Sparkling fun – seasonal events along our coast
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Welcome glittering festive lights and the sound of popping corks. Whether you’re planning to explore bustling markets with a hot toddy in hand or a blustery Boxing Day walk along the coast, you can be sure to find the perfect escape across every part of our beautifully varied coastline.
Scarborough Sparkle, Open Air Theatre, Friday November 25 to Sunday November 27.
Grab your warmest winter coat and layer up for the perfect way to kick off the festive season.
Truly one for all the family, keep the kids entertained on the traditional Ferris wheel and take a ride on the illuminated land train before heading to the magnificently dimly-lit Tipi for mulled wine, toasted marshmallows and log fire. Presents galore are on offer at more than 35 stalls, offering gourmet food and hand-crafted gifts.
Immerse yourself in the wintry scenes of the 10.5-mile walk between Scarborough and Filey.
Winter walks
The track is a relatively gentle route, with beautiful coastal scenery, making it perfect for little legs as well as avid hikers.
Brave the sea in North York Moors National Park
Continuing the glorious 70-year celebrations of the North York Moors National Park, get ready to take the plunge.
In Whitby, it has become tradition to enjoy a refreshing North Sea Boxing Day Dip. This unforgettable and memorable experience raises plenty of funds for local charities with fancy dress all part of the fun and for many dippers, a must, with prizes available for the very best.
Under the dark night skies, not far from Whitby, is the beautiful location of Kettleness where the only sign of artificial light is from just half-a-dozen houses nearby. This little hamlet offers a cliff top with a superb dark sky vantage point where, on a clear night, you can spy up to 2,000 stars at any one time.
Head to Bridlington’s Old Town for its popular Dickensian Christmas Festival on Sunday
Festivals
December 4, from 10.30am to 4pm. The town will be brimming with festive cheer with around 40 stalls offering handmade gifts and local produce. Enjoy hot chestnuts and street food, while vintage Christmas tunes ring out.
Youngsters will be kept busy with a choice of vintage children’s rides and a visit from Father Christmas on his sleigh in the afternoon. Later on in the month, Saturday December 17, the historic Bridlington Priory Church will host a Christmas brass and voices evening, a chance to get into the festive spirit with moving carols and live music in atmospheric surrounds.
The Robin Hood’s Bay Victorian Weekend is on the first weekend in December. The event gives all visitors and residents the opportunity to dress up in traditional Victorian costume.
Each year crowds gather on Scarborough’s South Bay beach to witness the Fishermen versus the Firemen football match followed by the fancy dress ‘crazy’ raft race from the harbour quayside.