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03
Dec
5 things to do in and around Harrogate this weekend December 5-7
Pateley Bridge prepares for festive cheer
Pateley Bridge is gearing up for a joyful return of the Nidderdale Christmas Festival, a three-day celebration running Friday to Sunday. It promises to fill the town with music, markets and festivity.
The lantern parade will launch the festivities on Friday evening, leading crowds up the High Street to St Cuthbert’s church, where Santa, live music, and the annual Christmas Tree Festival await.
Throughout the weekend, visitors can explore artisan markets at Pateley Maker's Yard, enjoy performances from local bands and choirs, visit the Nidderdale Museum, and take part in creative family workshops.
With its warm community spirit and lively programme, the festival offers a heartwarming start to the season for locals and visitors alike.
Free, 5-7 December, Pateley Bridge.
Celebrate the season at Harrogate’s festive market
This December, Harrogate comes alive with the return of its Christmas Market.
For ten days, the town centre fills with festive stalls offering a mix of local crafts and traditional European goods. Visitors can wander among the 40 decorated chalets, sampling seasonal treats, picking up unique gifts, or finding decorations for the home.
With the Christmas lights already switched on, it offers another reason to gather, celebrate, and embrace the joy of Christmas.
From December 5-14, open from 10am-7pm Mondays to Saturdays and 11am-4.30pm on Sundays, Harrogate town centre.
From left: Harry Wyatt as Dame Trott, Tim Stedman as Silly Simon, Dora Gee as Jack and Elouise Warboys as Princess Jill. Credit: Karl Andre
Go to Harrogate’s panto
The much-loved Harrogate panto is back, and this year it’s Jack and the Beanstalk.
Times are hard for Dame Trott. She has no money, and her only child, Jack, isn’t much help either. When Dame Trott decides to sell their precious cow at the market, they are tricked into exchanging her for just a handful of beans – and that’s when the magic really begins.
Join Jack on an epic adventure, which involves climbing a huge beanstalk to an enchanted land and protecting everyone from the ‘Fee-Fi-Fo-Fum’ of a very hungry giant.
Packed with sparkle and jokes galore, Harrogate Theatre’s magical pantomime is a festive family favourite.
Read The Stray Ferret's review of this year's panto here.
From £18, various times, until January 18, 2026, Harrogate Theatre, Oxford Street, Harrogate, HG1 1QF.
Last year's Knaresborough Christmas Tree Festival in St John's Parish Church. Photo: Peter Wilkinson.
Locals present their decorated trees
The Great Knaresborough St John’s Christmas Tree Festival 2025 begins this Saturday in Knaresborough.
This free-to-enter event features more than 90 beautifully decorated and lit trees created by local groups and businesses, as well as a stunning centrepiece display on the theme of ‘Angels of Peace’.
A special preview evening will be held on Friday, December 5, 2025, featuring live music and refreshments. Entry to the preview event is £5, which includes refreshments, and seasonal music will be performed by The Songbirds.
Visitors to the festival over the first weekend can also enjoy the magical Knaresborough Christmas Market with its fireworks finale (see more below).
The rest of the festival from December 6 to 21 is free but donations are welcome. It will be open from 10am to 5pm on Saturdays; 12 noon until 4pm on Sundays; and 12 noon until 5pm on weekdays, with refreshments and mulled wine available at the weekends.
1 Church View Terrace, Knaresborough, HG5 9AG.
Attend Knaresborough’s Christmas Market Weekend
Knaresborough Christmas Market Weekend is taking place this weekend and is a much-loved festive celebration that transforms the historic town into a winter wonderland.
Across the weekend, the Market Square and surrounding streets come alive with beautifully decorated stalls offering artisan gifts, seasonal foods, and handcrafted treasures, all set against the backdrop of Knaresborough’s iconic castle and gorge.
Visitors can enjoy live entertainment, festive music, and family-friendly activities. The weekend traditionally culminates in a fireworks display over the viaduct, making it a magical experience for residents and visitors alike.
Free, 10am-5pm, December 6, 10am-4.30pm December 7. The firework finale will take place at 4.30pm on December 7.
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