Here’s our guide to the festive season 2026!
It’s no secret that Christmas and the festive build-up is one of our favourite times of year here at the Riviera Guesthouse, Whitby!
This year, the build-up to Christmas 2026 is one of the best yet!
Here at the Riviera Guesthouse, we adore sparkle, the fun and the indulgent food that we are lucky enough to enjoy at this time of year.
Our local area is very much prepared for the seasonal spirit.
You can enjoy it by staying with us in our family-run guesthouse by the sea.
Events in Whitby
November 2026 – Whitby Pavilion
Whitby Rocks & Blues Festival 2026
6th to 8th November
A full weekend of live rock and blues performances in the venue.
The Revlon Girl
6th to 8th November
Dramatic stage production hosted during the same November weekend.
Shaun Ryder
11th November
An intimate spoken-word/music event featuring the frontman of Happy Mondays.
Cloudbusting: The Music of Kate Bush
12th November
A live tribute concert Kate Bush.
John Lydon – I Could Be Wrong, I Could Be Right
18th November
A spoken-word tour and Q&A with the punk icon.
December 2026 – Whitby Pavilion
Pinocchio: The Pantomime (Fri 4 December – Sat 5 December 2026) – Family-friendly festive pantomime production.
The Mediaeval Baebes (Tue 8 Dec 2026) – An atmospheric live performance blending medieval and folk choral music for the winter season.
November Events Throughout Whitby
Whitby Christmas Market & Festival 13th to 15th November
With craft stalls, artisan food and drink, live music, children’s entertainment, a Friday evening light switch-on, and the Saturday night fireworks display over the harbour. Free admission.
Late-Night Shopping on Baxtergate from 19th November when local high street shops stay open late on selected Thursdays leading up to Christmas.
Whitby Lit Fest – see our fabulous blog about this annual event, 19th to 21st November.
Whitby Krampus Run on 5th and 6th December
This alternative festive tradition featuring elaborate horned costumes inspired by European folklore.
Made in Whitby Christmas Festival
12th and 13th December
Taking place at the Whitby Brewery, celebrating local makers, independent creators, and live music.
Whitby Lions Boxing Day Dip
Saturday 26th December
A brave annual charity tradition where participants plunge into the chilly North Sea in fancy dress, the perfect way to walk off some of that Christmas Day food and drink!
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway
Santa Express from 5th December (Check
A 1-hour interactive heritage steam train round-trip departing from Pickering Station to Levisham.
Created in collaboration with the Wise Owl Theatre Company.
Dates: December 5th and 6th, 12th and 13th, and 19th and 20th, plus daily from December 22nd to 24th
Times: Departures typically at 10:30 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:30 PM, and 3:00 PM.
Robin Hood’s Bay – December 2026
The New Victorian Weekend December 5th and 6th
A re-imagined return of the village’s signature winter tradition featuring traditional Victorian attire, Christmas carols, live music, market stalls, and the famous biscuit dunking competition.
Pirates & Smugglers Weekend December 12th and 13th
A themed weekend celebrating the smuggling history and maritime roots of the coastal village with special displays and entertainment
Family Weekend December 19th and 20th
A festive holiday event geared toward families with seasonal activities, community spirit, and local entertainment
Events in Scarborough
Scarborough Lights from Thursday, November 12th to Sunday, December 20th 2026
A major festival across the town featuring illuminated trails and public art displays from dusk until 9:00 PM nightly.
There is a mixture of free and ticketed event at Scarborough Castle and Peasholm Park and in other locations.
Scarborough Sparkle from Friday, November 27th to Sunday, November 29th
A festive Christmas wonderland at the Scarborough Open Air Theatre with a lantern parade, craft and gift stalls, a Tipi bar with marshmallow toasting, funfair rides, and live community stage performances.
About The Riviera Guesthouse
Most of our bedrooms are sea-facing.
We can happily boast they are some of the most sought-after views in the whole of Whitby!
Most of our guests are smitten and one stay is never enough.
We regularly welcome back guests who have fallen in love with Whitby and fallen in love with our sea views.
Our 15 spacious en-suite bedrooms are renowned for their originality.
Each has been uniquely designed to suit individual tastes.
And what’s more, they are beautifully furnished with lots of modern comforts so you enjoy a restful and cosy stay.
There is a choice of Four Poster Superior King, King Size, Deluxe Double, Standard Double, Family, Twin and Single bedrooms.
All are comfortably furnished and feature flat screen LCD televisions and complimentary WiFi.
On arrival you’ll find a well stocked refreshment tray in your room which is topped up daily with a selection of teas, coffee, hot chocolate, milk and biscuits.
We supply both sugar and sweetener (in case you aren’t sweet enough).
