In York’s historic streets and Leeds’ Millennium Square, visitors will hear the hum of cheerful chatter, smell roasting chestnuts and mulled spices, and see stalls brimming with traditional crafts and local delicacies. Many markets are a short walk from major transport hubs like York and Leeds Railway Stations, convenient for day trips or longer stays. Across Yorkshire, markets range from artisan products to family-friendly events.
The York Christmas Market opens mid-November until December 23rd, framed by York Minster’s towering presence. Leeds’ market runs from mid-November to December 22nd, with over 40 chalets filling Millennium Square and nearby streets.
Sheffield’s Winter Market begins in late November and continues until Christmas Eve, featuring crafts and international street food mainly around Fargate and Barkers’ Pool. Harrogate’s market operates late November through December 23rd, highlighting local artisans and festive fare in the Montpellier Quarter. Opening hours mostly span 10:00 or 11:00 to 19:00 or 20:00, extending later on Fridays and Saturdays.
Around 70 wooden chalets line the streets, packed with seasonal gifts, decorations, and Yorkshire-made foods. Visitors will find traditional ornaments, handcrafted jewellery, and local treats such as Yorkshire cheeses and tangy chutneys. The scent of spiced cider mingles with the crisp winter air as festive tunes play from street performers.
Families enjoy a small ice rink close to the city walls and a carousel in St Sampson’s Square. The market lies within a 15-minute walk of York Railway Station, ideal for day visitors. Entry is free, though ice skating costs about EUR 8 per person.
Tours in yorkshire
Our Tours are the only way to see Yorkshire and its beauty in a single day with complete privacy, security and comfort onboard the magnificent Mercedes Benz V Class accompanied by Andrew the guide. Andrew always places your enjoyment of the day before everything else. No other Tour in the glorious north of England focuses so much on the overall quality of each and every guests experience. We believe that your vacation is the most valuable part of your year. We respect every minute of your vacation time, our philosophy is to make every moment of your time on vacation worthwhile. Before founding our company Andrew led a tour in another part of the UK that was ranked by TripAdvisor Travellers choice as the best tour in England and tenth best tour in the world. Lastly and most importantly every tour guarantees the sighting of at least a couple of very woolly Sheep!
From the Roman Empire to the Industrial Revolution, via Vikings, the Norman Conquest and the Wars of the Roses, the history of York is the history of England. This city has been at the heart of the action for nearly 2000 years. With York’s Hidden History, you’ll be at the heart of the action too, in the expert company of our local guides. Using knowledge and humour they'll tell the city's secrets whilst showing you the famous sights. On our Royal Route we’ll ramble regally through 2000 years of amazing history. Starting outside the Yorkshire Museum, in the shadow of the city’s ancient stone walls, we’ll explain how a Roman military outpost turned into imperial Eboracum. Making our way across the city via York Minster, The Shambles, Jorvik, and Clifford's Tower, we’ll tell tales of conquests and massacres, empresses and queens, before finishing our walk on King's Staith Landing, where many royal visitors arrived in York.
The Tours are the only way to see Yorkshire and its beauty in a single day with complete privacy, security and comfort onboard the magnificent Mercedes Benz V Class accompanied by one of the expert guides. The guides always place your enjoyment of the day before everything else. No other Tour in the glorious north of England focuses so much on the overall quality of each and every guests experience. We believe that your vacation is the most valuable part of your year. We respect every minute of your vacation time, the philosophy is to make every moment of your time on vacation worthwhile. Before founding our company Andrew Ward led a tour in another part of the UK that was ranked by TripAdvisor Travellers choice as the best tour in England and tenth best tour in the world. Lastly and most importantly every tour guarantees the sighting of at least a couple of very woolly Sheep!
Discover Yorkshire with Greg – Your Personal Guide to the Heart of the Moors. Step aboard a truly personal, private tour of North Yorkshire with Greg, your guide for the day. Follow the itinerary or change it to your own. For between 1-7 guests, Greg offers a relaxed, friendly experience that you won’t find with larger tour operators, Greg brings the region's history and culture to life with fascinating stories and insider knowledge. The highlight of the day is a scenic heritage steam train ride from the village of Goathland—best known as Hogsmeade Station from the Harry Potter films. (included). Your day will be filled with stunning landscapes, charming villages and, of course, the breathtaking Whitby where you will enjoy some free time. Whether you're snapping photos of the rolling moors, or simply chatting with Greg about local life, you'll find this tour is as much about the journey as it is about the destination – a relaxed and engaging experience for your private group.
