Annual Celebrations and Holidays
Annual Celebrations and Holidays—Whatever the season, there’s always something happening across Harrogate, Knaresborough, Ripon, and the surrounding North Yorkshire villages. Our Annual Celebrations & Holidays Guide helps you discover events, days out, and places to visit around the biggest dates in the calendar. At Christmas, enjoy festive markets, sparkling lights, Santa experiences, seasonal shopping, family attractions, and Christmas dining, while New Year brings parties, special dinners, entertainment, and celebrations. Spring means Good Friday and Easter Monday, perfect for Easter egg hunts, beautiful gardens, countryside walks, family attractions, and long-weekend adventures. Later in the year, Halloween brings pumpkin trails, spooky experiences, fancy dress, and themed events and activities for all ages. Whatever you’re celebrating, Harrogate Guide brings together inspiration for days out, food and drink, shopping, entertainment, and family activities throughout Harrogate, Knaresborough, Ripon, and the surrounding villages.
Dates, events, venues, addresses and opening times can change. Check with individual organisers before making a special journey.
CHRISTMAS
Harrogate Christmas 2026: New Ice Rink, Santa’s Grotto, Ice Trail and Festive Market Revealed
Harrogate is getting ready for a sparkling Christmas in 2026 – and this year there will be even more reasons to head into town.
A covered ice rink in Valley Gardens, Santa’s Grotto, a giant snow globe, curling rinks, spectacular ice sculptures and Christmas markets are among the attractions planned for Harrogate this festive season.
Whether you’re Christmas shopping, planning a festive family day out or simply fancy a hot chocolate and a wander beneath the Christmas lights, there should be plenty to discover.
🎄 What’s new for Christmas in Harrogate?
Harrogate BID is working with Visit North Yorkshire, North Yorkshire Council, Harrogate Town Council and Victoria Shopping Centre on an expanded programme designed to bring more festive atmosphere – and more visitors – into the heart of Harrogate.
Highlights announced so far include:
- 🎅 Santa’s Grotto on selected December dates
- ⛸️ Harrogate Ice Pavilion in Valley Gardens
- ❄️ Five spectacular ice sculptures forming an Ice Trail
- 🥌 Two interactive curling rinks
- 📸 A giant snow globe for festive photographs
- 🎁 Little Bird Made Christmas Market
- ✨ GLOW at RHS Garden Harlow Carr
- 🎭 Harrogate Theatre’s Christmas pantomime
- 💌 North Pole Post Office from Harrogate International Festivals
And that’s not everything – more Christmas attractions are still being planned.
⛸️ Ice skating is coming to Valley Gardens
One of the biggest additions to Christmas in Harrogate 2026 will be the Harrogate Ice Pavilion.
The covered ice rink will transform Valley Gardens into a festive destination from Thursday 17 December 2026 until Sunday 3 January 2027, excluding Christmas Day.
That makes it an ideal addition to a Christmas shopping trip or a family day out during the school holidays.
Grab your skates, enjoy some time on the ice and then head into Harrogate for something warming to eat or drink.
❄️ Can you find all five ice sculptures?
There will be another reason to explore Harrogate town centre on Saturday 12 December.
Five spectacular ice sculptures will be positioned around the town as part of an interactive Harrogate Ice Trail.
Rather than simply visiting one attraction, families will be encouraged to follow the trail through Harrogate – discovering shops, cafés, restaurants and other places along the way.
How many will you find?
Look out for a giant snow globe too, providing what could become one of Harrogate’s most popular Christmas photo spots.
And if you’re feeling competitive, try your hand at one of the town’s two interactive curling rinks.
🎅 Santa is coming to Harrogate
Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a visit from Father Christmas.
Santa’s Grotto will return on selected dates throughout December, giving families another reason to make a festive trip into Harrogate.
Dates, opening times and booking information are still to be announced.
Plans are also being made to help children from lower-income families experience the grotto, making the attraction accessible to more youngsters.
🎁 Looking for a unique Christmas present?
Make a date for Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 December, when the popular Little Bird Made Christmas Market returns to Valley Gardens.
The market will bring together independent makers, artists and food producers offering everything from handcrafted presents and locally made products to tempting festive treats.
It’s an opportunity to find something a little different for Christmas – while supporting independent traders at the same time.
🛍️ Don’t forget Harrogate’s independent shops
Part of the fun of Christmas in Harrogate is simply exploring.
Away from the major attractions, you’ll find independent shops, familiar high-street names, cafés, restaurants and bars throughout the town centre.
So rather than rushing home after visiting Santa or completing the Ice Trail, why not stay a little longer?
Browse the shops, stop for lunch, enjoy a festive drink or discover somewhere you’ve never visited before.
✨ More Christmas magic around Harrogate
The town-centre programme is only part of what’s happening.
RHS Garden Harlow Carr will once again illuminate its gardens for GLOW, creating a spectacular after-dark winter experience.
Over at Harrogate Theatre, the annual pantomime will bring another dose of Christmas fun to the town.
And younger visitors can experience the magical North Pole Post Office, organised by Harrogate International Festivals, where children can send their letters directly to Father Christmas.
🎄 Harrogate Christmas 2026 dates for your diary
Saturday 5 & Sunday 6 December
🎁 Little Bird Made Christmas Market – Valley Gardens
Saturday 12 December
❄️ Harrogate Ice Trail – five ice sculptures around the town centre
Selected dates throughout December
🎅 Santa’s Grotto – dates and booking details to be announced
Thursday 17 December 2026 – Sunday 3 January 2027
⛸️ Harrogate Ice Pavilion – Valley Gardens
Closed Christmas Day
Throughout the festive season
✨ RHS Garden Harlow Carr GLOW
🎭 Harrogate Theatre pantomime
💌 North Pole Post Office
🛍️ Christmas shopping, food and drink across Harrogate
💷 £15,000 backing from Harrogate Town Council
Harrogate Town Council has committed £15,000 in partnership funding towards the festive programme.
Additional funding has also been set aside for measures designed to improve accessibility and help more residents enjoy the Christmas activities.
Mayor of Harrogate, Councillor Viv Poskitt, said:
“Christmas is a truly special time of year, and I am delighted that Harrogate Town Council is helping to support this exciting festive programme for our town.”
She said Christmas trees, decorations and festive events help bring people together while showcasing what makes Harrogate special at this time of year.
Christmas Events in Harrogate
Supporting Harrogate at Christmas
The programme isn’t only about creating festive fun.
Christmas is one of the busiest and most important trading periods of the year for Harrogate’s shops, cafés, restaurants, bars and other town-centre businesses.
Jason Maxwell, Chief Executive of Harrogate BID, said:
“Christmas is one of the most important times of the year for our town centre businesses, and this programme has been designed to create a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere that encourages people to spend time in Harrogate, support local businesses and enjoy everything our town has to offer.”
North Yorkshire Council deputy leader Cllr Mark Crane said the festive programme would help make Harrogate a “must-visit destination this Christmas”, while supporting high streets, local jobs and businesses.
❤️ Make Christmas in Harrogate a day out
Don’t just come for one attraction.
Start with a wander around the Christmas shops. Follow the Ice Trail. Stop for coffee and cake. Browse the market. Take a festive family photograph. Enjoy dinner in town – and finish the day beneath Harrogate’s Christmas lights.
With ice skating, Santa, markets, shopping, theatre, illuminations and family attractions, Christmas 2026 is shaping up to be an exciting time to rediscover Harrogate.
And with more announcements promised over the coming weeks, there could still be a few Christmas surprises to come.
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Christmas at The Old Swan Hotel Harrogate 2026 – Parties, ABBA, Murder Mysteries & Festive BreaksLooking for somewhere special to celebrate Christmas in Harrogate? The Old Swan Hotel is getting ready for a festive season filled with party nights, dancing, live entertainment, Christmas dining and sparkling celebrations.
Whether you’re planning the office Christmas party, meeting friends for a festive night out, treating someone to a Christmas break or searching for somewhere memorable to welcome 2027, there’s plenty happening at this famous Harrogate hotel.
Christmas Events in Harrogate
🎄 Christmas Starts Here
The celebrations begin on 28 November, when the hotel’s Festive Fever Party Nights get underway.
Running on selected Fridays and Saturdays until 19 December, these are made for groups who want dinner followed by a proper Christmas party.
For £30 per person, you’ll get:
- 🥂 Prosecco on arrival
- 🍽️ Two-course festive meal
- 📸 Photobooth
- 🎧 DJ and dancing
Perfect for: work Christmas parties, groups of friends and anyone who wants to get dressed up and hit the dancefloor.
🥂 Prefer Your Christmas Party in the Day?
Why wait until the evening?
The Day Discos on 12 and 19 December offer a livelier way to spend a festive afternoon, with unlimited Prosecco, bottled beer and soft drinks, plus pizza and dancing.
Tickets are £28 per person.
Gather your friends, leave the evening free and get the Christmas celebrations started early.
🕺 Love the 80s? This One’s for You
Dig out the leg warmers, big hair and dancing shoes.
The 80’s Fever Party Night on 11 December promises a nostalgic night of music and festive fun.
If Wham!, Madonna and the unmistakable sounds of the 1980s are part of your perfect Christmas playlist, this could be the party to pick.
💃 Calling All Dancing Queens!
Christmas meets ABBA at The Old Swan on 12 December.
The hotel’s ABBA Party Night features a tribute band and an evening filled with some of the Swedish supergroup’s best-known hits.
Grab your friends and prepare to become a Dancing Queen for the night.
🔎 Could You Solve a Christmas Murder?
Fancy something completely different from the traditional Christmas party?
Put your detective skills to the test at one of The Old Swan’s Murder Mystery evenings, taking place on:
27 November • 6 December • 10 December
Expect festive hospitality with an added dose of mystery and intrigue.
And there’s something particularly fitting about enjoying a mystery at a Harrogate hotel forever associated with the disappearance of crime novelist Agatha Christie in 1926.
🎅 What If You Didn’t Have to Cook This Christmas?
Imagine Christmas without worrying about shopping, cooking or tackling a mountain of washing-up.
The Old Swan’s “A Christmas Well Told” residential experience runs from 24–27 December 2026.
Choose between Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh packages, with experiences ranging from afternoon tea and Christmas Day lunch to pantomime tickets, depending on the package selected.
Prices start from £550 per person.
💰 Book Early and Save
Book by 1 September 2026 and an early-booking saving of 10% is available.
If you’re already considering spending Christmas away from home, that’s a date worth remembering.
🍽️ Organising the Office Christmas Meal?
Not every Christmas celebration needs a DJ and dancefloor.
Businesses looking to bring colleagues together can book a festive roast from £27.95 per person.
And if nobody wants to worry about the journey home afterwards, celebrations can be extended with an overnight stay from £75 per person.
🥂 Where Will You Be at Midnight on New Year’s Eve?
The Christmas calendar ends with one final celebration — the Swan Spectacular on New Year’s Eve.
Dress up and see out 2026 with:
🥂 Champagne
🍴 Canapés
🍽️ Gala dinner
💃 Dancing into the early hours
Prices start from £80 per person.
Christmas Events in Harrogate
It’s an opportunity to finish the festive season — and begin 2027 — in the heart of Harrogate.
Christmas in Harrogate, Knaresborough & Ripon 2026
Christmas markets. Ice skating. Santa. Fireworks. Candlelit concerts. Twinkling lights. And plenty of excuses for hot chocolate.
If you’re wondering where to go this Christmas, Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon have plenty waiting to be discovered in 2026.
And our suggestion? Don’t just visit one event and go home.
Make a day of it. Explore somewhere new. Find an independent shop. Try a café you’ve never visited. Stay until the Christmas lights come on.
Here’s where we’d start.
⭐ What Will You Discover This Christmas?
👨👩👧👦 Family day out? Find Santa, go ice skating and hunt for ice sculptures.
🎁 Christmas shopping? Explore markets, independent shops and hidden side streets.
❤️ Christmas date? Try GLOW, a candlelit concert, dinner or festive afternoon tea.
💷 Watching the pennies? Enjoy Christmas lights, winter walks, decorated trees and plenty of festive atmosphere.
🏨 Want a weekend away? Stay over and turn your Christmas day out into a mini-break.
🎄 Christmas in Harrogate
If we had one piece of advice for Christmas in Harrogate, it would be this: explore.
Visit the big attractions, but then wander a little further.
You might discover your new favourite shop, café or corner of Harrogate.
Put These on Your Christmas List
⛸️ Go ice skating in Valley Gardens
🎅 Find Father Christmas
❄️ Hunt for five ice sculptures
📸 Step inside the giant snow globe
🥌 Challenge someone to curling
🎁 Browse the Christmas markets
💌 Visit the North Pole Post Office
🎭 See Sleeping Beauty
✨ Experience GLOW at RHS Garden Harlow Carr
☕ Find the perfect hot chocolate
How many can you tick off?
⛸️ Fancy Ice Skating in Valley Gardens?
Here’s something new for Christmas 2026.
A covered Harrogate Ice Pavilion is planned for Valley Gardens from 17 December 2026 to 3 January 2027, excluding Christmas Day.
Our plan?
Skate first. Explore Harrogate afterwards.
Walk into town, find somewhere for lunch and spend the afternoon Christmas shopping.
And don’t worry if you’re terrible at skating.
Holding onto the side still counts.
🎁 Christmas Markets: Save These Dates
If browsing Christmas stalls with a hot drink sounds like your kind of December, get these dates in the diary.
26–29 November
🎄 Great Yorkshire Christmas Fair
5–6 December
🎁 Little Bird Made Christmas Market, Valley Gardens
Three weekends in December
✨ Festive markets planned for Cambridge Street
But here’s our challenge:
Don’t buy everything from the first stall you see.
Explore the surrounding streets too.
Harrogate has independent shops, galleries and boutiques that are easy to miss if you stick to the obvious routes.
❄️ Can You Find All Five?
Saturday 12 December could be a brilliant day to explore Harrogate with the children.
Five ice sculptures will appear around town for the Harrogate Ice Trail.
Can you find them all?
Turn it into a family treasure hunt.
Ice sculpture → shop → hot chocolate → next sculpture.
Sounds like a pretty good Christmas afternoon to us.
🎅 Where’s Santa?
Younger visitors will probably have one important question.
Where’s Father Christmas?
Santa’s Grotto returns on selected dates, while there will also be interactive curling and a giant snow globe.
Make Santa part of a bigger day out rather than the only reason you visit.
Meet Santa. Explore the shops. Find the ice sculptures. Stop for cake.
Everyone wins.
💌 Have You Posted Your Letter to Santa?
There’s another stop children won’t want to miss.
Head to the North Pole Post Office on Cheltenham Parade and send those all-important Christmas wishes to Father Christmas.
Then keep exploring.
Cheltenham Parade puts you within easy walking distance of shops, cafés and the rest of Harrogate town centre.
🛍️ Here’s Our Christmas Shopping Challenge
Buy one present from somewhere you’ve never shopped before.
Harrogate has the big names, but some of its most interesting shops are found when you wander beyond the obvious high street.
Try:
➡️ Cambridge Street
➡️ Oxford Street
➡️ Montpellier
➡️ Commercial Street
➡️ Harrogate’s side streets and arcades
Look up. Look around. Wander down that street you’ve always ignored.
You might be surprised by what you find.
🎭 Don’t Go Home Yet
You’ve done the shopping.
You’ve found Santa.
You’ve consumed an entirely reasonable amount of cake.
Now make an evening of it.
Harrogate Theatre’s 2026 Christmas pantomime is Sleeping Beauty.
Book dinner, see the show and turn an afternoon in town into a proper Christmas night out.
Oh yes you can.
