What’s on & news

Mon 22 Dec 2025 until
 Tue 23 Dec 2025

It's a Wonderful Life (U), Ritz Cinema, Westgate, Thirsk YO7 1QS. Christmas Special, 2 nights only. A holiday favourite for generations... George Bailey has spent his entire life giving to the people of Bedford Falls. All that prevents rich skinflint Mr. Potter from taking over the entire town is George's modest building and loan company. But on Christmas Eve the business's $8,000 is lost and George's troubles begin. 7.30pm. £6 on door, £7 online. tel: 01845 524751 tickets: Online or on door web: https://ritzcinema.co.uk

Now until
 Wed 24 Dec 2025

The Polar Express Train Ride, Bolton Abbey Station, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 6AF. http://www.ebar.org.uk/polarexpress. 09.00 - 19.00. £37 to £59.95. tel: 01756 710614 tickets: Online only email: office@ebar.org.uk web: https://www.ebar.org.uk/polarexpress

Now until
 Wed 24 Dec 2025

Magical Christmas Experience, Prophecy House, High Bridge, Knaresborough, HG5 8DD. Step into a magical Christmas world at Mother Shipton’s. Meet Santa, enjoy festive activities, explore enchanting woodland displays, and toast marshmallows by the fire. Create unforgettable memories in one of the UK’s best-rated grottos this festive season. Check website for full details. From £54 for Car/Pedestrian Group Ticket (Covers up to 5 people) + Santa Ticket. tel: 01423 864600 tickets: Online - Booking is essential email: info@mothershipton.co.uk web: https://myfmx.uk?c=2lblmes

Tue 23 Dec 2025 until
 Wed 24 Dec 2025

Nine Lessons & Carols, Ripon Cathedral, Minster Road, Ripon, HG4 1QT. On two evenings: the traditional Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols when the story of Christmas is told in readings and music from Ripon Cathedral Choir. Everyone seated by 5.10pm, service 5:30pm - 7:00pm. tickets: Book online (ticketed services due to popularity). web: https://riponcathedral.org.uk/whats-on

Wed 24 Dec 2025

Christmas Eve Crib Service, St Mary's Church, Kirkgate, Thirsk YO7 1PR. Join us for our family friendly crib service on Christmas Eve. All welcome. 4pm. Free. email: hello@thirskparishes.org web: https://www.thirskparishes.org/

Thu 25 Dec 2025

Free afternoon tea, Maple Park Café, Skipton Bridge, Thirsk YO7 4SA. A free afternoon tea for anyone who may be spending Christmas Day on their own. It was very popular last Christmas and no doubt will be again this year. tel: 01845 813115 tickets: Book by phone

Fri 26 Dec 2025

Boxing Day Pilgrimage, Start at Ripon Cathedral, Minster Road, Ripon HG4 1QS. Annual St Stephen’s Day celebration 4 mile walk from the Cathedral to Fountains Abbey, followed by a short service in the Abbey cellarium. The pilgrimage follows in the footsteps of the monks that founded Fountains Abbey. Start 10.15am, ends about 12.45pm. Entry to Fountains Abbey is free to non NT members until 12pm on Boxing Day when the service starts.

Fri 26 Dec 2025

Free entry, Thorp Perrow Arboretum, Bedale DL8 2PS. On Boxing Day we’re offering admission to the arboretum free of charge so you can take time to reset and enjoy nature after the rush of the big day. From Sat 27 Dec to Sun 15 Feb, admission is at half price but you must use code ‘halfprice’ at checkout for the offer to apply. 10am-5pm. email: enquiries@thorpperrow.com web: https://thorpperrow.com

