Experience the magic of Christmas in Harrogate: A festive wonderland for the whole family

All the family can enjoy sparkling, festive fun with a panto, fantastic Christmas markets, a new open top bus experience and lots of festive shopping.

There’s also great places to stay to give you more time to explore what Harrogate has to offer.

Here’s SIX ways to enjoy the best in festive shopping

1 … Tasty treats unique gifts: Harrogate Christmas Fayre runs from December 1 to 17.

It’s a Christmas market in Harrogate town centre with around 50 traders, both local and from across Europe, selling everything from tasty treats to handmade gifts.

There will be live entertainment throughout the market including local community choirs singing everyone’s favourite Christmas carols.

It runs on Monday-Saturday from 10am-7pm, and on Sundays from 11-4pm.

2 … Special crafts: Harrogate Festive Artisan Market with Little Bird Markets will take place every Saturday and Sunday in December, up to and including December 16 and 17.

The artisan market, in Harrogate’s Valley Gardens, is a short walk away from the Harrogate Christmas Fayre. A must-visit, this charming market has traders selling everything from jewellery, festive decorations and lovely treats to eat.

3 … A firework finale: Knaresborough Christmas Market takes place on Saturday and Sunday, December 2 and 3. Just 10 minutes on the train from Harrogate, the picturesque market town of Knaresborough is a must-visit during the Christmas Market which ends with an exciting firework finale on the Sunday.

4 … A 12th century venue: Christmas Food and Gift Fair at Ripon Cathedral on Friday and Saturday, November 24 and 25, set within this beautiful building, this event is sure to be a delight.

5 and 6 … The ultimate shopping weekend! Head to Harrogate on the first weekend of December, and you are sure to tick off your Christmas list with a variety of festive markets. Alongside the Harrogate Christmas Fayre, and the artisan Little Bird Market in Valley Gardens, events include the Country Living Christmas Fair at Harrogate Convention Centre (November 30 to December 3) and The Great Yorkshire Christmas Fair 2023 at the Yorkshire Event Centre on the same dates.

Here’s THREE ways to get a move on with Christmas in mind

1 … A winter wonderland awaits at Crescent Gardens in Harrogate from December 1 until January 7. Just a gentle walk from Harrogate Christmas Fayre, you will find the Harrogate Ice Rink together with a traditional carousel and other family attractions to enjoy.Book your fun on the ice via icerinkharrogate.com

2 …. Santa’s helpers will take you on a ride on the Candy Cane Express, which is Harrogate’s free Christmas Road Train.

You can enjoy a trip between Harrogate Christmas Fayre and the Christmas attractions at Crescent Gardens. The free Candy Cane Express will run from Monday to Saturdays between 10am-7pm (excluding 5-6pm), and on Sundays, 11am-4pm.

3 … Enjoy the view with the Festive Open Top Bus Experience. Take a guided tour around Harrogate with this new experience for 2023. Hop on and off the bus to take in shopping and festive attractions across Harrogate.

The bus tour is available from Friday to Sunday over weekends in December up to December 17. It will run every 20 minutes from 11:30am-6:30pm (4:30pm on Sundays). The fare is £1 for adults, with under 16s free (limited to three under 16s per paying adult).

Here’s FOUR more festive fun things PLUS a panto!

- Enjoy GLOW winter illuminations at RHS Garden Harlow Carr. Details at Visit Harrogate

- There’s Music and Lights at Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water. Details at Visit Harrogate

- Head to Stockeld Park Christmas Adventure Winter Illuminations and Christmas Adventure. Details at Visit Harrogate

- Oh yes he is! Dick Whittington Panto at the Harrogate Theatre. Details at Visit Harrogate

- The man of the moment: Harrogate Father Christmas Experience see Santa and this interactive elf-training experience! Details at Visit Harrogate

For a Christmas stay to remember here’s FOUR ideas

- The Majestic DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic Hotel & Spa. Details at Visit Harrogate

- The Crown Hotel, Harrogate. Details at Visit Harrogate

- West Park Hotel West Park Hotel. Details at Visit Harrogate

- Goldsborough Hall Goldsborough Hall. Details at Visit Harrogate

ONE thing to round off your Christmas experience

Make time for a visit to Harrogate’s Turkish Baths. It’s the perfect way to warm up on a winter’s day.

Details at Visit Harrogate

Make sure that a visit to Harrogate is part of your plans this Christmas! To find out more, go to www.visitharrogate.co.uk/christmas