Yorkshire Dales Christmas Markets and Fairs 2023

Harrogate Christmas Fair fairground

Festive Fayres, Christmas Crafts, Merry Markets…

Whatever you call the good old fashioned Christmas Fair, there is NOTHING that screams Christmas more than walking past loads of locally produced goodies, carefully created Christmas crafts, and tucking into the samples of that festive food (and perhaps even having a cheeky tipple too!)

The good news is that the Yorkshire Dales is PACKED with local Christmas markets! So you can go stock up your cupboards, start (or finish) your Christmas shopping, warm up with a mulled wine (obligatory!) and perhaps even meet the big man too!

So here are all the markets we could find that are taking place across the Dales in 2023 in date order!

Missed one out? Contact us either by dropping us a comment or messaging us via Instagram, Facebook or email!

(All photographs taken on a PR trip to Harrogate Christmas Fayre 2021)

The Harrogate Christmas  Fair

Reeth Christmas Makers Market

When? 18November 2023 between 10.30am and 3.30pm

Where? Reeth Memorial Hall

How much? FREE

What? With locally crafted and produced gifts, this market has products ranging from cheese, to ceramic art and felted gifts. There is a free kids colouring table too to keep the kids occupied whilst you check it out!

Make a day of it by heading to the stepping stones at Reeth or by heading to the park.


Hawes Christmas Craft Fair

When? 18-19 November 2023 between 10am and 4.30pm

Where? The Market House, town centre

How much? FREE

What? On for two days, the Hawes Christmas Craft Show features a wide range of high-quality handmade crafts and art products made by local and regional exhibitors. Featuring wood products, jewellery, accessories, cards, knitwear and toys as well as paintings metalwork, and photography.

Make a day of it. Head to Aysgill Force for a walk (find the route description by tapping on our Aysgill Force walk) or check out our blog of how to visit Hawes with the kids!


Christmas in Ingleton

When? 25 November: 1pm - 5pm

Where? The Square and St Mary’s Church

How Much? FREE

What? Kicking off with the elf run at 1pm in the square, find Father Christmas, a Craft Fair and live music in Ingleton this Christmas!

Make a day of it? Why not head to White Scar Cave or take wander around the Ingleton Waterfall Trail (separate charges apply!)


Bedale Christmas Market

When? 25 November 2023 10-3pm

Where? Bedale Hall

How Much? Free

At this Christmas fair you’ll find fantastic local produce and Christmas presents and Santa!

Lights at the Harrogate Christmas Fair

Leyburn Christmas Festival 2023

Where? Market Place (mainly)

When? 25 November from 10am

How much? FREE

There will be an artisan market on the Market place, as well as St Matthew’s Church Fair! All on the same day as the Christmas light switch on (at 4.30pm). You can meet Father Christmas, his reindeer, do an elf trail around the town as well as live music and entertainment!


Festive Farfield

Where? Sedbergh, Farfield Mill

When? 25-26 November 10.30am - 4pm

How much? FREE

What? The mill will have a selection of unique, handcrafted gifts from local artists and makers. There will be festive fare in the Tea Room, and a quiz around the Mill for children.

Make a day of it? Take a wander to Cautley Spout, or head down the road to go and check out the Dent Museum. Check out our Visit Sedbergh with Kids guide right to find out more!


Kirkby Lonsdale Christmas Fair

When? 4pm 30 November - 4pm 3rd December 2023

Where? Kirkby Lonsdale Market Square and Lunesdale Hall

How Much? FREE

What? Described as being a full-blown Christmas Extravaganza, the Kirkby Lonsdale Christmas Fair is packed with festive fun! There is a Chalet village in the Market Square, with food and drink and for the first time this year, live entertainment centred around ‘A Christmas Story’.

The Lunesdale Hall will have an indoor market, and there is entertainment for the kids too.

Harrogate Christmas Fair 2021

Harrogate Christmas Fayre

(Pictured)

When? 10am Friday 1st - 4pm 17 December

Where? Harrogate Town Centre, Market Place and The Stray

How Much? FREE (fairground additional costs)

What? The Fayre returns to Harrogate for over two weeks of festive shopping opportunities. Showcasing a mix of eclectic local traders, and traditional European Christmas stalls. The town centre will be filled with opportunities to eat, drink and be merry! Check out the free candy cane express that takes you around the town, and there will be live music and entertainment throughout! Plenty to do to fill a day!

Check out the Harrogate Christmas Fayre Facebook page for up to date information!


Christmas Makers Fair Ilkley

Where? Ilkley Manor House

When? 2-3 December 10am-5pm

How Much? £1 (under 16’s free)

You’ll be able to find the perfect gift at Ilkley Manor House this year with art and crafts created by plenty of talented individuals!

