THE FORBIDDEN CORNER
The Forbidden Corner Tupgill Park Estate, Middleham, LeyburnThe Forbidden Corner is a unique labyrinth of tunnels, chambers, follies and surprises created within a four acre garden in the heart of Tupgill Park and the Yorkshire Dales. Ideal for the adventurers and those young at heart! Admission is by pre-booked tickets only.
HAPPA
Happa Shores Hey Farm, Briercliffe,, BurnleyA hidden delight set in acres of green space, overlooking the Thursden Valley in Burnley. Although primarily the home of HAPPA (Horses and Ponies Protection Association), the site provides everything that you would expect from a first-class award-winning tourist attraction destination. An onsite café serves delicious homemade food and cakes. Keep your children entertained by playing on the outdoor park or find HAPPA Fergus on the Facts With Fergus Trail. Open daily.
SELMA MAKELA – Future Haunting
Spring Antics in the Museum Haslingden Road, RossendaleExhibition - Selma Makela's Future Haunting at The Whitaker will include paintings developed from a rare collection of 19th-century glass slides of alpine climbers on Glaciers, as well as work derived from meteorological and geological phenomena. Wed - Sun: 10am - 4pm. Late night Thurs until 8pm. Free.
THE LION KING
The Palace Theatre ManchesterThe Lion King Musical transports audiences to a dazzling world that explodes with glorious colours, stunning effects and enchanting music. At its heart is the powerful and moving story of Simba - the epic adventure of his journey from wide-eyed cub to his destined role as King of the Pridelands. 7.30pm, Wed & Sat mat 2.30pm. £20 - £85.
VAN GOGH ALIVE
Regency Hall BradfordThis autumn, Bradford’s Grade II listed heritage events space, Regency Hall, will host the Yorkshire premiere of Van Gogh Alive, ‘the world’s most visited immersive, multi-sensory experience’ that exhibits the life and work of the seminal Dutch artist. Experience over 3,000 images from the artist that are spectacularly presented with stunning detail, including iconic works like Starry Night, Sunflowers and lesser-known paintings that were inspired by his love of Japanese woodprints. Various times and prices.
YORKSHIRE AIR MUSEUM
Yorkshire Air Museum Halifax Way, Elvington, YorkYorkshire Air Museum has a lot to offer, take a look round and discover the museum and the surrounding areas. From squadrons to sandwiches and everything inbetween. Gift shop and cafe. Open daily except Wednesdays. (Closed: Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.) Adult £12, child 4 - 17 yrs £5, family £30. Tickets offer free re-entry for 12 months.
CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY – THE MUSICAL
Leeds Playhouse Playhouse Square, Quarry Hill, LeedsRoald Dahl’s devilishly delicious tale of young golden ticket winner Charlie Bucket and wild confectionary wizard Willy Wonka will take you to a world of pure imagination this festive season. This dazzling reinvention of the successful West End and Broadway musical transports the show to mouth-watering new heights. Various times. £14 - £55.
CREATIVE CATCH-UP
Bury Art Museum Moss Street, BuryA free casual creative session where you can bring along your current art projects to share or get inspired and make marks with materials provided. This is a relaxed opportunity to feel encouraged and get arty for all ages. Monthly sessions. 19th Nov & 17th Dec. Free.
STARGAZING BENEATH INGLEBOROUGH
Ingleborough Cave IngleboroughJoin Pete Collins from Diamond Skies for a guided tour of the Dales night sky, and experience the Ingleborough Estate Nature Trail as never before. The evening will commence in The Old Sawmill Café, at the entrance to the trail, with a talk by Pete. 19th Nov, 14th Jan & 11th Feb. The event is suitable for children.
ALADDIN
Harrogate Theatre Oxford Street, HarrogateHarrogate – your magical carpet ride awaits! Times are tough for Aladdin and his poor mum Widow Twankey. That is until Aladdin finds an enchanted lamp with magical powers that can make all his wishes come true. Various times & prices.
LE MISERABLES
Leeds Grand Theatre New Briggate, LeedsThis brilliant new staging has taken the world by storm and has been hailed as “Les Mis for the 21st Century”. Seen by over 120 million people worldwide in 52 countries and in 22 languages, Les Misérables is undisputedly one of the world’s most popular musicals. 7.30pm. Wed, Thurs & Sat mat 2.30pm. £25 -£79.
