December on the Yorkshire Coast
What's On in Whitby This December
Cobbled streets, the abbey, festive markets and famous fish and chips.
With its cobbled streets, historic harbour and clifftop abbey, Whitby is one of the most atmospheric places to spend December on the Yorkshire Coast, with festive market weekends, shows at the Pavilion and the torch-lit Krampus Run. Here's what's on.
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.
Theatre, cinema & live shows Whitby Pavilion
Whitby’s largest theatre and function venue, with festive shows, tribute nights and cinema screenings.
- Dates
- Events throughout December — see the What’s On listings
- Opening times
- Box office Mon–Fri 10am–3pm; cafe daily 10am–3pm
- Prices
- Varies by event — see whitbypavilion.co.uk
- Booking
- Book online, by phone or in person
- Address
-
Whitby Pavilion, West Cliff, Whitby YO21 3EN
Map & directions - Parking
- West Cliff car parks nearby — see the Directions & Parking page
- Accessibility
- Accessible venue — see the Accessibility page
- Contact
- Box office 01947 824770, hello@whitbypavilion.co.uk
- Family suitability
- Suitability varies by show — check individual listings
Official website
Last checked: 14 September 2026
Festival Whitby Christmas Festival & Krampus Run
A Christmas market weekend and the atmospheric torch-lit Krampus Run parade through the streets.
- Dates
- Held in December — check local listings for confirmed 2026 dates
- Opening times
- See local listings
- Prices
- Free to attend the market and parade
- Booking
- No booking needed
- Address
-
Around the town centre and harbour, Whitby YO21 (town centre)
Map & directions - Parking
- Town-centre and West Cliff car parks
- Accessibility
- Outdoor event on cobbled and sloping streets
- Contact
- See visitwhitby / whitby.co.uk listings
- Family suitability
- Family friendly
Official website
Last checked: 14 September 2026
More to see & do this December
Christmas Events
- Whitby Christmas Festival and festive market weekends around the town
- The Whitby Krampus Run — a torch-lit parade of costumed characters through the streets
- Festive lights around the harbour and old town
- Carol services at St Mary’s Church and on the abbey headland
Shows and Pantomimes
- Festive shows, concerts and tribute nights at Whitby Pavilion (West Cliff)
- Cinema screenings and live theatre at the Pavilion
- Live music and folk nights in the town’s historic pubs
Family Activities
- Climb the famous 199 steps to Whitby Abbey and St Mary’s Church
- Explore the dramatic clifftop abbey ruins in winter
- Whitby Museum and Pannett Park
- The Captain Cook Memorial Museum on the harbourside
Free Things to Do
- Wander the cobbled streets, Church Street and harbourside
- See the festive lights and shop windows
- Walk out along the west pier to the lighthouse
- Take in the abbey views from the East Cliff
Rainy-Day Activities
- Whitby Museum and art gallery in Pannett Park
- The Captain Cook Memorial Museum
- Independent shops, jewellers and Whitby jet boutiques
- Cosy tearooms, cafes and traditional pubs
Christmas Markets and Shopping
- Whitby Christmas Festival market stalls and local crafts
- Independent shops for Whitby jet jewellery and unique gifts
- Harbourside boutiques and gift shops
Christmas Dinner and Festive Food
- Festive menus at harbourside restaurants and pubs
- World-famous Whitby fish and chips
- Fresh local seafood, including Whitby crab
- Book ahead for Christmas Day and Boxing Day dining
New Year's Eve Events
- New Year's Eve celebrations in pubs and hotels
- Live music and party nights along the harbour
- Seafront gatherings to see in the new year (check local listings)
Parking and Directions
- Whitby Pavilion is on the West Cliff (YO21 3EN), with parking close by
- Car parks near the harbour, station and abbey (Park & Ride in peak periods)
- Whitby is reached via the A171 from Scarborough and Middlesbrough
- The scenic Esk Valley railway line runs to Whitby from Middlesbrough
Event dates and details vary each year — please check with venues and local listings before you travel.