Festive adventures, fabulous food and family fun are all heading to the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate this Christmas.
Brand new for 2026 is Santa’s Polar Kingdom, where Christmas comes to life at the Great Yorkshire Events Centre from Friday 11 December to Wednesday 23 December.
The new experience will include an enchanted Elf Forest, dazzling Northern Lights as well as Santa Express, Santa’s village and a shimmering Ice Kingdom.
The adventure continues at Santa’s Workshop and the North Pole Post Office, while the Interactive Sleigh Ride puts visitors right at the heart of the festive action.
Families can browse the Christmas Market, enjoy the Fun Fair and take a break at the Après Ski Bar.
For event news and booking information, visit www.polarkingdom.co.uk
Commercial Director of the Yorkshire Event Centre Ltd, Graham Thompson said:
“Christmas is always exciting here at the Great Yorkshire Showground and we really have something for everyone this year! We know what a busy time of year Christmas is for everyone and we hope that having one destination for all your Christmas needs will make life simpler – and more enjoyable for everyone.”
Festive food shopping gets a delicious Yorkshire twist at Fodder, the Great Yorkshire Food Hall, with its free Christmas Extravaganza from 5.30–8pm on Thursday 19 November.
Showcasing the very best festive Yorkshire food and drink, the evening is packed with inspiration for the big day. Meet local suppliers, plan the perfect Christmas dinner, watch expert butchery demonstrations, sample cheeses and discover plenty more seasonal food and drink.
The festivities begin the moment visitors arrive, with complimentary mulled wine and mince pies.
For a magical escape from the Christmas rush, Santa will make a special appearance in Fodder for a festive afternoon tea from 4pm on Saturday 12 December.
Guests can tuck into a delicious spread of sandwiches, savoury bites and sweet treats, served with a freshly brewed, bottomless pot of Yorkshire Tea or Coffee Brothers coffee. Adults can also enjoy a warming glass of mulled wine, with juice for the little ones.
Then the real magic begins as Santa visits every table to hear what is on each Christmas list. Every child aged up to 14 will receive their very own gift from Santa.
Tickets at £30 for adults and £15 for children aged up to 14 are available at https://www.fodder.co.uk/product/santas-afternoon-tea
Before the Christmas countdown gathers pace, the Great Yorkshire Events Centre will also host a three-day Great Yorkshire Christmas Fair from Thursday 26th–Sunday 29th November.
With 180 top companies under one roof, the fair is a treasure trove of festive food, decorations, gorgeous gifts, stocking fillers, decorative accessories, children’s products, jewellery, games, art, toys, beauty products, fashion and accessories.
Visitors can make a day of it with a food hall, champagne bar, cafés and two licensed restaurants, plus free hardstanding parking on site.
More information can be found at www.ukgrandsales.co.uk. Admission is £5 online early bird; £7 online when early bird ends and £9 on the door. BUY TICKETS
The celebrations continue as the Pavilions of Harrogate throws open its doors for its legendary Christmas party season, complete with a warm Yorkshire welcome.
Whether it is a table at one of the sparkling Christmas Party Nights or a private celebration, there is a party option to suit every festive gathering.
Great Christmas parties deserve great food, and the Pavilions’ talented chefs create tempting festive menus using locally sourced, high-quality produce in line with the Yorkshire Agricultural Society ethos.
And because Christmas would not be complete without the perfect tree, Harrogate Christmas Tree Centre returns to the Showground from the end of November with Yorkshire-grown trees from its family-owned and operated business.
