Looking forward to a very merrie Christmas? Us too! Take a look at our top picks for things to do this Christmas in Wakefield – we’ve got everything you need to make your festive season bright.
It’s back! Light Up kicks off the festive season with a series of events lighting up the district. Light Up events will be taking place at locations across the district, including Wakefield city centre, Pontefract, Castleford, and others, with events including Christmas light switch-ons, festive markets, street entertainment and more.
📍 Various locations across the Wakefield district
📅 Friday 17 November – Sunday 26 November, various times
💰 Free
🔗 Click here for more information.
Start your Christmas shopping and support independent makers when The Hepworth Wakefield‘s popular Festive Market returns! You’ll find over 90 stalls each weekend selling candles, ceramics, gifts, homeware, prints, textiles and more, plus drop-in family activities, music and a seasonal offer in the café.
For more fabulous festive shopping experiences, take a look at our Christmas shopping guide!
📍 The Hepworth Wakefield, WF1 5AW
📅 Saturday 25 – Sunday 26 November, and Saturday 2 – Sunday 3 December, 10am – 4pm
💰 From £2
🔗 Click here for more information and how to book.
The National Coal Mining Museum‘s Santa Underground is a truly unique Santa – his magical grotto is 140 metres below the surface! Will the bell place you on the naughty or nice list? Good children receive a present and certificate, while naughty children get (of course) coal!
Find more Santa meets in our guide!
📍 National Coal Mining Museum, WF4 4RH
📅 Saturday 25 November – Sunday 24 December, various times
💰 Adults: £10 (£11 on Christmas Eve) | Children: £12 (£13 on Christmas Eve)
🔗 Click here for dates, times and booking information.
Sam Nixon (pictured above in 2022’s Dick Whittington) returns in Theatre Royal Wakefield‘s legendary pantomime, Sleeping Beauty! Featuring all of the magic, belly laughs and outrageous Chris Hannon outfits that Theatre Royal Wakefield’s pantomime is famous for – don’t miss this year’s dose of festive family fun.
📍 Theatre Royal Wakefield, WF1 2TE
📅 Tuesday 28 November – Sunday 7 January 2024, various times
💰 From £15
🔗 Click here for dates, times and booking information.
Wakefield Cathedral‘s flagship concert, Carols by Candlelight, returns across two nights this December. The Cathedral Choir will get you into the Christmas spirit with a splendid evening of carols in the beautifully festive candlelit cathedral.
📍 Wakefield Cathedral, WF1 1HG
📅 Friday 15 and Thursday 21 December, 7pm – 9:30pm
💰 Adults (under 65): £18 | Children and adults over 65: £14
🔗 Click here to book for 15 December | Click here to book for 21 December
Yorkshire Craft Beers invites you to their very popular Cheesy Xmas Party! Dance the night away in your favourite cheesy Christmas jumper to the cheesiest Christmas songs ever written, drink high quality craft beer, lager, wines and spirits – and bring your own party food (pineapple on a stick, anyone!?).
📍 Yorkshire Craft Beers, WF10 1JL
📅 Saturday 16 December, 6pm – 11:30pm
💰 £6 (over 18s only)
🔗 Click here for more information and to book tickets.
Castleford’s Forever After Collective is bringing their Christmas market to National Trust Nostell! Discover a host of unique handmade artisan products from local artists, designers and makers in a beautiful historic setting – and pick up the perfect Christmas gifts!
📍 National Trust Nostell, WF4 1QE
📅 Saturday 2 December – Sunday 3 December, 11am – 3:30pm
💰 Free (parking charges apply to non-National Trust members)
🔗 Click here for more information.
Enjoy the festive season at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park with Christmas by Candlelight. Celebrate with family and friends at The Weston with an evening of great musical performances and a special three-course meal.
📍 Yorkshire Sculpture Park, WF4 4LG
📅 Saturday 16 December, 7pm – 11pm
💰 Adults: £55 | Children: £30
🔗 Click here for more information.
Christmas is coming and it’s party time! Head to Volcano Falls for a whole load of Festive Fun! What’s included?
1 Round of Adventure Golf
A Welcome Drink of Your Choice
A £5 Funcard for Funstation
Free Santa Hat
📍 Volcano Falls, WF10 4TA
📅 Until 7 January
🔗 Click here for more information and to book.
The Pugneys Light Railway Christmas Wonder Ride is back! Wrap up warm and board the train for a magical festive trip around the Pugneys Country Park lake after sundown. The perfect weekend treat for children (and their grown ups!) in the run up to Christmas.
📍 Pugneys Country Park, WF2 7EQ
📅 Saturday 2 December – Sunday 17 December, various times
💰 £5
🔗 Click here for more information and to book a ride.
Children of all ages and their grown-ups are invited to Pontefract Museum to meet a very special Father Christmas – the one and only Liquorice Santa! There will be a range of festive fun crafts and activities around the Museum to bring you Christmas cheer.
Find more Santa meets in our guide!
📍 Pontefract Museum, WF8 1BA
📅 Saturday 9 December, 10am – 3:30pm
💰 Free
🔗 Click here for more information.
Join in the festivities this Christmas as Nostell is decorated in a magical fairy tale theme with rooms featuring elements from stories such as Rapunzel, Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast. You might even spot Father Christmas as he walks around the house!
📍 National Trust Nostell, WF4 1QE
📅 Nostell is open on various dates throughout the festive season
💰 Adults: £12 | Children: £6 (free for National Trust members)
🔗 Click here for more information.
The Wakefield Metropolitan Band returns for the 35th year, with their seasonal treat of Christmas Brass at Theatre Royal Wakefield. The programme will include traditional Brass Band numbers, contemporary contributions and a selection of seasonal favourites.
📍 Theatre Royal Wakefield, WF1 2TE
📅 Sunday 10 December, 7pm – 9:15pm
💰 From £15
🔗 Click here for more information and to book tickets.
Enjoy relaxed family festive fun and a visit from Father Christmas! Open up the toy box at Wakefield Museum with a relaxed day of festive activities and crafts designed for SEND families. Then, book a timed slot in advance to meet Father Christmas in his cosy grotto.
Find more Santa meets in our guide!
📍 Wakefield Museum, WF1 2UP
📅 Saturday 16 December, 10am – 3pm
💰 Free
🔗 Click here for more information and to book tickets to see Father Christmas (no booking required for craft activities)
There are loads of creative Christmas craft sessions and workshops taking place all over Wakefield throughout the festive season. Make wonderful wreaths, craft delightful decorations, and create personal presents for all the special people on your list.
📍 Various
📅 Various
💰 Various
🔗 Click here to find your festive workshop!