The York Christmas Market (also known as St Nicholas Fair) may be the most famous and largest of its kind in the county, but there are many other winter wonderlands to be discovered within the region, each offering their own formats and features. Embrace the festive season at these heartwarming Christmas markets across North Yorkshire in 2023.
When: Sunday 3rd December
Where: Market Place
Presented by York Mix Radio in association with the town council, Selby Christmas Market is a free event for all the family running from 10 am to 5 pm on just one day. Live entertainment, hot food and drink and speciality bars can be found, as well as some dancing turkeys! Santa makes an appearance on his sleigh and you can shop at over 40 stalls, packed with Christmas gift inspiration. Don’t miss the switching on of the lights at 4 pm, as night begins to fall.
When: Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd December
Where: Market Place
Listen to traditional Yuletide tunes played by local brass bands, feast on street food and hop on a festive train ride around the square, at Malton Christmas Festival. Stallholders sell figgy puddings, turkey and goose, award-winning macarons, mulled wine, gin, beers and more. Join Emerald the Elf in the Milton Rooms for her interactive show for children; this takes place across the weekend (Saturday at 12 pm, 2 pm and 3.30 pm and Sunday at 10.30 am, 12 pm, 2 pm and 3.30 pm). Tickets are priced at £5 each and include a visit to Santa’s Grotto, with a gift. Dedicated parking is available at Riverside Meadows and a free Park and Ride service is being laid on for the event. The festival runs from 9 am to 3.30 pm daily.
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When: Friday 1st to Sunday 17th December
Where: Pedestrianised areas of Cambridge Street and Market Place
The charming and historic spa destination provides 17 days of festive shopping, with both local and continental traders, arts and crafts, music and entertainment. Brand new for 2023, an open top bus experience by The Harrogate Bus Company, is running trips providing some of the best views in town. Or you can ride the Candy Cane Express road train, a real hit with junior attendees. Dogs are welcome at the event — they’ll love the Pup Up Christmas Cafe on Parliament Street — although do be aware that the main market may prove a little busy for more timid breeds. Visit Harrogate Christmas Market any time Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 7 pm and Sundays from 11 am to 4 pm.
When: Saturdays and Sundays between the 2nd and 17th December
Where: Harrogate Valley Gardens
Regular artisan market Little Bird hosts their special festive event during the month of December. The outdoor experience comprises stalls selling homeware and fragrance, skin and body care, art and photography, handmade crafts, leather and woodwork, personalised gifts, children’s toys, clothing and accessories, jewellery, food items and ceramics and lots more. This is a great place to uncover authentic homegrown products you won’t find elsewhere. Opening times are 10 am to 5 pm on Saturdays and 10 am to 4 pm on Sundays.
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When: Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd December
Where: Market Place
A few miles along the road from Harrogate, you’ll reach Knaresborough, with its timeless charm, and smaller two-day market. Set among cobbled streets and lanes, it provides a real taste of Yorkshire life. A programme of music from 10 am to 5 pm includes Knaresborough Choral Society, the Shepherd Concert Band, Ripon Morris Men, Betty Lupton’s Ladle Laikers and Spirit of Harmony Barber Shop Group. The weekend culminates in a majestic firework display over the Viaduct at 4.30 pm (head to the riverside or castle for the best views). We recommend popping into the free Christmas Tree Festival at St John’s Church while you’re in town too.
When: Sunday 3rd and 10th December
Where: Skipton High Street
Operating from 10 am to 4.30 pm for two Sundays, the Skipton Christmas Market is made up of 100 stalls and a festive music stage. Order a boozy hot chocolate, some mince pies, hot roast chestnuts and German bratwurst and listen to the sounds of Christmas carols, brass bands and swing music. Should you be in the area earlier in the season, you can catch a Santa Fun Run on the 26th November at 10 am, followed by the Christmas lights switch-on at 4 pm.
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When: Friday 24th to Sunday 26th November
Where: Thirsk Town Hall
This three-day Christmas Fayre is a community event, largely run by volunteers.
It opens on Friday at 4 pm (with a lights switch-on) until around 7.30 pm, again on Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm and finally on Sunday from 10 am to 3 pm. Food is available from Fred and Berts, with home baking and butties in the Town Hall Annexe, plus a hot chestnut seller and hot dog stand. Santa is in attendance in the Town Hall on Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 2 pm.
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When: Friday 17th to Sunday 19th November
Where: Endeavour Wharf
Operated by the town council, this seaside fair enables some early Christmas shopping. It launches at 5 pm, with the official lights switch-on happening later the same evening. On Saturday a kiddies disco (3.15 pm to 4.45 pm) and fireworks (7.45 pm) keep the little ones entertained. And there will be entertainment happening on the Radio Stage throughout the days and evenings.
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Exploring these Christmas markets across North Yorkshire in 2023 will add magic to your seasonal stay, no matter your age. As you wrap up warmly and venture into this world of winter wonder, we’re sure you’ll fall further in love with this part of the country.