✨ Harrogate Is Different After Dark
If you normally leave Harrogate at 4pm, stay a little longer this Christmas.
The lights come on.
Shop windows glow.
Restaurants and bars start filling up.
And the whole town feels different.
You could also head to RHS Garden Harlow Carr for GLOW and explore the gardens after dark.
Our tip: don’t rush home.
☕ Cold? Excellent.
That’s your excuse for another stop.
Find somewhere warm.
Order a hot chocolate.
Try a festive afternoon tea.
Discover an independent café.
Find a cosy pub.
Or decide you’re staying for dinner after all.
Sometimes the unplanned stop becomes the best part of the day.
Dates, events, venues, addresses and opening times can change. Check with individual organisers before making a special journey.
🎅 Christmas in Knaresborough
Knaresborough at Christmas is made for wandering.
There’s the market, of course.
But there’s also Castlegate, Waterside, independent shops, the Christmas Tree Festival, riverside views and one of Yorkshire’s most photographed viaducts.
So don’t just visit the market.
Explore the town.
🎄 Save the Weekend: 5–6 December
Expect festive stalls, food, gifts and entertainment.
Then start walking.
➡️ Explore Castlegate
➡️ Discover Green Dragon Yard
➡️ Browse the independent shops
➡️ Walk down to Waterside
➡️ Take your obligatory viaduct photograph
➡️ Find the Christmas Tree Festival
You’ve suddenly got an entire day out.
🎄 Can You Count 70 Christmas Trees?
Pop into St John’s Church between 5 and 21 December and you’ll discover more than 70 individually decorated Christmas trees.
Local organisations and community groups create the displays, making every tree different.
Pick your favourite.
We suspect choosing just one might be harder than it sounds.
🎆 Whatever You Do, Don’t Leave Too Early
Visiting on Sunday 6 December?
Stay for the finale.
At 4.30pm, the Christmas Market weekend finishes with a fireworks display.
Find your spot, wrap up warm and enjoy the show.
🎅 Make Meeting Santa an Adventure
For something completely different, head to Mother Shipton’s.
Its Magical Christmas Experience transforms the famous woodland attraction for the festive season, with elves, seasonal displays, a Christmas Village and Father Christmas himself.
It’s not simply about meeting Santa.
The adventure of getting there is part of the fun.
🎄 Christmas in Ripon
Fancy Christmas shopping somewhere rather spectacular?
Try a cathedral.
Ripon’s Christmas programme combines markets, independent shopping and live music with one of Yorkshire’s most impressive historic buildings.
🎁 100+ Christmas Stalls Inside Ripon Cathedral
Put 20–21 November in your diary.
Ripon Cathedral’s Christmas Food & Gift Fair brings together more than 100 stalls filled with gifts, food and festive treats.
Entry is £5, with under-16s free.
But don’t head straight back to the car afterwards.
Walk into Ripon’s historic centre.
Explore the shops.
Find somewhere for lunch.
Make the fair the beginning of your day, not the end of it.
🕯️ Christmas Music by Candlelight
Imagine walking into Ripon Cathedral on a dark December evening.
Then imagine it glowing by candlelight.
On Friday 4 December, Rat Pack – A Swingin’ Christmas by Candlelight brings festive music and a little glamour to the cathedral.
Christmas night out sorted.
🎶 And Come Back Tomorrow…
Because on Saturday 5 December, it’s G4 Christmas.
The group’s trademark harmonies and Christmas favourites will fill Ripon Cathedral.
If you’ve never experienced live Christmas music inside the cathedral before, 2026 might be the year to change that.
🚗 Three Towns. One Christmas Adventure.
Can’t decide between Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon?
Don’t.
Visit all three during the festive season.
🎄 Harrogate
Come for ice skating, Christmas markets, shopping, theatre and GLOW.
🎅 Knaresborough
Come for the Christmas Market, 70+ decorated trees, Mother Shipton’s and fireworks.
🕯️ Ripon
Come for Ripon Cathedral, Christmas shopping and candlelit concerts.
Each has a completely different Christmas atmosphere.
Which one will be your favourite?
❤️ Our Christmas Challenge to You
This year, don’t simply go somewhere you’ve been dozens of times before and do exactly the same thing.
Explore.
Turn down a different street.
Visit an independent shop.
Try another café.
Walk somewhere you’ve never walked.
Stay after dark.
Take the children somewhere new.
And buy at least one Christmas present locally.
Because the best Christmas memories aren’t always the things you planned.
Sometimes they’re what you discover along the way.
🎄 Before You Set Off
Dates, events, venues, addresses and opening times can change. Check with individual organisers before making a special journey.
And if we’ve missed something brilliant, we’d like to hear about it.
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Email info@harrogateuk.co.uk and we’ll try to point you in the right direction.
Click here to see Christmas Events
Christmas Markets in North Yorkshire
Christmas Markets in North Yorkshire – Wrap up warm and explore North Yorkshire at Christmas. Browse handmade gifts, artisan food and independent stalls in historic market towns, Yorkshire Dales villages and coastal favourites. Our 2026 guide helps you discover the best Christmas markets, plan your journey and find even more to explore while you’re there.
Popular Yorkshire Christmas Market invites new stallholders
by local photographer Charlotte Gale
As Knaresborough turns pink for FEVA, its annual ten day festival of entertainment and visual arts, volunteer groups are already working hard to prepare for the town’s next major event.