Sat 27 Dec 2025

Thirsk Christmas Walking Tour, Meet by the information centre, Thirsk Market Place YO7 1EY. This festive journey through Thirsk’s history explores Christmas in poorhouses, alleys, and markets, crimes of the 16th century, and why carol singers were expelled from churches. Discover the Hermit’s dwelling, Nelson’s surgical link, a mysterious 7ft skeleton, and the canal that never was - revealing secrets beneath Thirsk’s past. Please wear sensible shoes. 11am, finish about 12.30pm. No fixed price but donations gratefully received. tel: 07988 758288 tickets: No need to book email: ThirskWalkingTours@gmail.com

Sat 27 Dec 2025 until
 Mon 29 Dec 2025

The Choral (12A), The Forum, Bullamoor Rd, Northallerton DL6 1LP. Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Roger Allam, Robert Emms, Mark Addy, Simon Russell Beale, Alun Armstrong in Yorkshire, 1916. A choral society's male members enlist in World War I, leaving the demanding Dr. Guthrie to recruit teenagers. Together, they experience the joy of singing while the young boys grapple with their impending conscription into the army. Sat 2.30pm, Sun 7.30pm, Mon 2.30pm. £6, Child/Senior/Student £5. tel: 01609 776230 tickets: Book online, at The Forum or on the door. email: info@forumnorthallerton.org.uk web: https://forumnorthallerton.org.uk

Sun 28 Dec 2025 until
 Mon 29 Dec 2025

Mince Pie Steam Specials, Wensleydale Railway, Leeming Bar Station, Leases Road, Leeming Bar DL7 9AR. For two-days only, travel back in time by steam locomotive and blow those post-Christmas cobwebs away. Enjoy a festive journey between Leeming Bar, Bedale and Leyburn and a complimentary mince pie and hot drink served on board Black Five steam locomotive No. 45407. You can also depart from Leeming Bar, Bedale or Leyburn stations,. 10am, 12.20pm & 2.40pm. £25, Child (3-15) £5. tel: 01677 425805 tickets: Booking essential email: admin@wensleydalerailway.com web: https://wensleydalerailway.com

Sat 27 Dec 2025 until
 Tue 30 Dec 2025

Nuremberg, Ritz Cinema, Westgate, Thirsk YO7 1QS. Starring Russell Crowe, Rami Malek, Michael Shannon, Colin Hanks, Richard E. Grant, John Slattery and Leo Woodall. In postwar Germany, an American psychiatrist must determine whether Nazi prisoners are fit to go on trial for war crimes, and finds himself in a complex battle of intellect and ethics with Hermann Göring, Hitler's right-hand man. Subtitled on Sunday. 7.30pm. £6 on door, £7 online. tel: 01845 524751 tickets: Online or on door web: https://ritzcinema.co.uk

Sat 27 Dec 2025 until
 Tue 30 Dec 2025

Blue Moon (15), The Forum, Bullamoor Rd, Northallerton DL6 1LP. Only Mon Tue Sat. On the evening of March 31, 1943, legendary lyricist Lorenz Hart confronts his shattered self-confidence in Sardi’s bar as his former collaborator Richard Rodgers celebrates the opening night of his ground-breaking hit musical “Oklahoma!”. Sat 7.30pm, Mon 7.30pm, Tue 2.30pm. £6, Child/Senior/Student £5. tel: 01609 776230 tickets: Book online, at The Forum or on the door. email: info@forumnorthallerton.org.uk web: https://forumnorthallerton.org.uk

Now until
 Wed 31 Dec 2025

Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Darlington Hippodrome, Parkgate DL1 1RR. Strictly Come Dancing star Brendan Cole leads as the Evil Ringmaster, joined by Darlington panto regulars Josh Benson and Jamie Jones as Joey the Clown and Dame Betty Barnum. For four weeks only Darlington Hippodrome will be transformed into a sensational circus, where everything is possible, and anything could (and will) happen. 10.30am, 2pm, 5.30pm & 7pm: check website for dates. Family (3-6) £26. tel: 01325 405405 tickets: Book online, no show 25 Dec email: hippodrome.boxoffice@darlington.gov.uk web: https://darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk

Wed 31 Dec 2025

Thai Supper Evening, Coxwold Tearoom. New Years Eve special to include a bottle of Prosecco.
Booking Essential. 7.00pm for 7.30pm. £39.95 per couple. email: coxwoldtearoom@gmail.com web: https://www.coxwoldtearoom.co.uk

Wed 31 Dec 2025

Ripon New Year’s Eve, Ripon Market Square. Live music and the ringing in of the new year with fireworks at midnight. Watchnight Service and Torchlight Procession – From Ripon Cathedral to the Market Square starting at 11am. From 9pm.

