Newsletter: Friday 12th December 2025

There’s a real sense of Christmas settling in across Yorkshire this week, with twinkling town centres, festive markets in full swing and cultural highlights lighting up the darker evenings. From heart-warming local traditions and winter art exhibitions to big-name performances and standout events for 2026, here’s your round-up of what’s making the county buzz right now.

Harrogate is bringing festive magic to the town centre this Christmas with the return of the much-loved North Pole Post Office for letters to Father Christmas and the free Mayor’s Christmas Carols concert.

The Folly in Settle is showcasing two Yorkshire Dales–inspired art exhibitions alongside a festive family experience, making it a standout cultural destination in the Dales this winter.

Bradford’s Darley Street Market and Keighley Market are hosting a month-long programme of festive fun this December, with Christmas markets, live music, creative workshops and family-friendly events.

Two critically endangered Amur leopard cubs born at Yorkshire Wildlife Park have been named Lewis and Ali, honouring two much-loved vets whose work helped shape the park’s global conservation efforts.

Nnena Kalu has won the Turner Prize 2025 in Bradford, with the major contemporary art award highlighting both her striking sculptural work.

Scarborough’s historic Central Tramway is bringing back its popular Resident’s Partner Card for 2026, giving local people discounted rides and exclusive perks.

A top-rated Carpenters tribute band is bringing the duo’s timeless hits to Silsden Town Hall in February 2026 - an authentic night of classic music celebrating the legacy of Karen and Richard Carpenter.

Vidura Bandara Rajapaksa brings his acclaimed Paradise Gothic comedy tour to Yorkshire with a one-night-only show at The Wardrobe in Leeds in April 2026.

Mythos: Ragnarök, the explosive fusion of Norse mythology, theatre and professional wrestling, is touring Yorkshire in 2026 with unmissable performances in Bradford and Harrogate.

Sheffield’s award-winning Tramlines Festival has cemented its status as the UK’s best inner-city music event, with a star-studded 2026 line-up driving record-breaking ticket demand.

Northern Ballet’s brand-new Cinderella will tour the UK in autumn 2026, with a major festive run at Leeds Grand Theatre bringing world-class, Yorkshire-made ballet.

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Advent Giveaway

Enter for the chance to win a different prize each day.

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Offers #ads

Ad notice: – We may earn a commission if you buy something from links on this website.

The Inn Collection Group is offering three-night Christmas staycation packages across its Yorkshire inns, giving guests a stress-free festive break with indulgent dining, cosy accommodation.

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What's on in Yorkshire this week?

Yorkshire is buzzing with an exciting line-up of events to suit all tastes. Whether you’re looking for live music, comedy, sports nostalgia, or family-friendly entertainment, there’s something for everyone. Here’s what’s coming up in the next week:

• Festive Family Fun! in Bradford on December 13th, 2025 10:00am
• Jimmy Carr: Laughs Funny at Leeds First Direct Bank Arena, Leeds on December 13th, 2025 8:00pm
• Kate Rusby at Sheffield City Hall Oval Hall, Sheffield on December 14th, 2025 6:00pm
• The Loveless ft Marc Almond at Brudenell Social Club, Leeds on December 15th, 2025 7:30pm
• Afternoon Jump Horse Racing at Catterick Bridge Racecourse – Tuesday 16 December 2025
• Santa’s Christmas Party at Whitby Pavilion Theatre, Whitby on December 17th, 2025 1:00pm
• Jools Holland and His Rhythm and Blues Orchestra at Leeds First Direct Bank Arena, Leeds on December 18th, 2025 6:30pm
• Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata by Candlelight – 19th December, Sheffield on December 19th, 2025 5:30pm
• Beauty and the Beast at Scarborough Spa Theatre on December 20th, 2025 1:00pm
• Disney On Ice presents Find Your Hero at Utilita Arena Sheffield on December 21st, 2025 6:30pm

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A look at the past

This feature explores the near-1,000-year history of Myton Hall in North Yorkshire, tracing its story from medieval monastic roots to the elegant 17th-century house that stands beside the River Swale today.

This article explores the 600-year history of St Michael’s Cottages and Chapel in Well, revealing how these humble almshouses have long embodied charity, faith and community life in a North Yorkshire village.

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