Taking place on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 December 2026, Knaresborough’s traditional Christmas Market weekend is one of the highlights of the town’s events calendar and is popular with stallholders and visitors alike.
This year, organisers are wanting to further build on the market’s reputation for quality stalls showcasing a range of gifts, produce and festive decorations from across the Yorkshire region.
Market Chair, Bill Taylor, comments:
“We’re always delighted with the positive feedback we get from stallholders and visitors following the market. However, this year we’d love to bring even more variety to the event by also inviting new stall holders to apply. We’re particularly interested in original Arts & Crafts or high quality hand crafted goods, products of local and regional excellence and stalls that enhance the seasonal atmosphere of the market”.
Committee member, Charlotte Gale adds:
“Knaresborough is gaining something of a reputation as a festive destination, with the director of last year’s star-studded movie, Tinsel Town, describing the town as the ideal ‘chocolate box’ location for the movie. We’re hoping this has a knock on effect for our market this year and the town’s fantastic local independent businesses”.
She goes on to say:
“Early indications are good, as we’re seeing increasing demand for stalls year on year. Whilst we still have a few silver and bronze level stalls available, our gold tier stalls have already sold out well ahead of time. We also have some excellent affordable sponsorship opportunities available for any local businesses wanting to raise their profile at one of the town’s most popular events”.
If you would like to be considered for a stall at this year’s Knaresborough Christmas Market, or are interested in enquiring about sponsorship opportunities, please visit knaresboroughchristmasmarket.co.uk for more information and contact details. Hot food stalls are by invitation only this year.
Dates, venues, addresses and opening times can change. Check with individual organisers before making a special journey.
Best Christmas Markets in North Yorkshire 2026
Looking for the best Christmas markets in North Yorkshire in 2026? From atmospheric market squares and cathedral fairs to Christmas shopping beside the coast, there are plenty of festive days out to start planning.
We’ve brought together markets across Harrogate, Knaresborough, Ripon, Whitby, Grassington, Skipton, Malton, Thirsk and the Yorkshire Dales – with dates and addresses so you can start planning your Christmas adventures.
🎄 Quick tip: Don’t just visit for the stalls. Many of these markets are surrounded by independent shops, cafés, historic attractions and beautiful winter walks. Arrive early and make a day of it.
🎅 Christmas Markets at a Glance – Dates & Addresses
Whitby Christmas Market & Festival
📅 13–15 November 2026
📍 Marina Front Car Park, Langborne Road, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO21 1YN
Christmas shopping by the sea – with Whitby’s harbour, old town and independent shops waiting to be explored afterwards.
Thirsk Christmas Artisan Market
📅 13–15 November 2026
📍 Market Place, Thirsk, North Yorkshire, YO7 1HQ
Browse artisan gifts and independent traders right in the heart of historic Thirsk.
Ripon Christmas Artisan Market
📅 20–22 November 2026
📍 Market Place, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 1BP
Three days of festive shopping with Ripon’s shops, cafés and cathedral just a short stroll away.
Ripon Cathedral Christmas Food & Gift Fair
📅 20–21 November 2026
📍 Ripon Cathedral, Minster Road, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 1QT
More than 100 stalls in one of the most spectacular Christmas shopping settings in North Yorkshire.
Hawes Christmas Craft Fair
📅 21–22 November 2026
📍 Market House, Market Place, Hawes, North Yorkshire, DL8 3QX
Combine Christmas shopping with a winter day out in beautiful Wensleydale.
Husthwaite Village Christmas Market
📅 22 November 2026
📍 Husthwaite Village Hall, Low Street, Husthwaite, North Yorkshire, YO61 4QA
A smaller community Christmas market that’s ideal if you prefer something relaxed and local.
Great Yorkshire Christmas Fair – Harrogate
📅 26–29 November 2026
📍 Great Yorkshire Events Centre, Great Yorkshire Showground, Railway Road, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG2 8NZ
Around 180 stands packed with gifts, food, fashion and Christmas inspiration – and it’s all indoors.
Scarborough Sparkle
📅 27–29 November 2026
📍 Scarborough Open Air Theatre, Burniston Road, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, YO12 6PF
Turn your Christmas shopping trip into a winter break beside the Yorkshire coast.
Grassington Christmas Market
📅 28 November & 5 December 2026
📍 The Square & Main Street, Grassington, North Yorkshire, BD23 5AQ
For that picture-perfect Yorkshire Christmas feeling, Grassington is difficult to beat.
Fountains Abbey Artisan Christmas Market
📅 28–29 November 2026
📍 Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, Fountains, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 3DY
Shop for artisan gifts before exploring one of Yorkshire’s most spectacular historic locations.
Sutton Bank Christmas Artisan Market
📅 28–29 November 2026
📍 Sutton Bank National Park Centre, Sutton Bank, Thirsk, North Yorkshire, YO7 2EH
Christmas shopping with the North York Moors right on your doorstep.
Christmas Markets in North Yorkshire
🎄 December Christmas Markets
⭐ Knaresborough Christmas Market
by local photographer Charlotte Gale
📅 Saturday 5 & Sunday 6 December 2026
🕙 10am–5pm
📍 Market Place, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, HG5 8AG
Knaresborough is one to put firmly in the Christmas diary. The historic Market Place and surrounding streets come alive with festive stalls, independent traders, gifts, food, drink and entertainment.
