SCHOOLS will soon be out and the Christmas holidays will be upon us.

The excitement is already building as many families are busily planning how to spend what is for many a precious time of year together.

So the big question is what to do with the vast range of events and activities that will be running throughout Christmas and into the New Year.

It is tradition for our region's stunning parks and stately homes to throw open their doors to the public to savour the festive fun and partake in activities.

Youngsters will love story times with Father Christmas at East Riddlesden Hall, Bradford Road, Keighley and they can play party games too. For more information call 01535 607075 or visit nationaltrust.org.uk/east-riddlesden-hall.

Decorating ginger bread men and hunting for presents on a Santa's Secret Trail are just some of the festive activities on offer at RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Crag Lane, Harrogate. To find out more call 01423 565418; visit rhs.org.uk/harlowcarr or email harlowcarr@rhs.org.uk

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, a beautiful Cistercian abbey featuring a Georgian water garden and Medieval deer park, near Ripon is hosting wreath making workshops and a carol service. On weekends Father Christmas will be visiting and there will be live festive music in the abbey Cellarium too.

For more information call 01765 608888 or visit nationaltrust.org.uk/fountains-abbey-and-studley-royal-water-garden.

Learn how to make your own Christmas crackers in a workshop at Brimham Rocks, Summerbridge, Harrogate. Young visitors are also encouraged to follow the cracker trail to find Father Christmas in his winter wonderland. Booking is essential. For more information call 01423 780688 or visit nationaltrust.org.uk/brimham-rocks

Yorkshire Sculpture Park, in West Bretton, an international centre for modern and contemporary art is hosting a range of festive activities for families. For more information call 01924 832631; visit ysp.co.uk or email info:ysp.co.uk

Nostell Priory, Doncaster Road, Nostell, Wakefield, is hosting a range of Christmas events and activities including the opportunity for young visitors to have breakfast with Father Christmas. Booking is essential.

Follow the trail of vintage Christmas cards through the gardens and house, looking out for giant Christmas card frames to step into for those festive family photos. Explore traditional scenes from times gone by as you wind your way through the mansion's historic rooms, discover traditions from the past and make sure you stop by the Servants' Hall with your little ones to join in children's festive fun.

For more information call 01924 863892 or visit nationaltrust.org.uk/nostell-priory-and-parkland

And when Christmas is over you can make use of the rest of your festive break strolling around the Sculpture Trail at Bradford's Lister Park.

Among the collections are Bingley based artist Marcus Levine's steel clout nail sculpture 'Hung out to dry' and family favourite, fibre glass 'Hochlandbew' by Otmar Alt. The event runs until April 1 2016. For more information visit bradfordmusuems.org

Steam buffs are in for a real treat - literally - when the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway hosts its 'Mince Pie Special.'

Travellers can relax in the Yuletide carriages and savour the scenery. The event runs until Monday January 4. For more information visit kwvr.co.uk

And for sport-loving thrillseekers then Castleford's SNO!zone, in Colorado Way, is THE place to be. Boasting a 170m slope covered with more than 1,500 tonnes of fresh snow, along with a dedicated lesson slope for beginners and novices, SNO!zone provides action-packed activities including daily tobogganing and ice slide lessons.

SNO!zone is based within Xscape which provides a hub of entertainment, such as Cineworld, climbing wall, 4D golf, laser games, bowling; trampolining and skate-boarding all under one roof so there is something for everyone. Want to know more? Visit xscape.co.uk.