The festive season gets underway in Knaresborough this weekend with the Christmas Market and the launch of the Christmas Tree Festival.
Centred around the large Christmas tree in the town’s historic Market Place, the two-day shopping event, on Saturday and Sunday, December 3 and 4, will feature almost 60 stalls selling seasonal goods, decorations, cards, gifts and locally-sourced produce.
Hot roasted chestnuts, mulled wine and performances by local dancers, brass bands and choirs promise to add to the festive atmosphere.
Knaresborough Chamber of Trade and Commerce committee member Charlotte Gale said:
“We have a fantastic range of local independent shops, galleries, cafes and restaurants in town, not just in the market square, but on the surrounding streets and High Street.
“We hope that visitors to the market will also take the time to explore everything which Knaresborough has to offer. There is even a book signing at Castlegate Books with best selling local crime author Wes Markin from noon on Saturday.
“Knaresborough’s businesses always make such an effort to decorate their windows for Christmas, which gives a wonderful festive feeling in town on the market weekend.
“There are lots of events happening around the town too, including a shopping event at Knaresborough train station and the start of the stunning Christmas Tree Festival at St John’s Church, which features beautifully decorated trees from local businesses and organisations.”
The Christmas Market is organised by volunteers from Knaresborough Rotary, Knaresborough Chamber and Knaresborough Lions.
Free park and ride
The centre of Knaresborough will be largely pedestrianised for the event, but a free park and ride is available all weekend from the GSPK car park (postcode HG5 8LF) on Manse Lane to Chapel Street, close to the Market Square.
The weekend will close at 4.30pm on Sunday, December 4 with a firework finale, set against the dramatic backdrop of Knaresborough’s famous viaduct and the Nidd Gorge. This is best seen from any viewpoint which overlooks the river area.
Market chair Hazel Haas, of Knaresborough Rotary, said:
“We are keen that this year’s market benefits the town as a whole.
“Members of our volunteer committee have been liaising with other local organisations and businesses to ensure that we are promoting the full range of festive events taking place in Knaresborough over the market weekend, including the popular Christmas Tree Festival at St John’s Church.”
The Christmas Tree Festival at St John’s will run from Saturday December 3 until December 23.
Every year more than 70 Christmas trees decorated by local groups and businesses are displayed in the church on Vicarage Lane.
Read more:
- Guide to Christmas fairs and markets in the Harrogate district
- Time to sparkle: Your guide to Christmas lights switch-ons across the district
Admission is free, but there will be the opportunity to donate to the church and the event’s chosen charity for this year.
For more information on Knaresborough Christmas Market, including travel information, entertainment timings and events taking place throughout the town, click here.
Meanwhile, Harrogate’s Christmas Fayre kicked off today and tonight (Friday) sees the return of late night shopping in Pateley Bridge and Bewerley for the first time since 2019.
Shops will stay open until about 7.30pm to offer festive treats and community groups will operate stalls along the High Street.
Harrogate’s Christmas Fayre got underway today and next week sees Boroughbridge’s late night shopping and Christmas lights switch-on event on Wednesday (December 7).
