Christmas Days Out in West Yorkshire 2026: Light Trails, Santa Trains and Markets
Every year I tell myself I'll book the Christmas outings early, and every year I'm refreshing a booking page in mid-November hoping for a Saturday slot. So this year I'm sharing my list now, while there's still plenty of choice. These are the festive days out we love within easy reach of Huddersfield and the Colne Valley.
Dates are correct as we write this in October 2026, but always check the venue's own website before you travel.
Christmas light trails
Northern Lights Leeds, Temple Newsam
Running from 20 November to 31 December 2026 in the grounds of Temple Newsam, this year's trail is about a mile long and follows a festive story. There's a Christmas village with food and fairground rides too, and the organisers are running a couple of quieter, neuro-inclusive evenings with reduced capacity and lower sound levels, which is a lovely touch. Off-peak early-bird tickets have been the best value, so book sooner rather than later.
Santa trains
Whistlestop Valley, Clayton West
Our local narrow-gauge railway marks the start of its Christmas season with Steam into Christmas on Friday 27 November 2026, when Santa arrives by steam train. It's small, friendly and perfect for under-fives who might find a big attraction overwhelming. Keep an eye on their website for the rest of their December dates.
Keighley & Worth Valley Railway
The KWVR's family Christmas train, the Elf Explorer, runs from Oxenhope through November and December and includes a visit from Father Christmas. For older children (it's recommended for 8+), there's a Christmas Carol train on selected dates in December, and the Mince Pie Specials run between Christmas and New Year if you need to get everyone out of the house.
Christmas markets
The Piece Hall, Halifax
The Piece Hall is at its most beautiful at Christmas. The market runs over six weekends, Friday to Sunday, from 13 November to 20 December 2026, and entry is free. Go early on a Friday if you've got a pushchair.
Leeds Christmas Market
Leeds' market in City Square opens on Thursday 19 November 2026 and runs into late December. Brilliant for twinkly lights and a hot chocolate, although it's busy at weekends.
Closer to home
Don't overlook the small, local ones. Huddersfield's Christmas lights switch-on and the village Christmas events around the Colne and Holme Valleys are often the ones children remember most. And of course, we'd love to see you in the shop. Our flagship in Slaithwaite is full of Christmas from now until Christmas Eve, with Juno next door for something warm.
My tips for festive days out with little ones
- Book the evening ones early. Light trails and Santa trains sell out first on Friday and Saturday nights.
- Go off-peak if you can. Weekday and early slots are calmer, cheaper and less overwhelming for small children.
- Layer up properly. Light trails mean standing around outside in the cold and dark. A warm hat, gloves and waterproof boots make the difference between magic and meltdown.
- Feed them first. Festive food stalls are lovely but the queues are long, and a hungry four-year-old won't wait.
Your questions
When does Northern Lights Leeds 2026 run?
Northern Lights Leeds runs at Temple Newsam from 20 November to 31 December 2026. Check the official website for session times and tickets.
When is the Piece Hall Christmas market 2026?
The Piece Hall Christmas market in Halifax runs on Fridays to Sundays from 13 November to 20 December 2026, and entry is free.
What is the best Christmas day out for toddlers in West Yorkshire?
For under-fives, smaller and calmer is often better. A local Santa train like Whistlestop Valley's, or a weekday morning visit to a Christmas market, tends to go down better than a busy evening attraction.
You'll find all our warm layers in hats, scarves and gloves and outerwear, and everything festive in The Christmas Shop.
Wrap up warm,
Lucy x