Hundreds of people gathered outside Bettys in Harrogate today to watch the tearoom unveil its fifth annual Christmas window display.
Carol singers, minced pies and hot chocolate added to the festive atmosphere as the excitement mounted.
Staff worked through the night to finalise the display, which features numerous presents. Then finally at 5.30pm this afternoon, a countdown began and the fruits of the staff’s work became apparent.
The Parliament Street tearoom is regarded as Bettys’ flagship store and marks the start of Christmas for the town’s most famous brand.
You can see a video of the big reveal on the Stray Ferret’s social media channels.
Crowds gathered on Parliament Street.
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Bettys unveils Christmas cracker window display in Harrogate
Bettys unveiled its Christmas window display in front of hundreds of people at 5.30pm today.
Branch manager Janet Parker led the countdown, which ended with the blind going up to reveal the display.
Staff worked throughout last night to create the Christmas cracker-themed display.
There were free hot drinks and mince pies for those watching, and local carol singers added to the festive feeling.
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Harrogate Bettys to unveil Christmas window tonight
Forget the John Lewis TV ad — the unveiling of the Bettys Christmas window marks the start of Christmas for many people in Harrogate.
It has been a low key occasion for the last two years due to covid. But tonight, for the first time since 2019, the company is making an occasion of it.
The fun will start at 5pm with Christmas carols outside the flagship Parliament Street store. The first 200 people attending will receive free hot drinks and mince pies.
Branch manager Janet Parker will appear shortly before 5.30pm to welcome everyone and lead a countdown, which will end with the blind going up to reveal the display.
There will also be a raffle and the shop will stay open until 6pm.
Staff will be on hand to manage the crowd and to prevent people from spilling on to the road.
A Bettys spokeswoman said the display was installed last night and is being kept hidden until tonight. She added:
“Let’s just say it will be a Christmas cracker. We are really excited to have everyone back. “
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Bettys reveals Christmas window in Harrogate
It is officially Christmas at one of Harrogate’s most famous locations.
Bettys has installed Christmas windows at its tearooms in Harrogate, York, Northallerton and Ilkley.
Father Christmas popped by the Harrogate tearoom for a sneak preview and to welcome the launch of the company’s festive afternoon tea.
It comes days after Harrogate Business Improvement District partnered with the Rotary Club of Harrogate to announce the start of this year’s Christmas Shop Window competition.
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Search to find Harrogate’s best Christmas shop window begins
Harrogate Business Improvement District launched its annual Christmas window competition today.
The annual contest was featured in the Channel 5 documentary, Harrogate: A Yorkshire Christmas, last year.
It aims to promote the town centre’s shops and encourage people to shop locally using the BID’s online directory of shops.
Shops have until 8am on December 8 to dress their windows. After a few days of deliberations a winning window will be announced.
The judges will be looking for three elements: illumination, innovation and the sprit of Christmas.
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The contest will be restricted to 50 businesses within the BID’s quarters of Kings, Montpellier, Victoria and West Park.
As in previous years there are three separate categories for large, medium and small retailers.
Winners will be presented with a framed certificate to display on December 14. The overall winner will receive the prized rose bowl.
This year Harrogate BID has partnered with the Rotary Club of Harrogate on the initiative. One of the club’s members, Graham Saunders, said:
“More than ever we need to encourage residents and visitors alike to venture into Harrogate and view the wonderful Christmas display the town is famed for.”
Sara Ferguson, Harrogate BID acting chair, said:
“We would encourage everyone to come in to Harrogate town centre, but in a Covid-safe way, and wherever possible, do all their Christmas shopping with local traders.
“The Harrogate Gift Card is also a great Christmas present and ensures every one pound loaded onto a card is one pound spent within local community.”