ROBIN HOOD
The Dukes Moor Lane, LancasterRobin Hood is hot on the Sheriff’s heels and needs you to join his merry gang and help defeat the evil Sheriff. Are you ready for battle? Then join us for a tale featuring swords, sorcery and song! Romance and robbery! Archery and acrobatics! Derring-do and sheep pooh! Not to mention the infamous sea serpent of Morecambe! Various times & prices.
DICK WHITTINGTON – The Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto
City Varieties Music Hall 46 New Briggate, LeedsPresented by Leeds Heritage Theatres you’ll be wowed by this breath-taking production which mixes traditional elements of audience participation and corny gags with a jukebox full of classic rock anthems and chart-toppers, all performed live on stage by our ultra-talented cast of actor-musicians. Various times. £30 - £14.
SANTA’S SPECIALS 2022
East Lancashire Railway 23a Bolton St, BuryKick start your Christmas on one of our famous Santa Specials and treat the family to an enchanting voyage through the magical Irwell Valley! There’s more family fun, colourful characters and seasonal surprises than you can fit under a Christmas tree. Every weekend from 26th Nov to 18th Dec then 20th - 24th Dec. Various times and prices.
ELF EXPLORER
Keighley & Worth Valley Railway The Railway Station, Station Road, HaworthJoin us on the Elf Explorer for a magical experience this Christmas. Your experience begins when you arrive at Oxenhope station and are taken exploring through a winter wonderland by an Elf from the North Pole. You’ll then be able to write a list for Santa before boarding a steam train named The Elf Explorer for a fun-filled adventure with Father Christmas and his helpers. Every weekend from 26th Nov - 18th Dec and 22nd - 24th Dec. Various times.
FIRST CLASS SANTA SPECIALS
Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway Bolton Abbey, SkiptonCelebrate Christmas in style this year, with our amazing First Class Santa Specials. This experience includes a full hour of Christmas entertainment on board a steam train!Whilst enjoying your ride on board our Steam Train, you can enjoy a complimentary Hot Chocolate and a gingerbread reindeer for each child. You also receive a boxed festive mug and a 2-4-1 ticket to return to our railway in 2022! Every weekend from 26th Nov - 11th Dec, then 17th - 24th Dec.
THORNTON HALL CHRISTMAS ADVENTURE
Thornton Hall Country Park Thornton in Craven, BarnoldswickOur Thornton Hall Christmas Adventure for 2022 sees the return of tradition, pure magic and mystery. Get ready to immerse yourself in the true wonders of Christmas and all the magic it brings. Wrap up warm and prepare to be amazed on a magical journey as you join your very own Elf for 2022 ‘A Thornton Hall Christmas Adventure’. Various times throughout the day.
JACK & THE BEANSTALK
Albert Halls Victoria Square, BoltonPolka Dot Pantomimes in association with the Albert Halls present Jack and the Beanstalk - the hilarious Pantomime adventure. With a fabulous cast and the biggest Giant in pantoland it won’t cost you a bag of magic beans to see the best traditional family pantomime that is guaranteed to be FE-FI-FO-FUN for everyone! Various times. £18 - £22.
ALL NEW ADVENTURES OF PETER PAN
York Theatre Royal St. Leonard's Place, YorkAll New Adventures of Peter Pan, co-produced with Evolution Productions and starring CBeebies’ Maddie Moate as Tinkerbell. Join us for a fun-packed swashbuckling family adventure with an extra sprinkling of fairy dust magic. Expect laughter, music and family fun galore. Various times £13 - £34.
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK
Lawrence Batley Theatre Queen's Square, Queen St, HuddersfieldWith spectacular effects, a side-splitting script and musical numbers to get you mooo-ving, come join Jack as he climbs up the beanstalk in this enchanting Christmas adventure of epic proportions! Various times & prices.
CHRISTMAS DINNER
East Lancashire Railway 23a Bolton St, BuryIndulge in an enchanting evening meal complete with all the trimmings and festive foodie favourites. Dinner on our Christmas steam trains are the best way to celebrate the season in style. 2nd, 9th, 16th, 17th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd Dec.
FAMILY THEATRE : Christmas in the Valley
Horse + Bamboo Waterfoot, RossendaleHorse + Bamboo's retelling of a Christmas story, in a very familiar setting, will take you on a whirlwind adventure that will keep Christmas in your heart all the year. An immersive adventure through Rossendale Valley at Christmas, brought to life with animation, puppetry & live music. Ages 3yrs - 7yrs. 11am - 3pm. £8/£6.
