A Coastal Christmas: Family Festivities Line Up

As the festive season approaches, Filey begins to sparkle with the warmth and wonder of Christmas.  This picturesque seaside town offers a rich calendar of events that bring together tradition, creativity, and community spirit — perfect for families looking to make magical memories.

One of the most anticipated moments of the season is the Filey Fishtive Tree Switch-On, taking place on Saturday, December 6th at Coble Landing.  This striking tree, crafted from lobster and crab pots, celebrates Filey’s fishing heritage and community pride.  The switch-on event features a live DJ, food stalls, and a spectacular firework display at 7pm, drawing locals and visitors alike to the seafront for a truly unique celebration.

For children eager to step into Santa’s world, the Elf Academy arrives in Filey on Sunday, December 21st.  From 10am to 3pm, young participants will don elf uniforms and join Santa’s workshop to create festive crafts and spread cheer.  The experience costs £25 per child and promises a full day of imaginative fun.  Early booking is recommended due to limited spaces, phone: 07414 452425.

Santa will also be making his way through Filey and surrounding villages thanks to the Filey Lions Sleigh Runs, which begin on Sunday, December 7th.  Each evening, the sleigh visits different neighbourhoods, bringing festive joy to doorsteps across the region.  Here’s the full schedule:

Dec 7 (Sun): Wharfedale, Silverwood, Harewood and nearby cul-de-sacs

Dec 8 (Mon): Muston, Flixton, Staxton

Dec 9 (Tue): Reighton, Speeton, Hunmanby Gap, Primrose, Lakeside

Dec 10 (Wed): Gristhorpe, Lebberston, Folkton

Dec 12 (Fri): Hunmanby North, Stonegate and areas north of it

Dec 14 (Sun): Muston Road, Grange Avenue, Brigg Road

Dec 15 (Mon): Scarborough Road, West Road, Ash Road

Dec 16 (Tue): Country Park Estate (Fir Tree, Sycamore), Brigg Court, Chantry Gardens

Dec 17 (Wed): Mill Meadows, Windmill Drive

Dec 18 (Thu): Pasture Crescent and connected cul-de-sacs

Dec 19 (Fri): Filey Central, West Avenue, Mitford Street, Hope Street

Dec 21 (Sun): Hunmanby, all areas south of Stonegate

Dates may change due to weather or staffing, so families are encouraged to check the Filey Lions Facebook page and website for updates and live tracking (https://www.fileylionsclub.org/).

Craft lovers and festive shoppers will find plenty to explore at seasonal fairs across the area.  These events showcase handmade gifts, local produce, and community fundraising efforts:

Nov 15: Made in Filey Christmas Special at the Evron Centre

Nov 22: Ladies Lifeboat Guild Craft Fair (in the Concert Hall) and Filey Greyhound Rescue Fair (in room 20/21) at the Evron Centre

Nov 29: Hunmanby Community Centre Christmas Fair

Nov 30: Filey Sea Cadet Christmas Fair

Dec 6: Handmade with Love at Muston Village Hall

Each fair offers a unique mix of stalls, from festive cakes and crafts to lifeboat souvenirs and greyhound-themed gifts — all supporting local causes.

Families can also enjoy Breakfast with Santa, a magical morning filled with festive treats and joyful moments.  At Fadó & Tide, breakfast dates include December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 22, 23, and 24, with sittings at 8:30am and 10:30am.  For £10 per child, guests receive breakfast, a gift, and a handwritten letter from Santa.  Booking is essential via 07757167197.

Alternatively, The Plough Inn and Fun Farm offers a walk-in experience on December 6, 13, 20, and 24 from 8:30am to 11:30am.  Children enjoy a buffet breakfast, a visit with Santa and friends, and a selection box — all for £8.99 per child and £9.99 per adult.

For those wanting to add a personal touch to their holiday décor, Nine Eighty Bar and Bistro hosts a festive wreath-making workshop, perfect for crafting something beautiful to hang on your door.  Dates available to book are Saturday 13^th December 12pm-3pm and Sunday 14^th December 10am-1pm.  The cost is £45pp and includes cakes, scones, mulled wine, tea and coffee included.  Booking is essential to ensure space and materials will be provided but if you wish to have a specific colour scheme please feel free to bring some bits of your own to add in.

From sleigh bells to handmade gifts, fireworks to festive breakfasts, Filey’s Christmas celebrations are a joyful blend of tradition and creativity.  Whether you're watching the Fishtive Tree light up the harbour or crafting with Santa’s elves, this coastal town offers a season full of warmth, wonder, and community spirit.