All the must-visit markets for your festive shopping
November may have only just arrived, but the festive cheer is about to get into full swing as a string of Christmas markets are set to pop up across Yorkshire and the north over the coming weeks.
Brimming with delicious treats, unique gifts and entertainment, here are some of the must-visit markets to attend around the region to ring in the festive season.
LEEDS CHRISTKINDELMARKET When: November 9 December 22
The traditional German Christmas market is returning to Millennium Square from November 9, bringing with it a variety of wooden chalet stalls and cosy indoor retreats, packed to the brim with gifts andtastygoodies.Besuretopop into the Bavarian themed Alp Chalet restaurant for a bite to eat, or warm up in the cosy Kuh Stall next to the log fire with a hot chocolate.
ST NICHOLAS FAYRE, YORK When: November 15-December 23
This Christmas Market is held in the streets of historic York and visitors can meander through an array of Alpine chalets on Parliament Street, sampling fine Yorkshire produce and supping glasses of warming mulled wine, before heading down to Kings Square to experience the fun of the fair - including a slide down the Helter Skelter.
SHEFFIELD CHRISTMAS MARKET When: November 15December 24
Heldfrommid-Novemberuntil ChristmasEve,there’splentyof timetosoakupthefestivespirit inSheffield,withgiftstalls,food and drink, a Santa’s Grotto and the ever-popular Sleigh Bar, which is brimming with seasonal drinks.
HARROGATE CHRISTMAS MARKET When: November 15-18
Hosted on The Stray in Harrogate town centre across four days in November, visitors will have nearly 200 market stalls at their disposal, selling everything from Yorkshire cheeses and chutneys, to unique handmade gifts, offering a great opportunity to kick off the Christmas celebrations early. There will also be a large craft and gift marquee, funfair rides, Santa’s Grotto and real reindeer to visit.
THE HEPWORTH WAKEFIELD CHRISTMAS MARKET, WAKEFIELD When: November 23 - 25 and November 30 December 2
Treat yourself and your loved ones with gifts from over 80 independent makers selling textiles, ceramics, jewellery, prints, handmade cosmetics, candles, stationary, homeware and delicious artisan food and drink.
With a mix of craft and homeware stalls – featuring some of the UK’s most talented artists and designers – plus a food and drink tent selling artisan produce made in Yorkshire and an outdoor area with a range of delicious street food.
GRASSINGTON DICKENSIAN FESTIVAL When: December 1, 2, 8 and 9
Ideal if you’re keen to experience something a little different, this Dickensian themed festival encourages shopkeepers, villagers and visitors to don Victorian costume, while enjoying all of the food, drink and entertainment over two weekends. As well as a satisfying food offering, there will be buskers, bands, street entertainers and a torchlit nativity procession, making for a great family day out.
BEVERLEY FESTIVAL OF CHRISTMAS When:Sunday December 9
Taking place on the second Sunday in December, visitors can enjoy three traditional Victorian Christmas markets featuring more than 120 gift stalls and local treats, as well as a variety of festive entertainment, which includes carol singing, pantomime performances, fairground rides and a Santa’s Grotto where youngsters can pick up an early pressie.
MALTON CHRISTMAS FOOD AND GIFT MARKET When: December 8 - 9
Considered the food capital of Yorkshire, Malton will be hosting a special Christmas version of its popular monthly food market in early December, bringing with it the likes of figgy puddings, turkey, goose, mulled wine and chestnuts, alongside a range of festive gift stalls.
KNARESBOROUGH CHRISTMAS MARKET When: December 1 - 2
Hosted in the charming Market Square, this year’s annual Christmas market will have plenty of seasonal gifts for shoppers to purchase, alongside an array of hot food stalls, selling everything from steak burgers to hot roasts, which can be washed down with a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie.
CHRISTMAS AT THE PIECE HALL, HALIFAX When: November 30 December 2
The historic Piece Hall is showcasing some of the region’s favourite independent food, drink and craft traders who will take over the central courtyard for two weekends, while the surrounding resident shopping and dining offer provides the perfect place for you to find that special gift and stop for a bite to eat along the way.
THE CHRISTMAS FAIR AT DUNCOMBE PARK, HELMSLEY When: November 16 - 17
There will be a wide selection of independent stallholders selling unique and luxury gift items for your loved ones this festive season, all in the beautiful and historic setting of Duncombe Park’s stately home. Standing in 300 acres of parkland, Duncombe Park is the home of the Duncombe family and is rarely open to the public, so this event presents a unique opportunity for people to enjoy its impressive interiors.
LINCOLN CHRISTMAS MARKET When: December 6 December 9
If you’re looking to go just a little further afield, Lincoln is the perfect place to visit over the festive period. Take a trip back through time and stroll along the cobbles in the cultural quarter of the city. The medieval square between the impressive Norman castle and magnificent gothic cathedral is the perfect backdrop for the traditional Christmas Market.
DURHAM CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL When: November 30 December 2
Durham’s award-winning traditional Christmas Festival returns for three days, with a wide range of festive entertainment for all the family in and around the World Heritage Site of the Cathedral and the Castle and throughout the City Centre.
MANCHESTER When: November 9 – December 22
Manchester’s world famous Christmas Market attracts shoppers from all over the UK and beyond, It’s located in 10 different spaces around the city, each with its own distinct character and atmosphere, and is most definitely worth a trip across the Pennines for.