Top 10 Christmas Markets in Yorkshire, England
Discover the festive magic of Yorkshire’s Christmas markets! This guide reveals the top 10 markets you won’t want to miss in 2024, plus we go over insider tips on how to make the most of your visit.
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Whether you’re looking to shop for unique gifts from small businesses, indulge in festive treats, or simply make special memories with family and friends, Yorkshire’s Christmas markets offer a bit of everything.
This guide will take you through the 10 best Yorkshire Christmas markets and celebrations, each taking place on dates in November and December.
How to Get to Yorkshire’s Christmas Markets:
Most of Yorkshire’s Christmas markets are accessible via public transport, with regular train and bus services connecting most cities and towns.
If you’re visiting England for the first time, I highly recommend checking out tickets on Trainline for easy planning and discounted fares.
Leeds Christmas Market feature several fayre rides including a Ferris Wheel in front of Leeds Town Hall.
The city of Leeds hosts one of the largest Christmas markets in West Yorkshire. Leeds Christmas Market is a traditional German market, transforming Millennium Square into a winter wonderland.
The market features several wooden chalet stalls where you can find various festive goodies, all from local craftsmen. The food and drink at Leeds Christmas Market are a highlight, with German sausages, schnitzels, churros and mulled wine being crowd favorites.
There are several things to do in Leeds during the holiday season including visiting the Leeds Corn Exchange which has markets and events through out the months of November and December.
Where to Stay in Leeds:
The Radisson Blu is right on the doorstep of Christmas festivities and is only a 5 minute walk from the Leeds Train Station. Check out their options here.
2. York Christmas Markets
The York Shambles are especially magical at Christmas time.
York is a city that is overflowing with history and charm. The city’s Christmas markets are no exception. The York Christmas Market is one of the most iconic markets in Yorkshire, stretching across Parliament Street, St. Sampson’s Square, and the famous Shambles.
At the York Christmas Markets, you can browse a wide range of stalls offering unique gifts, from local crafts to gourmet food. Made in Yorkshire’s Yuletide Village is particularly special, showing the work of some of the best artisans in Yorkshire.
Where to Stay in York:
The Churchill Hotel is a gorgeous Georgian manor house located just outside of York’s city centre. It takes about 8 minutes to walk to the Christmas markets and is a phenomenal place to stay in the city. Check out more here.
3. Knaresborough Christmas Market
Moving into the cozy Yorkshire towns, Knaresborough is a picturesque market town in North Yorkshire that comes alive during the Christmas season.
The Knaresborough Christmas Market is set against the backdrop of the town’s historic castle and the River Nidd and is perfect for those looking for a more intimate and traditional market.
The weekend culminates in a spectacular firework display over the viaduct, lighting up the winter sky.
Where to Stay in Knaresborough:
Knaresborough Inn is only about a 5 minute walk from Knaresborough Train Station and the town centre. There is a cozy pub onsite that makes this accommodation so special. Check out more info here.
4. Harrogate Christmas Fayre
Harrogate, a well-known spa town in Yorkshire, holds their annual Christmas Fayre which lasts just over two weeks from the end of November to the middle of December. The market takes place in the heart of the town, with stalls and decorations lining Cambridge Street, Market Place, and Station Square.
Live music, street performers, and the beautiful Christmas lights adds to the cozy atmosphere of this charming market, and don’t forget to stop by the stunning Harrogate Christmas Tree in Victoria Gardens!
While in Harrogate, make sure to stop by Betty’s Tea Rooms, which is the perfect place to have afternoon tea in Yorkshire. Each year, they offer festive afternoon lunches which will only add to this special day out in Yorkshire.
Where to Stay in Harrogate:
The Crown Hotel is located right in the centre of town and is only a 5 minute walk away from Betty’s Tea Rooms and the town centre. Check out more info here.
5. Grassington Christmas Festival
Grassington is one of the most charming villages in Yorkshire. For fans of the Channel 5 drama “All Creatures Great and Small,” you will recognize this sweet village as it acted as the filming location for the fictional village in the series.
Located in the gorgeous Yorkshire Dales, the village of Grassington is transformed into a traditional Victorian village, adorned with bright decorations and lights.
The market stalls at Grassington’s Christmas Festival, like the other markets offer a range of unique gifts and festive foods, with an emphasis on traditional craftsmanship. Enjoy listening to brass bands and choirs, and warm up with a mulled wine or roasted chestnuts.
