Yorkshire Dales Christmas markets: This is when Bolton Abbey and Grassington markets take place
There are two lovely Christmas markets opening in the Yorkshire Dales tomorrow, in time for some atmospheric pre-festive shopping and supping.
Christmas at Bolton Abbey sees the return of the Christmas Market at The Devonshire Arms Hotel, which opens tomorrow, 11am–4pm, free entry and car parking, for this weekend (November 29-30), and December 6-7 and 13-14.
Stallholders will showcase locally crafted, homemade products, including aromatic candles, festive wreaths and bakes, beauty and culinary gifts from Yorkshire Dales-based producers and retailers including Lucy’s Craft Room, From the Source, Hart Body & Soul, and Bliss Therapies.
There will also be live entertainment, hot snacks and an outdoor bar with mulled wine, spiced cider, winter cocktails and hot chocolate.
Bolton Abbey will also host a wreath-making workshop in the Christmas Village on Wednesday, December 3, offering festive crafters the chance to create their own sustainable masterpiece. Led by expert tutors, participants will craft beautiful wreaths made from estate-gathered foliage, pheasant feather, pinecones, poppy seed heads and dried oranges – all bound to a biodegradable straw and moss base.
Moira Smith, Visitor Experience & Marketing Manager at Bolton Abbey, said: “Christmas at Bolton Abbey is always magical, but this year we’re especially proud to be shining a light on the incredible local talent that makes Yorkshire so special. Our Christmas Market brings together makers, bakers and creators from across the Dales, offering visitors the chance to shop locally while soaking up the festive atmosphere.
“From enjoying a hot drink at The Devonshire Arms to meeting Father Christmas or exploring our trails, it’s all about celebrating the season, supporting our community and creating memories together.”
For more information on the festive activities at Bolton Abbey, please visit the website here: boltonabbey.com/whats-on/father-christmas-2025/
Meanwhile, Grassington - the real-life Yorkshire Dales village used for Darrowby in Channel 5’s hugely popular adaptation of All Creatures Great and Small - is hosting its own Christmas markets this weekend and next in its famous Village Square.
The Grassington Christmas Markets are on Saturday, November 29, and Saturday, December 6. Joining the Village Square is Grassington’s Town Hall, home to the Christmas Gift and Craft Fayre.
Organisers say that the Christmas Markets are not the Dickensian Festival of old, but wonderfully warm, local Christmas Markets, full of stalls and entertainment, including the Bradford Brass Band and Voices of Yorkshire, and indoor craft stalls at the Town Hall.
Visit Santa in his Grotto in The Pod at Grassington House – he will be there on both Saturdays between 11am and 3pm.
Grassington also offers fantastic festive independent shops - from The Stripey Badger and The Hutch Handmade Gift Shop to Helen Midgley and Robert Bunney Countrywear - plus great places to eat and drink, art galleries and more. Don’t miss a chance to have a drink at The Devonshire, which is used for the exterior of The Drovers in All Creatures Great and Small - favourite watering hole of James Herriot (Nicholas Ralph), Tristan (Callum Woodhouse) and Siegfried Farnon (Samuel West).
Grassington Handbell Ringers will be playing on both Christmas Market Saturdays at Grassington Methodist Church, Chapel Street.
Parking is at The Grassington National Park Centre, Hebden Road, Grassington BD23 5LB. Usual charges apply – £3.80 for up to two hours and £7 for up to 24 hours.