Activities, Attractions and Heritage, Events, Bridlington, Filey, Flamborough, Sandsend, Scarborough, The Bay Filey, Whitby, York
Christmas and New Year
When winter comes, the Yorkshire coast is transformed — twinkling lights, festive markets, sparkling displays, seasonal shows and plenty of cheer. Whether you’re after cosy nights, traditional fun or welcoming the New Year in style by the sea, there’s something special here.
Christmas & New Year on the Yorkshire Coast 🎄✨
When winter comes, the Yorkshire coast is transformed — twinkling lights, festive markets, sparkling displays, seasonal shows and plenty of cheer. Whether you’re after cosy nights, traditional fun or welcoming the New Year in style by the sea, there’s something special here.
Festive Highlights Along the Coast
- Whitby Christmas Market & Festival
Every mid-November, Whitby hosts its annual Christmas Market & Festival. Expect craft stalls, live music, children’s entertainment and lots of festive atmosphere. A great place to get early in the Christmas spirit. Visit North Yorkshire - Winter Woodland at Sewerby Hall
Near Bridlington, Sewerby Hall lights up for its Winter Woodland event. Think enchanting walks through illuminated gardens, seasonal decorations, maybe a chance to spot elves, and plenty of family fun. visiteastyorkshire.co.uk - Made in East Yorkshire Christmas Market
This is one of the large, well-loved markets in East Yorkshire, perfect for local gifts, festive food, decorations, warming drinks – and meeting Father Christmas. visiteastyorkshire.co.uk - Christmas Lights Switch-On Events
Along towns and villages of the coast, from Scarborough to smaller towns, expect switch-ons with carol singing, street performers, fun for kids, and hot drinks to warm you up. visiteastyorkshire.co.uk+1 - Sunday Lunches & Meals with Santa
Local hotels and restaurants – especially those with views over the sea – often host special Sunday lunches or tea events where Santa makes an appearance. A lovely way to enjoy good food, festive decor, and that magical feel. Visit North Yorkshire+1 - Pantomimes & Seasonal Shows
Venues like Scarborough Spa stage annual pantomimes and seasonal entertainment. Great for families and those wanting a traditional festive theatre experience. Visit North Yorkshire+1
Welcoming the New Year
- New Year’s Day Dip & Festive Traditions
On the Yorkshire coast, there are traditional New Year’s Day dips (e.g. in Scarborough) and other community events that combine fun, bravery, and often fancy dress. A brisk start to the year! routeyc.co.uk - Fireworks & Midnight Celebrations
Many town centres along the coast host fireworks displays, concerts or New Year’s Eve countdowns. Whether you’re by the harbour or in a scenic viewpoint, ringing in the New Year with sea-air, lights and local company is memorable. (Always good to check the local council or venue announcements, as plans can vary each year.)
Why Christmas & New Year Here Feel So Special
- Atmosphere & Setting
Imagine twinkling lights reflecting off the sea, festive decorations against historic stone buildings, and crisp winter air. Towns like Scarborough, Whitby, Filey and the villages in between offer natural charm plus seasonal sparkle. - Community & Tradition
Many events are locally organised, often with long-running traditions (carol singing, charity matches, dips, markets). That gives a warm, welcoming vibe rather than everything being overly commercial. - Variety for All Ages
Whether you’re with young children, visiting with friends, enjoying as a couple, or looking for something low-key — there are options. From calm afternoon teas with Santa, to lively pantomimes, to midnight fireworks.
Christmas & New Year Events 2025 – Yorkshire Coast
| Date | Event | Location | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28-30 Nov 2025 | Scarborough Sparkle | Scarborough Open Air Theatre | A magical three-day Christmas wonderland. Free to attend. Festive stalls, the Sparkle Lantern Parade, live entertainment, mulled drinks, lots of lights. visitscarborough.com+2Visit North Yorkshire+2 |
| 29 Nov 2025 | Yorkshire Coast Makers Christmas Artisan Fair | Queen Street Methodist Central Hall, Scarborough | Handmade gifts from local makers — ceramics, jewellery, textiles, art. Cafés onsite. The Scarborough Fair |
| Late November – December | Scarborough Christmas Lights & Switch-Ons | Scarborough Town Centre / Open Air Theatre / Spa area | Public lighting up of the town, carol singing, festive activities – part of the Sparkle / Christmas season programme. visitscarborough.com+2visitscarborough.com+2 |
| “TBA Late 2025” | A Fairytale for Christmas (Irish Christmas concert) | Scarborough Spa | A large festive concert show, likely with seasonal music, likely to draw crowds. Visit North Yorkshire |
| 31 December (New Year’s Eve 2025) | New Year’s Eve Celebrations | Scarborough, Whitby and other coastal towns | Fireworks, live music, countdowns, parties in hotels/pubs/restaurants. Many holiday cottages report nearby displays & events. yorkshirecoastalcottages.com |
Christmas & New Year Events 2025 – Filey, Whitby & Nearby Coast
| Date | Event | Location | Info / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Dec 2025 onward | Festive Afternoon Teas, Lunch & Dinners / Party Nights / NYE Dinner | Grinkle Park(near Whitby) | The hotel’s halls are decorated, there will be festive meals, afternoon teas, party nights, New Year’s Eve dinner & celebration. classiclodges.co.uk |
| 14 – 16 Nov 2025 | Whitby Christmas Market & Festival | Whitby (Marina Front Car Park, Langbourne Road) | Local vendors, festive food & drink (mulled wine, hot chocolate etc.), live music. Also lights switch-on. aislabyhall.com+3Visit North Yorkshire+3Hotel Victoria Robin Hood’s Bay+3 |
| Early Dec 2025 (date TBC) | Filey Fishtive Tree & Lighting / Fireworks / Switch-on | Filey (Coble Landing etc.) | The famous “Fishtive Tree” (a tree made of fishing gear) switch-on is a traditional event. Fireworks often accompany this. Lighting of town decorations is planned. Filey Today+2Scarborough and Whitby Mumbler+2 |
| Sun 7 Dec 2025 | Big Christmas Concert by Candlelight | Filey (Wesley Centre) | Evening concert event. Tickets priced (≈£22-£23). Eventbrite |
| December (throughout month) | Christmas at The Bay Filey / New Year Parties / Reindeer Activities | The Bay Filey / Filey area | Festive events at The Bay: Christmas & New Year breaks, Reindeer feeding/petting; some “silent fireworks” planned for New Year’s. Also Filey promenade, festive lights, Fishtive Tree etc. Anchor Bay |
| Early December 2025 (date TBC) | Whitby Artisan Market | Whitby (The Coliseum, Victoria Place) | Local craft market, good for gift shopping. lilyrosehotel.co.uk |
Location – The location is set to Scarborough as a central reference – please use sat nav or look at each section for details
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