Popular Winter Train Trips Pulled

Hey Scarborough! Here's what's happening this week 👋

This edition starts with a bit of unexpected news for rail fans and winter explorers. Steam train trips to Whitby that many look forward to each year have been cancelled following changes to planned bridge works. For some, it means rethinking seasonal plans and finding new ways to enjoy winter days along the coast.

Entertainment lovers have plenty to look forward to instead. An ABBA tribute show is set to return after strong demand, bringing a night of classic hits and crowd-pleasing performances to Scarborough Spa. Families can also head off down the yellow brick road this weekend as The Wizard of Oz arrives, offering a fun and familiar theatre experience just in time for the festive period.

And if you fancy something a little different, how does staying in a palace sound? Goldsborough Hall opens the doors to its 400-year history, blending heritage, comfort, and beautifully kept grounds for a memorable escape without travelling far.

There is lots more happening across Scarborough and beyond, from live music to local events and updates. Dive into the full lineup below and see what is coming up near you.

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🔥 Happening Now - Don't Miss Out

Sun Dec 14 | 18:00 | Beauty and the Beast | Scarborough Spa

Wed Dec 17 | 16:30 | Santa's Christmas Party | Whitby Pavilion

Sat Dec 20 | 13:00 | Beauty and the Beast | Scarborough Spa

Sat Dec 20 | 19:30 | Supersonic Queen | Whitby Pavilion

Sat Dec 20 | 19:00 | Tour: Dark Tales | To The Grand Hotel

📰 Scarborough Life

🚂 North Yorkshire Moors Railway cancels winter excursions to Whitby. Planned winter trips have been called off due to bridge works being brought forward. This has forced service changes and disrupted seasonal travel plans for passengers hoping to reach Whitby by steam this winter.

🏰 Step Inside a 400-Year-Old Palace. Explore the grand rooms and formal gardens at Goldsborough Hall. It's a unique country hotel experience waiting for your next trip. Learn more about a visit.

🎤 ABBA tribute show returns to Scarborough Spa in July 2026. After huge demand, Thank ABBA For The Music is back on Saturday, July 11, 2026, promising a full hit-packed singalong night from Dancing Queen to Waterloo. Early booking strongly advised.

🧙 Scarborough Theatre Company brings The Wizard of Oz to the Spa this weekend. The yellow brick road lands in the Spa Grand Hall on December 20-21, with a family-friendly stage adaptation featuring songs from the MGM film, including "Over the Rainbow" and "We're Off To See The Wizard".

⚓ Whitby Maritime Hub project enters final build phase. The multi-million-pound training hub on Endeavour Wharf is nearing completion, with the roof finished and solar panels installed. This paves the way for new maritime training, apprenticeships and long-term skilled jobs when the centre opens next spring.

⛽ Government open-minded on reviewing fracking rules in North Yorkshire. Ministers say they are willing to reconsider whether so-called low-volume fracking should fall under the national ban if new evidence emerges. This comes as pressure mounts over proposed drilling near Burniston, and concerns from local communities continue to grow.

🥾 Find North Yorkshire's Best Walks Instantly. Download the AllTrails app for an easy way to find trails with sea views and scenic climbs. Each route includes directions, reviews, and an offline option. Download the app to view trails.

Is this the cutest heating pad ever?

Meet the Menstruation Crustacean—the microwaveable, ultra-soothing lobster heating pad that brings major comfort and a little comic relief. Just pop this plush crustacean in the microwave and let its warm weight melt away period cramps, backaches, or any random aches life throws at you. Plus, it features a soothing lavender scent to boost your mood when it’s that time of the month. This little guy is hilarious and functional – the perfect Secret Santa gift or stocking stuffer for this holiday season! Check out the rest of the Menstruation Crustacean gang, too.

Get your Menstruation Crustacean here!

🏨 North Yorkshire residents could be exempt from future tourist tax. The region’s mayor says locals may not have to pay a proposed visitor levy. Consultations are still underway on how the charge would work, who it would apply to, and how any money raised could support tourism and local services.

🚠 Spa Cliff Lift to close for maintenance next Wednesday. Scarborough Spa has confirmed the Cliff Lift will be closed all day on Wednesday, December 17, for scheduled maintenance. It will reopen as usual the following day.

🚆 Northern launches new early Whitby train - with £2 advance tickets. A new 7:24 am Whitby departure starts December 15, making earlier arrivals in Middlesbrough and Newcastle possible. To celebrate, Northern is offering limited £2 advance tickets for selected services between December 15-24.

🌌 North York Moors hosts first Northern England Dark Skies Alliance conference. Delegates from national parks and protected landscapes from across northern England gathered in the Moors to formally launch a new alliance. This focuses on tackling light pollution, sharing best practices and protecting night skies for wildlife and future generations.

💳 HEY Credit Union expands into Scarborough and Whitby. The award-winning cooperative, recently named “UK Treating Customers Fairly Champions”, is extending its services into North Yorkshire, bringing savings and affordable loans to more communities as part of its continued growth.

