What’s on
Every month, Helmsley and it’s surrounding areas host an array of exciting and unique events:
Shoot Season 2025/2026
Experience the tradition of game shooting in the stunning North York Moors National Park. With seasonal grouse and pheasant shoots — and opportunities for partridge and duck — it’s a true countryside pursuit set against one of North Yorkshire’s most breathtaking landscapes.
A Winter Celebration
Join us at Helmsley Walled Garden on Friday 7 November 2025 for free entry, live traditional apple-pressing, and complimentary mulled apple juice and cake. A relaxed and family-friendly winter celebration in the heart of North Yorkshire.
Christmas at Castle Howard
Experience the magic of Christmas at Castle Howard with “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” from 13 November 2025 to 4 January 2026. Immerse yourself in themed décor, projections and story-driven installations in one of North Yorkshire’s most iconic stately homes. Book early for this unforgettable festive day out.
Helmsley Christmas Light Switch-on
The festive season begins on Friday 28th November as Helmsley Market Place glows with Christmas magic. Festivities from 4:30 pm with Santa’s sleigh, carols, band music, and the Town Crier countdown at 5:30 pm.
Farndale Christmas Fair
Discover the Farndale Christmas Fair 2025 on Sunday 30 November at Farndale Village Hall. Enjoy free entry, teas, coffee & cake, and browse the full collection of handcrafted gifts, local produce and artisan stalls—from essential oils to crochet, distillery products to woollen crafts. All proceeds support Next Steps Mental Health Resource Centre in Ryedale. Experience festive community shopping in the heart of the North York Moors.
Indie Helmsley Advent Window Trail 2025
Experience the magic of the Indie Helmsley Advent Window Trail 2025, running from 1st–24th December. Each evening, a new festive window is revealed across Helmsley, creating a sparkling Christmas trail for families and visitors. Explore the map, enjoy the lights, and help celebrate community spirit in the heart of North Yorkshire.
1812 Pantomime
A Traditional Panto with a Knock Knock Joke Contest Robin Hood’s in Helmsley? Oh yes he is — rescuing the lovely Maid Marian from the wicked Sheriff of Pickering while naughty Dame Daphne...
Aberdevine’s Fitting Room
Discover Aberdevine’s elegant womenswear at a personal fitting event in Helmsley. Join the Aberdevine team on 10th November 2025 at The Porter’s House for bespoke styling advice and one-to-one fittings. Book your appointment via www.aberdevine.co to experience timeless British design up close.
Wine Tasting Evening with Papillon
Pignut & The Hare welcomes winemakers David and Darina Papillon on Wednesday, 6th November for an exclusive wine tasting experience. Guests will enjoy a seasonal tasting menu paired with a hand-picked selection of wines from Papillon Vin o d Francuza. Tickets are £130 per person, with limited availability.
Fireworks Display
Celebrate Bonfire Night early with a spectacular Fireworks Display at Helmsley Sports Club on Saturday 1st November 2025.
Gates open at 6 pm with the display starting at 7 pm. Enjoy a fun-filled evening with bar, food, and a raffle before the fireworks begin.
Tickets are available on the gate (£5 entry, under-11s free).
Supported by Helmsley Town Council, with fireworks provided by The Fireworkers.
Harvest Social Soiree
Join Holland Cooper Moments for an exclusive evening at Crowberry Wood as we unveil the new season Holland Cooper collection. Enjoy drinks and nibbles, meet influencers and like-minded friends, and celebrate the season in style.
Autumn Equinox Swim
Mark the official start of Autumn with an evening swim and live music from Gracie Sheriff.
Tickets available for swimmers and non-swimmers via Helmsley Open Air website.
SOLASTA - Art Exhibition
Solasta - Art Exhibition Celebrating Scotland
Scotland doesn’t sit for a portrait—it surges past you, weather-torn and thunder-footed. The landscape moves, and if you stay too long in one place, you’ll find yourself moving with it—lifted by wind, swallowed by fog, driven onward by the beat of the land’s own heart!
The exhibition of paintings, ceramics, printmaking, textile, glass and basketry runs through to the end of October.