Thousands of visitors filled the streets of Scarborough this past weekend for the town’s annual Christmas celebration, Scarborough Sparkle. The festive event, which ran over the weekend, featured a lantern parade, funfair, and a bustling market among its highlights.
Organised by North Yorkshire Council, Scarborough Sparkle transformed the town’s Open Air Theatre with more than 50 stalls offering gifts, hot food, and festive drinks. The Tipi Venue proved to be a popular spot, where visitors could relax and enjoy seasonal refreshments. Presenters from This is the Coast added to the atmosphere by hosting live entertainment on the stage.
The theatre also featured a magical winter scene, with a snow machine, a beautifully decorated Christmas tree, a Santa sleigh, and characters from beloved children’s films, all adding to the festive charm.
The event kicked off on Friday, November 29, with the much-anticipated lantern parade in Peasholm Park. Staged by Animated Objects, and supported by 26 community groups across Scarborough, the parade transformed the park into a dazzling display of lights and lanterns. The community effort was praised for bringing the town together, with schools, charities, and local groups all contributing to the festivities.
Cllr Simon Myers, North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for arts and culture, said: “Scarborough Sparkles was back and better than ever, cementing itself as a staple of the town’s events calendar. It entices visitors outside of the peak tourist season, who help boost the local economy by enjoying our businesses, from hotels to restaurants.”
“The response to the lantern parade was incredible, with both participants and onlookers taking part. It was a real community effort, and a wonderful way to celebrate the start of the season.”
Scarborough Sparkle is also a great complement to the ongoing Scarborough Lights festival, which runs until December 22. The festival brings spectacular illuminated art installations to the town, featuring work from both local and international artists.
For more information and to book tickets for Scarborough Lights, visit www.scarboroughfair.uk.
If you haven’t yet experienced the magic of Scarborough Lights, there’s still time to enjoy the stunning light displays before the festival ends.
