The community spirit shines bright in the Yorkshire Dales as does the beauty of its wintry scenes. Soak up the festive atmosphere as you explore the Christmas markets and fairs in locations like Grassington, Skipton, Hawes, and Leyburn, where you can find unique handcrafted gifts, artisan goods and delicious seasonal treats!
The Hawes Christmas Craft Fair
Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 November 2023, 10 am – 4.30 pm each day
Looking for a festive way to support small businesses this holiday season? Look no further than the Christmas craft fair at the Market House in Hawes! Local and regional artists will be showcasing their handmade crafts and art. With a variety of crafts including wood products, jewellery, knitwear, and more, there is sure to be something for everyone. Plus, the fair is wheelchair accessible and admission is free. Don’t miss your chance to meet the makers and buy high-quality products while supporting small businesses.
Don’t forget to stock up on your favourite cheese from the world-famous Wensleydale Creamery, for cheesy nibbles after your Christmas dinner!
Kirkby Lonsdale Christmas Fair
4 pm Friday, 1 December to 4 pm Sunday, 3 December 2023
Get ready for the ultimate Christmas Fair at Kirkby Lonsdale! The event will feature “A Christmas Story” There will be a Chalet Village in the Market Square, an indoor market in Lunesdale Hall, and plenty of entertainment and activities around the town. Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to experience Christmas and community spirit at its best!
Grassington Christmas Market
Saturday, 2 December and Saturday, 9 December 2023
The Grassington Festival is a charming celebration of Victorian Christmas traditions. The village’s cobbled streets come alive with a variety of stalls offering a selection of unique handcrafted gifts, sweet treats and mulled wine. There will also be a Santa’s Grotto, Elf Workshops and live music!
Skipton Christmas Market
Sunday, 3 December and Sunday 10 December 2023, 10 am – 4.30 pm
Skipton is a charming town that hosts a lively Yuletide celebration during the holiday season. The bustling markets transform the high street, with Victorian carol singers, street entertainers, and a brass band to create a festive atmosphere. And what is a Christmas market without fabulous festive food? There will be mince pies, hot chocolate, mulled wine, and many more tantalising treats. Visitors can shop for unique gifts and even meet Father Christmas in his grotto.
Leyburn Christmas Fair, St Matthew’s Church
Saturday 25 November 2023, 10 am – 4 pm
Don’t miss out on the wonderful Christmas Fair at St Matthew’s Church in Leyburn with artisan Christmas gifts, craft stalls, cake stalls, and a tombola. Entry £1. Listen to some festive cheer, from 2.30 pm to 3.30 pm, as Leyburn welcomes the Army Pipe and Drums for an hour of marvellous music and marching. Then, come and meet Holly and Ivy, the reindeer, from 3 pm to 6 pm in the Market Place.
The Low Row Institute Craft Fair
Saturday 25 November, 10 am – 3.30 pm
Come enjoy mince pies, mulled wine, and homemade cakes while browsing through a variety of stunning handmade gifts, including chutneys, cheese, gin, wood turned items, felt crafts and so much more! Don’t miss out on this opportunity to take home a unique piece of Swaledale and create some great memories.
Reeth Makers Market Christmas Fair
Saturday 18 November 2023, 10.30 am – 3.30 pm
Head to the Reeth Makers Market Christmas Fair where you’ll find an array of handmade items from local artisans, crafters, and makers. From cheese to pottery to paper crafts, there’s something for everyone. And don’t forget to treat yourself to some delicious food and drink options while you’re there!
Winter Wonderland Christmas Fair, Tennants in Leyburn
Friday 24 November, 10 am – 5 pm and Saturday 25 November 2023, 10 am – 4 pm
Over two days, the Fair brings together independent designers and artisans, offering a wonderful range decorations, gifts, toys and artisan food and drink. The event is free admission and there is no booking required.
Hand Made Christmas Fair at The Station, Richmond
Saturday 2 December, 10 am – 4 pm
Local makers are showcasing their handmade cards and gifts at The Station’s Handmade Christmas Fair. This event is perfect for finding unique, quality gifts to give this holiday season while supporting small businesses. Come meet the talented creators behind the stalls and maybe even treat yourself to a seasonal surprise.
Fairhursts Christmas Market
Sunday 19 November 2023, 11 am – 5 pm
Meet the markets at Fairhursts Christmas Market – this year joined by Smudge’s Fudges, Susan Parry, Vicki Davidson Art, Candles By Jane Wilson, Curlew Dairy, Taplin & Mageean and more to be announced! Mince pies and mulled wine will be served.
Christmas in the Courtyard at Fairhursts
Saturday 2, 9 and 16 December 2023
Get into the Christmas spirit at Fairhursts in beautiful Wensleydale, with free entry to festive market stalls, complete with fire pits and a BBQ. And don’t miss your opportunity to meet with Santa on Saturday 9 December, 4 pm – 8 pm – booking here!
Yore Mill Craft Shop and Gallery Christmas Fair, Leyburn
Sunday 3 and Monday 4 December 2023
Enjoy a warm cup of mulled wine or hot chocolate and a mince pie while browsing a variety of inspired gift ideas made by artists and makers from Yorkshire and the North of England, as well as a selection of independent makers from across the UK.
Festive Farfield
Saturday 25 November to Sunday 26 November 2023, 10.30 am – 4 pm
The Festive Farfield event in Sedbergh offers visitors a chance to browse unique, handmade gifts from local artists, as well as enjoy a festive fare in the Tea Room. Children can participate in a quiz around the Mill.
