Knaresborough Christmas Market, hailed among the best in the UK, returns for the weekend of December 5 and 6, promising 'a Yorkshire Christmas experience to remember'. The market has been running for decades, and its future was threatened back in 2007 before a small voluntary committee formed to rescue it for future generations. Almost 20 years later, it is more popular than ever, with plans well underway for this year's event.
Festive Attractions and Stalls
Centred around the imposing Christmas tree in the town's historic Market Place, the traditional Yorkshire market is a firm favourite with residents and visitors alike. The town centre will be filled with almost 80 stalls selling seasonal goods, decorations, cards, gifts and the best of locally sourced produce. Mulled wine and performances by a wide variety of local dancers, brass bands and choirs will add to the festive atmosphere, as shoppers browse the brightly lit stalls and local independent shops.
Elsewhere in the town, visitors can take in the picturesque viaduct river view, explore Knaresborough's Castle grounds, Tudor Courthouse museum, and Knaresborough Heritage Centre. They can also visit the 'stunning' Christmas Tree Festival at St John's Parish Church or Mother Shipton's Cave Christmas Experience (with pre-booked tickets only).
A Growing Festive Reputation
Knaresborough, less than a two-hour drive from Manchester, is gaining a reputation as a festive destination, having appeared in two Christmas films. The majority of A Very British Christmas was filmed in the town, with railway scenes filmed at Pickering Station and the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. It was also chosen as the backdrop for last year's star-studded movie, Tinsel Town, starring Kiefer Sutherland and Rebel Wilson - the director of which described it as the ideal 'chocolate box' location for the movie.
The event comes to a close with 'a spectacular' firework finale at 4.30pm on the Sunday, 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.
Organisers' Plans and Visitor Information
Market chair Bill Taylor said: "Last year's market was a huge success and we were thrilled with the feedback from both traders and visitors. The 2026 market promises to be even bigger and there has been a really high demand from traders."
"Whilst a lot of our visitor favourites will be returning again this year, we've worked hard to attract some new stallholders too, including original arts and crafts, high quality hand crafted goods, products of local and regional excellence and seasonal stalls. We are also keen that the market benefits the town as a whole. Members of our volunteer committee are currently 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."
As well as the Christmas Market, Knaresborough is also home to one of the oldest chartered weekly markets in the country. The weekly Wednesday market has run continually for over 700 years and was granted a Royal Charter by King Edward II in 1310.
This year's festive event runs between 10am and 5pm on both days, with other events taking place throughout the town over the weekend. The centre of Knaresborough will be largely pedestrianised, but the bus and railway stations are only a short walk away. A free park and ride will be available all weekend from the GSPK car park (HG5 8LF) on Manse Lane to Chapel Street, close to the market square, with buses running from 8am to 5.30pm throughout the weekend.
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. The businesses always make such an effort to decorate their windows for Christmas, which gives a wonderful festive feeling in town on the market weekend. Be sure to check out the Chrismouse advent display in the window of Buttercup Cafe on Butter Lane too."
The event is organised by volunteers from the local Rotary and Lions Clubs and Knaresborough & District Chamber, whilst also offering financial support to Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, St John Ambulance, Knaresborough Museum Association and Claro Enterprises. This year the market is supported by Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith and part-funded by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority through Eventure Knaresborough via the Vibrant and Sustainable High Streets Fund.
