The Christmas holiday and the festive build-up are some of our favourite times of year here at the Riviera Guesthouse, Whitby!
There are lots of events taking place in the run up to ‘the big day’, including the famous Whitby Christmas Market and Festival (14th to 16th November).
We love the buzz, the sparkle, the fun and the indulgent food that we are lucky enough to enjoy at this time of year.
As we live in the seaside town of Whitby on the Yorkshire Coast, our town is very atmospheric at this time of year.
Whitby really ‘throws’ itself into the seasonal spirit.
You can enjoy it by staying with us in our family-run guesthouse by the sea.
Once Halloween is out of the way (another time of year during which Whitby gets ‘in the mood’) then the build up to Christmas begins.
Following Whitby Literary Festival , we look forward to the eponymous Whitby Christmas Market and Festival.
As mentioned, this takes place 14th, 15th and 16th November, giving everyone ample time to prepare for December 25th.
Organised by Whitby Town Council, the event includes our local radio station, This Is The Coast
There will be over 50 stalls and food concessions, a festive light switch-on, firework displays, street theatre and other fringe events.
The Christmas Market and Festival usually takes place on Front Marina carpark overlooking the harbour and Whitby Abbey forms the iconic backdrop.
We still have some room availability at the time of writing this blog, and it’s the perfect time of year to enjoy Whitby in the colder months.
Think hot chocolate, Christmas lights on cobbled streets, gorgeous gift shops, and spectacular sunsets.
And if you stay with us, you get a comfortable, beautifully decorated room and a slap-up breakfast to start your day!
If you love anything to do with chocolate, then you could also attend the Whitby Hot Chocolate Festival, 14th to 28th November 2025.
There are many things taking place including a screening of Charlie and Chocolate Factory films, health and fitness events, chocolate tasting, a family fun event and more!
This year is the inaugural event and it really is something to look forward to.
Of course, there are other events taking place during the run up to the festive weekend.
For those lucky enough to have time off, Christmas Day falls on a Thursday, and Boxing Day on a Friday.
These are followed by a Saturday and Sunday, meaning a 4-day break for many!
In the run up to Christmas, other events include Count Arthur Strong at the Whitby Pavilion on 23rd November; Jack and the Beanstalk, also at the Pavilion 5th and 6th December.
Krampus is a folklore figure who was said to punish children during the run up to the festive season.
Today, it is a fun-filled event jam packed with family friendly events.
Locations include Chapel on the Hill, Whitby Bandstand, the Whalebones and more.
On the same weekend, the Robin Hood’s Bay Victorian Weekend takes place (6th and 7th December).
Then let’s not forget once everyone has eaten a gazillion mince pies there are the Boxing Day Events in the harbour.
For us here at the Riviera, as our children have grown, our festival celebrations have also changed.
Like many families we also have our own traditions.
We have certain Christmas baubles on the tree, festive jumpers are freshened up ready for wearing, and of course we have lots of tasty treats as midwinter approaches.
Living and working in the same place can bring its challenges: it can be tricky to switch off and it is definitely a juggling act!
Yet we love spreading festive joy and we make sure the Rivera Guesthouse looks fabulous with lots of lights, decorations, a Christmas tree or two, a warm welcome and of course lovely accommodation and food.
As we know the festive season also forms the run up to New Year celebrations.
We are looking forward to 2026 to see what it will bring.
You can take a tour of the highlights of 2025 by having a relaxing read of our blog <LINK> as we’ve had a varied year to say the least!
All that remains is for us to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
