The pubs, most of the cafes in the towns, the Moors Centre at Danby and Sutton Bank, Whitby's museums and Ryedale Folk Museum 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, Robin Hood's Bay's Old Coastguard Station, 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 Krampus Run and Christmas market in 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
