Get thrilled, Harrogate! Our holiday guide is here to help you discover all the best festive fun. From those who live and breathe Harrogate to those just getting a taste, our guide brings your holiday dreams to life.
One enchanting highlight is the Castle Howard Christmas, where the stunning estate transforms into a winter wonderland adorned with vibrant lights and festive decorations. You'll also find the charming St Nicholas Fair, featuring delightful stalls and local crafts that capture the spirit of the season. And the RHS Harlow Carr Glow is something you definitely don’t want to miss, with its captivating light displays shimmering throughout the gardens. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Harrogate
- Castle Howard Christmas (Castle Howard)
- St Nicholas Fair (York)
- Sheffield Christmas Market (Sheffield)
- RHS Harlow Carr Glow
- Scarborough Lights (Scarborough)
- Father Christmas in the Castle (Castle Howard)
- Harrogate Christmas Fayre
- Ice Skating and Christmas Attractions in Harrogate
- The Christmas Experience At Lotherton Hall (Leeds)
- Polar Express Yorkshire (Various)
See these and even more events listed below!
Harrogate Holiday Light Displays
RHS Harlow Carr Glow
What to Expect:
Vibrant light installations in a historic garden setting.
Description:
RHS Harlow Carr Glow features breathtaking light displays illuminating iconic garden features, including Streamside, Queen Mother’s Lake, and the Main Lawn, with festive treats and shopping available.
Where: Harrogate | More Info: RHS Harlow Carr Glow
Scarborough Lights
What to Expect:
Interactive light installations and community activities at multiple locations.
Description:
Scarborough Lights is a vibrant festival featuring a variety of free and affordable light shows, installations, and community activities throughout Scarborough. The event includes both indoor and outdoor works, projections, and interactive performances at various locations such as the South Cliff Fire Garden, St Mary's Church, and Scarborough Spa.
Where: Scarborough | More Info: Scarborough Lights
Living Advent Calendar In Saltaire
What to Expect:
Interactive window trail with secret designs revealed each evening.
Description:
The Saltaire Living Advent Calendar features intricate window illuminations by local artists, showcasing traditional and modern festive scenes, quirky characters, and tales influenced by Saltaire's culture and history.
Where: Saltaire | More Info: Living Advent Calendar In Saltaire
Christmas At Roundhay Park Illumination Trail
What to Expect:
Immersive light trail with interactive elements and festive treats.
Description:
Explore an immersive light trail at Temple Newsam, featuring unique illuminations and musical compositions, set amidst heritage gardens and picturesque woodlands. Enjoy a multi-sensory experience with interactive elements and festive treats.
Where: Leeds | More Info: Christmas At Roundhay Park Illumination Trail
Harrogate Holiday Markets and Shopping
Harrogate Christmas Fayre
What to Expect:
Unique gift shopping experience with local artisans and traditional European stalls.
Description:
Harrogate Christmas Fayre is a 17-day event featuring local traders and traditional European Christmas stalls in the pedestrianised areas of Cambridge Street and Market Place. The market offers arts and crafts, mouth-watering treats, festive decorations, and unique gift ideas. Music and entertainment add to the perfect atmosphere, and the popular Candy Cane Express road train takes visitors on a tour of the town.
Where: Harrogate | More Info: Harrogate Christmas Fayre
St Nicholas Fair
What to Expect:
Sustainable and accessible holiday market with local traders.
Description:
St Nicholas Fair is an award-winning Christmas market featuring 75 alpine chalets along Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square, showcasing local traders and artisan products. The event includes a vintage carousel in King’s Square, emphasizing environmental sustainability and accessibility. It offers a quieter period from 10am to 12pm daily and features the Take A Seat Initiative for visitors with reduced mobility.
Where: York | More Info: St Nicholas Fair
Sheffield Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Celebrating local traders with Alpine-themed bars and traditional German sausage grill.
Description:
Sheffield Christmas Market offers a variety of seasonal food and drink, unique gift ideas, and Alpine-themed bars, celebrating Sheffield's great independent traders.
Where: Sheffield | More Info: Sheffield Christmas Market
Scarborough Sparkle
What to Expect:
Christmas celebration with a Tipi bar and festive activities.
Description:
Scarborough Sparkle is a Christmas event at the Scarborough Open Air Theatre featuring a Tipi bar with food, drinks, and marshmallow toasting by the fire. The event offers a variety of activities, including traditional Ferris wheel rides, teacup rides, and illuminated land trains. Visitors can also browse over 35 themed stalls selling handmade gifts, Christmas cards, luxury chocolates, and speciality liqueurs.
Where: Scarborough | More Info: Scarborough Sparkle
Wetherby Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Community-driven artisan market with festive music and local charity stalls.
Description:
The Wetherby Christmas Market is a vibrant event featuring local artisan traders and charity stalls showcasing handmade goods and festive wares. The market is filled with festive music and attractions, making it a community gathering for all ages.
Where: Wetherby | More Info: Wetherby Christmas Market
North York Moors Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Unique gifts and local produce in a scenic setting.
Description:
The North York Moors Christmas Market offers a variety of stalls selling handmade crafts, local produce, and unique gifts. The event features live music, festive food, and a range of entertainment options, creating a lively atmosphere perfect for holiday shopping and celebration.
Where: Danby | More Info: North York Moors Christmas Market
Harrogate International Festivals Christmas Events
What to Expect:
Interactive shopping experience with local artisans and festive entertainment.