Make a day of it. Head to Riverside park for a play and then head for a wander along Ilkley Riverside. Make sure you head to New Brook Street Deli for a coffee and cake, and then on up to the Grove for more Ilkley shopping! Why not book yourself into Ilkley Clip n Climb for a climbing session too? Find out more on our Visit Ilkley with Kids guide.

The Harrogate Christmas Fair

Knaresborough Christmas Market

When? 2-3 December 10am - 5pm

Where? Knaresborough, Market Place (although events will take place across the town as well)

How Much? FREE

What? The Knaresborough Christmas market will take place in the Market Place, although there will be festive events taking place across the town, including Father Christmas and his elves (Green Dragon Yard), street food, live music all alongside the opportunity to get stuck into that Christmas shopping with stalls from plenty of local artisans.

Make a day of it. There is plenty going on in Knaresborough! Why not check out the Christmas Tree festival below.


Grassington Christmas Market

When? 2 and 9 December 2023 10am

Where? Grassington Market Square and beyond

How Much? FREE

What? Taking over the helm from the Dickensian Market in Grassington, the Christmas Market looks set to be packed full of local artisans and crafters. Keep an eye on the website for more information. With a Santa’s Grotto, live music, local stalls and attractions!

There will also be Elf School on the 2nd December at Grassington Town Hall.

Make a day of it. Head down for a wander to Linton Falls, or head to the park in Grassington! Just up the road is Stump Cross Caverns, who are running their own Christmas Event too.

Harrogate Christmas Fair, the carousel

Skipton Christmas Market

When? 3 and 10 December 2023 10 - 4.30pm

Where? Skipton High Street

How Much? FREE

What? Skipton will be home to two Christmas markets this year selling traditional Christmas food, locally produced gifts with over 100 stalls to explore. There will also be live music.

Make a day of it. Head down for a wander to Skipton Castle Woods, or head to Skipton Castle itself!


Richmond Town Christmas Market:

When? 3 December

Where? Richmond Market Place

How Much? FREE

What? Richmond market place will be packed full of festive stalls, live music and more. There is also an indoor market in the Town Hall.

Make a day of it. Head to the English Heritage Richmond Castle, check out Richmond Fosse or take a wander to Easby Abbey. Find our walk to Easby Abbey here and check out our blog over on Yorkshire Tots for things to do in an around Richmond!

Harrogate Christmas fair the candy cane express

Otley Victorian Fair

When? 3rd December

How Much? FREE

What? Well. Where to begin?! Otley Victorian Fair has a fair, stalls and food, live music and acts on stage, Christmas Carols, Craft and food stalls, donkey rides and street entertainment! Amazing!

Make a day of it. Head to Wharfeside Meadows Park, and take a stroll around the nature reserve at Gallows Hill!


Tupgill Park Christmas Fair

When 3rd December

How Much? Free (Santa costs £4/ child)

What? As well as the fantastic festive fair, you will get the opportunity to see Father Christmas in his woodland grotto. All located next to the Forbidden Corner!


Ripley Castle Christmas Market

Where? Ripley Castle North Yorkshire

When? 10th December 10am

How Much? Free (including entry to Ripley Castle’s gardens and grounds)

Arranged by Real Food Markets, there will be a Christmas Market opened by Father Christmas, Christmas Crafts arranged by Rhythm Camp Events (additional cost) and there will be live music too.


Real Markets in Ilkley Christmas Market

Where? The Grove

When? 17th December 10am

How Much? FREE

Over 50 local and specialist producers and makers are featuring in this year’s Christmas market! We’re talking tasty treats to handmade and locally sourced gifts! AND a visit from Father Christmas too!

Make a day of it. Head to Riverside park for a play and then head for a wander along Ilkley Riverside. Make sure you head to New Brook Street Deli for a coffee and cake, and then on up to the Grove for more Ilkley shopping! Why not book yourself into Ilkley Clip n Climb for a climbing session too? Find out more on our Visit Ilkley with Kids guide.

Christmas at Stockeld Park

Christmas in the Yorkshire Dales 2023

Looking for some fab events to go with your Christmas Market fix? We have a FULL list of all the Christmas events taking place in and around the Yorkshire Dales over on our events page!


Looking for Markets a little further afield?

Why not check out Colette’s roundup of Christmassy days out in and around the Manchester area, including the Manchester Markets!


Do you organise a Christmas event or Fair that you want to be included on the website or for us to cover over on our social channels?

Then let us know!

Email sam@thereluctantexplorers.com

DM us on @thereluctantexplorers (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter)

Or Find our Media Pack here!

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The Outdoors Kids Christmas Gift Guide 2023