Yorkshire has the best Christmas markets

It's officially the festive season. And we all know what that means: Christmas markets!

Every year, Yorkshire's market towns and cities transform into winter wonderlands. They festoon themselves with Christmas lights, wheel out the fairground rides and erect festive stalls and beer tents – all in preparation for a little festive cheer.

In recent years, Christmas markets have grown in popularity – and it's no wonder. With delicious desserts, mulled wine and some fine beers and ales, they offer the perfect opportunity to get into the Christmas spirit.

We truly believe that Yorkshire has some of the best Christmas markets in the UK. Want to explore our towns and villages at the most magical time of year? Add these five markets to your "must-visit" list.

York Christmas Festival

York is a city of winding streets, historic buildings and breathtaking views. It's wonderful at any time of year – but towards the back end of November, it really hits its stride.

That's when York Christmas Festival kicks off. It's a huge event – and every year, the people of York and surrounding areas flock to its beautiful mediaeval streets to enjoy a slice of the action.

Hundreds of stalls line the cobbled streets, all offering a taste of Christmas. Expect locally made trinkets, gorgeous decorations, mulled wine, beers and more. This year, the festival runs from 16 November to 22 December. There's plenty to see and do – so make sure to allow time for a full day of festive fun.

Leeds Christkindelmarkt

This Christmas market needs little introduction. It's the biggest in Yorkshire – and, with its distinctly Teutonic flavour, it offers something a little different for locals and visitors alike. Organised in collaboration with Frankfurt Council and known locally as the "German Market", Christkindelmarkt has tonnes to offer. Fun-seekers can visit its famous beer tents or trawl the many stalls that offer everything from crepes and waffles to sausages and sweets.

In case this isn't enough to satisfy your appetite, there are heaps of activities to enjoy – including fairground rides, a Nutcracker trail and a Ferris wheel.

The Christmas market runs alongside the "Ice Cube", which has been a seasonal favourite for many years. Situated in Millennium Square, it offers visitors the chance to ice skate throughout the winter months. Visit in 2023 between 24 November and 22 December.

Otley Victorian Fayre and Christmas Market This unique event has been running since 1985 and promises a fantastic day out for the family.

Visitors can expect a huge array of stalls, all with keepers dressed in Victorian-themed clothing – as well as schools showcasing their best carol singers. You'll feel like you've arrived in a time machine as you absorb everything going on around you.

Morris dancing, craft stalls, fairground rides and mulled wine are just a few of the festivities on offer. So, why not grab your woollies and head down for a day out to remember?

We guarantee the atmosphere of this one will get you well and truly into the Christmas spirit. Head down on Sunday 3 December to soak it all up.

Harrogate Christmas Fayre Like York, Harrogate has a special atmosphere all of its own – and its Christmas market makes the town feel all the more magical. As with any good Christmas market, Harrogate's fayre will serve up plenty of stalls staffed by local artisan traders, as well as lovely gifts and festive decorations. It offers an opportunity to wrap up warm, cuddle up to your loved ones and take a stroll through the town's picturesque streets.

When the decorations, mulled wine and mince pies become too much, why not head to the ice rink for a spot of skating? There'll also be rides and live music to enjoy, all in the comfort of a beautifully festive setting.

In 2023, Harrogate Christmas Fayre runs from 1 to 17 December.

Knaresborough Christmas Market

If you're looking for quaint architecture and winding cobbled streets, look no further than Knaresborough.

In summer, this idyllic town is famous for its paddle boat rides. Once winter rolls around, however, it goes through a festive transformation.

If your aim is to get into the Christmas spirit and pick out some adorable presents, you'll be onto a winner. This winter wonderland is fit for a postcard – and with incredible stalls offering a range of local treats and trinkets, there's something for everyone. But make your plans now! Knaresborough Christmas Market runs from Saturday 2 to Sunday 3 December.

Go on a magical Christmas adventure at Stump Cross Caverns

Once you've visited all of the best Christmas Markets Yorkshire has to offer, why not head down to Stump Cross Caverns? Nestled deep underneath the Yorkshire Dales, Stump Cross is an ancient cave system full of amazing rock formations and hidden passageways.

It's a spellbinding place. And this Christmas, we've arranged some very special events to maximise the magical vibes. Why not visit Santa at his grotto ? That's right: this year, old Claus has camped out in our cinema – and he has a sackful of gifts to give out, direct from his workshop in the North Pole.

Next, kids can meet our very own Cavewoman. She'll show them how to make eco-friendly reindeer food, which they can take home as a treat for Santa's steeds.

In the mood for some big-screen magic? Book a seat for our Christmas film screening. We're showing the festive classic Elf in the cosy confines of our cinema room. It will be decked out in Christmas cheer, just for the occasion.

Or how about a full day of family fun? Our Christmas Full Day Package includes all of the above – the film, the Santa meet-and-greet and the reindeer food session – along with two visits to our captivating underground caves.

That's right. You'll enjoy a tour in the morning when the caves are lit up in glorious detail. Then, after 3 PM, you'll head down again for our UV experience. Ultraviolet torch in hand, you can watch the rocks glow as you shine your beam in their direction. Pure magic.

Want to visit our Yorkshire Dales caves this festive season? Explore our Christmas packages here.

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