Here’s what’s included A welcome Hooting Owl rum and mixer of your choice. A tour of the distillery Guided tastings of our Yorkshire rums Learn the history and myth of Sir Owlfred Tyton Hodgins and the origins of The Hooting Owl. Tasting samples our Hooting Owl Rum.
Step into the world of the Brontës on this very small-group day tour from York. Greg, your friendly and enthusiastic guide, will take you through the beautiful Yorkshire countryside to Brontë country. The first stop is at the location of Thorpe Green Hall where Anne was a Governess, then after a short comfort break we continue to Saltaire and the historic Salt Mills. Greg then takes us to attend the Brontë birthplace (entrance included) where Greg offers a personal and engaging tour at the family home where the famous siblings grew up. We then travel to Haworth, here enjoy two free hours to wander the cobbled streets, browse charming shops, enjoy a coffee, and visit the Brontë Parsonage Museum. The day concludes with a trip up Penistone Hill with sweeping views toward Top Withens. Entrance fees to the Brontë birthplace and Parsonage Museum are included, making for an engaging & memorable day. Gregs style is both informal but highly informative into the lives of these famous Sisters.
Yorkshire Christmas Markets
Location of Yorkshire Christmas Markets
More than 40 stalls present crafts, festive foods, and drinks. The air fills with aromas of German bratwurst grilling and Belgian waffles cooking. Mulled wine is served in reusable cups, reflecting the market’s environmental efforts. A towering Ferris wheel spins in Millennium Square, offering sweeping views of the city’s twinkling Christmas lights.
Weekend entertainment includes choirs and brass bands near Leeds Civic Hall. The market runs daily 10:00 to 20:00, staying open until 21:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. Visitors typically spend EUR 3-5 on food and drinks, with gifts priced between EUR 15 and 60.
About 50 chalets sell artisan gifts, festive decorations, and street food from countries like Germany, Spain, alongside Yorkshire classics. The smell of German sausages mingles with the sweet scent of Spanish churros and freshly baked pies. A large ice rink at Fargate operates daily, with tickets around EUR 7.
Sheffield’s Christmas light switch-on at Barker’s Pool draws crowds. The market runs late November to December 24th, open 10:00 to 19:00. It’s just a 5-minute walk from Sheffield Railway Station, handy for visitors arriving by train.
Entry to most markets is free, but activities like ice skating or carousel rides have fees. Public transport is advisable since parking near Leeds and York city centres is limited and costly, with daily rates from EUR 15 to 25.
Yorkshire winters are often cold and damp, so check the forecast and dress in layers. Markets mostly take place outdoors, though some have covered or heated tents. Booking accommodation early in York city centre or Harrogate’s Montpellier Quarter is wise, as hotels fill up quickly during this season.
"Yorkshire’s Christmas markets are a feast for the senses—think mulled wine mingling with smoky artisan cheeses, and twinkling lights casting a warm glow over centuries-old streets; the best spots are those tucked away in historic market towns where locals gather like old friends."
Luca Moretti - Cultural Heritage Consultant
Mulled wine, infused with cinnamon and cloves, costs around EUR 4-5 a cup. Vendors also sell Yorkshire Parkin, a sticky gingerbread cake, and hot sausages in crusty rolls. Cheese boards often feature Wensleydale and other regional varieties.
Hot chocolate topped with whipped cream, craft beers from Leeds Brewery, and seasonal ciders are widely available. Allergy information and vegetarian options are clearly marked, helping visitors find suitable treats.
Harrogate’s market focuses on local artisans and gourmet food, open late November to December 23rd in Montpellier Quarter near the Royal Pump Rooms. Skipton’s Market Square hosts handmade crafts and traditional foods in a relaxed setting.
Richmond’s smaller market includes live carol singing at the Market Place and activities for children. These markets are reachable by regional trains or buses, with travel times from Leeds or York between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours.
York’s market includes a carousel and puppet shows, while Sheffield and Leeds offer ice skating with rentals and safety gear. Some markets have Santa’s grottos where children can meet Santa Claus, usually requiring booking and costing about EUR 10 per child.
Facilities such as public toilets and warm seating areas are available at larger markets in Leeds and York. Several stalls sell toys, books, and sweets suited for younger visitors. Visiting during daytime hours is best for families, as markets are less crowded then.
In York, the Private York Christmas Walking Tour combines visits to markets with stories about York’s holiday customs, including York Minster and the Shambles. Leeds features guided food tours focusing on seasonal treats at stalls around Millennium Square.
For craft enthusiasts, some markets feature workshops on traditional Yorkshire artisan methods. It is advisable to book these tours in advance during the busy festive season.
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