Christmas at Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal
Join in with Christmas traditions 900 years in the making at Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal.
The elves are still at work...
You'll find lots of information about what's happening this Christmas below. We're still confirming some of the details to be sure to check back in. We don't want you to miss anything!
Festive Trail
28 November - 3 January
Wrap up warm and set off on a festive adventure through the magnificent ruins and water gardens of Fountains Abbey. Perfect for young explorers. Pick up your trail sheet from Admissions, follow the clues, and see what festive wonders you can uncover as you explore one of Yorkshire’s most magical winter landscapes. Perfect for children of all ages, it's a great way to enjoy some family fun in the fresh air this festive season.
Carols by Candlelight services
Sunday 6 & Sunday 13 December. 2.30 - 3.30pm
This year we'll be hosting these from inside the beautiful St Mary's Church in the deer park. Soak in the festive atmosphere and sing along to traditional carols led by Ripon City Band as the candlelight flickers around the colourful surroundings.
Tickets for this event need to be booked in advance and will be for sale on our website from 6 November.
Please note that there is no vehicle access to the church. Parking for this event is at the Visitor Centre. The walk from the visitor centre to the church is approximately half a mile. A minibus service runs from the Visitor Centre to the church for those who have additional access needs. Please allow additional time from arrival to make your way to the church. Don't forget to bring a torch as twilight will have fallen by the end of the service.
Music in the abbey
Every Saturday & Sunday between 28 November to 27 December (excl 26 December). 2 - 3pm
You can still see live choirs and have a sing-a-long in the cellarium every Saturday and Sunday between 28 November to 27 December (excluding 26 December). You won't need to book a ticket for this as it's part of normal admission.
Carols around the christmas tree
Sunday 6, 13 & 20 December. 11am - 12pm
Grab a hot chocolate to warm your pipes and sing along to some festive favourites around the glittering Christmas Tree in the courtyard from 11am - 12pm.
Bah, Humbug! A Christmas Carol at Fountains Hall
28 November - 3 January. Times: TBC
Step into the pages of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol as Fountains Hall is transformed into a richly festive Victorian Christmas. Wander through beautifully decorated rooms filled with the sights, sounds and scents of the season, where crackling fires glow in historic hearths, the sound of carols drifts through the hall, and atmospheric, shadowy corners hint at the ghosts and secrets of Dickens’ much-loved tale. Built in the 17th century from stone taken from the abbey ruins, Fountains Hall provides the perfect backdrop for this immersive journey through Victorian Christmas traditions. Discover scenes inspired by Scrooge’s remarkable transformation, marvel at lavish festive decorations, and experience the warmth, mystery and wonder that have made this timeless story a Christmas favourite for generations.
Little Bird Christmas Artisan market
Saturday 28 & Sunday 29 Nov. 10am - 3pm
Make your way down to the West Green of the Abbey for a truly special shopping experience. Browse through gifts and crafts by some of Yorkshire’s finest independent makers, artists, and food producers.
Normal admission applies
Our Christmas traditions
See which Christmas traditions will be returning to Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal this year.
On the hoof in Studley Royal deer park
Trot along to the deer park and see if you can spot some of the 300 deer that call Studley home. Can you tell the difference between the Red, Sika and Fallow deer? With their large antlers and enthusiastic leaps, our younger visitors might even mistake them for Father Christmas’s magical reindeer... Join us on Saturday 5, Sunday 13 and Saturday 19 December, 10 - 11am by St Mary's Church (in the deer park) to go 'On the Hoof' and watch the wild deer munching through their winter feed. See some antlers up close and chat to our rangers who will be on hand to tell you about their job managing the deer herd answer your questions.
Discover more ways to enjoy a festive day out at Fountains Abbey
Looking for Father Christmas?
Nearby Beningbrough Hall has the man in red visiting for small group stories. This popular event can sell out so pre-booking early is recommended. Tickets are due on sale mid-September.
You might also be interested in
Family-friendly things to do at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal
Helpful tips if you’re planning a visit to Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal with babies and children
Christmas in Yorkshire
From twinkling winter lights and houses dressed for the season, to wreath making, storytelling with Mrs Claus and meeting Father Christmas himself, there's plenty of fun festive things to do across Yorkshire.
Christmas at Beningbrough
Father Christmas is returning to the hall and new for 2025, he's taken up room on the top floor. Storytime is now sold out but find out about crafting workshops and what else to expect when you visit, including places to eat and what's on offer in the shop.
