Fancy something quirky this coming December? The Yorkshire Coast has its fair share of incredible natural wonders and amazing visitor attractions on offer all year round. So now is the time to start planning a visit. Get wintery in Whitby, festive in Filey or seasonal in Scarborough.
The team behind Yorkshire’s ultimate road trip, ‘Route YC’, is encouraging visitors to the region this December with a quirky collection of alternative seasonal events and attractions.
These include meet a mythical horned creature in Whitby. Or marvelling at a crab and lobster pot Christmas tree in Filey. You can even immerse yourself in a magical installation made from recycled and repurposed materials in Scarborough.
Route YC is funded and managed by Yorkshire Coast BID (Destination Business Improvement District). It is a private, not-for-profit company and is governed by a board of volunteer directors. They represent independent, national and public sector operators. All directors are asked to provide area and sector information and advice. And they are committed to the coastal objectives to promote, protect and support the entire Yorkshire Coast
Embrace the darkness in Whitby
Get ready for a quirky alternative celebration of ancient folklore, when Krampus visits the heart of Whitby. The Krampus Run returns on 2nd December with the town’s own interpretation of the centuries-old European tradition of the mythical horned creature that accompanies St. Nicholas.
Join in the fun on Saturday 2nd at the Chapel On The Hill, Brunswick Street, where Krampus appears around noon. The Krampus Parade which starts at 3.30pm from the Bandstand and ends at the Whalebones at 5pm.
Afterwards, there are fire dancers and drummers at Dock End. The finale of the day is the Charity Krampus Ball takes place at Met Lounge and Ballroom from 8m. The following day, Sunday 3rd, Krampus and his followers reappear on the East side of Whitby with the Horse Race planned for 2pm on the Headland by Cholmley House close to Whitby Brewery.
Filey fishtive tree
Filey Fishtive Tree will be illuminating the Yorkshire Coast in hours of darkness until early January. The big switch-on happens on Saturday 1st December at 6pm. Just head to historic Coble Landing in Filey where Festive Creel Tree will be twinkling to light up the winter darkness. The quirky Festive Creel Tree is made with over one hundred crab and lobster pots and celebrates the town’s fishing heritage.
It made its first appearance in 2017 inspired by a similar structure in Ullapool, Scotland. The tree was named by the pupils of Filey Junior School and money raised goes to support local projects and Filey Sea Cadets.
The Filey Fishtive Tree is topped by a leaping golden salmon and will be switched on by a lucky child chosen on the night by a free raffle.
The art of recycling in Scarborough
Back for its third year, is a popular immersive installation called Grue: a magical world, built by the community entirely out of recycled and repurposed materials. This year Grue can be reached through a hidden portal on the top floor of Scarborough Library.
The creative project has been designed by Scarborough artist, Steve Wintercroft, and will be happening between 2nd – 23rd December 2023. Grue invites visitors to step into a fantastical world and explore a series of enchanting landscapes. Such as dense forests and icy regions on an important mission, discovering forgotten creatures both big and small.
The experience has been Funded by Arts Council England, Yorkshire Coast Bid and North Yorkshire Council and has live actors for the first time. There’s nothing scary, so no surprises or jump scares! Grue is free or Pay What You Can. It provides a welcoming wintry experience for all the family.