School Holidays Ryedale and Thirsk

After Christmas Fun

The award-winning farm shop and café specialises in locally grown produce, including fruits, vegetables, and rare breed meat. Their in-house bakery provides homemade scones, cakes & traybakes, with their chefs providing a range of delicious meals, sandwiches and seasonal specialties for the café – in late November and early December, enjoy a delicious home cooked Christmas lunch with all the trimmings. Let’s get festive!

The Balloon Tree is a great day out for all of the family – entertain the children in the play area, situated in the securely fenced café garden, so you can enjoy a cup of coffee & homemade cake, whilst they burn off some energy.

You can even come and find your perfect locally sourced Christmas Tree (available from late November 2024). Plus lots of great gifts for the whole family from sweet treats & stocking fillers to scented candles and locally produced gins & beers. Or why not ‘Pick your own’ contents for a beautiful tailored hamper.

Open seven days a week with seasonal variation on opening times. Make sure you check the website for all up-to-date information or email them with any questions.

💜 Baby Change
💜 Pram Space at tables
💜 High Chairs
💜 Kids Activity Colouring Sheet & Play Area
💜 Kids Menu
🐶 Dog Friendly (Outside Seating Only)
🕑 Open Mon-Wed 9-5pm Thurs-Sun 9-5.30pm
📍Stamford Bridge Road (A166), Gate Helmsley, YO41 1NB (One mile west of Stamford Bridge)


01759 373023
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Alice’s Christmas Wonderland

15th November 2024 – 5th January 2025

Curiouser and curiouser! Tumble down the rabbit hole into a Christmassy wonderland like no other.

Alice is planning a huge Christmas party, and she invites you to follow the White Rabbit through Castle Howard’s grand halls and regal rooms with each twist and turn revealing fanciful festive surprises.

Don’t be late for this very important date, as you immerse yourself in a psychedelic world that will leave your smile as wide as the Cheshire Cat’s.

Complete your experience with an elegant Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea, select special mementos from the Bauble Emporium, toast giant marshmallow by the Christmas Tree, and stock up on delicious seasonal essentials from our Farm Shop and Garden Centre.

 

Father Christmas in the Castle

23rd November – 24th December 2024

Meet Father Christmas, Mrs Claus and jolly WonderPhil at Castle Howard this Christmas. Watch a joyful performance bursting with jingle bells and Christmas spirit, sing Christmas songs together, and enjoy a special, individual moment with Father Christmas himself. All children take home a Christmas gift.

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.

 

Castle Howard, York YO60 7DA


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Forestry England’s ultimate list of low-cost, fun activities to do this autumn half-term in Yorkshire.

For getting out and about with the kids, the forest is wonderful to enjoy in all seasons. A great low-cost activity for the whole family to enjoy.

  • New interactive family trail featuring Stick Man opens in February 2025.

The trail will follow Stick Man on his journey as he tries to get home to the family tree. There are lots of fun stick-based activities, discover tree-mendous facts and learn about forest wildlife along the way. £4 activity pack. The pack includes materials to create their own Stick Man and a special passport system. Young explorers can collect stamps along the trail, filling in their adventure passports as they complete each exciting challenge.

  • Gruffalo sculpture trail, Forestry England Dalby, North Yorkshire

Each sculpture has been hand-carved and placed in different positions. Can you find them all?

  • Stomp through leaves, various forests

Here is Forestry England’s ultimate guide of autumn walks to enjoy. Remember to bring a picnic.

  • Reconnect with nature on a wellbeing trail, Forestry England Dalby, North Yorkshire and Forestry England Guisborough,

Start practising the art of forest bathing with Forestry England’s downloadable activity sheets.

  • Head out for a family winter walk, with crunchy frost and a slight chill in the air. Wrap up warm, grab a takeaway hot drink from our on-site cafes and explore the forest this winter.

Cost: All activities are FREE (except where noted), parking charges may apply. Free parking for members (Dalby only)

Dalby Forest, YO18 7LT



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Jack & the Beanstalk 

18th to 25th January 2025

Get ready for a giant adventure! Join Malton and Norton Musical Theatre in their spectacular 2025 pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk. Packed with laughs, toe-tapping songs, and plenty of audience participation, this family-friendly show promises fun for all ages. Watch as Jack, his brave mother, and their quirky friends face off against the towering giant in a magical world of adventure, comedy, and surprises. Don’t miss out on this enchanting tale of bravery and beanstalks—book your tickets now for a show filled with festive cheer!

Milton Rooms, Market Place, Malton. YO17 7LX


07833 759263
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Christmas 2024. Visit North York Moors this winter – it’s on the doorstep and offers some lovely festive family days out as well as some scenic tranquility over the Christmas season… including great options for Twixtmas and New Year!

