One of Yorkshire’s biggest art and craft events will showcase the work of more than 100 local artists in the run-up to Christmas, providing a great opportunity for shoppers and art lovers alike. Now in its 23rd year, Hebden Bridge’s Christmas Open Studios is a free town-centre art fair which has become one of the most popular attractions in Calderdale’s busy calendar of cultural events.  The fair offers a fascinating chance for visitors to see some of the participating artists in their own studios, while others will exhibit from easy-to-find galleries and venues around picturesque Hebden Bridge; the stunning Pennine town made famous by Sally Wainright’s hit BBC shows, Happy Valley and Riot Women.  A handy free guide with map shows the location of every artist and is already widely available throughout Hebden Bridge. Many of the exhibiting artists and makers have created new products that are particularly seasonal or affordable and perfect for gifting, making this a great opportunity to get a head start on Christmas shopping.  It’s a good chance to buy something different or original too – a welcome change from the clichéd and mass-produced items sold on the high-street or online. Rebekah Marrington is just one of the many local artists taking part in the art fair.  As well as selling yarn and ceramic jewellery under her fun Wearable Whatknots brand, she’ll also show her beautiful and unusual cyanotype work from her home-based studio in the heart of Hebden Bridge.  Rebekah explained, “Christmas Open Studios is definitely a highlight in my artistic calendar and I’ve created a collection of greeting cards, notebooks and smaller giclée prints specially for anyone looking to buy presents or stocking fillers.  I have framed and unframed originals too, of course, but I know that lots of people want something uniquely artistic and imaginative but without breaking the bank.”   Talented landscape painter, Julia Woodhouse, is showing her work at the Christmas Open Studios for only the second time.  She commented, “Hebden Bridge does Christmas brilliantly and the town is full of atmosphere at this time of year.  The fair will be a great chance to see some of my original paintings of local scenes and the Yorkshire Dales, or talk to me about commissioning a painting of your own.  I’ll also have my new greeting cards and a 2026 calendar available; locally-made presents ideal for anyone who loves this part of the world.” Art fair Coordinator, Angela Clare, explained, “We’re really excited about this year’s Christmas fair and the sheer variety of work on show, which includes mainstream disciplines like painting, sculpture and photography as well as lesser-known art forms like graphic design and printing-making.  Crafts will feature heavily too, including wonderful work by local jewellers, ceramicists and textile artists.  We’ve got 12 fabulous first-time exhibitors whose work is less well known as well as well-established names who participate every year, and there’s an exciting new gallery and studio space called In a Land taking part for the very first time.  With so much on offer we recommend people allow at least a full day if they possibly can, especially because this is such a special chance to meet and chat with the artists and makers themselves.”