Yorkshire is jam-packed with incredible Christmas markets that will get you in the spirit of the festive season. Only Scrooge himself could possibly disagree…
What could be more Christmassy than a festive market? Twinkling lights, the evocative scent of mulled wine and homemade gifts galore. There are wonderful Christmas markets all across Yorkshire, bringing together artisans, street food traders, jewellers and makers of all kinds. Stock up on pressies or just drop by to make merry and get yourself in the Xmas zone.
St Nicholas Christmas Fair
York is a city that looks truly wondrous at Christmas, the medieval centre coming to twinkling life as the lights are turned on. The St Nicholas Christmas Fair has become a much-loved part of the Yuletide calendar, with scores of gorgeous alpine chalet huts taking over the streets for five weeks. Head for Parliament Street, St Sampson’s Square, Kings Square and Shambles Market to move between craft stalls, artisan producers and those all-important street food vendors. A cup of something mulled is the perfect fuel before you take a ride on the classic carousel or head into Thor’s Tipi to warm up.
St Nicholas Christmas Fair comes to York city centre from Thursday 18th November to Thursday 23rd December 2021.
Malton Christmas Market
Credit: David Lindsay
Expect two days of deliciousness in Malton when the Christmas Market arrives – this is a place renowned for its fabulous food. Surrounded by glorious countryside, it’s a picture postcard Yorkshire town that is seriously dressed to impress at Christmas. It’s all based in the handsome marketplace and promises a mixture of street food, live music from brass bands and choirs, family entertainment – Santa will make an appearance – and stalls selling unique Christmas gifts and stocking-fillers. You can stock up on local produce, incredible pork pies, patisserie, traditional figgy puddings and more besides.
Malton Christmas Market takes place from Saturday 4th to Sunday 5th December 2021.
Grassington Christmas Market
Grassington’s Christmas event might not be Dickensian this year, but the market will still be going ahead on consecutive Saturdays in December. The cobbled market square will be bustling with local stalls, with the first weekend also being when the Christmas lights are switched on. Take the kids along for Santa’s Grotto and a Punch & Judy show then browse the stalls for great gift ideas, some of them supporting local charities. Grassington itself is a wonderful stone-built village in the Yorkshire Dales – you might recognise it as Darrowby from All Creatures Great & Small.
Grassington Christmas Market takes place on Saturday 4th and Saturday 11th December 2021.
Knaresborough Christmas Market
Knaresborough is a beautiful North Yorkshire town that dedicates a whole weekend to its lovely Christmas Market. The sights, sounds and scents of the season will fill the marketplace – roasting chestnuts, mulled wine and cider with a soundtrack of jazz musicians, brass bands and ukulele groups. Sort out your Christmas shopping while supporting local traders – you can pick up handmade tree baubles, independent gin, old-fashioned sweets and more. Kids will love the treats on offer, and they can meet Father Christmas. There’ll be no shortage of food stalls too, with warming raclette and juicy bangers.
Knaresborough Christmas Market takes place on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th December 2021.
Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland
York Designer Outlet is already a great place to pick up some pressies, but it goes to the next level at Christmas when Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland takes over. All the market stalls are present and correct, but this is also the home of ‘The Ice Factor’, the largest outdoor ice-skating rink in the north. Take to the ice and whizz around the magnificent Christmas tree centrepiece. Warm up with a hot chocolate and a toastie in the alpine-themed The Chalet after and then explore the vintage funfair with its dodgems and 1930s speedway. Don’t forget to book the kids in for a visit with Santa and his elves.
Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland comes to York Designer Outlet from Friday 19th November 2021 to Sunday 9th January 2022.
Harrogate Christmas Fayre
Harrogate welcomes a new festive market this year as the heart of the city transforms for Christmas. Arrive hungry – there’ll be loads of places to feed yourself, from gourmet burgers to Crimbo morsels, as well as samples galore. They’re promising a mix of traditional-style European stalls as well as plenty of local traders. It’s the perfect chance to get on top of your shopping with one-of-a-kind gifts and trinkets, and there’s nothing wrong with treating yourself as well. Get in the festive spirit with seasonal music, children’s entertainment and the gorgeous Harrogate Christmas lights.
Harrogate Christmas Fayre takes place from Friday 3rd December to Sunday 12th December 2021.
Skipton Christmas Market
Skipton is a brilliant festive shopping destination anyway, but the Christmas Market just kicks it up a notch. This award-winning event adds over 150 independent stalls to the already excellent shopping you’ll find in Craven Court and the town’s atmospheric alleyways. Get those all-important last-minute gifts and secret Santa pressies, then gorge yourself on sizzling sausages, gooey brownies, wood-fired pizza, artisan mince pies and hot chocolate with a hit of the strong stuff. Entertainment will include Victorian carol singers, Skipton Brass Band and live musicians.
Skipton Christmas Market takes place on Sunday 5th and Sunday 12th December 2021.
