Free or Low Cost Activities for Families this Christmas
- n-admin
- Dec 12, 2025
- 5 min read
Please find below a list of FREE or low cost activities aimed at families over the Christmas holidays. This covers events in Ripon, Knaresborough and Harrogate.
These are also listed on the website: https://hadca.org.uk/free-low-cost-christmas-activities
Church/School Christmas Fairs
A great, low cost way to see Father Christmas. Please check locally for details of your nearest one.
Ripon Library
Story time at Ripon Toy Library (at Ripon Community House)
Thursday 18th December, 11am – 12noon
FREE, no booking required
Story time at Ripon Illuminated Winter Wonderland (at Ripon Spa Gardens)
Friday 19th December, 2pm – 4pm
Saturday 20th December, 3pm – 4pm & 6pm – 7pm
Ripon Spa Gardens Illuminated Winter Wonderland
19th – 21st December, 2pm – 8pm
Ripon Spa Gardens FREE entry. Enjoy lights, decorations, carol singing, a snow machine and more!
FREE festive walks in Nidderdale & Harrogate (perfect for little legs)
Available to download for FREE on the Open Country website, Breakfree packs feature easy going walks/cycle routes across the local area. These packs have been developed with wheelchair users in mind but they also appeal to families with young children and pushchairs, cyclists, anyone who might struggle with exercise and older people with limited mobility. The trails have clear, colour maps for each location, with all the information you need to help plan your day. For a hard copy of the Trail pack call Open Country on 01423 507227.
The Kiosk at Conyngham Hall, Knaresborough
Saturday 13th December, 11am – 3pm
Festive food & drink, crafts & activities, tombola, stalls. A very special visit from Santa and Knaresborough Silver Band performing at 12pm. Also open Boxing Day 9am – 12pm for hot sandwiches and drinks. Other dates between Christmas & New Year TBC – check their Facebook page for details.
Christmas Tree Festivals
St John’s, Knaresborough
Saturday 6th – Sunday 21st December
70 Christmas trees decorated by local groups and businesses, are displayed in the beautiful St. Johns Church in the heart of Knaresborough. Admission to the festival is free, but there will be an opportunity to donate to the church or buy a £5 programme, the proceeds of which will be split between the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, Harrogate Homeless Project and Save the Children charities.
St Peter’s, Harrogate
Saturday 6th – Saturday 13th December
Entry is FREE and visitors can vote for their three favourite trees!
North Pole Post Box at Harrogate International Festivals
Post your letter at the North Pole Post Office, situated in front of the Harrogate International Festivals offices on Cheltenham Parade – which has had a magical North Pole makeover by the elves – and they’ll make sure your letter gets to the man himself!
Candy Cane Express, Harrogate Town Centre
Running Thursday to Saturday between 10am and 7pm (suspended between 4.30pm and 6pm) and Sunday 11am to 4pm. Enjoy a free ride around the town centre departing from James Street by the market. The Harrogate Christmas Fayre runs between Friday 5th and Sunday 14th December.
Mercer Art Gallery Christmas Art Club
Tuesday 23rd December, 10.30am and 2pm
Young people aged 10–18 can join joyful, 2 hour colourful art sessions. Small groups (15 max) will work with an artist. Just £7.50 per session. Booking essential.
Make & Take Christmas at Royal Pump Rooms Museum
Tuesdays 23rd and 30th December, 10am – 3pm
Explore history through hands-on 45 minute FREE craft sessions – Victorian Christmas on the 23rd and a glitzy New Year theme on the 30th. Booking required.
The Mayor’s Christmas Carols
Sunday 21st December, Doors: 5.15, Starts: 6:00pm at The Royal Hall, Harrogate.
Tickets are FREE for this family friendly event bringing together beloved carols for all ages, Christmas music and a very special visit from Father Christmas himself.
A great event for all the family featuring the Harrogate Band and local choirs with funds raised to support the Mayor’s charities.
Church services
Check your local church for services in the lead up to Christmas including Christingles and the Christmas Eve Crib service.
Don’t forget about the support you can get from local charities this winter:
Ripon Community House Food Support & Waste Not Wednesday
Emergency food parcels for those with a valid foodbank voucher (available from schools, GP & local charities). Waste Not Wednesday provides donated surplus food from local supermarkets, allotments and gardeners. £3.00 per basket, maximum 8 items. Every Wednesday 12pm – 1.30pm.
Appointments at Ripon Community House Monthly online confidential face-to-face appointments Monday 15 December Call Community House on 01765 603631 to book an appointment.
The Village
Baby Bank, Children’s Clothing Bank, Uniform Swap Shop & Conversation Café.
Harrogate Clothes Bank
FREE pre-loved clothes & shoes for all in need
Resurrected Bites
A weekly shop from as little as £5. The Community Groceries run at New Park School and Gracious Street Methodist Church in Knaresborough twice weekly. They also run pay as you feel cafes in Harrogate at St Wilfrid’s (Weds 10am-2pm), Killinghall Methodist Church (Thurs 10am-2pm) and at the Centre on Gracious Street in Knaresborough (Fri 10am-2pm)
Essential Needs Community Store
Affordable furniture, appliances or household items.
Christmas Kindness 2025
We often get asked how people can get involved in their community at Christmas. The Christmas Kindness page of our website outlines many ways you can contribute to your community and support local charities over the festive season. We’ll be adding more ideas over the coming days, so please let us know about your events and appeals.
Warm & welcoming spaces this winter
https://hadca.org.uk/WarmWelcomeCommunity venues, churches and local libraries across Harrogate district are friendly, safe and inclusive places, offering not just warmth but a place to enjoy the company of others, and maybe a hot drink or an opportunity to join in activities.
Cost of Living Support
We would encourage everyone to make the most of all that is available to make the winter a little easier.
Warm and Well North Yorkshire can help anyone unable to afford their energy bills or worried about heating their home. Their Helpline is 01609 767 555.
Citizens Advice provides free, confidential, impartial advice, helping find a way forward. The sooner a call is made to the Freephone Advice line 0808 278 7900, the sooner first steps can be taken.
Please visit our website www.hadca.org.uk/CostOfLiving, give our HADCA team a call on 01423 504074 or call in to Harrogate Community House (Mon – Thurs 9am – 4.30pm) if you’re not sure where to turn.
