Christmas shopping events, markets, pantomimes and concerts in Harrogate, Knaresborough, Ripon, Wetherby, Boroughbridge and nearby towns and villages from Friday December 3 to January 1
There are lots of Christmas events in Harrogate and nearby towns and villages and we look at some of the highlights.
Magical Window Trail
Boroughbridge, Harrogate, Knaresborough, Masham, Pateley Bridge, Ripon
Monday December 6 – Friday December 24
Join Percy Penguin and his sledge as he journeys through the towns of Harrogate District of Boroughbridge, Harrogate, Knaresborough, Masham, Pateley Bridge and Ripon, looking for a friend to join him in some snowy fun. Who will he meet along the way, an elf, a squirrel, a robin, or a snowman, and will they be ready to come and play?
Follow the delightful Magical Window Trail around the Harrogate district. A new friendly character is revealed at each new destination. Just click on the QR code of each of the 3D stand-alone advent calendar windows to reveal the next chapter of Percy the Penguin’s story and the quest to find a friend.
Young ones will be charmed by the magical story of Percy and his quest to find a playmate to join him on his sleigh.
Grownups will love the magical shop windows trail as they follow the QR codes to special offers, discounts and wonderful Christmas gift ideas. Lots of local shops and restaurants are taking part in Boroughbridge, Harrogate, Knaresborough, Masham, Pateley Bridge and Ripon, so you can follow Percy on his quest and pick up some wonderful gift ideas and exclusive discounts at the same time, that’s a Christmas gift that keeps on giving!
Knaresborough Christmas Market
Knaresborough Market Place
Saturday December 4 - Sunday December 5
10am – 5pm Saturday
10am - Firework finale at 4:30pm Sunday
It’s beginning to look a lot like time to get to the Knaresborough Christmas Market, where you’ll find lots of wonderful market stalls packed full of Christmas goodies, in the historic and picturesque market town of Knaresborough. With brass band music, mulled wine and traders in traditional costume, this weekend is a treat for the senses.
Brimming with seasonal food and drink created by local artisans from jams and marmalades to cheeses, gin, shortbread and real ale – there’s an absolute smorgasbord of sumptuous gift ideas for friends and family.
To really get in the festive spirit, try a tasty treat of turkey sandwiches and mince pies, washed down with a delicious, mulled wine. It’s a perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit, with street entertainers and carol singing, what a wonderful way for the whole family to enjoy the most magical time of the year! Free access to the park and ride is also available.
Knaresborough Artisan Market
Knaresborough Market Place
Sunday December 19, 9am – 3pm
The hugely popular Little Bird Made Knaresborough Christmas Artisan Market will make its last appearance of 2021 at the Market Place. Join over 50 local traders as they showcase their beautiful festive treats and hand-made gifts. A great opportunity to stock up on some last minute, unique gift ideas just in time for the holidays, and enjoy some delicious festive flavours from street food vendors.
Boroughbridge Christmas Artisan Market
Langthorpe Farm Shop, Leeming Lane, Boroughbridge
Saturday December 4
10am – 3pm
Makers, crafters and bakers all come together for the Little Bird Made Christmas Market that will be visiting Langthorpe Farm Shop, Boroughbridge on Saturday 4th December. Full of delightful, hand-crafted food, drink and gifts created by over forty artisan stall holders. If you are looking for something bespoke, original and hand-crafted, this is the perfect place to find that special something for that special someone.
Ripon Christmas Artisan Market
Market Place, Ripon
Sunday December 5 and Sunday December 12
10am – 3pm
The beautiful cathedral city of Ripon provides the perfect backdrop for Little Bird Artisan Markets. Over two consecutive Sundays in the run up to Christmas, situated in the bustling market square is exactly where you will find beautiful hand-crafted gifts, food and drink, created by over fifty artisan makers. Visitors will find a wide range of goods and tempting flavours to stock up in time for the holidays.
St Wilfrid’s Church Christmas Market
Duchy Road, Harrogate
Saturday December 18
10am – 3pm
Little Bird Made will be holding one of its hugely popular Christmas Markets in the grounds of St Wilfrid’s Church. Over sixty artisan traders and stall holders will have a wide range of beautifully hand-crafted gifts, food and drink or those perfect, last minute Christmas gifts and stocking fillers. As well as supporting small, local business, it’s a lovely family day out full of browsing, listening to live entertainment and enjoying delicious street food from local vendors.
RHS Harlow Carr
Handmade at Christmas
The Bath House, Harlow Carr, Crag Lane, Harrogate
Until December 29
Monday – Saturday, 9.30am – 6pm
Savour every moment of your visit to RHS Garden Harlow Carr where you can rely on nature to provide a stunning display whatever the season. Wrap up warm and enjoy sparkling winter days, festive family events and a treasure trove of handmade gifts and decorations crafted by local designers and makers. Why not combine a wonderful, winter walk in the beautiful gardens, enjoying the beautiful winter bounty and blaze of colours with -glass jewellery from Yorkshire artists?
The Harrogate Father Christmas Experience
The Crown Hotel, Harrogate
until Friday December 24
The Harrogate Elf School has done such an amazing job this year, working extra hard to bring you a new magical experience to enjoy, that Father Christmas himself will be popping into the Crown Hotel, on his way from the North Pole, to say ‘hello!’
The Christmas Council, in association with Harrogate BID, present the Harrogate Father Christmas Experience where you can take a behind-the-scenes look at what goes on getting ready for the big day. Guests arriving at the special Elf School entrance will be welcomed by a team of elves, before chief elf Tinsel, takes them through their elf & safety training.
Elf School is a joyous sing-along session, full of festive fun for all the family. After the elf training show, everyone taking part will get the chance to meet Father Christmas himself and newly trained elves will receive a graduation certificate as well as a present from Santa.