When winter creeps in over Yorkshire, the region’s towns and villages come to life with festive spirit.
From bustling market squares to charming Victorian fayres, there’s magic to be found all over Yorkshire during the festive season – and Transdev can take you there. With routes connecting Skipton, Ilkley, Leeds, Harrogate and beyond, it’s never been easier to explore the North’s best Christmas markets.
Leeds Christmas Markets
© Copyright Leeds-List 2025
Leeds Christmas Market is back in City Square for 2025, along with the Ice Cube event over in Millennium Square. More than 60 festive chalets will be selling everything from mulled wine to raclette, giving you plenty of reason to visit the city centre for a wonderful winter day out. With an ice rink, ferris wheel and fairground rides, it’s fun for all the family.
Where? City Square and Millennium Square.
When? The markets are open from Friday 21st November to Sunday 21st December 2025 and Ice Cube is open until Wednesday 31st December 2025.
How to get there: Catch the 7, 36, Coastliner, Aireline or FLYER A1 bus services to Leeds Bus Station if you’re coming from the suburbs, then it’s a 15-minute walk.
Find out more: leeds-list.com
Skipton Christmas Market
Skipton’s historic high street is the setting for one of Yorkshire’s most atmospheric Christmas markets, featuring over 100 stalls, live music, local crafts and more. If you’ve still got shopping to do, be sure to check out Skipton’s wide array of indie stores, before returning to the market to soak up the festive charm with a well-earned bratwurst in hand.
Where? Skipton High Street
When? Sunday 7th and 14th December 2025.
How to get there: There are no direct services from Leeds but you can catch Dalesway from Keighley or the 64 from Ilkley.
Find out more: welcometoskipton.com
York Christmas Markets
© Copyright Leeds-List 2025
A trip to York is magical at the best of times, but Christmas is even more special. The historic streets will glow with fairy lights and festive music, as Alpine-style chalets line Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square. It’s always busy, so try to avoid weekends if possible. Be sure to cosy up with a drink in one of the city’s many pubs, which really come to life in the festive season.
Where? York city centre.
When? Thursday 13th November to Sunday 21st December 2025.
How to get there: Use the Coastliner service, routes 843/840, from Leeds to York.
Find out more: visityork.org
Ilkley Christmas Tree Festival
If you’re looking for a peaceful community celebration away from the high street rush, Ilkley’s Christmas Tree Festival is just the thing. The two-day event fills St Margaret’s Church with dozens of decorated trees, each individually decorated by local schools, charities and community groups. Scoff a mince pie and sip on mulled wine as you enjoy this charming local tradition.
Where? St Margaret’s Church, Queen’s Road, Ilkley, LS29 9QL.
When? Friday 5th and Saturday 6th December 2025.
How to get there: There’s no direct bus from Leeds, but you can catch the 62 from Keighley or the 64 from Ilkley.
Find out more: facebook.com/Ilkleychristmastreefestival
Otley Victorian Christmas Fayre
Get ready to step back in time at Otley’s popular Victorian Fayre, which takes over the market town for a day of festive nostalgia. There’ll be market stalls, carol singers and brass bands, but with a period twist – everyone’s dressed up in Victorian attire. It’s a unique one-dayer that’s packed with Dickensian spirit, serving up fun for all ages.
Where? Otley town centre.
When? Sunday 7th December 2025.
How to get there: Catch the Flyer A3 from Bradford or Shipley and hop off in Otley.
Find out more: facebook.com/otleyvictorianchristmasfayre
Grassington Christmas Markets
Nestled deep in the Dales, Grassington is a magical place to visit at Christmas time. Their festive markets take place on two consecutive Saturdays, filling the streets with artisan stalls, mulled wine and carol singing. There’s more to see and do, from cosy pubs with roaring fires to independent shops – all lit up with stunning twinkly lights.
Where? In and around Grassington Market Square.
When? Saturday 29th November and 6th December 2025.
How to get there: You can Dalesway from Keighley or the 64 from Ilkley to Skipton, then transfer onto the 72 to Grassington.
Find out more: discovergrassington.co.uk
Harrogate Christmas Fayre
Harrogate’s elegant streets host a European-style Christmas market every year, bringing festive cheer to the spa town. With 40 beautifully decorated chalets selling artisan crafts, tasty treats and winter warmers, it’s perfect whether you’re hunting for last minute gifts or enjoying a joyful Christmas day out. Laidback and welcoming, it’s a great alternative to the big city markets.
Where? Harrogate town centre.
When? Friday 5th to Sunday 14th December 2025.
How to get there: Take the 36 bus from Leeds to Harrogate.
Find out more: visitnorthyorkshire.com
Whitby Christmas Market
For sea views and seasonal sparkle, brave the weather and head out to Whitby for their annual Christmas market. Taking over the Front Marina Car Park for a weekend in November, expect local crafts, Yorkshire produce and plenty of warming treats to enjoy beside the harbour lights. It’s the perfect place to get a head start on your Christmas shopping.
Where? Front Marina Car Park, Langborne Road, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO22 4AG.
When? Friday 14th to Sunday 16th November and Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th December 2025.
How to get there: Take the Coastliner 840 from Leeds to Whitby.
Find out more: visitnorthyorkshire.com
Ripon Christmas Market
A brand new artisan Christmas market is coming to Ripon this year, transforming the city’s historic Market Square into a winter wonderland for three days in November. Get ready for live music, sparkling entertainment, mouthwatering festive food and unique gifts. It’s the perfect reason to visit Ripon, and getting there is a breeze when you catch the bus.
Where? Ripon Market Place, Market Place, North Yorkshire, HG4 1BW.
When? Friday 21st November to Sunday 23rd November 2025.
How to get there: Catch the number 36 from Leeds or Harrogate.
Find out more: visitnorthyorkshire.com
Knaresborough Christmas Market
Knaresborough take Christmas seriously, and their markets are a real highlight of the town’s calendar. You’ll be able to browse market stalls selling everything from home-baked cakes and roasted chestnuts to warm alpaca wool blankets, all while soaking up stunning views. With a town crier in attendance, it’s a quaint affair and a real slice of Yorkshire.
Where? Market Place, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, HG5 8AG.
When? Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th December 2025.
How to get there: Take the 36 to Harrogate then change onto the number 1 to Knaresborough.
Find out more: visitnorthyorkshire.com