Don’t head straight home after shopping. Explore the independent shops, visit the Christmas Tree Festival, wander down towards the River Nidd and take in that famous view of Knaresborough Viaduct.
🎆 Sunday finale: Fireworks at around 4.30pm over the Nidd Gorge.
🚌 Free Park & Ride: Manse Lane, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, HG5 8LF.
Harrogate Christmas Market
📅 4–14 December 2026
📍 Cambridge Street & Harrogate town centre, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG1 1RX
Make a day of Christmas in Harrogate with festive shopping, independent businesses, cafés, restaurants, Christmas lights and seasonal attractions around the town centre. For more details – Phone: 01423 556188
The Harrogate Christmas Market is running over 3 weekends as follows,
Harrogate Christmas Market (Weekend 1) 04/12/26 to 06/12/26
Harrogate Christmas Market (Weekend 2) 11/12/26 to 13/12/26
Harrogate Christmas Market (Weekend 3) 18/12/26 to 19/12/26
Please visit our website to find our more Upcoming events – Zoom Events
Harrogate Little Bird Christmas Market
Saturday, 6th & 13th December – Sunday, 7th & 14th December
Step into a festive wonderland this winter at the Little Bird Artisan Christmas Market in the heart of Harrogate’s beautiful Valley Gardens. Discover independent makers, artisan traders and original Christmas gift ideas in the heart of Harrogate.
Pickering Snowglobe Christmas Market
📅 5–6 December 2026
📍 Galtres Park, Pickering Showground, Pickering, North Yorkshire, YO18 8EA
A new indoor Christmas market for 2026 – and a useful one to remember if the December weather turns against you.
Skipton Christmas Market
📅 6 & 13 December 2026
📍 High Street, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 1JZ
Explore the stalls before discovering Skipton’s independent shops, canal and famous castle.
Easingwold Christmas Artisan Market
📅 12 December 2026
📍 Market Place, Easingwold, North Yorkshire, YO61 3AB
A more relaxed festive shopping experience featuring independent makers and producers.
Hovingham Christmas Market
📅 19 December 2026
📍 Hovingham Village Hall, Main Street, Hovingham, North Yorkshire, YO62 4LF
Perfect for discovering local produce and those last few Christmas presents.
Malton Christmas Artisan Market
📅 19 December 2026
📍 Market Place, Malton, North Yorkshire, YO17 7LX
Come hungry. Yorkshire’s famous food town is an especially tempting place for a Christmas shopping trip.
Thirsk Christmas Artisan Market
📅 20 December 2026
📍 Market Place, Thirsk, North Yorkshire, YO7 1HQ
Still missing a present? Thirsk provides one final opportunity to discover artisan gifts just five days before Christmas.
✨ Pick Your Perfect Christmas Day Out
🏰 For spectacular surroundings: Knaresborough, Grassington or Fountains Abbey
🛍️ For serious Christmas shopping: Harrogate, Skipton or the Great Yorkshire Christmas Fair
🍴 For food lovers: Malton or Ripon
🌊 For Christmas by the coast: Whitby or Scarborough
🏔️ For a Yorkshire Dales day out: Grassington or Hawes
🎁 For smaller local markets: Easingwold, Hovingham or Husthwaite
With Christmas markets running from mid-November until just days before Christmas, why visit only one?
Save this guide, choose a different destination each weekend and explore more of North Yorkshire this Christmas.
Dates, events, venues, addresses and opening times can change. Check with individual organisers before making a special journey.
NEW YEAR
New Year 2027 Events in Harrogate: Parties, Pubs, Hotels, Live Music and Things to Do
Looking for things to do in Harrogate this New Year? From glamorous black-tie celebrations and live music to family-friendly parties, hotel breaks, dining and New Year’s Day experiences, there are already plenty of ways to welcome 2027 in and around Harrogate.
New Year’s Eve falls on Thursday 31 December 2026, with New Year’s Day on Friday 1 January 2027.
1. Rudding Park – New Year’s Eve Hootenanny
Rudding Park Hotel is planning a major New Year’s Eve celebration at Rudding House.
The New Year’s Eve Hootenanny runs from 8pm until 2am, with live performances from the Jonny Ross Band and Something For The Weekend, alongside DJs, live saxophone, food, champagne, dancing and a midnight fireworks display.
Tickets are currently listed at £155 per adult, with overnight experiences also available.
2. Rudding Park – Family New Year’s Eve
For families looking to celebrate together, Rudding Park is also listing a Family New Year’s Eve at the Deerhouse as part of its 2026 festive programme.
This gives families an alternative to the larger late-night party atmosphere and is worth checking for the latest timings and availability.
3. The Majestic – Black Tie New Year’s Eve Gala
The Majestic Hotel & Spa is hosting a New Year’s Eve Black Tie Dinner on 31 December.
The evening includes:
- Champagne reception
- Five-course dinner
- Live band
- DJ and disco photo booth
- Bagpiper
- Midnight fireworks
- Champagne toast
- Late-night snacks
The event is currently advertised from £159 per person, with celebrations running into the early hours.
4. The Majestic – New Year’s Eve Party
There is also a separate New Year’s Eve Party at The Majestic, priced at £85 per person.
Guests can expect a Prosecco reception, festive buffet, DJ and disco with a live saxophonist, midnight Prosecco toast and fireworks.
