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12
Aug
No Harrogate Christmas Fayre this year, but ice rink set to return
Harrogate Christmas Fayre will not return to the town centre this year, but there will be an ice-rink, Harrogate Business Improvement District announced today (August 12).
There will also be no big wheel or helter-skelter next to the war memorial, and – as we reported last month – there will once again be no Christmas lights switch-on event.
North Yorkshire Council’s head of economy and tourism, Tony Watson, who is responsible for the authority’s destination marketing and management service, Visit North Yorkshire, said:
Following engagement with local stakeholders and partners, the decision has been taken to focus on a refreshed programme of festive activities for Harrogate this year, meaning the Harrogate Christmas Fayre will not form part of the 2026 offer.
A stallholder at a previous Christmas Fayre.
Ice rink and Christmas Market
But Valley Gardens will host Harrogate Ice Pavilion – a covered ice rink – which will be open from Thursday, December 17 until Sunday, January 3 (excluding Christmas Day).
And Little Bird Made Christmas Market will return to Valley Gardens on Saturday, December 5 and Sunday 6, bringing together independent makers, artists and food producers offering handcrafted gifts, festive treats and locally made products.
The ice rink in Crescent Gardens.
Santa's Grotto and ice sculptures
Back in the town centre, there will be a range of other attractions, including Santa's Grotto, two interactive curling rinks, a giant snow globe providing the perfect festive photo opportunity, and an interactive Ice Trail.
And on Saturday, December 12, visitors will be able to admire five spectacular ice sculptures located throughout the town centre.
Santa's Grotto will be open on selected dates throughout December, but further details are yet to be announced. A scheme will also be available to help ensure children from lower-income families are not left out.
Families can also visit the magical North Pole Post Office, organised by Harrogate International Festivals, where children can post their letters directly to Father Christmas.
GLOW at RHS Harlow Carr. Photo: RHS Harlow Carr.
Beyond the centre
Beyond the town centre, RHS Harlow Carr will once again host its GLOW illumination trail, transforming the gardens into an atmospheric winter wonderland, and Harrogate Theatre will put on its annual pantomime.
Jason Maxwell, chief executive of Harrogate BID, said:
We're delighted to be working with Visit North Yorkshire, North Yorkshire Council, Harrogate Town Council and Victoria Shopping Centre to deliver a new festive programme for Harrogate this Christmas.
Christmas is one of the most important times of the year for our town centre businesses, and this programme has been designed to create a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere that encourages people to spend time in Harrogate, support local businesses and enjoy everything our town has to offer.
Jason Maxwell, chief executive of Harrogate BID.
North Yorkshire Council’s deputy leader, Cllr Mark Crane, whose responsibilities include the visitor economy, said the programme of festive events would make Harrogate a “must-visit destination” this Christmas. He added:
The festive season is a hugely important time for our high streets and traders, and it’s important we do everything we can to help drive footfall, support local jobs and provide a boost for our businesses during one of the busiest periods of the year.
Harrogate Town Council has committed £15,000 of partnership funding towards the programme and has also set aside additional funds to support measures that improve accessibility.
Harrogate's mayor, Dr Viv Poskitt.
Councillor Viv Poskitt, the Mayor of Harrogate, said:
Christmas is a truly special time of year, and I am delighted that Harrogate Town Council is helping to support this exciting festive programme for our town.
I love seeing Harrogate come alive with Christmas trees, decorations, festive events and celebrations that bring people together, create lasting memories and showcase everything that makes our town so special at this time of year.
Further details, including attraction opening times, market information and event schedules, will be announced over the coming weeks.
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