The best Christmas markets in the north

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas and there is no better way to get in the spirit than with with a good old Christmas Market. According to a study by hotel chain Premier Inn, more than a third of Brits visit a Christmas market every year without fail, showing how big a part of the festive season they have become. Consumer expert Alice Beer said: “visiting Christmas markets is a tradition for millions of Brits.”

“While many of them have their roots in traditional German markets, there’s nothing more British than wrapping up warm and attending one of the many found across the country.

Researchers found seven in 10 people go to Christmas markets because they make them feel festive, and 42 per cent say they get great inspiration for gifts.

Brits are also likely to shell out a whopping £41 per visit to a Christmas market, with nearly two-thirds picking up some Christmas shopping at one.

Respondents are also willing to travel for nearly an hour-and-a-half to get to their Christmas market of choice, and a quarter have taken a mini-break in the UK to coincide with a festive fair.

“It’s great to see the public exploring what the UK has to offer at this time of year by travelling far and wide to shop for presents and get into the festive spirit.

We’ve been looking for the best Christmas markets 2022 has to offer in Lancashire and Yorkshire. To be quite honest we’ve been spoilt for choice. In no particular order here’s our pick of the best Christmas markets 2022.

Knaresborough Christmas Market

Saturday 3rd & Sunday 4th December 2022

A traditional Christmas Market taking place on the first weekend of December in the historic North Yorkshire market town of Knaresborough.

The market opens at 10am on Saturday 3 December, when the town centre will be filled with nearly 70 stalls selling seasonal goods, decorations, cards, gifts and the best of locally sourced produce. There will also be food stands, hot roasted chestnuts, 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. A free park and ride, a stunning Christmas Tree Festival and a spectacular firework finale over Knaresborough’s famous viaduct (best viewed from the grounds of the town’s historic castle), this is the perfect way to mark the start of the festive season.

More information 

 

St Nicholas Fair York

17th November to 23rd December 2022

St Nicholas Fair is at the very heart of Christmas activities within the City of York.

This year celebrates 30 years of York’s famous Christmas Market, St Nicholas Fair, with 70 traditional style chalets with twinkling fairy lights can be found along Parliament Street, St Sampson’s Square, The Judge’s Lodging and Coppergate.

 

Manchester Christmas Market

10 November – 22 December 2022

Manchester’s award-winning Christmas Markets 2022 return this winter offering mouth-watering international food, drinks and delicately crafted Yuletide gifts in the heart of this buzzing city.

With more than 220 beautifully festooned stalls and chalets spread across the city centre, the Christmas Markets are free and accessible to all.

The market can be found at locations across Manchester city centre.

 

Chester Christmas Market: 10th Anniversary

18 November – 21 December 2022

A magical Christmas all wrapped up! Chester Christmas Market will be back in the heart of Chester this year. Get the festive feeling this winter spoil yourself at Chester Christmas Market. A handmade, historical, magical experience awaits you with 70 traders situated in the square around the town hall, the new arcade and the forum surrounding the iconic sparkling tree in the heart of the city.

 

Skipton Christmas Market

4th – 11th December 2022

The UK’s Best Large Specialty Market Award-Winning Christmas Market runs the full length of the High Street alongside many local charity and gift stalls selling everything you could want for your friends and family.