Christmas Markets and Festive Events 2019

It's that time of year again where the nights are getting darker, the cosy fires are being lit and we're all starting to think about the magic of Christmas! From twinkling Christmas markets to spectacular seasonal events; there's lots going on in Yorkshire to get you in the Christmas spirit.

Check out our cosy Christmas cottages here.

Yorkshire's Christmas Markets

What better way to get your Christmas shopping done than with a few days away in one of our wonderful cosy cottages and a visit to one of Yorkshire's magical Christmas markets. With their seasonal food and gift stalls, hot mulled wine and mince pies and of course Santa's grottos and presents galore, we've listed our favourite Yorkshire Christmas Markets below:

• Harrogate Christmas Market 14-17 November

• Whitby Christmas Festival 15-17 November

• St Nicholas Fair, York 14 November - 22 December

• Ripon Christmas Fair 23rd November

• Winter Wonderland, Tennants, Leyburn 29-30 November

• Grassington Dickensian Festival 30 Nov & 1/7/8 Dec

• Scarborough Sparkle 29 November - 1 December

• Malton Christmas Market 7/8 December

Yorkshire's Festive Events

There's lots of festive events going on in Yorkshire too, with spectacular live music and entertainment, carol singers, torchlit nativity processions and much more. Here's our pick of the festive bunch: 

• A Christmas Masquerade at Castle Howard, 16 Nov-5 Jan 

See this grand house decorated in all its Christmas glory, including a spectacular 25ft Christmas tree adorned with over 3000 baubles! And enjoy an array of winter warmers in the farm shop and cafe.

• Santa's Sweet Adventure at York Chocolate Story, 23 Nov-24 Dec 

Meet Santa on a special Christmas themed tour, filled with festive fun including Christmas games and festive chocolate making.

• RHS Garden Harlow Carr Glow Illuminations, 23 Nov-30 Dec 

Spectacular lighting effects bring a touch of festive magic to the garden with an enchanting trail which finishes in a Christmas themed marquee, where you can enjoy some traditional festive carols.

• Wensleydale Railway The Polar Express Train Ride, Various dates 29 Nov-23 Dec 

Climb aboard this magical train journey like no other, (wearing your pyjamas and dressing gown if you wish!), where the magic of the 2004 motion picture The Polar Express will be theatrically re-created.

• North York Moors Railway Santa Specials, Various dates in Dec 

Join Santa and his special helpers on an adventure aboard the Santa Express, which will take you on an unforgettable festive journey through the picturesque North York Moors.

• Robin Hood's Bay Victorian Weekend, 6-8 Dec 

Dress up in traditional Victorian costume and meander through the village which is adorned with lights, Christmas trees and festive shop windows. There'll be music throughout the streets, pubs and churches, as well as games, welly-throwing on the beach, games and Santa himself.

• Whitby's Krampus Run, 7 Dec

The Krampus is a fearsome horned creature who accompanies St Nicholas on his rounds, with presents for good children and punishments for the naughty ones; join the street parade from 3:30pm. There's also a ticketed event at The Met Ballroom with an array of acts.

• Christmas Concert at Malham Tarn, 7 Dec 

Be entertained by Skipton Brass Band playing all your seasonal favourites in the spectacular setting of Malham Cove, whilst you enjoy some warming mulled wine and mince pies.

• Whitby's Boxing Day Dip, 26 Dec at 10am 

Organised by the Whitby Lions to raise money for local charities, don your fancy dress and brave a dip in the north sea to wake you up after all the Christmas indulgence!