A Christmas express train is to operate from London to Harrogate this year to attract people to the town’s new festive market.
Tourism organisation Visit Harrogate has partnered with rail company LNER to set up the service for the new Christmas Fayre on Friday, December 10.
The first class service will depart King’s Cross at 9.33am and arrive in Harrogate just under three hours later. Tickets cost £140 and include a goodie bag of Harrogate treats. It will cost £100 from Stevenage and £80 from Grantham.
Passengers can spend one or two days in Harrogate.
A giant inflatable snow globe is being installed at King’s Cross station today and tomorrow, offering people the chance to have selfies taken inside a winter wonderland scene, while learning more about the special event.
Visit Harrogate is planning the biggest Christmas campaign in its history after covid ruined last year’s festivities.
Gemma Rio, head of destination management at Harrogate Borough Council, said:
“We are delighted to be working with LNER to bring more visitors to Harrogate for a festive break. Overnight visitors spend money in our hotels, restaurants, shops and visitors attractions – which is exactly what our local businesses need after a difficult year.
“The direct service from London is a real asset to our visitor economy, so we’re committed to working closely with LNER in the lead up to Christmas and beyond to ensure potential visitors from the south east know just how easy it is to reach us.”
Read more:
- Ferris wheel, carousel and road train part of huge Harrogate Christmas offering
- Bettys reveals Christmas window in Harrogate
- Cancelled Harrogate Christmas Market finds new home at Crimple
Harrogate Borough Council and Visit Harrogate are planning to work with LNER on a regular basis to attract visitors from London throughout the year.
Kate McFerran, director of communications at LNER said:
“We are excited to announce that Harrogate will be the destination for our very first Christmas market event. It’s such a stunning location for a weekend visit, offering something for all the family and it promises to be especially magical this Christmas.”
Harrogate’s Christmas offering
Harrogate Christmas Fayre, which is being jointly staged by the council and Market Place Europe, will take place on Cambridge Street, Market Place, Station Square and Cambridge Crescent from December 3 to 12.
It will be open between 10am and 7pm Monday to Wednesday, 10am and 9pm Thursday to Saturday, and 10am and 4.30pm on Sunday.
About 50 traders will take part in the fayre.
In addition, Little Bird Made is set to hold a festive artisan market in Harrogate’s Valley Gardens on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 December, with times to be confirmed.
The artisan market will feature approximately 60 local and regional traders and producers who will sell a variety of festive arts and crafts, clothing, homeware, jewellery, as well as food and drink.