Visiting the North York Moors in winter offers you opportunities to relax and enjoy quality family time in a beautiful natural setting. With its diverse landscapes and seascapes, you can take in the tranquil and breathtaking scenery. Not only are there numerous festive activities in the charming towns and villages within the National Park, it’s also the perfect place for a family winter walk or to indulge in delicious treats at one of the many tea rooms and cafes. Festive activities and events in the North York Moors this winter include:

  • Danby Lodge National Park Centre – including a Snowman walking trail, and Christmas craft fair and shopping weekends
  • Sutton Bank National Park Centre – wildlife watch, cafe, Christmas trail, and a Christmas shopping weekend (selected dates)
  • Pickering to Whitby Winter Excursions on the North York Moors Railway – a Twixtmas treat!
  • Dalby Forest Craft Fair
  • Winter Owl Evenings at the National Centre for Birds of Prey, Helmsley

And so much more! Find out more on the Mumbler article here.


  • NEW FOR 2024 – Open 27th-30th December 2024. Open: 9:30am – 4:00pm (Last entry: 3:00pm)
    Coach House Cafe: Last hot food orders at 2:30pm
  • We are back open on the 16th January 2025.
  • New days of the week we are open will be Wed-Sun as default, then open on Bank Holidays and some school holidays.
  • Prices and Membership prices are frozen for 2025 with 2024 Memberships extended by 1 month to compensate for the loss of Tuesdays.
  • NB Adventure Play Park is closed during the Christmas opening period due to storm damage.

Open from 10am – 5pm from 16th January 2025

Sledmere, Driffield. YO25 3XG


(01377) 236637
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Sledmere, Driffield, Yorkshire YO25 3XG. 01377 236637

Opening times: Tuesday to Sunday 10am – 5.00pm (also open Bank Holiday Mondays)

Come and spend a day at Sledmere House and Gardens this May half term!

Explore the Grounds and Walled Garden, before heading off to the Adventure Play Area! We have a Rare Breed Farm Park with lots of animals to see – including a new foal and piglets too!

The House is open for Free-Flow self-led tours on Sunday 4th June (11.30am–3pm) – spend as long or as little time as you like looking inside the house which is steeped in history, with guides and stewards on hand to answer any questions!

Picnics are welcome, and we also have a state of the art Coach House Café, Farm Shop plus The Pantry for that all-important ice cream!

Dogs are always welcome, we just ask they are kept on leads.


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Pickering Musical Society presents Robinson Crusoe, 15th to 26th January 2025.

Director and Theatre Manager Luke Arnold shared his enthusiasm, saying: “We’re so fortunate to have such a dedicated team. From set builders and painters to wardrobe and props, everyone comes together as one big family to bring this production to life. This time of year is always so exciting as everything starts coming together on-site.”

Audiences can look forward to a show that’s as spectacular as ever. With a story that journeys from the local villages of Stape and York to the exotic shores of Rio de Janeiro and the South Seas, Robinson Crusoe promises a vibrant escape from the gloom of the English winter.

So, if you’re dreaming of golden beaches, azure seas, and a little winter sunshine, join us at the Kirk Theatre for Pickering’s Robinson Crusoe. It’s an adventure not to be missed!

Tickets are priced from £14, with a family ticket for two adults and two children available for £50.

Tickets can be purchased on the website, by phone, or in person at the box office on Tuesdays between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM.

The Kirk Theatre, Hungate, Pickering,YO18 7DL


01751 474833
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Aladdin: Tuesday 3 December 2024 – Sunday 5 January 2025

Join us for a spectacular family pantomime!

  • Cbeebies and CBBC superstar, Evie Pickerill, will bring her sparkle as Spirit of the Ring!
  • York favourite, Robin Simpson (Dame Trott in Jack and the Beanstalk) is returning for another sensational show.
  • Paul Hawkyard will be back for his third pantomime at YTR as the villainous Ivan Tobebooed!
  • Sario Solomon stars as the titular hero in his York debut, alongside the sensational Emily Tang and Tommy Carmichael.

Once again, our panto will be written by Paul Hendy and directed by Juliet Forster – the same fantastic team who brought you the Jack and the Beanstalk. With lavish sets, joyous comedy and spellbinding special effects, Aladdin promises to be our most magical pantomime ever!

This fun-filled extravaganza is guaranteed to delight the whole family, but tickets will move like flying carpets so book early for the best seats at the best prices.

Accessible Performances:
Dementia Friendly Performance – Tue 17 Dec at 5:30pm
Audio Described Performance – Sat 28 Dec at 2:30pm and 7pm
Captioned Performance – Sun 29 Dec at 1pm
BSL Performance – Mon 30 Dec at 1pm
Relaxed Performance – Fri 03 Jan at 1pm

Tickets: Box office 01904 623568 | yorktheatreroyal.co.uk


01904 623568
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Friday 15th November 2024 to Sunday 5th January 2025

York’s favourite festive event is back!  Presented by HARIBO, Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland, with its glistening outdoor ice rink, thrilling funfair, magical Santa’s Grotto and cosy alpine cafe, opens at York Designer Outlet on Friday 15th November 2024, offering a fun-filled winter experience for all ages until Sunday 5th January 2025.

