Things to do between Christmas and New Year

Winter walks in the North

From the rugged peaks of the Lake District  to the windswept moors of Yorkshire, the region's natural beauty takes on a serene and often dramatic character in the colder months. Explore the frosty paths of the Yorkshire Dales, where snow-dusted stone walls and remote farmsteads add to the charm. For those seeking coastal beauty, a stroll along Saltburn-By-The-Sea from the train station takes you to the highest point on this section of the coast and along the magnificent Cleveland Way.

With fewer crowds and a crisp, quiet atmosphere, winter walks in the North are perfect for those seeking a peaceful escape into nature, where the landscapes feel timeless under the winter sky.

Oh no you didn’t, oh yes you did!

Most pantomimes run right through to January, so in-between Christmas and New Year can be the perfect time to see one at your local theatre! There tends to be more tickets available during this quieter period, which means you might get a better seat for a cheaper price! There are plenty of pantomimes close to train stations throughout the North of England, so we’ve listed some popular options below.

Aladdin

Venue: Theatre Royal, Newcastle
Train Station: Newcastle
Walking Distance: 10 minutes
About: A thrilling adventure with flying carpets, genies, and lots of laughs. A classic panto with a lively twist, perfect for a family night out.

Buy tickets for Aladdin

Goldilocks and the Three Bears

Venue: Hull New Theatre
Train Station: Hull
Walking Distance: 10 minutes
About: This festive extravaganza is packed with riotous comedy, extraordinary special effects, hair-raising stunts and international circus acts!

Get tickets for Hull's pantomime

Pinocchio 

Venue: Bradford Alhambra Theatre
Train Station: Bradford Interchange
Walking Distance: 5 minutes
About: Pinocchio transforms from a famous puppet to a real boy whose nose grows every time he tells a lie.

Grab Pinocchio tickets

Cinderella

Venue: Scarborough Spa Theatre
Train Station: Scarborough
Walking Distance: 15 minutes
About: Join Cinderella on her quest to win the heart of the dashing Prince Charming, with a little help from her best friend, Buttons, and the enchanting Fairy Godmother. 

Buy tickets for Cinderella

Winter wildlife watching

Winter wildlife watching in the North of England offers a unique opportunity to observe nature at its most serene and raw. The colder months bring an array of exciting wildlife experiences, from coastal birdwatching to spotting rare species in national parks and reserves. On the Yorkshire Coast, the seaside cliffs are ideal for observing migrating seabirds, while the surrounding wetlands provide a home for wildfowl like teal, wigeon, and the majestic whooper swan.

Flamborough Head and Whitby are perfect for observing seal colonies, which often give birth to pups during winter. The Lake District is another haven for winter wildlife, where red squirrels can be spotted in the lower woodlands and deer roam the snow-covered hillsides. The Yorkshire Dales offer winter walks where you might spot birds of prey like buzzards or kestrels hovering over the frosty landscape, while in North York Moors, barn owls and tawny owls hunt the winter evenings.

With the peaceful stillness of winter, these wildlife-watching experiences are a chance to connect with nature in its most elemental form, offering an unforgettable escape into the wilds of Northern England.

Themed experiences in the North

The festive energy doesn’t have to diminish as soon as Christmas Day is over; much like the pantomimes, plenty of festive experiences around the North run until January and are much quieter between Christmas and New Year. Making them the perfect outing for couples looking to avoid crowds or families with younger or neurodiverse children. Below are some great options this year, which are easily accessible by train!

Ice rinks around the North, who doesn’t love ice skating?

Visit Liverpool's Boxpark for ice skating this winter. Located just a short walk from Liverpool Lime Street train station, this is a family-friendly winter wonderland. It includes ice skating, delicious street food options, and mulled wine. The ice rink in Leeds is located in Millennium Square, just a short walk from Leeds station (about 10 minutes).

While some attractions may have shorter hours or closures during this period, many of these ideas will offer a quieter, more intimate experience of the North of England – perfect for enjoying the holiday season and we’ve selected those that are accessible by train so you can hop on and hop off without having the hassle of the car. Book early and save on advance train tickets, if you’re travelling as a family or a group, don’t forget to check for available discounts.