SANTA’S GROTTO AT INGLEBOROUGH CAVE
Ingleborough Cave IngleboroughFor our 2022 Santa’s Grotto, the time you book is the time that you should arrive at our new ticket foyer at The Old Sawmill Café at the start of Ingleborough Estate Nature Trail, a short 5 minute walk from the Yorkshire Dales National Park car park. You then have 75 minutes before your Santa Experience gathers at Ingleborough Cave, which is a 1.23 mile walk away. The Old Sawmill Cafe will be open all day for our Big Christmas BBQ! If you have visited our Santa’s Grotto before, you will know we don’t do Christmas by halves, so take it from us when we say this place is worth factoring in for lunch and/or a drink and something sweet! Adult £13, child £15.50. Booking essential for grotto.
Santa Train at Windmill Animal Farm
Windmill Animal Farm Redcat Lane, Burscough, OrmskirkVisit Father Christmas on their railway! The Santa train ticket includes full access to all their fantastic farm attractions, were all the animals will definitely be in the festive spirit. On the return journey adults can look forward to complimentary hot drinks and home cakes from the coffee shop. 10am-5pm. Each compartment includes admission for a maximum of 4 people, including infants, for a total cost of £85. Booking is essential.
CINDERELLA – Christmas Panto
The Grand Theatre, St. Leonardsgate LancasterPresented by Lancaster Footlights - Cinderella is a traditional family pantomime enhanced by lots of fantastic musical numbers, dancing, dazzling costumes and audience participation. Expect mayhem and magic. A Christmas treat not to be missed! Various times. £9.50/£10.50.
BETTY! A SORT OF MUSICAL
Royal Exchange Theatre St Ann’s Square, ManchesterAs the first female speaker of the House of Commons, Betty Boothroyd is a Dewsbury girl to celebrate, and the six ladies (plus Calvin) of The Dewsbury Players are going to do just that... through the medium of musical theatre! 'Here's to a woman who conquered the murky world of Westminster with nothing but wit and gumption.. and enough hairspray to turn a tsunami into a kiss curl.' 7.30pm. Wed & Sat mat 2.30pm. Various prices.
DICK WHITTINGHAM – Adult Panto
The Grand Theatre, St. Leonardsgate LancasterThe Adult Panto team are flinging themselves into the festive spirit again as they bring more crazy Christmas chaos to the Lancaster Grand Theatre with their own special seasonal take on the tale of Dick Whittington.
A FATHER CHRISTMAS CRUISE
Hotel Rendezvous SkiptonJoin us aboard The Graceful Swan for a special Christmas cruise with Santa! 1.5 hour cruise along the Leeds Liverpool Canal. £20 per child - festive activities & Santa’s Grotto (includes a gift for each paying child). Hot chocolate and sweet treat included. Adult £10 includes tea, coffee and mulled wine. Under 2yrs go free. Every Sun in Dec plus Christmas Eve. 10am & 2pm.
BLT – TWELFTH NIGHT
Bingley Little Theatre Bingley Arts Centre, BingleyTwelfth Night is one of Shakespeare’s most popular comedies – a tale of disguise, romance and packed with unforgettable characters, it is sure to be a seasonal delight.
Get Help with NHS Healthy Start
Colne LibraryNHS Healthy Start gives families the best start in life by providing help, through a pre-paid Healthy Start card, to buy basic foods. If you’re more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, the Healthy Start scheme can help you buy healthy foods like milk or fruit and get free vitamins. Staff at these drop-in digital support sessions will help you to find out if you are eligible and support you to apply online.
CHRISTMAS CAROL SERVICE
Pendle Heritage Centre Barrowfod, ColneJoin us for our annual Christmas Carol Service in the atmospheric and festive Cruck Barn.
STICK MAN
Leeds Playhouse Playhouse Square, Quarry Hill, LeedsTouching, funny and utterly original, Freckle Productions’ delightful adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s Stick Man. This award-winning production, from the team behind Zog and the Flying Doctors, Zog, Tiddler and other Terrific Tales, and Tabby McTat features a trio of top actors and is packed full of puppetry, songs, live music and funky moves. 10.30am, 1pm & 4pm. £14 -£21.
ROOM ON THE BROOM
The Lowry Pier 8, The Quays, SalfordJump on board the broom with the witch and her cat in Tall Stories’ fun-filled adaptation of Room on the Broom, the best-selling picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Will there ever be room on the broom for everyone? Find out in the magical Olivier Award nominated show for everyone aged 3 and up. 10.30am & 1pm.
WREATH MAKING AT HOLMES MILL
Holmes Mill, Greenacre Street, ClitheroeWreath making class with Mad Florists. Your ticket includes mulled wine, mince pies and festive canapés, as well as all your wreath making materials.
