The festive season is the perfect time to wrap up warm, grab a friend or your family and head out to explore the North of England and Scotland’s sparkling Christmas markets. Whilst cities like Manchester and York steal the limelight, there are plenty of smaller hidden gems on our network just waiting to be uncovered. From Victorian-themed celebrations to seaside sparkle and community centred events, here are eight of the most charming Christmas markets to visit this year.
From Huddersfield to Dewsbury, the Kirklees district hosts a variety of festive events from light switch-ons to Christmas crafts and, of course, the traditional markets. Find a welcoming atmosphere, mulled wine, local delicacies and twinkling lights. Don’t miss the live performances from community groups and local artists which really bring the cheer to these quaint events that make each town feel like a scene from a Christmas movie.
Date: Several dates throughout November and December
Location: Across Kirklees
For more information, visit the Kirklees Together website here.
This Leeds suburb puts on a brilliant community event each December. The Garforth Festive Market is small but packed with charm. You’ll find independent traders, live carols, street food, and twinkling lights along Garforth Main Street.
Date: Friday 21 November, 5pm-8pm
Location: Garforth Main Street
Experience the warmth and wonder of a Victorian Christmas in the centre of Hull. Wander through the beautifully decorated galleries at Hull Museums and meet the characters who shaped Christmas as we know and love it today. Share bygone traditional and join in festive games whilst listening to live music. This market event offers a nostalgic and unique Christmas day out.
Date: 29-30 November
Location: Hull Museums and Gallery
Join in with traditional Christmas carols around the Christmas tree before fabulous live, local acts bring the event to life. With cosy local stalls serving mince pies and mulled wine as well as tons of Christmas spirit, this event is sure to be one filled with festive cheer.
Date: 14 December, 3pm-5:30pm
Location: Winckley Square, Preston
If you’re looking for a magical and enchanting Christmas event, Scarborough Sparkle is sure to have everything you need. From the annual lantern parade weaving through the streets to the stalls offering crafts, gifts and hot food and drinks, the coastal town brings the festive spirit. There’s also a tipi bar where you can toast marshmallows whilst listening to local choirs and, if that wasn’t enough, there’s fairground rides, a snow machine and a Santa sleigh – it’s a coastal Christmas with a difference!
Dates: 28 November – 5pm-9pm, 29 November – 11am-8pm, 30 November – 11am-5pm.
Location – Burniston Road, Scarborough
For a Christmas market that truly demonstrates the community spirit of its host city, Sheffield is a must. With local traders selling their wares across more than 50 log cabins, the Sheffield Christmas Market is the perfect place to pick up unique and locally sourced festive gifts for loved ones. Alongside the stalls, you’ll find three buzzing alpine bars where you can warm up with hot chocolate or treat yourself to something stronger – it is Christmas after all!
For family trips, be sure to take a ride on the Big Wheel. And if your little ones have a visit to Santa on their wish list, the man himself will be there – head to his Grotto for a magical meet and greet.
Dates: 13 November – 2 January
Location – Sheffield City Centre
In the shadow of the beautiful Selby Abbey, the town’s festive market event is paired with its light switch-on, making this the ideal day out for those wanting to capture the Christmas cheer. This charming local favourite is packed with artisan crafts, sweet treats and local performances as well as the twinkling lights throughout the small town. It’s smaller and more intimate than the big city events, making it a perfect alternative.
Dates: 29 November, 10am-5pm
Location: Market Place, Selby
Feeling inspired to visit one of these fabulous festive markets? Journey there by train with us and enjoy discounted prices and seat reservations when you book in advance online or via the TPExpress app.
We’ve also got plenty more Christmas inspiration over on our blog. From the best Christmas light trails to the most fun Christmas days out, there’s so much on offer in the North to make this festive season even more magical.
