Best Christmas markets and attractions near Yorkshire
There’s little more joyous during the festive season that a traditional Christmas market. Buy unique crafted gifts, get decorations for the tree, or just enjoy mulled wine and a mince pie as you wander.
Yorkshire is certainly full of festive cheer, providing a host of festive charms to explore, many within easy reach of our Primrose Valley Holiday Park in Filey. Our Filey park is open to seasonal visitors from 13 December, so we’ve selected some great Christmas Fairs and Christmas Markets in Yorkshire to enjoy during your trip.
Wrap up warm and join us in Santa’s grotto!
1. Scarborough Light Shows & Pantomime
10 miles from Primrose Valley
Where: Scarborough Beach, Scarborough YO11 2QE
When: December 2024 – New Year 2025
With its pristine beach, green hillsides and amusements, Scarborough is worth a visit year-round. At Christmas, it switches on dozens of light installations (over 60 at 14 venues in 2023). You’ll find Xmas markets on the shorefront, and several theatres hosting pantomimes from December through to January.
The Stephen Joseph Theatre is showing Aladdin from 29 November to 28 December, presenting a locally themed retelling of the age-old classic.
2. Bridlington Christmas Day Dip
10 miles from Primrose Valley
Where: outside the Expanse Hotel, N Marine Dr, Bridlington YO15 2LS
When: December 25
This one is not for the faint-hearted! Christmas morning 2024 will see the 58th annual sea dip, which traditionally takes place on the sand opposite the Expanse Hotel. Starting as a dare by local Warwick Connelly in 1966, it has continued in his memory ever since, with up to 100 brave souls, some in Santa suits, braving the chilly surf.
It’s either a great way to kick-start your Christmas Day, or a fun spectator sport and will help you build an appetite for your Yuletide lunch. Gather at 9.45am by the hotel for a safety briefing - the 'fun' starts promptly at 10am.
3. Pocklington Christmas Market
30 miles from Primrose Valley
Where: St Peter's Square, Pocklington YO42 2AJ
When: 14-15 December
This small village to the southeast of York transforms over a mid-December weekend into a quaint, Victorian-style Christmas Market. As befits a market town, over 70 stalls line the town square, with Alpine-styled chalets offering everything from mulled wine to hand-crafted gifts.
Santa himself will be in attendance, as well as comedy acts, street entertainers, and a giant snow globe. 2023’s event was a major success, and this year promises to be even better!
4. York Christmas Market
40 miles from Primrose Valley
Where: Parliament Street, York YO1 8RU
When: 16 November - 23 December
With its cobbled lanes, ancient town walls, and several shops and restaurants, York is the perfect destination at Christmas. The annual market comprises around 70 Alpine-style boutiques lining Parliament Street, just off the renowned Shambles in the Old Town.
Dine at the Winter Hütte, providing Swiss-inspired meals and gourmet hot chocolate, or shop for artisanal treats, and handmade gifts. York’s market is a classy and picturesque celebration of the season. The city’s Christmas decorations are well worth a wander to explore too.
5. Stockeld Park Christmas Adventure
64 miles from Primrose Valley
Where: Wetherby Rd, Wetherby LS22 4AN
When: late November to early January
What began as a Christmas tree sale at this stately home between Harrogate and Leeds has become an annual festive extravaganza!
The Snowflake illuminated maze is a must-see, and Stockeld is the perfect place to visit Santa’s grotto, go ice skating, and enjoy the winter illuminations. There’s an enchanting Christmas lights trail through the forest and a dramatic laser show on the lake. It’s a spectacular sight but do book well in advance, as it sells out.
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