ANYTHING FOR LOVE – The Meat Loaf Story
St. George's Hall BradfordThe highly acclaimed Steve Steinman brings you his brand-new production featuring over 25 of Meat Loaf and Jim Steinman’s greatest hits, with special guest star Lorraine Crosby, the female lead vocalist on Meat Loaf’s Grammy Award winning song and No 1 hit the world over I Would Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That).
BLACKBURN CHAMBER CHOIR AT CHRISTMAS
Spring Antics in the Museum Haslingden Road, RossendaleWe are excited to be welcoming back the amazing Blackburn Chamber Choir performing their Christmas programme.
KING ARTHUR – THE PANTO
Chorley Theatre Dole Lane, ChorleyA traditional family Pantomime featuring plenty of fun and silliness. Pantomime written and directed by Robert Walsh. Various times. Adults £12, Children £10. Family £39.
MOTHER GOOSE
Preston Playhouse Market Street West, PrestonPreston Musical Comedy Society’s Christmas Pantomime for 2022 is Mother Goose, possibly the oldest panto story of them all. This family pantomime is full of fun, laughter, music, dance and just everything to cheer you up and enjoy the festive season. Various times. Adult £12, concessions £10, family £40.
CHRISTMAS PARTY NIGHT FEATURING VOGUE
Albert Halls Victoria Square, BoltonChristmas party nights return to the Albert Halls, featuring singing duo Vogue and DJ with a hot buffet supper.
ROB NEWMAN – Live on Stage
Home 2 Tony Wilson Place, ManchesterFresh from his BBC Radio 4 series Rob Newman On Air, the award-winning comedian’s new show is a stand-up epic that goes from cave paintings to car-free cities to ask: Who are we? Where are we going? And how do spiders fly? “The funniest comedian I have ever seen.” Sunday Times.
PETER PAN ON ICE
Blackpool Pleasure Beach Ocean Boulevard Promenade, BlackpoolA magical adventure on ice presented by BIDCA. 2.30pm & 7pm. From £10.
THE PANTOMIME ADVENTURES OF PETER PAN
Opera House, Manchester ManchesterComedy superstar Jason Manford will lead the cast in The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan in the role of Captain Hook, joined by returning Manchester panto favourite Ben Nickless as Smee. Various times. £13 - £51.
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK
King George’s Hall Northgate, BlackburnThis Christmas, you’re invited to a pantomime full of Fe, Fi, Fo & Fun! Join our hero Jack and his mother Dame Trott as they try to defeat the evil Fleshcreep and his master the Giant who lives in the great castle in the sky. Various times. £14 - £19.50.
OLD GRANNY GOOSE
Grand Opera House YorkBerwick Kaler is back with another spectacular pantomime for Christmas 2022 and joining him will be the dastardly David Leonard, side-kick Martin Barrass, principal ‘girl’ Suzy Cooper and favourite funny man AJ Powell. You may not remember the plot, but you will remember the laughs during the winter months. Various times and prices.
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK
The Alhambra Theatre Morley Street, BradfordStarring Bradford panto legend Billy Pearce as Farmer Billy, Emmerdale star and King of the Jungle Danny Miller as Jack and Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK runner-up Divina De Campo as The Spirit of the Beans. Doomed to sell his trusty cow, Jack sets out on a quest to climb a beanstalk of gigantic proportions to cloudland in the spectacular family pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk. £17 - £43.
THE HALLE’ – Messiah
The Bridgewater Hall Lower Mosley Street, ManchesterHandel The Messiah - Matthew Hamilton conductor and choral director. £5.50 - £46.
SOUL TRAIN
Pendle Hippodrome Theatre New Market Street, ColneHarking back to the wonderful days when the dance floor was king, performers deliver a fun presentation of 60s and 70s soul classics. From early soul days of Tamla Motown, Stax, and Atlantic records through to disco and beyond as the show brings on the good times.
CLASSIC SOUL CHRISTMAS
The Muni Theatre ColneGinger Taylor Roman, Mike Kemp and Richard Lodge. Dancing from 8pm.
OH WHAT A NIGHT!
Silsden Town Hall Main Street, SilsdenJersey Boys tribute act featuring all the hits from Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons.
SOUL TRAIN
Pendle Hippodrome Theatre New Market Street, ColneHarking back to the wonderful days when the dance floor was king, performers deliver a fun presentation of 60s and 70s soul classics. From early soul days of Tamla Motown, Stax, and Atlantic records through to disco and beyond as the show brings on the good times. Great atmosphere - wonderful memories and always a fun night out!