Head to the Yorkshire Coast for a range of festive events during Deember
The weekend of December 7 & 8 sees the coastal celebrations kick up a gear. Prepare for a busy weekend: on the Saturday lunchtime, it’s starter’s orders for the Whitby Krampus Run. This recently established Whitby tradition borrows from parts of Northern Europe where, on the Eve of the Feast of St Nicholas, Santa gives gifts to children who have been good. And if they haven’t… well, his rather terrifying alter ego, the Krampus, will deal with them. The Whitby Krampus Run, believed to be the first in the UK, is now in its ninth year, and has gone from strength to strength.
If the Krampus has jangled your nerves, head down the coast to Filey, where dusk brings the switch-on of another gorgeous, and much more calming, recent tradition, the Filey Fishtive Tree. Built from local crab and lobster pots and topped off by a golden salmon, this shimmering tribute to the town’s fishing heritage will light up the Coble Landing from December 7, throughout the festive period.
The Krampus Run in the Whitby streets. Image: Ceri Oakes
Finally for this busy weekend, experience a Dickensian Christmas at the Robin Hood’s Bay Victorian Weekend, taking place on both the Saturday and Sunday. Celebrating its 30th birthday this year, this event has grown and grown, and sees residents and visitors really enter into the spirit of Christmas past, donning 19th-century costume and enjoying traditional family entertainments which can include lantern parades, Punch and Judy, a duck race, face painting, arts and crafts, live music and festive food and drink.
A week later, and you’re invited to Whitby for the Made in Whitby Christmas Festival (December 14&15). Held at the Whitby Brewery, with views across to the Abbey, this makers’ market promises shopping to the sounds of live music and the smalls of mulled wine and roast chestnuts, all lit by ‘glowing oil lamps and braziers’.
In Scarborough, it wouldn’t be Christmas without Boxing Day on the beach: one of the biggest, most sociable, and happiest days of the holidays. It’s when the seafront comes alive, with a friendly football match on the sands between the Fishermen and Firemen (that’s firemen as in those who used to stoke the fires on steam trawlers, not modern-day firefighters!) followed by a fancy dress raft race in the harbour organised by the local Sub Aqua Club. The Comic Band will entertain, and other entertainments include a Mile of Pennies, with all money raised going to local charities.
Meanwhile, Whitby’s Boxing Day Dip sees hundreds of hardy souls braving the icy cold North Sea – a similar event takes place in Scarborough on New Year’s Day. Both events are organised by the local Lions’ groups and raise fund for more local charities.
And there’s more. Throughout the month, the venerable North Bay Railway – Britain’s biggest miniature railway, no less! – is running Santa Specials (selected dates December 7-24 ). Climb aboard the Jingle Belle or the Flying Snowman for a magical trip to the North Yorkshire Pole. Take a ride on Santa’s sleigh, write him a letter and make your own reindeer food, as well as meeting his elves and visiting his grotto.
And Christmas is the perfect time to catch a seasonal show on the coast. There are plenty to choose from, whether your tastes run to the conventional or the more off the wall.
There’s not just one, but two Christmas shows at Scarborough’s Stephen Joseph Theatre: Aladdin (November 29-December 29) and Captain Cliff & The Seagull Squad (December 12-21). The former is adapted by Doncaster’s Nick Lane, who isn’t afraid to turn tradition on its head – his Aladdin’s cave is none other than Hairy Bob’s Cave on the town’s Marine Drive! Aladdin is aimed at families with slightly older children, while brand new show Captain Cliff will tickle the funny bones of the under sixes.
At Whitby’s clifftop Pavilion Theatre, Snow White is the classic fairytale with ‘a hilarious and heartwarming twist’ – catch it December 6 & 7.
Cinderella at Scarborough’s Spa (December 7-January 1) stars none other than Anne (the Governess) Hegerty from ITV’s The Chase as the Fairy Godmother, who teams up with Buttons to help Cinderella win the heart of the dashing Prince Charming.
So there you have it – 12 fabulously festive days by the sea this Christmas, and not a leaping lord or a milking maid in sight! A happy Christmas to you all from the glorious Yorkshire coast!
Find further information on what else is on across the Yorkshire Coast and beyond at visitnorthyorkshire.com