⭐ Readers’ Choice: Top Posts From Last Issue

🧠 Scarborough MP challenges stroke patient figures. Hume is calling out significant gaps in the data as pressure builds for a long-awaited service rethink.

❤️ Support the Scarborough Rundown. We’re growing our community and would love your help. Follow us on Facebook to help Sue & the team reach more locals.

☕Sandsend cafe proposes a much larger seafront rebuild. Sandside Cafe wants to replace its 1978 building. See how the new design could reshape the beachfront.

📅 Plan Ahead - Book Now

Fri Jun 05 | 18:00 | Rick Astley| Scarborough Open Air Theatre

Sat Jun 06 | 18:00 | Madness in Concert| Scarborough Open Air Theatre

Fri Jun 12 | 18:00 | Paul Weller| Scarborough Open Air Theatre

Wed Jul 22 | 18:00 | Teddy Swims| Scarborough Open Air Theatre

Sun Aug 02 | 18:00 | Sex Pistols w. Frank Carter| Scarborough Open Air Theatre

🎸Events, Activities & Live Music

We keep it short here - head to our EVENTS PAGE links and future events.

Mon, 15th Dec

09:45 🏅 Social Bowls - Alexandra Community Centre, Scarborough
10:30 🎭 Wonky Donkey Children's Show - Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough
18:30 🧘 Kundalini Yoga - Unit 9 Manor Rd Bus. Park, Scarborough
18:45 🥊 Empower Fitness: Beat Boxing - Queen Street Central Hall, Scarborough
19:30 💃 Empower Fitness: Clubbercise - Queen Street Central Hall, Scarborough
20:00 🎶 Live Music: Folk Club - The Merchant Irish Bar, Scarborough

Tue, 16th Dec

09:00 💼 Business Advice Drop In - Business Centre, Scarborough
10:30 🎭 Wonky Donkey Children's Show - Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough
11:15 🏅 Social Bowls - Alexandra Community Centre, Scarborough
13:00 💃 Xmas Afternoon of Dancing - Whitby Pavilion
13:00 🎭 Yuletide Tales - YMCA Theatre, Scarborough
13:30 💃 Line Dancing: Beginners - Alexandra Community Centre, Scarborough
14:00 💃 Line Dancing: Improvers - Alexandra Community Centre, Scarborough
14:00 🎨 Afternoon Art Session - Robin Hood's Bay Studio & Gallery
19:30 ❓ Quiz Night - The Merchant Irish Bar, Scarborough
19:30 🎶 Buddy Holly & The Cricketers - Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough
19:30 💃 Modern jive Lessons - Roscoe Rooms, Scarborough

Wed, 17th Dec

10:30 🎭 Wonky Donkey Children's Show - Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough
11:00 💃 Circle Dancing - St. James Community Hall, Scarborough
13:00 🎅 Santa's Christmas Party - Whitby Pavilion, Whitby
16:30 🎅 Santa's Christmas Party - Whitby Pavilion, Whitby
19:00 ❓ Quiz Night & Jackpot - The Ramshill, Scarborough
19:00 💃 Scarborough Dine and Dance - Scarborough Spa
19:00 🎭 Sleeping Beauty - Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough
19:30 💃 Empower Fitness: Clubbercise - Queen Street Central Hall, Scarborough
19:30 📷 Scarborough Camera Club Meet - Newby & Scalby Community Hub
20:00 🎷 Scarborough Jazz - The Spa Pub, Scarborough
20:30 ❓ Quiz Night - Craft Bar, Scarborough

Thu, 18th Dec

09:45 🏅 Social Bowls - Alexandra Community Centre, Scarborough
10:30 🎭 Wonky Donkey Children's Show - Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough
17:45 🏋️ Empower Fitness: Work It! Circuit - Eastfield Scout Hut, Scarborough
18:30 🏋️ Empower Fitness: Peach Squad - Eastfield Scout Hut, Scarborough
18:30 🎨 Evening Art Session - Robin Hood's Bay Studio & Gallery
19:00 🎭 Sleeping Beauty - Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough
19:00 🎶 ABBA Vinyl: Tribute - The Mayfield, Seamer, Scarborough
19:30 ♠️ Poker Night - Marley's, Scarborough
19:30 🎶 Christmas Festival of Praise - The Summit, Scarborough
19:45 🎶 Christmas Choir Concert - Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough
20:00 ❓ The big Christmas quiz - Scarborough
20:00 📱 Smartphone Quiz - Station Inn, Whitby
20:00 🎶 Alastair James Live - Crescent Lounge, Scarborough
20:30 ❓ Quiz Night - Highlander Hotel, Scarborough
20:30 🎤 Open Mic Night - The Merchant Irish Bar, Scarborough

📅 Got A Local Event To Share?

📅 Submit Here (8 days before event date)
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