Real Markets returns to Ripley Castle with a festive Christmas market featuring 40+ Yorkshire traders

Kick off the festive season in true Yorkshire style with the Ripley Castle Christmas market on Sunday November 30. Enjoy free entry to the market, Castle grounds and gardens, and soak up the seasonal sights, sounds, and flavours for a perfect day out.

Now in its third year, Real Markets at Ripley Castle has become a Christmas destination, transforming the Castle’s historic Courtyard on the last Sunday of every month. The festive edition will feature over 40 Yorkshire-based traders, each bringing something special - from fresh bread, pastries, cheese and charcuterie to ceramics, candles, art, chocolates and more. Whether you are shopping for unique gifts, stocking fillers or just a little indulgence treat, you will find it at Ripley Castle’s Christmas market.

Setting itself apart from other markets, Ripley’s makers and bakers must be Yorkshire based independents who make or produce their own goods, or have a specific speciality product. This year’s market will include Farsley Fire and Smoke, a hot food trader who run their own smokehouse in Farsley; Choc 53 degrees offering handmade speciality chocolates and Condimental who make delicious jams and chutneys.

New trader to Real Markets, Sticky Nuts specialises in mouth-watering peanut brittle; whilst White Horse Lavender, which only attends very selective markets, offer beautiful, dried Lavender from their own farm. Wass Farm, also sure to be a hit with visitors, sell charcuterie from their own rare breed pigs. There will also be the chance to chat with the makers, bakers and artists behind the stalls, discover more about their craft and enjoy a truly local shopping experience in an atmospheric setting.

There will be music to get visitors in the Christmas mood, plus delicious hot food and drinks to help keep warm between browsing. Also, making their market debut, Fizzy Fox - Ripley’s home interiors and clothing boutique - will be showcasing their latest collections.

Visitors can make a full day out of it by enjoying the complimentary access to Ripley Castle’s stunning gardens and grounds. Dogs on leads are welcome too and there is ample pay-on-the-day parking nearby.

As always, Real Markets gives back to the community, offering a free stall at each event to local charities and groups. This Christmas market will welcome the local RSPB branch, following support for good causes such as Harrogate Cat Rescue and Ripley Endowed CofE Primary School.

Lucy Allen from Real Markets said: “Real Markets is the perfect place to stock up on handcrafted, festive food and gifts you won’t find on the high street. Free access to Ripley Castle’s gardens and grounds is an extra, welcome treat for families – including four-legged friends. With a bright and dry forecast, at the moment, it’s set to be a wonderful day to welcome the Christmas season.”

If you can’t make it to Real Markets at Ripley Castle, you can still find other North Yorkshire Christmas markets taking place at: