October may have just begun, but Christmas will be here before we know it, making it the perfect time to start planning your festive itineraries! There’s no shortage of things to do in Yorkshire during the holiday season, but nothing quite compares to the joy of spending a day or evening at a Christmas market. This year, there’ll be a wonderful array of superb Christmas markets in Yorkshire, each offering a magical atmosphere, unique shopping opportunities, and live entertainment.
Expect to be greeted by the delightful sounds of brass bands as you wander through stalls brimming with seasonal goodies. Treat yourself to warming mulled wine, delicious bratwurst, rich hot chocolate, roasted chestnuts, and irresistible churros. Plus, don’t miss the chance for a magical Santa experience that will surely delight the little ones! If you’re looking for guidance on which market to visit this year, read on to discover some of the best Christmas markets in Yorkshire that are bound to make your festive season unforgettable!
Christmas Markets in Yorkshire You Won’t Want to Miss…
York Christmas Market
When: 14th November to 22nd December 2024
York’s award-winning Christmas market will once again transform Parliament Street and St. Sampson’s Square from November 14th. This beloved, family-friendly market offers a magical day out, with 75 charming Alpine-style chalets brimming with festive delights. Discover everything from handcrafted decorations and one-of-a-kind gifts by local artisans to delicious treats and seasonal street food made by Yorkshire’s finest producers. This year, an impressive 80% of the traders hail from the region, making it the perfect place to support local businesses while getting into the holiday spirit. The ever-popular vintage carousel will also return to King’s Square, providing nostalgic fun for all ages. For even more festive family experiences, explore our guide to Christmas events in York 2024.
Leeds Christmas Market
When: 22nd November – 22nd December 2024
Leeds Christmas Market is making a highly anticipated return on November 22nd, 2024, with a refreshed layout based on last year’s feedback. This year, the market will focus on two key city centre locations: Millennium Square and City Square, with the addition of a weekend artisan market at Bond Court. Expect a wide selection of local traders offering Christmas gifts, crafts, and seasonal treats, along with food and drink vendors serving up festive favourites. Beyond the main market, a series of pop-up events will take place across the city, including a four-day Winter Artisan Market at Harewood House starting on November 7th. For extra seasonal excitement, the ice skating rink will return to Millennium Square and Victoria Gardens from November 22nd until December 31st, adding a touch of festive fun to the heart of Leeds.
Harrogate Christmas Fayre
When: 29th November – 15th December 2024
Experience the magic of Christmas in Harrogate this December as the town’s beloved Christmas Fayre returns to the town centre for 17 days of festive fun. Browse an eclectic mix of stalls featuring local traders and traditional European Christmas offerings, with plenty to delight every visitor. From handmade arts and crafts by talented artisans to delicious seasonal treats, you’ll find everything from festive home decorations to unique gift ideas — or perhaps just a well-deserved treat for yourself amid the Christmas preparations.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, there’ll be live music and entertainment to make your visit with friends or family even more special. The ever-popular Candy Cane Express road train will also be back, offering market-goers a charming tour of the town on Fridays through Sundays during the Christmas fayre.
With Harrogate’s Christmas lights sparkling and the festive season in full swing, it’s the perfect time to soak up the Christmas spirit and enjoy everything this enchanting market has to offer.
Skipton Christmas Markets
When: 1st & 8th December 2024
Skipton’s Christmas Market, one of the most popular in the Yorkshire Dales, returns this year on the 1st and 8th of December for two fun-filled days of festivities. As always, the town’s award-winning high street will be bustling with over 100 traders offering an eclectic mix of trinkets, treasures, and seasonal treats. With Skipton’s many independent shops adding to the charm, it’s the perfect chance to find quirky Christmas gifts and unique stocking fillers.
A live music stage will keep the festive spirit high, with local performers entertaining the crowds throughout the day. Feeling hungry? You’ll be spoilt for choice with a fantastic range of food vendors serving up everything from traditional Christmas fare to contemporary culinary delights.
Grassington Christmas Markets
When: 30th November and 6th December 2024
The Grassington Christmas Market in December 2024 will be a delightful event for anyone looking to embrace the festive spirit in a stunning setting. Nestled in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales, this atmospheric village market will run from 10 am to 4 pm, offering a fantastic opportunity to discover unique gifts from small local businesses and talented crafters, all in a more peaceful setting compared to the bustling city centre markets of York and Leeds.
Browse charming stalls brimming with handmade crafts, delicious treats, and seasonal goodies that are sure to get you in the Christmas spirit. With twinkling lights galore and cheery tunes adding to the festive atmosphere, enjoy a warming drink as hunt for quirky trinkets and treasures.
Whitby Christmas Festival
When: 15th – 17th November 2024
A highlight of the Yorkshire Coast’s festive calendar, the Whitby Christmas Festival returns from the 15th to the 17th of November 2024, promising three days of festive fun by the sea. Held at the Marina Front Car Park on Langbourne Road, the event offers a perfect mix of Christmas shopping, family-friendly activities, and live entertainment. Expect a vibrant atmosphere as local traders set up shop, offering everything from handmade gifts to seasonal treats, while street performers and live music keep the crowds entertained.
Derek Robinson the Clown will also be roaming the market, delighting visitors with his tricks and jokes, adding extra cheer to the festivities. Be sure to catch him in action as he mingles with the crowds, spreading laughter and joy.
And, of course, no visit to Whitby is complete without taking in the town’s natural beauty – make time for a stroll up the famous 199 steps to Whitby Abbey, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking wintry views over the coastline and town.
Whether you’re seeking unique gifts, a day out with the family, or simply soaking up the festive atmosphere, Whitby’s Christmas Festival offers something for everyone – all set against the stunning backdrop of this historic coastal town.
Scarborough Sparkle
When: November 29th – 1st December 2024
Scarborough Sparkle will once again transform the North Bay from the 22nd to the 24th of November 2024, bringing a magical Christmas wonderland to the Scarborough Open Air Theatre. Visitors will be able to embrace the festive spirit as they stroll through the event wrapped up in winter coats and woolly hats, enjoying everything the seasonal celebration has to offer.
At the heart of the event, the magnificent Tipi will provide a cosy retreat, where guests can sip mulled wine by the log fires, listen to Christmas music, and even toast marshmallows. Families will find plenty to entertain the children, including a traditional Ferris wheel, teacup rides, and the illuminated land train.
With over 35 themed stalls offering a wide range of handmade gifts, festive treats, and speciality liqueurs, Scarborough Sparkle also provides an excellent opportunity to get ahead on Christmas shopping. After browsing the stalls, visitors can indulge in gourmet food from around the globe and enjoy tempting desserts such as crepes, doughnuts, and brownies.
Malton Christmas Festival
When: 7th and 8th December 2024
Get ready to immerse yourself in the festive spirit at the Malton Christmas Market, taking place on December 7th and 8th, 2024, in the heart of Yorkshire’s food capital! This vibrant market will feature an array of festive stalls offering both foodie and non-foodie gifts, perfect for finding unique presents for everyone on your list. With a wide selection of street food vendors, visitors can indulge in delicious treats while soaking up the festive atmosphere.
Families will be entertained with live shows, music from brass bands and choirs, and a festive storytelling experience that brings the spirit of Christmas to life. A charming land train will also be operating, taking visitors on a delightful tour around the Marketplace. For the little ones, there will be a magical Santa’s Grotto where children can meet the big man himself, along with a Christmas mini disco to keep the holiday spirit alive. The Malton Christmas Market is the perfect destination to embrace the joy of the festive season while celebrating the town’s culinary heritage.
Beverley Festival of Christmas – Victorian Christmas Market
When: Sunday 8th December 2024
Each year, on the second Sunday in December, Beverley’s town centre is transformed into a festive wonderland, with over 120 stalls offering Christmas gifts, local produce, food, drink, and handmade crafts.
The Beverley Festival of Christmas, the largest one-day Christmas market in the UK, will return on Sunday, 8th December 2024, for its 28th year. This year’s market will run from 10 am to 4 pm, taking over Saturday Market, North Bar Within, and Wednesday Market, with links to the nearby Flemingate Shopping Centre.
Visitors can expect a day packed with festive entertainment, including live music from brass and pipe bands, traditional Victorian fairground rides, and dancers performing throughout the day.
Children will have the chance to meet Santa and have their photos taken with him, while the whole family can enjoy a selection of street food and drink stalls.
New for 2024, North Bar’s Georgian Quarter will showcase businesses from East Yorkshire, highlighting local producers and traders, adding to the market’s vibrant mix of offerings for a fantastic day of Christmas shopping and celebration.
Hull Victorian Christmas Market
When: 23rd & 24th November 2024
On Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th November, Hull’s Old Town will be rewinding the clock and celebrating the festive season Victorian style! The Victorian Christmas weekend promises to be an immersive experience with various Victorian and Dickensian characters, live music, storytelling, traditional crafting activities and much more!
Entry to the event is free and there’ll be plenty of photo opportunities with themed dress-up items and props to help you style that perfect period shot! Of course, there’ll be a great selection of market stalls to browse and some great local food vendors serving up some seriously satisfying treats. Sound good so far? That’s not all! For a £2 fee, visitors can enjoy a traditional carousel or a horse and carriage!
Barnsley Christmas Market
When: Thursday 5th December (11am – 5pm), Friday 6th December (11am – 7pm), Saturday 7th December (11am – 8pm), Sunday 8th December (11am – 4pm)
Barnsley Christmas Market is returning this December for its second year and it looks like it’s going to be even better than last year. The Glass Works Square will host more than 50 stalls selling an extensive variety of Christmas gifts, crafts and homewares plus foodie treats from local producers such as The Gourmet Scotch Egg Co, Sweet Sisters Cakery and Priory Vodka.
If you’re all about the food, you won’t be disappointed at Barnsley Christmas Market! Announced street food vendors include Big Mouth Gyoza, The Yorkshire Crepe Co, Cluck and Dough, Churros Barcelone and of course, a German Bratwurst vendor because it wouldn’t be a Christmas market without one!
As regards entertainment, there’ll be plenty going on with live performances from carollers, singers and brass bands. Taking the kids with you? Pop into the Alhambra Shopping Centre where Santa will be waiting in his festive grotto!