A Guide to Local Christmas Events

Looking for the perfect place to soak up the magic of the festive season?

Nestled in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, Wenningdale Escapes offers the ideal base for a cosy Christmas getaway. Whether you’re dreaming of twinkling lights, charming markets, or bracing winter walks followed by a warm drink in your luxury lodge, High Bentham has it all. With a calendar full of local events and the peaceful beauty of the countryside on your doorstep, there’s no better time to treat yourself to a seasonal escape. 

Here’s a little bit more about our local events to help persuade you to book that festive break….

❄️ Lancaster on Ice (21 Nov – 4 Jan)

Lancaster is our nearest city and it is accessible by train, bus or a short drive. Dalton Square in Lancaster transforms into a winter wonderland every December. It hosts an outdoor skating rink, live music nights, delicious food & drink, and a towering big wheel.

🎁 Country Harvest Christmas Event (28 Nov)

Kick off the season with festive stalls, Santa’s reindeer & sleigh, tasty treats, a Helter Skelter, and an inflatable snow globe. Perfect for all ages! Country Harvest is a very short drive away from us and this event is always popular amongst locals. Find out what sweet treats and more will be available here.

🌲 12 Days of Christmas Trail at Bolton Abbey (29 Nov – 4 Jan)

Wander through Strid Wood solving festive clues in this magical outdoor trail. A brilliant way to combine nature and Christmas mystery. You can pick up your tickets here.

💡 Settle Christmas Lights Switch-On (29 Nov)

Settle is a traditional market town, around 20 minutes from us. With its cobbled streets and boutique shops it’s a firm favourite amongst locals and visitors alike. Enjoy a festive market and entertainment from midday, with the big switch-on and fireworks lighting up the evening at 5pm.

✨ Skipton Christmas Lights Switch-On (30 Nov)

From 10am, enjoy entertainment and festive cheer leading up to the grand light switch-on in Skipton’s town centre.

🎅 December Highlights🎅

🎄 Beetham Nurseries Christmas Market (4–7 Dec)

For this bit of festive fun, we’re sending you into the Lake District! Festive chalets, live music, and family fun await at this charming market. Find out more about the alpin-inspired shopping village and musical acts  here.

🎉 Kirkby Lonsdale Christmas Fair (5–7 Dec)

A festive weekend where the cobbled streets of Kirkby come to life. Expect delicious food, artisan market stalls, and a magical light switch-on.For the full programme of events, click here.

🏹 Robin Hood: Adult Panto (6–21 Dec)

A cheeky twist on panto for grown-ups only! Head to Lancaster Grand Theatre for laughs and festive mischief. Pop a couple of tickets in your sack here.

🎅 Visit Santa at White Scar Cave (6–23 Dec, selected dates)

Head over to Ingleton, a short drive away, and meet Father Christmas. He can be found in his grotto at the cave entrance, with special illuminations and festive effects. This is a bookable adventure, and you can bag your tickets here.

🎄 Santa’s Grotto at Ingleborough Cave (6–23 Dec, selected dates)

Journey through magical underground passages with Santa’s Elves to meet the big man himself. Located on a short drive away in the village of Clapham, you can enjoy a wander along the Ingleborough Estate Nature Trail before reaching Santas magical grotto. Plan ahead though as tickets must be booked in advance; you can do that here.

🛍️ Skipton Christmas Market (7 & 14 Dec)

Head deeper into Yorkshire by train or car. Browse over 100  festive stalls filled with homemade gifts, food, and seasonal delights on Skipton High Street. Find out more here.

🚜 Christmas in the Mart at Bentham Auction Mart (12–13 Dec)

A short walk for your accommodation takes you to our villages own annual festive event. Enjoy a Christmas market, charity tractor light run, carol concert, children’s activities, live music, and more. Find out about the full schedule here.

🎁 Book your festive stay now and unwrap the joy of Christmas in the Yorkshire Dales. Enjoy 25% off stays until 19/12/2025 with code XMAS25 in our Pods and Lodges.