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6 Must-Visit Yorkshire Christmas Markets 2023
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 2023 – Dates and Locations
If you’re looking for a unique gift that you can’t buy online, you’ll love the range of locally made goods available at Yorkshire’s Christmas markets.
Fancy some festive fun? Check out our hand-picked list of Yorkshire Christmas Markets…
1. Whitby Christmas Market
17th – 19th November 2023
Whitby’s annual Christmas market forms part of the town’s Christmas Festival. This annual Christmas event takes place between 10am on Friday 17th November and 8pm on Sunday 19th November. You can find the Christmas market in the 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. The annual switching on of the Christmas lights will take place at 7:45pm on the opening night. A firework display will take place from 7:45pm outside Whitby Abbey on the 18th.
For that extra special Christmas fun, be sure to pop by for local gins, Christmas pudding liqueurs, bespoke jewellery and much more! And don’t forget, there’s lots more on offer in Whitby, including the Abbey and the iconic 199 Steps.
2. York Christmas Market
16th November – 22rd December 2023
Taking place just a little over a week before Christmas, York Christmas Market is one of the most highly anticipated Christmas markets in Yorkshire. Head to the historic city of York throughout November and December to see 70 alpine style chalets lining Parliament Street.
You’re in for a treat this year, as York celebrates 31 years of the famous Christmas market. The 2023 Yorkshire Christmas Market brings with it new features from last year, including the Winter Hütte – a Swiss-inspired chalet serving hot chocolate, gourmet sausages and much more. Looking for something a little more upmarket? You can even dine on delights prepared by Michelin-starred chef Andrew Pern.
Make your way around this festive wonderland to buy artisan gifts, European cuisine and stunning homewares. The market continues to focus on sustainability, so you can be rest assured everything you buy is locally sourced.
3. Scarborough Market Hall Christmas Craft Fair
11th November 2023
The “Covent Garden of the North” has had a festive makeover for 2023, and will host its Christmas Craft Fair on the 11th of November. Here you can start your Christmas shopping early, with stalls open from 10am to 3pm.
Wander around the main marketplace before heading downstairs into the ‘vaults’ for an eclectic mix of boutique gifts. If you’re feeling pecking, you’ll also find a café. Here you can indulge in something besides the Christmassy treats on offer in the main hall. From arts and crafts to jewellery and local produce, there are three floors of Winter wonderland fun.
4. Skipton Christmas Market
3rd & 10th December 2023
Skipton Christmas Market returns for not one but two dates this year. Head over to Skipton high street on Sunday 3rd and Sunday 10th December to feast your eyes on these traditional Christmas stalls.
Watch as townsfolk don their best elf costumes and the famous wooden Rudolph reindeer make their return. Independent traders will be selling their wares, including handmade gifts, Christmas decorations, bath and beauty products, and much more.
Before the main markets, you can also visit Skipton to watch the Christmas lights go up. The switch on takes place on Sunday 26th November and promises family fun all day long. On the main market day, events kick off with a Skipton Santa Fun Run from 11am. With so much more to do beyond shopping, expect to be out all day.
5. Malton Christmas Market
2nd – 3rd December 2023
The Malton Christmas Festival takes place over two days in December, from Saturday 2nd to Sunday 3rd. The main marketplace is open between 9am and 3:30pm, where you can experience the best of Yorkshire’s ‘food capital’. If you’re travelling by car, there is a designated car park for the event in Riverside Meadows.
This free event features street food, festive gift stalls and even live music. Keep the kids entertained with traditional fairground rides, or board the festive land train as it guides you around the marketplace. Bag yourself a bottle of Yorkshire tipple or fill up on mulled wine, macarons, figgy puddings, turkey and goose. A brass band and choir will keep you going as you make your way around the stalls.
6. Harrogate Christmas Market
1st – 17th December 2023
Held over two weeks, the Harrogate Christmas Market and Fayre will take place between Friday 1st and Sunday 17th December.
This year, Harrogate will host a range of eclectic local traders and European-inspired Christmas stalls. Look out for alpine chalets as you make your way around the stalls, and be sure to stop off for a refreshment at the ski bar. There’s also, for the first time ever, an outdoor skating rink in Crescent Gardens.
You can find the main stalls in the pedestrianised areas of Cambridge Street and Market Place, in the heart of the town. If you don’t feel like walking, you can also get around for free on the Candy Candy Express road train.
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.
This blog has been updated based on original content written for Yorkshire Coastal Cottages