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December on the Yorkshire Coast

What's On in Hornsea This December

Freeport shopping, the mere and a wide beach for a festive break.

Hornsea pairs a Blue Flag beach with the peaceful Hornsea Mere and the popular Freeport outlet, making it a great spot for festive shopping, family days out and winter walks. Here's what's on in December.

Featured venues & events

Confirmed details below where published. Where an entry says “check”, dates and prices weren’t yet confirmed for December 2026 — please confirm on the official website before you travel.

Hornsea Village (outlet shopping & leisure) Outlet shopping & family attraction

Hornsea Village (outlet shopping & leisure)

Discount outlet stores with up to 50% off brands, plus a cafe, Bugtopia zoo, The Potteries and Teddy Mountain.

Dates
Open year-round; see the Events page for festive events
Opening times
Mon–Fri 10am–5.30pm, Sat 9.30am–5.30pm, Sun 11am–5pm
Prices
Free entry and free parking; Bugtopia adults £7, children under 16 £6, under 2s free; pottery painting from £10
Booking
No booking needed for the village or Bugtopia
Address
Hornsea Village, Rolston Road, Hornsea HU18 1UT
Map & directions
Parking
Free on-site parking; Shopmobility available
Accessibility
Shopmobility, accessible toilets and baby changing; dog friendly
Contact
01964 534211, reception@hornseavillage.com
Family suitability
Family friendly
Official website Last checked: 14 September 2026

More to see & do this December

Christmas Events

  • Hornsea’s Christmas lights switch-on and festive events in the town
  • Seasonal shopping events at Hornsea Freeport outlet
  • Carol services at local churches
  • Family festive fun around the town

Shows and Pantomimes

  • Festive shows and entertainment at local venues and clubs
  • Live music in Hornsea’s pubs
  • Community carol concerts and seasonal performances

Family Activities

  • Winter walks along Hornsea’s Blue Flag beach and tiered promenade
  • Meet the exotic creatures at Bugtopia at Hornsea Freeport
  • Explore Hornsea Mere, the largest freshwater lake in Yorkshire, and its birdlife
  • Feed the animals at nearby Honeysuckle Farm

Free Things to Do

  • Stroll the promenade and beach with views to Flamborough Head
  • See the Christmas lights along the main street
  • Walk around Hornsea Mere, home to over 250 species of birds
  • Walk the start of the Trans Pennine Trail from the promenade

Rainy-Day Activities

  • Hornsea Freeport outlet shopping under cover, with free parking
  • Hornsea Museum, with its famous Hornsea Pottery collection
  • Bugtopia’s indoor exotic insects and reptiles
  • Cosy cafes and tearooms for a warm drink

Christmas Markets and Shopping

  • Hornsea Freeport outlet stores for discounted Christmas gifts
  • Independent boutiques and high-street names in the town centre
  • Seasonal craft stalls in town

Christmas Dinner and Festive Food

  • Festive menus at local pubs and restaurants
  • Award-winning Whiteheads fish and chips near the seafront
  • Sunday carvery and hearty meals at The Marine Hotel overlooking the sea
  • Mr Moo’s for a treat, and cafes serving festive favourites

New Year's Eve Events

  • New Year's Eve celebrations in local pubs and clubs
  • Live music and party nights in town
  • Seafront walks to welcome the new year (check local listings)

Parking and Directions

  • Free parking at Hornsea Freeport, plus seafront and town-centre car parks
  • Hornsea is reached via the B1242 and A165 from Hull and Bridlington
  • Regular East Yorkshire bus services run to Hornsea from Hull and Beverley
  • The Trans Pennine Trail starts and finishes near the promenade

Event dates and details vary each year — please check with venues and local listings before you travel.