Discover the best Yorkshire Christmas markets for the 2025 festive season – from cosy village bazaars to urban fetes.
When the first frosts begin nipping on fingertips and the scent of candied nuts drifts through the air, there's no mistaking it: Christmas has arrived in Yorkshire.
Our Christmas markets might be the best way to soak up that festive feeling. They capture everything wonderful about the season: good food, handmade gifts, friendly faces and that nostalgic Christmas aroma of mulled wine, spices and pine.
Whether you're celebrating as a family, on a festive getaway with friends or planning a special day out for two, you'll find a market worth visiting. Let's explore.
York St Nicholas Fair
Where: Parliament Street and St Sampson's Square, York
When: Thursday 13 November to Sunday 21 December 2025
York Christmas Market, also known fondly as the "St Nicholas Fair", is a Christmas postcard brought to life.
For six sparkling weeks, the historic city centre is transformed into a winter wonderland of wooden chalets and fairy lights. The market even hosts a delightful vintage carousel.
There's so much to do. You can wander beneath the shadow of York Minster as carols float through the air. You can browse artisan stalls selling everything from handmade jewellery and candles to delicious local produce like cheese, pies and preserves. And you can keep your hands warm, of course, with a steaming cup of mulled wine.
With more than 80% of its traders coming from Yorkshire, the market is a celebration of local craftsmanship and Christmas tradition rolled into one.
Don't miss: the Shambles Market, which is packed with locally made gifts and goods that make for perfect stocking fillers with a personal touch. It's just a stone's throw away from the main marketplace.
Leeds Christmas Markets
Where: Millennium Square and Victoria Gardens, Leeds city centre
When: Friday 21 November to Sunday 21 December 2025
The much-loved Leeds Christmas Markets are bigger and brighter than ever this year.
Expect a lively blend of traditional German-style stalls, twinkling lights and music echoing around Millennium Square. The air will be filled with the aroma of bratwurst and sweet crêpes, while the Ski Bar serves up beer and glühwein to toast the season.
Families can head to the nearby ice rink for a skate beneath the stars, while shoppers will love exploring the city's arcades, festooned with decorations.
You can't go wrong with Leeds Christmas Markets. They combine a European-style festive buzz with true Yorkshire warmth.
Top tip: if you're driving, use the Woodhouse Lane or Trinity Leeds car parks for the easiest access to the festivities.
Harrogate Christmas Fayre
Where: Cambridge Street & Market Place, Harrogate town centre
When: Friday 5 to Sunday 14 December 2025
Elegant, classy, and full of festive sparkle, Harrogate's Christmas Fayre is one of Yorkshire's most sophisticated celebrations.
This year, you can fill your stocking with 10 days of festive shopping and cheer. More than 50 traders will grace the town centre with artisan crafts, luxury foods and locally made treats.
You'll love wandering the streets as the scent of spiced nuts and fresh waffles drifts through the air. And all the while, the sound of live choirs will bring a touch of magic to the evening. Perfection.
Bonus: why not round off your Harrogate visit with a trip to its beautiful 19th-century Turkish Baths for a spot of luxury relaxation? Failing that, you could always enjoy a festive cocktail in one of the town's elegant bars.
Skipton Christmas Market
Where: Skipton High Street
When: Sunday 7 and Sunday 4 December 2025
Few places capture the spirit of a traditional market town quite like Skipton.
For two consecutive Sundays in December, its high street becomes a festive fairground filled with more than 100 stalls from artisan makers and craftspeople. Expect gifts, decorations and lots of delicious local produce. The air hums with laughter and music, and there's even a chance to meet Father Christmas in his grotto.
Try something different: when you've done your shopping, make it a Christmas to remember with Skipton Boat Trips. Choose from a three-course Christmas dinner cruise or a magical journey with the little ones – with Father Christmas himself as a passenger!
Scarborough Sparkle
Where: Scarborough Open Air Theatre
When:
Friday 28 to Sunday 30 November 2025
Why not spend a magical weekend on Scarborough's North Bay as Scarborough Sparkle brings its unique brand of festive cheer to the coast?
With more than 50 stalls offering crafts, gifts, and hot food, this free Christmas event transforms the Open Air Theatre into a winter wonderland. It's the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit.
In the glowing Tipi bar, you can toast marshmallows by a log fire while hugging a glass of mulled wine and enjoying the sounds of seasonal music. Couples, families and groups of friends, meanwhile, will love the traditional Ferris wheel. And there are plenty of other rides and games to keep the kids entertained.
Fancy an exciting coastal Christmas experience? Come along and see the sparkle for yourself.
Grassington Christmas Markets
Where: Grassington, Upper Wharfedale, North Yorkshire
When: Saturday 29 November and Saturday 6 December 2025
The historic Grassington town centre is a wonderful place to be at Christmas.
On market days, along the cobbled paths of its charming village square, you'll find traditional food, handmade gifts and the comforting scent of mulled wine. All the while, the Bradford Brass Band adds to the magic in the air.
Joining the festivities this year is Grassington Town Hall, home to the Christmas Gift & Craft Fayre. It's an experience bursting with heart, history and joy. And best of all, it's just a short, scenic drive from Stump Cross Caverns, making it an ideal double act for a winter's day out.
Perfect for: families, photographers and lovers of all things nostalgic.
A Christmas to remember at the caverns
From the glow of York's historic streets to the laughter echoing through Skipton's market square, Yorkshire's Christmas markets are full of warmth, character and festive cheer.
When you've had your fill of festive retail therapy, make your way to Stump Cross Caverns for something truly different this holiday season. Our Christmas experience takes the spirit of the season underground.
The fun begins with a sing-along with Santa and his elves in our cosy cinema room. This is followed by a self-guided tour through our magically transformed cave chambers.
Prefer to stay above ground? Make a pit stop with us for a hearty homemade meal in the cosy, dog-friendly Time Cafe. With panoramic views and steaming mugs of hot chocolate, it's the ideal place to end your festive scenic road trip.
Want to spend Christmas in an underground cave? It's fun, educational and 100% unforgettable. Book your Christmas experience online today.