With a 30ft high sparkling Christmas tree topped with HARIBO’s Goldbear as its centrepiece, the ice rink is the largest in the North of England, and is surrounded by illuminated trees, the rink-side cafe and a viewing platform, creating the perfect festive setting.

The funfair has something for everyone – a Waltzer and Twister for the thrill-seekers, vintage Dodgems for all the family, as well as children’s rides and game stalls offering a prize every time.

The Chalet café offers winter-warming food and a licensed bar, while the terrace is an ideal spot to enjoy a hot chocolate and witness all the thrills and spills of skating! Try our new outdoor German Grill – it’s sure to tickle the taste buds!

Enjoy a snowy woodland walk and a glittering light tunnel to find Santa in his Grotto where a warm welcome and a special gift awaits.

For a festive retail experience our boutique Christmas market has 12 cabins offering gifts with a difference, while York Designer Outlet is the perfect place to tackle your Christmas shopping!

Visit www.yorkshireswinterwonderland.com for further details.  Santa’s grotto bookings can be made here.


07985 331802
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Danby Lodge National Park Centre

The Snowman Christmas Trail – Saturday 16 November 2024 to 12 January 2025

Pick up a festive booklet from Danby Lodge National Park Centre and follow the festive clues around the grounds to complete the Snowman trail. Why not head inside afterwards for a hot chocolate treat to warm you up!

No booking required, please check visitor centre opening hours.
Children to be accompanied by an adult.
Sorry no dogs, wheelchair accessible.

Danby Lodge National Park Centre, YO21 2NB
01439 772737

Langlands Garden Centre Cirquoise Circus

Saturday 14th December to Sunday 5th January 2025, 11am, 2pm & 4:30pm

Bring the whole family to the Christmas spectacular and be amazed and astounded by the skills of Cirquoise, a new style family circus with all the acts we and you love – from laughter-filled clowns to death-defying acrobatics, breathtaking jugglers, incredible Crossbow skills and awesome contortionists

Children under 2 go free (the child has to sit on the parents lap) In the big top we have a pushchair and child travel seat parking area.

Langlands Garden Centre, on the A1079 at Shiptonthorpe.

North Yorkshire Moors Whitby Winter Excursions

If you’re planning things to do between Christmas and New Year, why not take a special steam-hauled excursion to Whitby!

Daily from Thursday 28 December 2023 to Sunday 7 January 2024. 11:10 am (10:15 am Sundays) departure from Pickering and 2:30 pm departure from Whitby.

Adult: £45, Child: Free

Pickering Station, Pickering, YO18 7AJ

Tel. 01751 472508

Oxygen York

Jump ’n’ Shout Trampolines, Go Parkour, Battle Beams, Sky-Hi Ropes, Climb Zones, Giant Airbags, Eazee Trapezee, Strike Arenas, Inflata-Vibes – and much more.

Clifton Moor Centre, Hurricane Way, Rawcliffe, York, YO30 4XU

020 8050 1315

Stockeld Park Christmas Adventure

2025 TBC

Suitable for toddlers

Stockeld Park, off the A661 Wetherby Road, LS22 4AN.

Sutton Bank National Park Centre

The Snowman Christmas Trail – Saturday 16 November 2024 to Sunday 12 January 2025

Pick up a festive booklet from Sutton Bank National Park Centre and follow the festive clues around the grounds to complete the Snowman trail. Why not head inside afterwards for a hot chocolate treat to warm you up!

No booking required, please check visitor centre opening hours.
Children to be accompanied by an adult.
Sorry no dogs, wheelchair accessible.

Sutton Bank National Park Centre, Sutton Bank YO7 2EH

Walks and The Great Outdoors

This region has plenty of outdoor spaces that you can visit, most of which are free.  Check out this extensive list here Walks and The Great Outdoors to find walks, trails and outdoor areas that are great for families to explore.

Most of these places will be suitable for well behaved dogs.

Winter Opening at The Splash Zone, Flamingo Land

The Lesiure Complex and Splash Zone is open for guests outside the Holiday Village from 4th November 2024.

Available for birthday parties too.

Cafe

Flamingo Land Resort, Malton, YO17 6UX

01653 917360

York Leisure Centre

For swimming there’s a 6 lane, 25 metre swimming pool, as well as a shallow learner pool and toddlers splash pool perfect for gaining water confidence and swimming lessons.
Alternatively why not have a game badminton in our Sports Hall, or challenge yourself in the Clip N Climb arena. 
Kathryn Avenue, Monks Cross, York YO32 9AF
01904 403900
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