Harrogate Unwraps A Packed Programme Of Christmas Activities
The countdown to Christmas is on in Harrogate, with a packed programme of festive activities bringing family fun to the town centre this December, brought to you by Harrogate BID and partners.
At Victoria Shopping Centre, children can meet Father Christmas at Santa’s Grotto on 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23 December, from 10am to 4pm. Tickets are £10 per child and include a present to take home. SEN sessions will be available on Sundays 6, 13 and 20 December, and on 21, 22 and 23 December. Visits can be booked at www.santasvillage.co.uk/harrogategrotto
There is more to enjoy at Victoria Shopping Centre, on 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20 December. Families and friends can go head-to-head on the curling rinks and step inside a giant snow globe for a festive photo, with both attractions open from 10am to 4pm, free to take part in, just turn up.
On Saturday 12 December, an ice sculpture trail, delivered with Ice Box, will add a little winter wonder to the town centre. The eight sculptures’ locations will be revealed nearer the time.
Jason Maxwell, Chief Executive of Harrogate BID, said:
“Christmas is such an important time for Harrogate, and we want to give people even more reasons to come into town, enjoy themselves and support our local businesses.”
“We’ve put together a really strong programme with plenty for families to enjoy, from meeting Father Christmas to curling, the snow globe and ice sculpture trail.”
“A lot of it is completely free too. We’re grateful to Harrogate Town Council, North Yorkshire Council and Victoria Shopping Centre for helping us make it happen, and we’re looking forward to seeing the town full of people enjoying Christmas in Harrogate.”
Councillor Viv Poskitt, the Mayor of Harrogate, said:
“Christmas is a truly special time of year, and I am delighted that Harrogate Town Council is supporting this exciting programme of festive activities. I love seeing Harrogate come alive with Christmas trees, decorations and events that bring people together, create lasting memories and showcase everything that makes our town so special.
“Harrogate Town Council is pleased to be working alongside Harrogate BID, North Yorkshire Council, Victoria Shopping Centre and other partners to help deliver this year’s programme. The Town Council has provided £15,000 towards the activities and has also set aside additional funding to support accessibility, helping as many residents and visitors as possible to take part.
“As Mayor, I look forward to attending the events and sharing in the wonderful community spirit that makes Christmas in Harrogate such a memorable occasion for people of all ages.”
North Yorkshire Council’s deputy leader, Cllr Mark Crane, whose responsibilities include the visitor economy, said:
“We are delighted to be working alongside Harrogate BID and local partners to support an exciting programme of festive events that will make Harrogate a must-visit destination this Christmas.
“The festive season is a hugely important time for our high streets and traders, and it’s important we do everything we can to help drive footfall, support local jobs and provide a boost for our businesses during one of the busiest periods of the year.
“Harrogate plays a crucial role in North Yorkshire’s seasonal offer and we look forward to showcasing it as part of Visit North Yorkshire’s Christmas marketing campaign, encouraging residents and visitors to enjoy everything this special spa town has to offer.
A much-loved family tradition also returns as the North Pole Post Office, in partnership with Harrogate International Festivals, invites children to send their letters to Father Christmas. Meanwhile, Harrogate BID’s annual Christmas Window Competition will add to the festive flare of the town.
The Christmas lights, fully funded by Harrogate BID will also light up the town from late November, once again.
The Christmas programme is led by Harrogate BID, with support from Harrogate Town Council, North Yorkshire Council and Victoria Shopping Centre. Further details of the ice sculpture trail, North Pole Post Office and window competition will be announced in due course.
