Venture into the North York Moors during Christmas and you may think you’ve wandered onto the front of a Christmas card. With its frost-covered hills and quaint villages, there’s no place quite like it for a festive getaway. Whether you’re looking for festive fun with the kids or a cosy escape with a loved one, the Moors have something special for you.

A Yuletide train ride

Kids will love the Santa Specials on the North York Moors Railway. This magical train ride takes you through the scenic moors – perfect distraction while the anticipation builds to meet Santa. It’s a fun and festive experience that brings Christmas to life for children and adults alike.

Couples can enjoy a peaceful and charming journey with a Christmas Afternoon Tea on the same railway. With delicious treats and a beautiful winter landscape outside, it’s a cosy and classy way to celebrate the season. If you want to make it extra special, you can book a three-course Christmas meal in the Pullman Dining Carriage.

Festivals and markets

Many of the towns and villages dotted around the Moors hold Christmas markets and festivals, and they’re all well worth a visit.

The Whitby Christmas Market & Festival (Friday 14th – Sunday 16th November) is a great outing for families, with plenty of local crafts, festive treats, and musical performances.  For a unique twist on Christmas, try the Made in Whitby Krampus festival, where the Christmas demon from Alpine folklore stalks through the town to find people on Santa’s naughty list.

Helmsley can always be relied on for a magical Christmas setting. Other options include Pickering, which holds a market on the Showground on 6th-7th December, and Thirsk, which si running Christmas markets on Sunday 16th November and Sunday 21st December.

Christmas in Oz 

From mid-November to 4th January, Castle Howard brings us another of its fantastical festive transformations. After the success of Neverland and Wonderland in previous years, this year it’s L. Frank Baum’s beloved world of Oz.

Couples and families alike will enjoy seeing the majestic house given a magical makeover, while Santa will be visiting from 22nd November to Christmas Eve.

Winter walks and stargazing

Whether you’re on a family adventure or a romantic retreat, nothing beats a winter walk in the North York Moors. The crisp air and frost-covered landscapes are refreshing and beautiful, and you’re spoilt for choice with hiking trails suitable for all ages and abilities.

And the magic doesn’t end when the sun goes down. The Moors are one of the world’s only official International Dark Sky Reserves. And winter is when the skies are clearest. Tilt your head skyward and see the stars as you’ve never seen them before.

Curl up in front of the log fire

Christmas in the North York Moors is full of fun, wonder, and special moments for both families and couples. And there’s no better way to round off a day of winter wandering than cosying up together in front of our log burner at The Moors Church, warming yourself with a hot chocolate (or perhaps something stronger for the grown-ups).

Our converted church is a truly unique accommodation, and the newly renovated kitchen and bathroom and underfloor heating ensure that comfort matches the character.

Scroll down to the ‘Book now’ button to check our availability for November and December. Your Christmas adventure awaits!