Now until
 Sun 4 Jan 2026

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Castle Howard, near Malton, York YO60 7DA. Follow in Dorothy's footsteps. The House is transformed into the magical world of Oz. Experience our festive take on this much-loved story, told through installations, soundscapes and projections. From £23+booking fee, including access to the Gardens. tickets: Book online web: https://castlehoward.co.uk

Now until
 Sun 4 Jan 2026

New Yarnbombers display, Thirsk Market Place. Christmas-themed knitting and crotcheting around the town.

Now until
 Sun 4 Jan 2026

Sleeping Beauty Family Pantomime, York Theatre Royal, St. Leonard's Place, York YO1 7HD. The magical Sleeping Beauty is brought to life by Evolution Productions. Starring Jennie Dale as Fairy Moonbeam, Robin Simpson, Jocasta Almgill, Tommy Carmichael, Aoife Kenny, and Christian Mortimer, this festive family show promises adventure, laughs, and dazzling effects. A sparkling seasonal treat you won’t want to miss!. tickets: Book online web: https://yorktheatreroyal.co.uk/show/sleeping-beauty

Fri 2 Jan 2026 until
 Sun 4 Jan 2026

Community New Year Retreat, Holy Rood House, Centre for Health & Pastoral Care, 10 Sowerby Rd. Thirsk YO7 1HXk. Led by Revds. Sue Hammersley, Sybille Batten & the Holy Rood community for good times, good food, poetry, music, creative arts & rest, linking to our theme of the year -'Let Justice Flow.'. Friday 4pm to Sunday 2pm. tel: 01845 522580

Fri 2 Jan 2026 until
 Sun 4 Jan 2026

Wicked for Good, The Forum, Bullamoor Rd, Northallerton DL6 1LP. As an angry mob rises against the Wicked Witch, Glinda and Elphaba will need to come together one final time. With their singular friendship now the fulcrum of their futures, they will need to truly see each other, with honesty and empathy, if they are to change themselves, and all of Oz, for good. Fri 2.30pm, Sat 11.30am, Sun 7.30pm. £6, Child/Senior/Student £5. tel: 01609 776230 tickets: Book online, at The Forum or on the door. email: info@forumnorthallerton.org.uk web: https://forumnorthallerton.org.uk

Sun 4 Jan 2026

Thirsk Farmers' Market, Market Place, Thirsk YO7 1EY. Unlike some other markets all stallholders are local independent businesses who grow, rear or produce the food or drink on their stall. They're passionate about what they do and it shows. 9am-2pm. email: info@northerndalesfarmersmarkets.com web: https://northerndalesfarmersmarkets.com

Tue 6 Jan 2026

Romanby Jazz and Cabaret Club, Romanby Golf & Country Club, Yafforth Rd. Romanby. DL7 0PE. Jump, Jive 'n Wail with lashings of style bags of energy, breathing new life into classics from he 30's to the 60's. Swing, Jive, Rock'n'roll and soul. Buffet lunch inc. Doors open at 12pm. 12.30 to 3pm. £20. tel: 07856 432673 tickets: online or by phone email: stephenwest277@gmail.com web: https://www.romanby.com/jazz

