Newsletter: Saturday 30th November 2024

Meet up in Yorkshire this Christmas

Yorkshire is the perfect backdrop for a get-together with family, friends and colleagues this Christmas. Whether you’ve been working remotely and its time for Christmas karaoke in Leeds with the team, or you want to find a house in the country for everyone to snuggle together and catch up, Yorkshire has something for everyone.

For meet ups with friends before Christmas, the area near the train station in York is a convenient meet-up spot and offer the chance to see carols at the Minster and glühwein at the Christmas market. If it’s just one night, why not check out the upcoming pantomimes in the region to have a laugh and get in the festive mood.

Boxing Day sport is another great group activity with Sheffield United playing at home, rugby league friendlies and Wetherby racing – all on 26th December.

Christmas shopping in Yorkshire

Whether you’re on the hunt for that perfect Christmas party outfit, delightful gifts, or decorations, Yorkshire has everything you need to make this season magical.

Find the big shops and big-name brands at Meadowhall in Sheffield and the Trinity in Leeds. For a more atmospheric experience, try the cobbled streets of York’s photogenic shambles and the riverside highstreet in Yarm. Haworth and Hebden Bridge promise local arts and crafts.

For the ultimate Christmas shopping experience, try a Christmas market. It’s a great way to find a unique present and soak up some seasonal cheer.

Concerts and gigs coming up in Yorkshire

Check out these concerts, performances and festivities taking place in Yorkshire over the coming week:

• Midge Ure – Catalogue. The Hits Tour. at Sheffield City Hall Oval Hall on November 30th, 2024 7:30pm
• Elles Bailey at Brudenell Social Club, Leeds on December 1st, 2024 7:00pm
• Zayn – Stairway To The Sky 2024 at O2 Academy Leeds on December 2nd, 2024 7:00pm
• Lightning Seeds at The Welly Club, Hull on December 4th, 2024 7:00pm
• Travis at O2 Academy Leeds on December 5th, 2024 7:00pm
• LUU Pantomime Society’s Peter Pan at Riley Smith Theatre, Leeds on December 6th, 2024 7:00pm
• Russell Watson – a Special Christmas Concert at Halifax Minster on December 7th, 2024 7:30pm
• Cinderella at Scarborough Spa Theatre on December 7th, 2024 6:00pm
• Snow White: The Pantomime at Whitby Pavilion Theatre on December 7th, 2024 5:00pm
• COBO : Comedy Shutdown Christmas Special – Leeds on December 8th, 2024 8:00pm

Yorkshire news round-up

Celebrate the season at the Tropical Butterfly House near Sheffield, where Santa’s Woodland Grotto, an Elf Explorer Trail, festive treats, and holiday magic await families from 30th November to Christmas Eve!

Harrogate’s North Pole Post Office returns for its fifth year, offering families a magical way to send letters to Father Christmas amidst festive lights, snow, and holiday cheer, until Christmas Eve at 32 Cheltenham Parade, Harrogate HG1 1DB.

The Abbey Inn in Byland, North Yorkshire, owned by renowned chef Tommy Banks, has been crowned the UK’s Best Sunday Roast for 2024 by The Good Food Guide, celebrated for its quality ingredients, rare-breed meats, and perfectly crafted roasts in a stunning countryside setting.

Comedian Marcus Brigstocke’s 2025 tour, Vitruvian Mango, brings a smart and satirical exploration of modern masculinity to UK stages this February, blending sharp wit, big questions, and plenty of laughs—don’t miss it!

Sheffield’s Tramlines Festival returns to Hillsborough Park from 25th-27th July 2025 with an incredible line-up featuring Pulp, The Reytons, and Kasabian, alongside community initiatives and a celebration of all things Yorkshire.

A look at the history of How Hill Tower, Wallerthwaite, with Dr Emma Wells

“…Built on the site of the former Chapel of Saint Michael de Monte, the hill, once situated within the now-deserted village of Erlesholt, was gifted by Robert de Sartis to Fountains Abbey, leading to the construction of the original chapel around 1200…”