With the aroma of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine in the air, there is nothing more likely to put you in the festive mood than strolling around a Christmas market. Across the region there are markets both large-scale and intimate, so wrap up warm and head out – there’s something for everyone
Enjoy festive cheer in York
The immensely popular Christmas Market fills York with festive cheer from mid-November. Visitors can browse more than 70 Alpine chalets offering local crafts, artisan products and seasonal fare from the vendors who will line Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square in the city centre. More than 80 per cent of the traders hail from Yorkshire making it the perfect opportunity to support local businesses while you shop. As well as the array of stalls there will be a vintage carousel on King’s Square to keep the little ones happy too!
Until December 22
visityork.org
Go back in time at Robin Hood’s Bay
The charming village of Robin Hood’s Bay becomes a Christmas market for the annual Victorian Weekend. The cobbled streets are brought to life with the sounds of traditional carols and the shops, pubs and cafes all come together to create a Christmas village. Expect to see Victorian characters as you shop. The coastal idyll offers unique handmade gifts, toys, jewellery and homeware all waiting to be wrapped up ready to open on December 25.
December 7-8
thewhitbyguide.co.uk
Christmas fun in the Dales
Grassington, in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, is a firm favourite in the Christmas Market calendar attracting visitors young and old year after year. On November 30 and December 7, the village will transform into a magical wonderland with twinkly lights, Christmas tunes and festive food and drink. Around the village and cobbled market square, the local pubs offer a warm welcome with roaring fires if the weather is cold outside.
November 30 & December 7
discovergrassington.co.uk
Malton, known as Yorkshire’s Food Capital, hosts a two day Christmas Festival where foodies can sample a festive menu guaranteed to whet the appetite.
The picture perfect market square will be lined with stalls offering quality gifts and food all waiting to be discovered. Visitors can browse to the sounds of live music from local brass bands, choirs and family entertainment. Entry is free and it promises to be a weekend of pure festive joy. Bon appetit to all who go! December 7-8
visitmalton.com
Ho, ho ho in Harrogate
Harrogate town centre will welcome an eclectic mix of local traders and traditional European Christmas stalls at this year’s Christmas Fayre. What could be better than having a menu offering everything from Yorkshire puds to Bratwurst sausages! Each day festive shoppers can find arts and crafts, mouth watering food and drink as well as gift ideas for all the family. The Christmas lights will be on and twinkling so head along and find the stalls on the pedestrianised parts of Cambridge Street and the Market Place.
November 29 to December 15
visitharrogate.co.uk/events/harrogate-christmas-fayre
Pop up and pop in to Leeds
Make a day of it and head to Leeds city centre where pop-up performances will add to the fun of festive retail therapy. Stalls will be selling gifts, crafts and treats from around the globe. Vendors will be centred around Millennium Square and City Square so pick up a present or two to put under the tree.
November 22 to December 22
visitleeds.co.uk/winter-season/christmas-markets/
It’s the most wonderful time..
Father Christmas and his reindeers will be making a sleigh stop in Beverley on for the town’s Festival of Christmas. The market town welcomes around 120 festive stalls as well as Victorian fairground rides, face painting, carols and dancing. Be sure to go along to bag a tasty treat and say hello to the big man himself while you are there.
December 8
visiteastyorkshire.co.uk
A hop, skip and a jump to the festivities
Enjoy a mince pie and a glass of mulled wine at the traditional Skipton Christmas Market. The popular market town will be packed with artisan makers and producers and with around 100 stalls to choose from, the perfect present is sure to be there. If you need a warming pick-me-up there will be boozy hot chocolate, mulled wine and of course a bag of roasted chestnuts.
December 1 & 8
Knaresborough Market Place will be a festive hub of activity for its annual Christmas Market. From 10am until 5pm each day, there will be a variety of stalls to explore alongside the town’s independent shops and eateries. Live music and Sunday fireworks will add to the Yuletide fun.
December 7 & 8
knaresboroughchristmasmarket.co.uk
Get a ‘piece of the action’ in Halifax
The magnificence that is Piece Hall becomes even more magical in the weekends leading up to Christmas. Some of the region’s favourite independent producers will be showcasing their festive goodies on winter weekends.
Friday to Sunday from November 22 to December 22
thepiecehall.co.uk
All the fun of the fayre
Now in its 37th year, Otley Victorian Fayre returns to entertain gift hunters at the one day traditional event. There will be a mix of stalls, entertainment and attractions for all the family. This is always a popular event so don’t miss out on the festive fun.
December 1
victorianfayre.co.uk
Get industrious in Bradford
Father Christmas and his alpacas will be making their way to Bradford Industrial Museum for its Christmas Market. There will be gift stalls as well as food and drink vendors and entertainment from a concert band while you browse. Ticket prices do apply.
November 23 & 24
bradfordmuseums.org
Enjoy a Calderdale Christmas
There will be local produce aplenty at this year’s Hebden Bridge Christmas Market. More than 60 stalls will welcome visitors with a host of crafts, local goods and food and drink. For the first time there will also be an international street food area to tickle the taste buds.
November 25 &26
Come to Ripon Cathedral
Ripon Cathedral will be home to 100 stalls for its annual Food and Gift Fair. Tuck into a turkey sandwich as you meet the vendors selling a selection of gifts and delicious treats. Relax in the stunning surroundings of the Cathedral - it will certainly get you in the mood for Christmas. More
November 22 &23
riponcathedral.org.uk
Book to go to Haworth
The literary haven that is Haworth holds a small Christmas Artisan Market on December 15 in Central Park from 10.30am. After you have visited the artisan stalls, make your way to Main Street where there is a programme of carols and brass bands.
December 15
christmasinhaworth.com
Christmas at the Castle
The luxury setting of Ripley Castle makes for a fancy festive backdrop for Christmas Markets. Each day the Castle courtyard will be brimming with local talent and produce. These markets are always a real draw so why not pick up a present for a loved one?
November 24 & December 8
ripleycastle.co.uk
Go wild at Yorkshire animal park
Yorkshire Wildlife Park opens its doors for two Christmas Markets during December ensuring you will have a ‘roarsome’ time. From December 12-15 and 19-22, the popular Doncaster attraction will be a festive oasis.
December 12-15 and and 19-22
yorkshirewildlifepark.com
Get your sparkle on
Scarborough Sparkle will light up the coastal. Situated in the Open Air Theatre, it will be a magical event where you can tick off some presents on your to-buy list while sampling the food and drink from the variety of stalls.
November 29 to December 1
discoveryorkshirecoast.com