Fri 2 Jan 2026 until
 Thu 8 Jan 2026

Ella McCay (12A), Ritz Cinema, Westgate, Thirsk YO7 1QS. Starring Emma MacKey and Jamie Lee Curtis. An idealistic young politician juggles familial issues and a challenging work life while preparing to take over the job of her mentor, the state’s longtime incumbent governor. 7.30pm, also 2.30pm Wed. £6 on door, £7 online. tel: 01845 524751 tickets: Online or on door web: https://ritzcinema.co.uk

Thu 8 Jan 2026

Jim Smith: Prime Cuts, The Forum, Bullamoor Rd, Northallerton DL6 1LP. One of Scotland’s most beloved farming comedians, bringing his unique blend of rural humour and sharp storytelling to audiences across the country. Hailing from Perthshire, Jim is not only a stand-up comedian but also a working farmer, making his comedy deeply relatable to those who know the joys and struggles of agricultural life. 7.30pm. £24. tel: 01609 776230 tickets: Book online, at The Forum or on the door. email: info@forumnorthallerton.org.uk web: https://forumnorthallerton.org.uk

Fri 9 Jan 2026

Bitter Sweet: Sabrina & Olivia, The Forum, Bullamoor Rd, Northallerton DL6 1LP. The incredible tribute concert to pop mega-stars Sabrina Carpenter and Olivia Rodrigo. Carpenters and Livvies alike will rejoice in a spectacular show packed with pop smash-hits, heartbreak anthems, and the undeniable thrill of friendly rivalry. 7.30pm. £23. tel: 01609 776230 tickets: Book online, at The Forum or on the door. email: info@forumnorthallerton.org.uk web: https://forumnorthallerton.org.uk

Sat 10 Jan 2026

Repair your stuff, Thirsk Library, Meadowfields, Chapel St YO7 1TH. Be greener by avoiding waste and save money by letting a team of dedicated and talented volunteers try to repair your broken or “worn-out” items; cost is a voluntary donation. For further details or if you would like to volunteer, please email. 10am-1pm, last repair 12.30pm. Free, donations welcome. email: thirskrepaircafe@gmail.com

Sun 11 Jan 2026

Chethams music school students, Holy Trinity Church, Kirkby Rd, Ripon HG4 2EY. This famous school has launched so many talented musicians on their careers. Many have become household names in concert halls around the world. 3pm. £21.56 & £10.78, Students/18 and under free, Adult accompanying under 18 free. tickets: Book online web: https://riponconcerts.co.uk

Fri 9 Jan 2026 until
 Mon 12 Jan 2026

Zootropolis 2 (PG), The Forum, Bullamoor Rd, Northallerton DL6 1LP. Not Sun. Detectives Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (voiced by Jason Bateman) find themselves on the twisting trail of a mysterious reptile who arrives in Zootropolis and turns the mammal metropolis upside down. Fri 10.30pm, Sat 2.30pm, Mon 2.30pm. £6, Child/Senior/Student £5. tel: 01609 776230 tickets: Book online, at The Forum or on the door. email: info@forumnorthallerton.org.uk web: https://forumnorthallerton.org.uk

Mon 12 Jan 2026

Rock Choir, Thirsk Methodist Church, St James Green, Thirsk, YO7 1AQ. Monday evenings we sing contemporary songs from the 50's to today. No auditions and all abilities. Great experiences from recording at Abbey Road, Edinburgh Fringe, stadium areas and our own gigs. Look up our website and click on 'join' or 'taster session'. 7.00pm till 8.30pm. Monthly payment - see website. tickets: Book online web: https://rockchoir.com/join

Tue 13 Jan 2026

John Gully: Fighter & Miner, Sacred Heart Church, Thirsk Rd, Northallerton DL6 1PJ. Northallerton & District Local History Society. 'John Gully: Prize Fighter & Mining Developer'. Talk by Anthony Wood. 7pm. Non members £5, full-time students free. tel: 07566 770625 email: heritage1138@outlook.com

