The pubs, most of the cafes in the towns, Danby Lodge National Park Centre and Sutton Bank, Whitby's museums on reduced days, and the abbeys at weekends. Santa Specials run on the railway through December; regular services stop in November and restart in March.
What closes
Many coastal cafes and attractions, the Falling Foss tea garden, most campsites, and some village pubs on weekdays.
Where to go
The coast path in a winter storm, with the sea breaking over Whitby's piers. Sutton Bank on a frosty morning with the vale full of mist. The high moor after snow, when the road over Blakey Ridge may be closed and the Lion Inn is cut off. The dark skies festival in February.
Winter customs
The Goathland Plough Stots in January, Whitby's Christmas festival in mid-November and the Krampus Run in early December, Boxing Day walks from every village.
Check the road over Blakey Ridge and Rosedale Chimney Bank in snow
Daylight is short: the sun sets before four in December
