Your ultimate holiday resource for Shipley is here! Explore our guide for all the top festive events and activities. For Shipley natives and newcomers, our guide reveals the city's holiday treasures.
Popular Events: Step into a world of magic at The Christmas Experience, where enchanting displays bring the festive spirit to life for all ages. Another highlight is Alice’s Christmas Wonderland, featuring whimsical decorations and interactive displays that transport visitors to a storybook setting. And don't forget ELF The Musical, a delightful performance that captures the joy and cheer of the season through its catchy songs and heartwarming tale. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Shipley
- The Christmas Experience (Lotherton Hall)
- ELF The Musical (Leeds)
- Alice’s Christmas Wonderland (York)
- Mr Snow (Stockeld Park)
- The Santa Express (Keighley & Worth Valley Railway)
- Mother Shipton’s Magical Christmas (Harrogate)
- Narnia at Wrest Park (Silsoe)
- Santa’s Woodland Village (Piglets Adventure Farm)
- Illuminated Battle Abbey (Battle)
- White Rose Express Grotto (White Rose Shopping Centre)
See these and even more events listed below!
Shipley Holiday Light Displays
Keighley Christmas Lights Switch On
What to Expect:
Live music and local performances.
Description:
The Keighley Christmas Lights Switch On is a vibrant event held at the Church Green Market Car Park, featuring live music and local performances to kick off the festive season.
Where: Keighley | More Info: Keighley Christmas Lights Switch On
Shipley Christmas Light Switch-On
What to Expect:
Large Christmas tree and light installations around the town centre.
Description:
The Shipley Christmas Light Switch-On event features live music, a pantomime show, craft activities, and an outdoor market with stalls selling crafts and artisan foods. The event includes four light installations around the town centre as part of the BD is LIT festival, culminating in the festive lights switch-on at 4:45 PM.
Where: Shipley | More Info: Shipley Christmas Light Switch-On
Illuminated Battle Abbey
What to Expect:
Illuminated historical abbey with light and sound displays.
Description:
Explore Battle Abbey in a new light this December, with dazzling illuminations and historical characters from the past. Follow the trail through ancient ruins and across the grounds to discover how events unfolded after the Battle of Hastings in 1066.
Where: Battle | More Info: Illuminated Battle Abbey
Shipley Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christmas Craft Market
What to Expect:
Unique handmade gifts and crafts.
Description:
The Christmas Craft Market in Haworth offers a variety of handmade gifts and crafts, showcasing unique items not readily available on the high street. Visitors can browse through the stalls at the Old School Rooms, Church Street, Haworth, from 10am to 4pm.
Where: Haworth | More Info: Christmas Craft Market
Shipley Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Alice’s Christmas Wonderland
What to Expect:
Immersive Alice in Wonderland-themed Christmas celebration with unique dining and shopping experiences.
Description:
Alice's Christmas Wonderland at Castle Howard is an immersive experience where you follow the White Rabbit through grand halls and regal rooms, revealing fanciful festive surprises. Enjoy elegant Mad Hatter's Afternoon Tea, select special mementos from the Bauble Emporium, toast giant marshmallows by the Christmas tree, and stock up on seasonal essentials from the Farm Shop and Garden Centre. Discover the Chess Club, a secret dining room for grown-ups only, serving Wonderland-themed cocktails and sharing platters.
Where: York | More Info: Alice’s Christmas Wonderland
ELF The Musical
What to Expect:
Live arena spectacular with Santa’s flying sleigh and audience snowball fight.
Description:
Elf The Musical is a heartwarming stage adaptation of the family-favourite holiday film, following Buddy, a human raised as an Elf, on his journey from the North Pole to New York City in search of his true identity and the spirit of Christmas. With catchy songs and lively choreography, it tells a touching story about love and friendship.
Where: Leeds | More Info: ELF The Musical
The Santa Express
What to Expect:
Festive train journey with Santa Claus and treats.
Description:
The Santa Express is a special train journey where passengers can enjoy festive treats and meet Santa Claus, creating a joyful and memorable experience.
Where: Keighley & Worth Valley Railway | More Info: The Santa Express
Spirit of Christmas at Eltham Palace
What to Expect:
Immersive theatrical journey through an art-deco mansion.
Description:
A theatrical Christmas adventure at Eltham Palace, where Father Christmas needs help restoring the true meaning of Christmas through interactive storytelling and captivating performances.
Where: Eltham | More Info: Spirit of Christmas at Eltham Palace
Shipley Other Holiday Activities
The Christmas Experience
What to Expect:
Interactive Christmas crafts and Santa meet-and-greets.
Description:
Explore Lotherton's beautifully decorated Hall and enchanting grounds and gardens. Wander through twinkling light displays and discover interactive installations. Enhance your visit with crafts in the Elf Village, Mrs. Claus' tales, and weekend magic shows. Meet Santa and his elves in a snow-filled North Pole, creating lasting memories for all ages.
Where: Lotherton Hall | More Info: The Christmas Experience
Mr Snow
What to Expect:
Interactive woodland adventures with witches and zombies.
Description:
Stockeld Park offers a comprehensive Halloween adventure with activities like the Enchanted Forest, Woodland Witches, Magical Maze, and Zombie Laser Experience. The event includes pumpkin picking, family-friendly shows, and various playgrounds designed for all ages.
Where: Stockeld Park | More Info: Mr Snow
Mother Shipton’s Magical Christmas
What to Expect:
Personal family visits with Santa in a cozy grotto.
