December on the Yorkshire Coast
What's On in Scarborough This December
Festive lights, pantomimes and North Bay winter fun on the Yorkshire Coast.
Scarborough, Britain's original seaside resort, wraps up warm for the festive season with big shows at the Spa, the annual Christmas production at the Stephen Joseph Theatre, festive lights and bracing coastal walks. Here's what to look out for in December.
Explore Scarborough
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.
Christmas show Stephen Joseph Theatre — Puss in Boots
The SJT’s annual Christmas show — a classic fairy tale turned on its head, full of songs, silliness and festive fun.
- Dates
- 5 – 31 December 2026
- Opening times
- Matinee and evening performances — see sjt.uk.com for times
- Prices
- See the SJT How to Book page for pricing and available discounts
- Booking
- Book online or via the box office
- Address
-
Stephen Joseph Theatre, Westborough, Scarborough YO11 1JW
Map & directions - Parking
- Town-centre car parks nearby — see the SJT Getting Here page
- Accessibility
- Accessible venue — see Your Visit for details
- Contact
- Box office 01723 370541, tickets@sjt.uk.com
- Family suitability
- Family friendly
- Festive food
- Award-winning restaurant and bars on site for food and drink
Official website
Last checked: 14 September 2026
Concerts, comedy & dance Scarborough Spa
Festive concerts, comedy and tribute shows, plus Dine & Dance evenings in the Ocean Room.
- Dates
- Events throughout December — see the What’s On listings
- Opening times
- Varies by event
- Prices
- Varies by event — see scarboroughspa.co.uk
- Booking
- Book online or via the box office
- Address
-
Scarborough Spa, South Bay, Scarborough YO11 2HD
Map & directions - Parking
- Seafront parking; the historic Spa Cliff Lift links the Esplanade to the Spa
- Accessibility
- Accessible venue — see Planning Your Visit
- Contact
- Box office 01723 376774 (option 1), boxoffice@scarboroughspa.co.uk
- Family suitability
- Suitability varies by show — check individual listings
Official website
Last checked: 14 September 2026
More to see & do this December
Christmas Events
- Festive lights around the town centre and the South Bay foreshore
- Winter walks and displays around Peasholm Park and the North Bay
- Carol concerts at St Mary’s Church and venues across town
- Christmas shows and concerts at Scarborough Spa on the South Bay
Shows and Pantomimes
- The annual Christmas production at the Stephen Joseph Theatre (the famous theatre-in-the-round)
- Festive concerts, comedy and tribute shows at Scarborough Spa’s Grand Hall and Spa Theatre
- Dine and Dance evenings in the Spa’s Ocean Room
- Live music and comedy at venues across town
Family Activities
- Explore clifftop Scarborough Castle above the two bays
- Indoor fun and warm pools at Alpamare waterpark
- The Rotunda Museum and the seafront amusements
- Bracing winter walks around both bays and Peasholm Park
Free Things to Do
- Walk the North and South Bay promenades and foreshore
- See the Christmas lights in the town centre
- Explore the harbour and the old town’s independent shops and lanes
- Wander up to the castle headland for the views
Rainy-Day Activities
- Scarborough Art Gallery and the Rotunda Museum
- Alpamare indoor waterpark
- The Brunswick Shopping Centre and Market Hall
- Cosy cafes, tearooms and traditional pubs
Christmas Markets and Shopping
- Seasonal markets and craft stalls in the town centre
- The Market Hall and Vaults for independent traders
- The Brunswick Centre for high-street Christmas shopping
Christmas Dinner and Festive Food
- Festive menus at seafront restaurants and town-centre pubs
- Fresh seafood and classic fish and chips by the harbour
- Afternoon tea and festive treats in local tearooms
- Book ahead for Christmas Day and Boxing Day dining
New Year's Eve Events
- New Year's Eve parties at bars, pubs and hotels
- Live music and DJ nights across town
- Seafront gatherings to welcome the new year (check local listings)
Parking and Directions
- Scarborough Spa is on the South Bay (YO11 2HD), linked to the Esplanade by the historic Spa Cliff Lift
- Town-centre and seafront car parks, plus Park & Ride on the edge of town
- Scarborough sits on the A64 from York and the A170 from the moors
- Direct trains run to Scarborough from York, Leeds and Hull
Event dates and details vary each year — please check with venues and local listings before you travel.