If you’re anything like me then you LOVE Christmas, and having a child means we can really go all in, and we certainly do! We’ve been in the Christmas spirit since the unveiling of Bettys Christmas window display and the Christmas Market came to town! So we thought we’d put together a Top 10 things to do this Christmas and NY in and around Harrogate!
- Bettys. I mean do you really need an excuse to go here? No, didn’t think so, but here’s one anyway! This will be our second Christmas living in Harrogate, and as of this Christmas Eve, I’m making this a Christmas Tradition for me and my little girl! Whilst Daddy is busy buying all his presents in one morning (why do they always leave it so late?), my mini-me and I will be sipping on hot chocolates and eating festive treats in the beautiful Bettys tea room. I actually can’t wait to do this!
- Harrogate Panto. Harrogate Theatre is such a brilliant theatre and its right on our doorstep – did you know Graeme Norton started his career here?! The Harrogate Panto is a must for families. Christmas hasn’t officially started until you’ve been to see the Panto at Harrogate Theatre according to my 10 year old nephew! This year it’s Snow White, and it looks set to be another corker. For more details click here.
- Cold Bath Club House. The event guys are showing a selection of classic movies over the Twixmas period. Entry is free. A relaxed family friendly environment with movies showing on a large screen with cinema quality audio and they’ll be a selection of movie themed food and drinks on offer. On 27th Dec (evening) 6pm Die Hard, 8pm Die Hard II, 28th All day family day 1pm Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, 3pm Toy Story, 5pm Home Alone, 7pm Bohemian Rhapsody. For more information email info@eventguys.com
- Eat, drink and shop at our brilliant local independent establishments! Without a doubt, my favourite thing about Harrogate is the array of independent shops and restaurants. So when it comes to Christmas time, support them as much as you can. For children’s presents head to Tiger fifty7 on Cold Bath Road, for gifts for Dad try OWL Store on Montpellier Gardens. This year my parents are getting a hamper full of goodies from Manna Bakery on Cold Bath Road. You can even buy locally produced alcohol! There’s Slingsby Gin, Cold Bath Brewing Co and Rooster’s Brewing Co to name a few! And if anyone reading this wants to buy me something, I’m a big fan of the Isle of Wonder Store on Montpellier Mews. If you’re looking at eating out over Christmas then we have some AMAZING indie restaurants to choose from! We love Farmhouse for a nice family lunch, Hoxton North for great coffee, Thug Sandwich for the most ridiculously amazing sandwiches, Mama Dorreen’s for a brilliant festive afternoon tea and Baltzersen’s for cinnamon buns.
- Harlow Carr. Harlow Carr is open everyday over this festive season apart from Christmas Day, this is a great place to go and there’s so much going on around Christmas. We’ll be heading down on Boxing Day, another Christmas tradition I’m starting for our little family! Running from 21st Nov – 28th Dec (Thurs – Sat except Boxing Day from 4.30pm – 8pm) is their Christmas Glow event. New for this year is the twinkling tunnel of lights which take you to the Kitchen Garden where they’ll be a festive-themed marquee for Christmas carols and festive crafts.
- Pamper time. If you can get some time away from the little ones then it’s time to get your relax on! We’re spoiled with places to go in Harrogate, we love the Turkish Baths, the medical pedicures at Heal Medical and Wellness Spa are amazing, and for a real treat the Rudding Park Spa is even more relaxing at Christmas time! If you can’t get away from your little ones then check out Q61on Albert Street. They’ve got a huge area to park your prams, a feeding room and if you’re kids are a little older they even do mini manicures (Mini 5 for 5 years and under or Mini10 for 10 years and under).
- Free Harrogate Walking Tour. We are a big fan of Harry and his free walking tour of Harrogate! A great idea for all the family – in fact he’ll be running his walks on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day at 10.30am. A great way to walk off your festive indulgences with a tour of Harrogate and some fun stories! If you’d like to know more check out our review.
- Carol Concerts. I love a Christmas Carol concert! I mean we all know, the best way to spread Christmas Cheer is singing loud for all to hear! Luckily there are plenty to choose from in Harrogate. Henshaws Carols by Candlelight comes to St Wilfrids Church on Wednesday 11th December with a number of fantastic performers. The Harrogate Christmas Concert takes place on Dec 14th 2019 6pm at Harrogate Convention Centre. Fanfare for Christmas, the world famous Brighouse & Rastick Band return to Harrogate’s Royal Hall on 21st Dec at 2.30pm and 7.30pm.
- Family NYE events. If you’re looking to spend NYE as a family this year then we’ve got a few suggestions! Firstly, Mrs Smiths Cafe are hosting a NYE Escape from Azkaban Puzzle Party from 6pm. The newly renovated Majestic Hotel are hosting a Nutcracker New Year’s Eve Family Event which include a buffet, kids entertainer and disco and even a pre-midnight balloon drop for the little ones. Rudding Park are running a New Year’s Eve family party at Deer House. The ultimate party destination for all the family with dinner and dancing into the early hours.
- Knaresborough Duck Race. The Duck Race is held every New Year’s day in Knaresborough. If you haven’t seen 5000 ducks being tipped into the river Nidd, then make this the first thing you do in 2020! Tickets are on sale now from Knaresborough Cricket club, or can be bought on the day from 1pm (race starts at 2pm). 52 Bond End HG5 9AX.