Description:
Step into a world of enchantment at Mother Shipton's, where Santa's cheerful elves welcome you with open arms. Enjoy a personal family visit with Santa in his cosy grotto, receive a special soft toy gift, and participate in festive activities. Wander through the winter woodland, exploring merry displays and festive delights. Collect your own bag of reindeer food, send heartfelt wishes to Santa, and hang your handwritten wish upon the Christmas tree. Discover the cave, Petrifying Well, and Wishing Well, where wishes take flight like twinkling stars.
Where: Harrogate | More Info: Mother Shipton’s Magical Christmas
Santa’s Woodland Village
What to Expect:
Interactive play and animal encounters in a woodland setting.
Description:
Explore a vibrant woodland setting where children's imaginations come alive with interactive play, animal encounters, and seasonal festivities.
Where: Piglets Adventure Farm | More Info: Santa’s Woodland Village
White Rose Express Grotto
What to Expect:
Santa meet-and-greet in a vintage train carriage.
Description:
Meet Santa in a vintage train carriage at White Rose Shopping Centre's White Rose Express Grotto. The grotto features 155 hand-decorated railway sleepers leading to a 6.5-meter-long train where Santa awaits. Each child receives a specially chosen gift.
Where: White Rose Shopping Centre | More Info: White Rose Express Grotto
Christmas Wreath Making
What to Expect:
Hands-on wreath-making in a medieval setting.
Description:
Create your own winter wreath in the historic setting of Ilkley Manor House, using natural materials and festive decorations.
Where: Ilkley Manor House | More Info: Christmas Wreath Making
Narnia at Wrest Park
What to Expect:
Immersive Narnia-themed experience with festive decorations and activities.
Description:
Step through the wardrobe and immerse yourself in the snowy world of Narnia at Wrest Park. Explore the beautifully decorated house, where the White Witch has cast her spell, making it always winter and never Christmas. Journey through Narnia, escaping the Witch's spell and ending your adventure in the magical throne room. Enjoy an enchanting Narnia-themed trail in the gardens, included in the ticket price, and experience festive activities like wintry fairground rides.
Where: Silsoe | More Info: Narnia at Wrest Park
Festive Fun Weekends
What to Expect:
Interactive storytelling and music sessions.
Description:
Join us for a weekend of storytelling, music, and family fun at our historic sites. Enjoy traditional carol services, wreath-making workshops, and immersive experiences that bring Christmas spirit to life.
Where: Various English Heritage sites | More Info: Festive Fun Weekends
Victorian Christmas Crafts
What to Expect:
Traditional crafts inspired by Victorian-era decorations and gifts.
Description:
Victorian Christmas Crafts feature traditional decorations and gifts made from household items, showcasing the simplicity and creativity of Victorian-era holiday traditions.
Where: Various English Heritage sites | More Info: Victorian Christmas Crafts
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Bradford (3 miles)
- Bingley (3 miles)
- Guiseley (4 miles)
- Yeadon (4 miles)
- Pudsey (5 miles)
- Keighley (6 miles)
- Cleckheaton (8 miles)
- Halifax (9 miles)
- Brighouse (9 miles)
- Leeds (9 miles)
- Morley (9 miles)
- Batley (11 miles)
- Dewsbury (11 miles)
- Huddersfield (13 miles)
- Ossett (13 miles)
- Lofthouse (13 miles)
- Harrogate (14 miles)
- Wakefield (15 miles)
- Colne (16 miles)
- Nelson (18 miles)
- Castleford (18 miles)
- Burnley (19 miles)
- Pontefract (21 miles)
- Rochdale (22 miles)
- Barnsley (23 miles)
- Rawtenstall (23 miles)
- Rossendale (23 miles)
- Royton (24 miles)
- Accrington (25 miles)
- Oldham (25 miles)
- Heywood (25 miles)
- Middleton (26 miles)
- Stalybridge (27 miles)
- Bury (27 miles)
- Ashton-under-Lyne (27 miles)
- Failsworth (28 miles)
- Glossop (28 miles)
- Chapeltown (28 miles)
- Selby (29 miles)
- Droylsden (29 miles)
- York (29 miles)
- Whitefield (29 miles)
- Hyde (29 miles)
- Radcliffe (30 miles)
- Prestwich (30 miles)
- Denton (30 miles)
- Blackburn (30 miles)
- Darwen (30 miles)
- Manchester (31 miles)
- Salford (32 miles)
- Bolton (32 miles)
- High Peak (32 miles)
- Farnworth (32 miles)
- Rotherham (33 miles)
- Bentley (33 miles)
- Burngreave (33 miles)
- Stockport (33 miles)
- Sheffield (33 miles)
- Eccles (34 miles)
- Doncaster (34 miles)
- Walkden (34 miles)
- Stretford (35 miles)
- Urmston (36 miles)
- Cheadle Hulme (36 miles)
- Tyldesley (36 miles)
- Sale (36 miles)
- Atherton (37 miles)
- Bramhall (37 miles)
- Westhoughton (37 miles)
- Chorley (37 miles)
- Goole (37 miles)
- Preston (39 miles)
- Dronfield (39 miles)
- Leigh (39 miles)
- Leyland (39 miles)
- Altrincham (39 miles)
- Hindley (39 miles)
- Wilmslow (40 miles)
- Buxton (40 miles)
- Wigan (41 miles)
- Golborne (42 miles)
- Macclesfield (42 miles)
- Staveley (43 miles)
- Chesterfield (43 miles)
- Newton-le-Willows (43 miles)
- Ashton in Makerfield (44 miles)
- Lancaster (45 miles)