Wed 14 Jan 2026

Royal Opera: La Traviata (12A), The Forum, Bullamoor Rd, Northallerton DL6 1LP. At one of her lavish parties, celebrated Parisan courtesan Violetta is introduced to Alfredo Germont. The two fall madly in love, and though hesitant to leave behind her life of luxury and freedom, Violetta follows her heart. 8.45pm. £16, Child £10, Senior/Student £13. tel: 01609 776230 tickets: Book online, at The Forum or on the door. email: info@forumnorthallerton.org.uk web: https://forumnorthallerton.org.uk

Fri 9 Jan 2026 until
 Thu 15 Jan 2026

Fackham Hall (15), Ritz Cinema, Westgate, Thirsk YO7 1QS. A new porter embarks on an unlikely relationship with the youngest daughter of a prominent English family. Simultaneously, rivalries are spilling over in the Davenport family, led by the Lord and Lady as they also weather the epic failure of the wedding of their eldest daughter to her caddish cousin. 7.30pm. £6 on door, £7 online. tel: 01845 524751 tickets: Online or on door web: https://ritzcinema.co.uk

Fri 16 Jan 2026 until
 Thu 22 Jan 2026

Marty Supreme (15), Ritz Cinema, Westgate, Thirsk YO7 1QS. Starring Timothee Chalamet, Gwyneth Paltrow, Odessa A'zion. In 1950s New York, Marty Mauser, a young man with a dream no one respects, goes to hell and back in pursuit of greatness. 7.30pm, also 2.30pm Wed. £6 on door, £7 online. tel: 01845 524751 tickets: Online or on door web: https://ritzcinema.co.uk

Sun 18 Jan 2026 until
 Sat 24 Jan 2026

Mother Goose Pantomime NAVC, The Forum, Bullamoor Rd, Northallerton DL6 1LP. Not Wed. Northallerton Amateur Variety Company presents Mother Goose written by an expert panto script writer Alan Frayn. We have Priscilla the Goose who the children will love and our wonderful dame Mother Goose who with her son, Billy Gosling, will no doubt be getting into all sorts of trouble. Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat 7.15pm. Also Sun & Sat 2.15pm,. £14, Child £12. tel: 01609 776230 tickets: Book online, at The Forum or on the door. email: info@forumnorthallerton.org.uk web: https://forumnorthallerton.org.uk

Now until
 Fri 27 Feb 2026

Exhibition, Helmsley Arts Centre, Meeting House Ct, Helmsley, YO62 5DW. 'Forms of Water' by Jess Shaw. tel: 01439 771700 web: https://helmsleyarts.co.uk/whats-on

Now until
 Sat 28 Feb 2026

Luminescence - A Winter Light Trail, Swinton Estate. Not Mon Tue Wed. Immerse yourself in a magical woodland escape this winter. Set amidst the 17 acre wooded gardens of Swinton Park Hotel you will be transported to an ethereal illuminated experience depicting the magic of the natural world. 4pm - last entry at 8pm. See web site. tel: 01765 680900 tickets: Book on web site (must be booked in advance) email: reservations@swintonestate.com web: https://swintonestate.com

Wed 14 Jan 2026 until
 Wed 4 Mar 2026

Watercolours, 8-Week Course, Family Life Church Hall, Finkle Street, Thirsk. 8 week watercolour course for beginners & intermediates. All materials provided. Just come and paint. Contact Alison for further details. (Limited numbers.). Wednesdays 9.30am -12.30pm. email: allez.art@hotmail.com

Wed 14 Jan 2026 until
 Wed 4 Mar 2026

Learn to Paint Watercolours, Family Life Church Hall, Finkle Street, Thirsk, YO7 1DA. Learn to paint in an encouraging and supportive environment. 8 weekly watercolour workshops for the beginner with an experienced tutor and artist. All materials and equipment provided, plus refreshments. 09.30am - 12.30pm. £195. tel: 07783 931661 tickets: allez.art@hotmail.com email: allez.art@hotmail.com