Journal
Yorkshire Christmas Markets 2026
It’s the most wonderful time of year and once again Yorkshire has a whole lot of Christmas events to explore. Start writing your list to Santa now and make your way over to God’s own country for a little retail therapy...
Yorkshire Christmas Markets – 2026 Dates & Locations
It’s the most wonderful time of year and Yorkshire is once again packed with festive events, Christmas markets and seasonal celebrations. Whether you’re searching for unique gifts, local food and drink, or festive family fun, these Christmas markets across Yorkshire are guaranteed to get you into the holiday spirit
1. Whitby Christmas Festival
13th – 15th November 2026
Whitby’s annual Christmas market forms part of the town’s Christmas Festival. This annual Christmas event takes place between 5pm on Friday 13th November and 4pm on Sunday 15th November. You can find the Christmas market in the Front Marina car park, just a short walk from the train station.
Get your hands on unique, homemade gifts as well as a selection of treats made with locally sourced ingredients. Plus, don’t miss out on all the activities too. For that extra special Christmas fun, be sure to pop by to purchase those perfect Christmas presents, sample and buy local gins, Christmas pudding liqueurs, bespoke jewellery and much more!
Don’t forget, there’s lots more on offer in Yorkshire
2. York Christmas Market
12th November – 21st December 2026
Taking place over 5 weeks before Christmas, York Christmas Market is one of the most highly anticipated Christmas markets in Yorkshire. With over 70 alpine chalets lining both Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square, this years Christmas market offers a magical selection of local crafts, artisan products, and delicious seasonal treats.
The vintage carousel on King’s Square adds to the festive atmosphere, just perfect for families to have some fun. Plus with 80% of the traders coming from Yorkshire, this is a wonderful opportunity to support local businesses while enjoying the best of what the region has to offer.
Make your way around this festive wonderland to buy your Christmas gifts. The market continues to focus on sustainability, so you can be rest assured everything you buy is locally sourced.
3. Scarborough Sparkle
27th – 29th November 2026
Join us for a magical weekend on Scarborough’s North Bay as Scarborough Sparkle brings festive cheer to the coast. This free Christmas event transforms the Open Air Theatre into a winter wonderland, perfect for getting into the holiday spirit.
Step inside the glowing Tipi, where you can relax by log fires with a glass of mulled wine and enjoy the sounds of seasonal music. Families will love the traditional Ferris wheel and other festive attractions designed to delight children and adults alike.
With a wide variety of themed stalls, it’s also a great chance to kick-start your Christmas shopping—offering everything from handmade gifts to tasty treats. Come along and experience the sparkle!
4. Skipton Christmas Market
6th & 13th December 2026
Skipton Christmas Market returns again for 2026. Head over to Skipton high street on 2 consecutive Sundays – 6th and 13th December to feast your eyes on these traditional Christmas stalls.
With over a 100 fabulous stall festive market featuring some of the region’s favourite artisan makers, producers, and crafters, plus all the local independent shops in Skipton, it is the perfect opportunity to make a start or finish your Christmas shopping!
Before the main Christmas markets, you can also visit Skipton to watch the annual Christmas lights switch on, which takes place on Sunday 29th November and promises family fun all day long. The day kick off with a Skipton Santa Fun Run from 10am – 12pm. With so much more to do beyond shopping, expect to be out all day.
5. Christmas Craft Market at Ampleforth Abbey
28th & 29th November 2026
The inaugural Ampleforth Abbey Christmas Craft Market, a joyful celebration of local artists, craftspeople and independent artisan traders.
Held indoors in the atmospheric surroundings of Alban Roe House, you can browse at your leisure whatever the weather. Discover unique, handmade Christmas gifts and enjoy a warm Ampleforth welcome as we begin the season of Advent.
A wonderful way to start your Christmas preparations.
6. Robin Hood’s Bay New Victorian Weekend
5th–6th December – The New Victorian Weekend
12th–13th December – Pirates & Smugglers Weekend
19th–20th December – Family Weekend
Traditional Victorian attire is warmly encouraged, bringing the cobbled streets and historic buildings to life with characters from a bygone era. Visitors can enjoy festive market stalls, handmade crafts, live music, Christmas carols, street entertainment, heritage displays, and the much-loved return of the famous biscuit dunking competition.
Has our list of the best Christmas markets in Yorkshire got you eager to start your Christmas shopping? Find somewhere to put your feet up after a hard day’s browsing with our wonderful collection of Yorkshire coastal cottages. Or check out our blog on Christmas Breaks in North Yorkshire for some more inspiration.
This blog has been updated based on original content written for Yorkshire Coastal Cottages