather goods, to festive decorations and stunning gifts.

For more details visit the Tennants Garden Room website.

Friday 29 November to Sunday 1 December

Scarborough Sparkle, the town’s annual magical and enchanting Christmas festival, kicks off the festive season on the coast.

Beginning with a lantern parade by Animated Objects, it's the perfect event to experience the warm and fuzzy festive feeling.

The Yorkshire Grinch will be back this year and let’s not forget O’Brien’s funfair and the Funtime Express.

Come along and sample great food and drink, and get a head start on Christmas gift shopping. It opens on Friday 29 November from 5pm to 9pm, Saturday 30 November 11am to 8pm and Sunday 1 December from 11am to 5pm.

For more details visit the Scarborough Sparkle page on Facebook.

Friday 29 November to Sunday 15 December

Harrogate Christmas fair takes place in Cambridge Street and Market Place, Harrogate.

Returning with festive shopping from local and European traders selling unique gifts and decorations, it also features live carol singing and entertainment to provide the perfect accompaniment as you tuck into a tasty treat from the market or in one of Harrogate’s many bars, restaurants and cafes.

Getting around is easy with the Candy Cane Express road train, transporting you around town from Fridays to Sundays during the fair. Take a ride on the giant 33m Ferris wheel for stunning views of Harrogate’s Christmas lights and illuminations from above.

Saturday 30 November

Settle Christmas market and lights switch on takes place in the Market Place, Settle, BD24 9EX.

A lively market with an array of local produce, food and drink, and gift stalls selling wreaths, skincare and more - perfect for completing your Christmas shopping.

Enjoy family entertainment and live music before the lights switch on at 5pm.

Saturday 30 November

The Selby Christmas fair and lights switch on takes place at Selby Abbey and Market Place, Selby, YO8 4PU between 10am and 5pm. Enjoy the Christmas lights switch on with entertainment from local choirs. Browse over 40 stalls offering gift ideas and delicious food and drink, and make a visit to Santa’s Grotto.

Tuesday 3 December

Bring your dancing shoes to the Christmas edition of our ever-popular Skipton Town Hall Tea Dance.

You will be entertained by Blackpool Tower resident organist, John Bowdler from 1.30pm.

Tickets are £10 and include sweet treats and unlimited tea and coffee, served to you by friendly staff.

For more details visit the Skipton Town Hall website.