What Christmas Events Are Happening At Dean Clough Mill In Halifax This December?

Sorting out plans for December can feel like a bit of a puzzle. But if you're looking for something to get you in the festive mood around Halifax, Dean Clough has a calendar absolutely packed with things to do. It’s not just about one or two events; there’s a whole mix of free family fun, creative workshops for getting your craft on, incredible theatre productions, and art galleries for a quiet wander. There really is something for everyone happening at the historic mill complex throughout the Christmas season.

Festive fun for the whole family

Finding things to do with the kids that don’t cost a fortune is always a win. At Dean Clough, there are some brilliant free events to keep everyone entertained. First up is the Nice List Christmas Trail, which runs right up until Christmas Eve. The story is that Santa has dropped his Nice List, and the pages have scattered all around D Mill. Kids can become little detectives, searching for the missing pages to find a special letter on each one. Once they’ve collected them all, they can crack a secret festive code to win a prize. It’s a great way to explore the mill and have an adventure.

And then on Sunday, 21st December, the D Mill courtyard transforms into a bustling Christmas Artisan Market. This is another free event, and it sounds fantastic. With over 40 stalls, it’s the perfect place to find unique, handmade gifts from talented local makers. Imagine wandering through the stalls, soaking up the Christmas spirit. There will be live music from the Voices of Yorkshire choir, and even special appearances from Santa Claus and The Grinch. For the little ones, there are fun rides and a Christmas LEGO workshop in the Crossley Gallery. With free parking all weekend, it’s an easy day out for the family.

A classic Christmas tale at the theatre

Is it even Christmas without a bit of theatre? From Wednesday 3rd to Saturday 6th December, the Viaduct Theatre in D Mill is putting on a brand-new production of a festive favourite. A Christmas Carol Rewritten takes the classic story everyone knows and loves and gives it a modern twist. It’s described as a "theatrical feel-good treat, guaranteed to thaw even the coldest of hearts this December." Sounds like the perfect show to get you right into the Christmas spirit. Tickets range from £20 to £24, and for a proper treat, pre-theatre dining is available at True North. This is one of those events that make December feel truly special.

Get creative with a festive workshop

For anyone who loves making things, December at Dean Clough is a dream. There’s a whole series of workshop events where you can learn a new skill and take something lovely home. How about a wreath making workshop? There are a couple of options. On Saturday 6th December at Fletchers Mill, tutor Lisa Gort is running a two-hour session for all ages for £35. Then on Saturday 13th December, Sew Different is hosting a Christmas wreath workshop for £30, with all proceeds going to Parkinson’s UK. Both workshops provide all the materials you need to create a beautiful, fresh wreath.

If fancy lettering is more your thing, there are Modern & Christmas Calligraphy Workshops on Saturday 13th December. For £60, you can learn the basics of modern calligraphy, then use those skills to create beautiful Christmas cards and gift tags. Or what about making your own set of four painted coasters? The Christmas & Coasters workshop on Sunday 7th December sounds like a chilled-out, creative afternoon for just £15. And for something a bit different, there are also Wet Felted Painting and Stained Glass workshops at Fletchers Mill on Saturday 13th December. So many choices!

Art and exhibitions for a quiet afternoon

Sometimes you just want to escape the Christmas rush. The galleries at D Mill offer a peaceful space to do just that. There are several exhibitions running through December and beyond, and they are all free to enter. In the Crossley Gallery, Ian Cale’s OST: Architecture Conflict Occupation explores abandoned sites through photography and painting. Upstairs, Tony Chisholm’s Playing for Time is a fascinating exhibition of paintings and collages made from reclaimed materials.

The Photography Gallery hosts Nudrat Afza’s Kehillah, a powerful series documenting Bradford's Jewish community. There are also a number of permanent exhibitions that are always worth a look. The incredible Dean Clough LEGO Model, made from around a million bricks, is a must-see. There’s also The Lost Workers, The Doug Binder Gallery, and several art trails to follow, including a Heritage Trail and an Art & Discovery Trail for younger visitors. Each gallery offers a different experience, making a trip to the mill a full day out.

Music and social clubs this December

The festive events calendar also includes some brilliant musical performances and social gatherings. On Friday 5th December, the Halifax Philharmonic Club presents a performance by the incredibly talented pianist Ariel Lanyi in the Crossley Gallery. Rudolf Buchbinder said of him, ‘He doesn’t simply play the notes, he lives the music’. That sounds like an unmissable evening. For any piano players out there, the monthly Piano Club meets on Sunday 7th December. It’s a free and friendly club where pianists of all levels can perform and chat in a supportive space.

And for artists, the Fletchers Mill Open Studios on Saturday 6th December is a chance to see behind the scenes. Visitors can check out new pieces, see works in progress, and browse art for sale while enjoying mulled wine and mince pies. It’s a lovely way to meet local artists and perhaps find a unique Christmas gift. While some of the bigger music events like Barrie Rutter OBE and Simon & Oscar from Ocean Colour Scene are already sold out, it just shows how popular the events at Dean Clough are, especially at Christmas time.