This could appeal to people looking for a party atmosphere without booking the black-tie dinner.
5. The Crown Hotel – New Year’s Eve Gala
The Crown Hotel is hosting a New Year’s Eve Gala.
The evening starts with arrival from 6.45pm, followed by a four-course gala dinner at 7.30pm. Live entertainment runs from 9pm to 11pm before a DJ takes over until 1am.
The event is advertised from £89 per person and is 18+ only.
The hotel is also offering one- to four-night New Year packages for those wanting to turn the celebrations into a longer Harrogate break.
6. Cedar Court Harrogate – New Year’s Eve Party
Cedar Court Hotel Harrogate is welcoming 2027 with a party featuring:
- Arrival drink
- Four-course meal
- Live band
- DJ
- Magician
- Photobooth
- Festive novelties
The event takes place on 31 December, with the bar open until 1am and the party scheduled to finish at 1.30am.
The advertised price is £90 per person.
7. Bilton Club – New Year Party with Janet Jaye
For a more local club-style celebration, Bilton Club is hosting Janet Jaye on New Year’s Eve.
The live show features music associated with Tina Turner, Diana Ross and Whitney Houston, with doors opening at 7.30pm and the party continuing late.
Tickets are currently advertised at £10 for members and £15 for non-members.
This is one of the more affordable confirmed New Year’s Eve options currently advertised in the Harrogate area.
8. Rudding Park – New Year’s Eve Supper & Spa
For something more relaxed, Rudding Park is offering a New Year’s Eve Supper & Spa experience.
The package includes a two-course supper at Horto Café followed by two hours in the Roof Top Spa.
Prices currently start at £107 per person, with various early-evening supper and spa time slots available.
It offers an alternative for people who want to mark New Year’s Eve without spending the night at a large party.
9. New Year hotel breaks
Several Harrogate-area hotels are offering packages combining accommodation with New Year celebrations.
The Majestic has a two-night New Year stay from 31 December to 2 January, including breakfast, spa access, its New Year’s Eve Black Tie Gala Dinner and entertainment on New Year’s Day. Prices currently start from £529 per person single occupancy / £719 per person double occupancy.
Nearby, The Inn South Stainley is offering a two-night New Year residential break from 31 December to 2 January, including New Year’s Eve dinner allowance, midnight haggis, New Year’s Day Yorkshire breakfast with Bucks Fizz and dinner allowance.
10. New Year’s Day brunch and dining
The celebrations don’t have to finish at midnight.
Rudding Park is listing a New Year’s Day Brunch at Clocktower as part of its 2027 programme.
The Majestic’s two-night package also includes a buffet dinner on 1 January at Carters Champagne Bar & Grill, together with live pianist entertainment.
For visitors spending New Year’s Day in Harrogate, restaurants, cafés and pubs are likely to be popular choices, although individual opening hours and menus should be checked before travelling.
11. New Year’s Day walks and the great outdoors
For anyone who prefers fresh air to a late night, Valley Gardens provides an easy starting point for a New Year’s Day walk through Harrogate’s green spaces.
Valley Gardens
The surrounding Pinewoods and paths towards Harlow Carr also provide opportunities for a New Year’s Day stroll, although visitors should check individual attraction opening arrangements for 1 January before setting off.
12. Harrogate pubs and bars
Harrogate’s pubs and bars will be another option for people looking for a more informal New Year’s Eve.
Among the established venues in the town are:
- The Fat Badger
- The Empress
- Foundry Project Harrogate
- Pitcher & Piano Harrogate
- Yorkshire Tapas @ The Blues Bar
However, these should not be treated as confirmed New Year’s Eve events unless the individual venue has published its 2026/27 programme. New Year opening hours, ticketed parties and entertainment can differ considerably from normal trading.
13. Live music for New Year 2027
Live music is already a significant part of the confirmed Harrogate programme.
Rudding Park’s Hootenanny includes the Jonny Ross Band, Something For The Weekend, DJs and live saxophone.
The Majestic is also advertising live entertainment as part of its Black Tie Dinner.
Bilton Club’s Janet Jaye event provides another live-music option at a lower ticket price.
At the moment, a dedicated concert listing search for 31 December 2026 and 1 January 2027 in Harrogate isn’t showing additional standalone concert listings, so it’s best not to pad the guide with unconfirmed gigs.
New Year 2027 at a glance
| Event | Date | Type | Price advertised |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rudding Park Hootenanny | 31 Dec | Live music, party & fireworks | £155 |
| Rudding Park Supper & Spa | 31 Dec | Dining & spa | From £107 |
| The Majestic Black Tie Dinner | 31 Dec | Gala, live music & fireworks | From £159 |
| The Majestic New Year Party | 31 Dec | Party & live entertainment | £85 |
| The Crown Hotel Gala | 31 Dec | Dinner, live entertainment & DJ | From £89 |
| Cedar Court New Year Party | 31 Dec | Dinner, live band & DJ | £90 |
| Bilton Club with Janet Jaye | 31 Dec | Live music & dancing | £10–£15 |
| Rudding Park Family NYE | 31 Dec | Family celebration | Check organiser |
| Rudding Park New Year’s Day Brunch | 1 Jan | Brunch | Check organiser |
| Majestic New Year’s Day programme | 1 Jan | Dining & live pianist | Included in package |
Prices and event details can change, and availability may be limited. Check with the organiser before booking.