Description:
Harrogate International Festivals offers a variety of events, including the Harrogate Christmas Fayre, which features local traders and traditional European Christmas stalls. The event includes arts and crafts, mouth-watering treats, festive decorations, and unique gift ideas. It also offers music and entertainment, making it a perfect shopping destination for the holiday season.
Where: Harrogate | More Info: Harrogate International Festivals Christmas Events
Christmas Market at the Farm
What to Expect:
Interactive market with local and British vendors.
Description:
Explore over 100 market stalls offering a wide range of Christmas gifts and decorations, live music, and seasonal food and drink at the Chatsworth Christmas Market. Enjoy mulled wine, German beer, gourmet burgers, and more while browsing exclusive collections from local and British makers.
Where: Various | More Info: Christmas Market at the Farm
Harrogate Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Castle Howard Christmas
What to Expect:
Immersive Alice-themed experience with themed dining and shopping.
Description:
Castle Howard Christmas features Alice's Christmas Wonderland, where visitors follow the White Rabbit through grand halls and regal rooms, enjoying whimsical decorations and special mementos. The event includes Mad Hatter's Afternoon Tea, a Bettys pop-up shop, and Wonderland-themed cocktails in the Chess Club.
Where: Castle Howard | More Info: Castle Howard Christmas
Polar Express Yorkshire
What to Expect:
Interactive storytelling with festive characters and gifts.
Description:
Join Polar Express Yorkshire for a unique Christmas experience where you'll meet characters from the film, enjoy hot chocolate and cookies, and receive a Silver Sleigh Bell from Santa Claus.
Where: Various | More Info: Polar Express Yorkshire
Harrogate Other Holiday Activities
Father Christmas in the Castle
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday celebration with Father Christmas in a historic stately home.
Description:
Join Father Christmas in the grand halls and regal rooms of Castle Howard, where each twist and turn reveals fanciful festive surprises.
Where: Castle Howard | More Info: Father Christmas in the Castle
Ice Skating and Christmas Attractions in Harrogate
What to Expect:
Outdoor ice skating with an enchanting carousel and diverse entertainment options.
Description:
Harrogate Ice Rink at Crescent Gardens offers an outdoor ice skating experience suitable for adults and children aged 4. The event features an enchanting carousel, Bungee Trampolines, Frozen Swing, and Game Stalls. A variety of street food and drinks are available, including vegan and vegetarian options. Sheltered seating can be found in a cosy tipi.
Where: Harrogate | More Info: Ice Skating and Christmas Attractions in Harrogate
The Christmas Experience At Lotherton Hall
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday activities for all ages.
Description:
Lotherton Hall transforms into a holiday destination with beautifully decorated Hall and grounds, interactive installations, and festive activities like crafts in the Elf Village and Mrs. Claus' tales.
Where: Leeds | More Info: The Christmas Experience At Lotherton Hall
Days Of Christmas – Bolton Abbey
What to Expect:
Interactive festive trail with Father Christmas visits.
Description:
Days of Christmas at Bolton Abbey features a festive trail, Father Christmas visits, and eco-friendly wreath workshops, creating a memorable holiday experience.
Where: Skipton | More Info: Days Of Christmas – Bolton Abbey
Haworth Christmas Festival
What to Expect:
Diverse range of festive activities in a charming village setting.
Description:
Haworth Christmas Festival offers a variety of events, including the Santa Fun Run, Torchlight Procession, Christmas Artisan Market, Christmas Craft Fairs, Late Night Shopping, Carol Services, Nativity Procession, and Santa's Grotto. The festival also features festive music and visits to the Brontë Parsonage Museum.
Where: Haworth | More Info: Haworth Christmas Festival
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Yeadon (11 miles)
- Guiseley (11 miles)
- Leeds (13 miles)
- Shipley (14 miles)
- Pudsey (14 miles)
- Bingley (16 miles)
- Bradford (16 miles)
- Keighley (17 miles)
- Morley (17 miles)
- Lofthouse (18 miles)
- York (19 miles)
- Castleford (20 miles)
- Cleckheaton (20 miles)
- Batley (20 miles)
- Dewsbury (21 miles)
- Wakefield (21 miles)
- Ossett (22 miles)
- Brighouse (22 miles)
- Pontefract (23 miles)
- Halifax (23 miles)
- Selby (24 miles)
- Huddersfield (26 miles)
- Colne (27 miles)
- Nelson (29 miles)
- Barnsley (31 miles)
- Burnley (31 miles)
- Goole (33 miles)
- Bentley (35 miles)
- Rochdale (36 miles)
- Doncaster (36 miles)
- Chapeltown (36 miles)
- Rawtenstall (36 miles)
- Rossendale (37 miles)
- Darlington (37 miles)
- Accrington (37 miles)
- Royton (38 miles)
- Thornaby-on-Tees (39 miles)
- Oldham (39 miles)
- Heywood (39 miles)
- Rotherham (39 miles)
- Middleton (41 miles)
- Stockton-on-Tees (41 miles)
- Stalybridge (41 miles)
- Bury (41 miles)
- Glossop (41 miles)
- Burngreave (41 miles)
- Ashton-under-Lyne (42 miles)
- Blackburn (42 miles)
- Sheffield (42 miles)
- Middlesbrough (42 miles)
- Failsworth (42 miles)
- Billingham (43 miles)
- Darwen (43 miles)
- Droylsden (43 miles)
- Hyde (43 miles)
- Newton Aycliffe (43 miles)
- Whitefield (44 miles)
- Radcliffe (44 miles)
- Denton (44 miles)
- Prestwich (44 miles)
- High Peak (45 miles)