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8 Fabulously Festive Christmas Markets in Yorkshire 2023

Christmas in Yorkshire means lots of amazing, festive Christmas markets. Whether you’re looking for gifts and decorations or just a festive day out with family and friends, the Christmas markets in Yorkshire have plenty to offer.

8 Fabulously Festive Christmas Markets in Yorkshire 2023

Holly Jenkinson

Published: 13 November 2023

Updated: 13 November 2023

Read time: 5 minutes

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Christmas in Yorkshire means lots of amazing, festive Christmas markets.  Whether you’re looking for gifts and decorations or just a festive day out with family and friends, the Christmas markets in Yorkshire have plenty to offer.

Take a look through these eight magical Christmas markets in Yorkshire and start planning your festive outings.

York Christmas Festival

Enjoy the Christmas cheer on offer in one of the UK's most festive cities as York's restaurants, shops and attractions are beautifully decorated and provide a wonderful experience, with an incredible range of festive events!

This St Nicholas Fair includes the famous alpine chalets that line Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square creating a festive wonderland with hundreds of stalls selling gifts and local food.

Location: St Sampson's Sq, York, YO1 8QT

Dates: Thursday 16th November to Friday 22nd December

Website: https://www.visityork.org/christmas

Leeds Christmas Market

Leeds Christmas Market will return this year and is expected to be bigger and better than ever. For the first time the popular German themed market will be spread right across the city centre.

Around 120 seasonal stalls and decorations will be dotted across 13 different streets and public spaces this Christmas.

Other popular festive attractions will also be returning, including Ice Cube in Millennium Square, the giant Leeds Wheel of Light on Victoria Gardens, alongside three separate outdoor bar areas where you can enjoy a festive tipple.

Location: Millenium Square, Leeds, LS2 3AD

Dates: Friday 24th November to Friday 22nd December

Website: https://www.visitleeds.co.uk/winter-season/christmas-markets/

Knaresborough Christmas Market

Knaresborough is undeniably one of the prettiest places in Yorkshire, a beautiful cobbled town full of winding streets and amazing architecture. So, it’s no surprise that it transforms into a winter wonderland during the festive period.

Hosting a weekend of festivities every year, with an array of market stalls stocking local produce taking over the town – including festive foods, handmade gifts, decorations and much more.

Location: Market Place, Knaresborough, HG5 8AG  

Dates: Saturday 2nd & Sunday 3rd December

Website: https://knaresboroughchristmasmarket.co.uk/

Beverly Festival of Christmas

One of the largest Christmas events in the UK, the Beverley Festival of Christmas is back this year, with over 100 stalls in attendance. 

The one-day event will feature four market locations across the town, with a range of entertainment including carol singing, a festive parade, fair rides, and even a visit to Santa’s Grotto. 

There’ll be plenty to eat and drink, with stalls ranging from food, and hand-crafted decorations to festive gifts.

Location: Market Place, Beverley, HU17 8EA

Dates: Sunday 10th December

Website: https://www.beverleyfestivalofchristmas.co.uk/

Christmas at Yorkshire Wildlife Park

Christmas at Yorkshire Wildlife Park is great fun for the whole family. Hosting not only a magical walk-through animal-themed light trail, guests can also enjoy the Christmas market.

At the market stalls browse for food and drink, locally sourced produce and delicious sweet treats or indulge yourself with beautiful homeware, cards and accessories.

New this year is the Christmas Tipi where you can get into the festive spirit with a winter tipple and a warm in front of the fire pit.

Location: Hurst Ln, Auckley, Doncaster DN9 3HQ

Dates: Friday 17th November to Sunday 14th January [Selected weekends]

Website: https://www.yorkshirewildlifepark.com/things-to-do/special-events/winter-illuminations/

Whitby Christmas Festival

Whitby's Christmas Festival features an array of wonderful food and gift traders, and brings a special feel to Christmas.

The town’s nautical heritage and traditional festivities merge for just three days only, bringing the very best local street food and handmade items to the historic town’s streets.

The Christmas festival usually includes spectacular events such as a lantern parade, live music and fireworks display.

Location: Front Marina Car Park, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO21 1YN

Dates: Friday 17th November to Sunday 19th November

Website: https://www.visitwhitby.com/blog/event/whitby-christmas-festival-2023/

Harrogate Christmas Markets

Harrogate Christmas Fayre returns to the centre of Harrogate with a range of festive stalls to browse. Among the many stalls will be arts and crafts, mouth-watering treats, festive decorations and a range of unique gift ideas for you to choose from.

There's also a range of live music and entertainment taking place throughout the town, including an outdoor skate ring and a giant Ferris wheel where you can look out over the illuminated town after dark.  

Location: Cambridge St, Harrogate, HG1 1RX

Dates: Friday 1st December to Sunday 17th December

Website: https://www.visitharrogate.co.uk/events/harrogate-christmas-fayre

Malton Christmas Food Festival

Expect a weekend of festive fun in and around Malton’s Market Place. This is a festive 2-day market, with some of the best street food alongside festive gift stalls, choirs and seasonal entertainment.

Over 100 stalls are expected at this year's Christmas market along with tasty street food to devour. As well as the stall holders, Malton’s shops will be packed with Christmas gift ideas in the many charming streets across town.

Location: Market Place, Malton, YO17 7LX

Dates: Saturday 2nd December and Sunday 3rd December

Website: https://www.visitmalton.com/malton-christmas-festival

We've rounded up the best Christmas markets taking place all over Yorkshire - which will you visit?

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