New Year 2027 in Harrogate: something for everyone
Whether you’re looking for a black-tie gala, live music, a family celebration, a hotel break, a spa experience, a pub night or a quiet New Year’s Day walk, Harrogate already has a varied programme taking shape for the arrival of 2027.
Confirmed New Year 2027 Events – Knaresborough & Ripon
Knaresborough
New Year’s Day Duck Race
📅 Friday 1 January 2027
🕜 1.30pm
📍 Starts at High Bridge and finishes at The Marigold, Knaresborough
The annual Knaresborough New Year’s Day Duck Race is confirmed for 2027 and is organised by Knaresborough Cricket Club.
Ripon
New Year’s Eve Celebration – Ripon Market Square
📅 Thursday 31 December 2026
🕤 Live entertainment from 9.45pm
🎆 Fireworks at midnight
📍 Market Square, Ripon
Ripon City Council has published its New Year’s Eve celebration, with Jamsalana Steel Drum Band performing from 9.45pm followed by midnight fireworks.
Near Ripon
New Year’s Eve at Grantley Hall
📅 31 December 2026 – 2 January 2027
📍 Grantley Hall, Ripon
Grantley Hall has confirmed a two-night New Year’s Eve House Party, with dining experiences and a Black-Tie Gala Ball featuring live entertainment and dancing.
Dates, events, venues, addresses and opening times can change. Check with individual organisers before making a special journey.
EASTER
Dates, events, venues, addresses and opening times can change. Check with individual organisers before making a special journey.
EASTER
HALLOWEEN 2026
👻 Harrogate Ghost Walk – Route B
📅 25 September – 31 October 2026
📍 Harrogate town centre / Royal Pump Room Museum
A spooky guided walk exploring Harrogate’s ghost stories and darker history. The event is listed by Visit Harrogate for the 2026 Halloween season.
👻 Harrogate Ghost Walk – Route A
📅 9–30 October 2026
📍 Harrogate town centre
A second ghost-walking route running on selected dates throughout October.
🎃 Harrogate Halloween Trail
📅 25 October – 1 November 2026
📍 Harrogate town centre
Harrogate BID is running a Halloween trail during the October half-term, with the trail starting and finishing at the Crown Hotel. The Halloween pop-up will include pumpkins, hay bales, spooky photo opportunities, crafts and themed food and drinks.
There will also be Halloween-themed street entertainment on Saturday 31 October and Sunday 1 November.
🏚️ Haunted House – Pitcher & Piano 1st Birthday
📅 Saturday 31 October 2026
⏰ 3pm–10pm
📍 Pitcher & Piano, 5–6 John Street, Harrogate
🔞 18+
A Halloween house-music event featuring MDAV, Funky House Project and Funk’d, with DJs, live saxophone and Halloween-themed entertainment.
🕷️ Halloween Trail – How Stean Gorge
📅 24 October – 1 November 2026
📍 How Stean Gorge, Lofthouse, Pateley Bridge, Harrogate HG3 5SF
A family Halloween adventure through the gorge and caves, featuring spooky sights, eerie sounds and the ghost of Tom Taylor. Fancy dress is encouraged, and prizes are available for children who complete the trail. Prices start from £6.
Dates, events, venues, addresses and opening times can change. Check with individual organisers before making a special journey.
🎃 Knaresborough
Hocus Pocus Halloween at Mother Shipton’s Cave
📅 24 October – 1 November 2026
📍 Mother Shipton’s Cave, Knaresborough
A family Halloween experience inspired by Hocus Pocus, with themed displays, witches, cauldrons, spooky activities and the chance to meet the witchy sister trio.
Halloween at Henshaws
📅 Saturday 31 October 2026
⏰ 12.30pm–6pm
📍 Henshaws Arts and Crafts Centre, 50 Bond End, Knaresborough
💷 Free entry – activities charged separately
Family-friendly Halloween fun including pumpkin carving, a spooky trail, face painting, campfire, marshmallows, live music, a raffle and Halloween treats.
Knaresborough Knightmares – Halloween Ghost Walk
📅 Wednesday 28 October 2026
⏰ 7pm
📍 Starts at Market Cross, Knaresborough
A special Halloween edition of the Knaresborough Ghost Walk, lasting approximately 90 minutes and raising money for regional charities.
👻 Ripon
Pumpkin Patch – Ripon Walled Garden
📅 Saturday 17–Saturday 31 October 2026
📍 Ripon Walled Garden, Palace Road
A Halloween-themed pumpkin patch where families can choose and carve pumpkins, with seasonal refreshments and activities.
Ripon City Ghost Walk
📅 Thursday 29 October 2026
⏰ 7pm–9pm
📍 Starts at The Cabman’s Shelter, Market Square, Ripon
A Halloween-season ghost walk featuring stories of haunted buildings and locations around the historic city. Proceeds go to Ripon Walled Garden. £6.
Halloween House Party – Grantley Hall
📅 Saturday 31 October 2026
⏰ 7pm–11.30pm
📍 Grantley Hall, Ripon
A Halloween House Party at Grantley Hall. From £250.
Halloween Party – Ripon Bowling Club
📅 Saturday 31 October 2026
⏰ 7.30pm–11.30pm
📍 Ripon Bowling Club, 26 Bondgate Green, Ripon
A dedicated Halloween party listed in Ripon’s official events guide.
