An ice sculpture trail will bring eight frozen creations to Harrogate town centre this December.
The trail, organised by Harrogate BID with Ice Box, will take place on Saturday 12th December, with sculpture locations to be revealed nearer the time.
It forms part of a wider programme of Christmas activities, including free curling rinks, a giant snow globe and Santa’s Grotto.
At Victoria Shopping Centre, visitors can try curling and step inside the snow globe for a festive photograph on 5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, 19th and 20th December.
Both attractions will be open from 10am to 4pm, with no booking required.
Jason Maxwell, Chief Executive of Harrogate BID, said:
“Christmas is such an important time for Harrogate, and we want to give people even more reasons to come into town, enjoy themselves and support our local businesses.
“We’ve put together a really strong programme with plenty for families to enjoy, from meeting Father Christmas to curling, the snow globe and ice sculpture trail.
“A lot of it is completely free too. We’re grateful to Harrogate Town Council, North Yorkshire Council and Victoria Shopping Centre for helping us make it happen, and we’re looking forward to seeing the town full of people enjoying Christmas in Harrogate.”
Santa’s Grotto will also be at Victoria Shopping Centre on 5th, 6th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd and 23rd December, from 10am to 4pm.
Tickets cost £10 per child and include a present. SEN sessions will be available on 6th, 13th, 20th, 21st, 22nd and 23rd December.
Harrogate Town Council has provided £15,000 towards the programme, with additional funding set aside to support accessibility.
Councillor Viv Poskitt, the Mayor of Harrogate, said:
“Christmas is a truly special time of year, and I am delighted that Harrogate Town Council is supporting this exciting programme of festive activities. I love seeing Harrogate come alive with Christmas trees, decorations and events that bring people together, create lasting memories and showcase everything that makes our town so special.
“Harrogate Town Council is pleased to be working alongside Harrogate BID, North Yorkshire Council, Victoria Shopping Centre and other partners to help deliver this year’s programme."
She added:
"The Town Council has provided £15,000 towards the activities and has also set aside additional funding to support accessibility, helping as many residents and visitors as possible to take part.
“As Mayor, I look forward to attending the events and sharing in the wonderful community spirit that makes Christmas in Harrogate such a memorable occasion for people of all ages.”
The North Pole Post Office will also return in partnership with Harrogate International Festivals, giving children the opportunity to send letters to Father Christmas.
Harrogate BID’s annual Christmas Window Competition will return, while the town’s Christmas lights, fully funded by the BID, will illuminate the town from late November.
North Yorkshire Council’s deputy leader, Cllr Mark Crane, whose responsibilities include the visitor economy, said:
“We are delighted to be working alongside Harrogate BID and local partners to support an exciting programme of festive events that will make Harrogate a must-visit destination this Christmas.
“The festive season is a hugely important time for our high streets and traders, and it’s important we do everything we can to help drive footfall, support local jobs and provide a boost for our businesses during one of the busiest periods of the year.
“Harrogate plays a crucial role in North Yorkshire’s seasonal offer and we look forward to showcasing it as part of Visit North Yorkshire’s Christmas marketing campaign, encouraging residents and visitors to enjoy everything this special spa town has to offer.”
Further details of the ice sculpture trail, North Pole Post Office and Christmas Window Competition will be announced in due course.
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