If you’re looking for somewhere special to visit in the lead up to Christmas, the city of Ripon has it all: picture-postcard cobbled streets, a spectacular cathedral, and a whole host of Christmas-themed attractions that are sure to give you that festive feeling. It’s also quick, easy and affordable to reach using East Yorkshire Buses’ No.82 service, which takes as little as 20 minutes from Boroughbridge or 1 hour 15 minutes from York, travelling through the scenic North Yorkshire countryside on the way. You can avoid the hassle of finding a parking space and you’ll be reducing your carbon footprint, too. Here are just some of the Christmas events happening in Ripon this month.
Follow the Sensory Christmas Trail at Ripon Cathedral
Ripon Cathedral is always worth a visit but it looks particularly magical at Christmas time, when it’s trimmed with festive foliage and a glowing real tree. This impressive place of worship has stood for more than 1350 years and it boasts many beautiful and unusual details – the decorative wooden carvings in its quire are even thought to have inspired some of the curious characters in Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. Other notable features are the building’s Great East Window and its Anglo-Saxon underground crypt, which is the oldest structure to be found in any English cathedral. This Christmas, you can follow a fragrant sensory trail here, taking in smells that symbolise the birth of the baby Jesus. Ripon Cathedral Choir and the St Cecilia Orchestra will also be hosting their annual carol concert on the 15th December. This popular event often sells out, so tickets should be booked as soon as possible.
Try Festive Gelato at Valentino’s
Offering delicious, authentic Italian food, Valentino’s has been a favourite among Ripon’s foodies since it opened back in the 1980s. In recent years, the restaurant has undergone a revamp and it now boasts five luxury en-suite rooms that make the perfect base for those planning a weekend break in the city. Its talented chefs also make their own creamy gelato, which can be bought in 400ml pots to take away and enjoy. This Winter, they have added six new festive flavours to the menu: Gingerbread and Butterscotch, Chocolate and Hazelnut, Candy Cane, Fig and Cinnamon, Apple Pie and Salted Caramel, and White Chocolate and Coconut. All are available to pre-order from now until Christmas Eve – which one will you choose?
Follow Ripon Museums’ Green Christmas Trail
Ripon’s museums are currently closed for the winter but you can still have some festive fun with their Green Christmas Trail, which is designed to get you out and about exploring the city. A treasure hunt with an eco-conscious twist, this takes you to various shops and businesses where handmade star decorations have been placed on display. Find all of the stars and their letters and you’ll then be able to claim your free prize – a museum-grown hazel decoration engraved by Jennyruth workshops. The trail runs until the 6th January and you can download a trail sheet from the Ripon Museums website or collect one from any Ripon charity shop, the BID office or the GreenHouse.
Set sail on a Winter Warmer Cruise
If you’d like to make the last weekend before Christmas extra special, Ripon Scenic Cruises are offering the chance to set sail on a Winter Warmer Cruise aboard their narrowboat, The Pride of Ripon. You’ll spend half an hour on the boat, taking in some of the city’s sights from the canal and enjoying seasonal refreshments in the form of mulled wine, fruit punch, luxury hot chocolate and mince pies. You’ll also be able to visit the cosy Yule Tent in the canal basin, which will offer live music and an open fire to warm up next to as you soak up the festive atmosphere. Little ones will be kept entertained during their cruise with a fun treasure hunt to follow. The Winter Warmer Cruise runs between 21-23rd December, from 9.45am daily, and tickets cost £8.95 per person.
Step into a Winter Wonderland at Ripon Spa Gardens
Ripon’s highly-praised Winter Wonderland is back for 2024. Between the 13-15th December, its Spa Gardens will be decorated for Christmas with colourful lights illuminating the trees and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy. This year’s event will include a snow machine, snowball throwing and free craft activities. Traditional carols and musical performances by Trinity Choir, Masham Handbell Ringers and Yorkshire Voices will help you to get in the Christmas spirit and you’ll be able to view all of the imaginative entries in the alternative Christmas tree competition. The free, three-day event will also feature stalls selling mulled wine, hot chocolate and other tasty refreshments. Please note: these accept cash only.
Images- https://www.facebook.com/RiponSpaGardens/, @riponcathedral, @riponsceniccruises