Where to Stay in Grassington:
Grassington is the only destination on this list that I would recommend visiting by car. The Yorkshire Dales are one of the most beautiful places to explore.
With that being said, I have heard nothing but the best things about Craiglands Bed and Breakfast, a charming cottage located close to Grassington’s town centre and it has free private parking. Check out more info here.
6. Whitby Christmas Market
199 Steps, Whitby, England
Whitby’s Christmas market that is both quirky and festive. The Whitby Christmas Market takes place in the town center, with stalls offering a variety of unique gifts such as gothic-inspired jewelry and other local crafts. The market’s location, overlooking the harbor, adds to its charm.
In addition to the market, Whitby hosts a fabulous firework display, a tree lighting ceremony, and other fun events throughout the weekend festival.
Where to Stay in Whitby:
Smuggler’s Rest Bed and Breakfast is a cozy accommodation option in Whitby. The name is a clever nod to the seaside town’s history which I recommend diving into while here, it is fascinating. Check out more info about this B&B here.
7. Skipton Yuletide Festival and Christmas Market
Skipton hosts one of the most popular Christmas markets in Yorkshire. The Skipton Yuletide Festival and Christmas Market take place over two Sundays in December and attract visitors from all over the region. The market is held on the High Street, which is closed to traffic, allowing for a safe and enjoyable experience.
The Skipton Yuletide Festival includes live entertainment, with brass bands, choirs, and street performers adding to the festive atmosphere.
Where to Stay in Skipton:
Herriot’s Hotel is located just around the corner from the Skipton Train Station making it an ideal location for this Christmas getaway. Check out more information here.
8. Sheffield Christmas Market
Sheffield’s Christmas Market brings a vibrant and festive atmosphere to the city center. The market is spread across Fargate, the Peace Gardens, and Barker’s Pool, with over 50 wooden chalet stalls offering a wide range of gifts and festive treats.
One of the highlights of the Sheffield Christmas Market is the traditional Santa’s Grotto, which is a hit with families. Children can meet Santa and receive a small gift, making it a memorable experience. The market also features a German sausage grill, a Yorkshire pudding wrap stand, and a bar serving mulled wine and boozy hot chocolate.
Where to Stay in Sheffield:
Another Radisson Blu Hotel in the perfect location in Sheffield. Chatworth House (Mr. Darcy’s manor) is a 30 minute drive from this hotel and would make for an amazing day trip while you are here. Check it out here.
9. Beverley Festival of Christmas
Beverley, a historic market town in East Yorkshire, hosts the Beverley Festival of Christmas, one of the largest single-day Christmas markets in the UK. The festival attracts thousands of visitors each year and is spread across the town center, with stalls lining the streets around the Minster and Market Cross.
One of the highlights is the Victorian Christmas Market, where stallholders dress in period costumes, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Where to Stay in Beverley:
Beverley is full of sweet little holiday homes. Beverley Heart Townhouse is a three-bedroom home located only 5 minutes from the train station. Check out more information here.
10. Light Up the Valley, Hebden Bridge and Mytholmroyd
The Calderdale Valley hosts the Light Up the Valley event, which takes place in the towns of Hebden Bridge and Mytholmroyd. This event is a celebration of light, with the towns adorned with festive illuminations and decorations.
The Hebden Bridge Christmas Market features stalls selling local crafts and festive foods, with an emphasis on sustainability and handmade products. In Mytholmroyd, the Christmas lights switch-on is accompanied by a fireworks display, creating a spectacular end to the evening.
Where to Stay in Hebden Bridge:
One of my favorite things about this Yorkshire town is the kind, warm-hearted people here. Hebble End View is one B&B that shines a light on this. The host is so kind and the location is perfect. Find out more here.
How to Prepare to Visit a Yorkshire Christmas Market:
As you prepare your visit to the Christmas Markets, make sure you prepare for the winter weather. Yorkshire in December is often cold, with temperatures ranging from just above freezing to the low double digits, and it’s not uncommon for rain or even a light dusting of snow to make an appearance.
To stay comfortable, layering is the key— I highly recommend a thermal base layer, a cozy sweater, and a waterproof winter coat will keep you snug. Don’t forget a hat, gloves, and a scarf to protect yourself from the chill, and wear waterproof boots with good grip for navigating potentially wet and icy streets.
Have an amazing time and happy holidays!
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