There's no better way to get into the festive spirit than with a trip to a traditional Christmas market! We know the big cities can get pretty crowded this time of year, so we've put together our favourite small town Christmas markets to enjoy in the North. What's more – you can grab a ticket for just £2 on selected routes!*
*£2 tickets need to be purchased at least three days in advance of travel, up until three days before each event listed below, on the Northern website or app. Valid on Northern services only.
Halifax Piece Hall Christmas Market
When: Every Friday – Sunday from 14 November - 21 December
Where: The Piece Hall, Halifax
Train station: Halifax
The Piece Hall Christmas Market is just a 4-minute walk from Halifax train station. During the occasion the magnificent Georgian building is transformed into a winter spectacle, hosting a market brimming with independent food and drink producers, artisan crafts, and unique gifts across more than 50 stalls. Look out for the spectacular Christmas tree, traditional carousel, and pop-up food vendors, all set within the stunning architecture of this Grade I listed building.
| From | To |
| Leeds | Halifax |
| Bramley | Halifax |
| New Pudsey | Halifax |
| Bradford Interchange | Halifax |
| Low Moor | Halifax |
Lancaster Brewery Christmas Markets
When: Friday 28 November - Sunday 30 November
Where: Lancaster Brewery
Train station: Lancaster
Lancaster Christmas Market returns to the Brewery this winter for a festive weekend full of cheer! Browse a wonderful array of stalls offering local crafts, handmade gifts, and delicious seasonal treats. Enjoy live music, twinkling lights, and the warm scent of mulled wine in the air. Whether you’re picking up unique presents or simply soaking up the atmosphere with friends and family, Lancaster Christmas Market is the perfect way to start the festive season.
| From | To |
| Preston | Lancaster |
| Barrow-In-Furness | Lancaster |
| Roose | Lancaster |
| Dalton | Lancaster |
| Ulverston | Lancaster |
Scarborough Sparkle
When: Friday 28 November - Sunday 30 November
Where: Scarborough Open Air Theatre
Train station: Scarborough
Get ready for a magical and enchanting weekend Christmas celebration at Scarborough Sparkle! This spectacular event transforms the iconic Open Air Theatre into a festive wonderland filled with twinkling lights, live entertainment, and seasonal cheer. Explore over 35 themed stalls for gifts, enjoy funfair rides like the Ferris wheel, and relax in the magnificent Tipi bar with a mulled wine, marshmallow roasting, and fairy lights.
| From | To |
| Seamer | Scarborough |
| Filey | Scarborough |
| Hunmanby | Scarborough |
| Bridlington | Scarborough |
| Nafferton | Scarborough |
| Driffield | Scarborough |
| Hutton Cranswick | Scarborough |
| Arram | Scarborough |
| Beverley | Scarborough |
| Cottingham | Scarborough |
| Hull | Scarborough |
Knutsford Christmas Market
When: Saturday 29 November - Sunday 30 November
Where: Princess Street, Silk Mill Street and the middle section of King Street
Train station: Knutsford
Knutsford Christmas Market has over 120 artisan stalls offering local food, drink, crafts and gifts — the perfect place to kick off your Christmas shopping! With live entertainment, a visit from Santa in his grotto, and seasonal treats such as mulled wine and hot chocolate, the town centre is transformed into a cheer-filled celebration of the season. Don’t miss the buzz of this charming Cheshire town at Christmas — make your way to Knutsford and soak up the festive spirit!
| From | To |
| Chester | Knutsford |
| Mouldsworth | Knutsford |
| Delamere | Knutsford |
| Cuddington | Knutsford |
| Greenbank | Knutsford |
| Northwich | Knutsford |
| Lostock Gralam | Knutsford |
| Plumley | Knutsford |
| Mobberley | Knutsford |
| Ashley | Knutsford |
| Hale | Knutsford |
| Altrincham | Knutsford |
| Navigation Road | Knutsford |
| Stockport | Knutsford |
Harrogate Christmas Fayre
When: Friday 5 December – Sunday 14 December
Where: Cambridge Street & Market Place, Harrogate
Train station: Harrogate
Celebrate the festive season in the heart of Yorkshire at Harrogate Christmas Fayre. Returning for another year, the market hosts a fantastic mix of local traders and forty beautifully decorated chalets where you can browse a range of arts and crafts, gifts, tempting treats, and more. There will also be a range of music and entertainment to enjoy. What's more, Harrogate Christmas Fayre is dog-friendly (and so are our trains) so you can bring your four-legged friend along to join in the fun!
| From | To |
| York | Harrogate |
| Horsforth | Harrogate |
| Headingley | Harrogate |
| Burley Park | Harrogate |
| Leeds | Harrogate |
Knaresborough Christmas Market
When: Saturday 6 December - Sunday 7 December
Where: Market Place, Knaresborough
Train station: Knaresborough
The picturesque North Yorkshire town of Knaresborough is waiting to welcome you to its spectacular Christmas Market Weekend. Centred around the historic Market Place, you'll find quality stalls, independent shops, and festive entertainment for all ages. Make sure to explore the town's stunning viaduct view and stay for the breathtaking event finale: a spectacular firework display that lights up the Nidd Gorge on Sunday evening!
| From | To |
| York | Knaresborough |
| Horsforth | Knaresborough |
| Headingley | Knaresborough |
| Burley Park | Knaresborough |
| Leeds | Knaresborough |
Buxton Christmas Fair
When: Saturday 6 December - Sunday 7 December
Where: Buxton Market Place / Pavilion Gardens
Train station: Buxton
Within easy reach of Buxton train station, find the perfect, unique gifts for your loved ones at the Buxton Christmas Market. This market showcases the very best of local artisans, food, and drink, creating a lovely festive buzz in the historic spa town. Enjoy the sounds of community choirs and festive music as you browse the stalls for handmade decorations, delicious local produce, and one-of-a-kind gifts. It's a wonderful way to support local traders and get into the holiday spirit!
| From | To |
| Dove Holes | Buxton |
| Chapel-en-le-Frith | Buxton |
| Whaley Bridge | Buxton |
| Furness Vale | Buxton |
| New Mills Newtown | Buxton |
| Disley | Buxton |
| Middlewood | Buxton |
| Hazel Grove | Buxton |
| Woodsmoor | Buxton |
| Davenport | Buxton |
| Stockport | Buxton |
| Heaton Chapel | Buxton |
| Levenshulme | Buxton |
Skipton Christmas Market
When: Sunday 7 December and Sunday 14 December
Where: Skipton High Street
Train station: Skipton
Skipton Christmas Market is back and bigger than ever before! The must-see event will host live music and entertainment alongside over 100 stalls with handmade gifts, food and drink, and much more. Enjoy Fairytale of New York on the festive music stage while you browse and feast. Head along to savour some mulled wine, hot chocolate and mince pies, as you get into the festive spirit at Skipton.
| From | To |
| Leeds | Skipton |
| Bradford Forster Square | Skipton |
- The promoter of this promotion is Northern Trains (the “Promoter”).
- The “Qualifying routes” are listed above
- The “Start Date” shall mean the 31st October 2025.
- A “Qualifying Ticket” means any single adult or child Standard Advance Ticket purchased online (https://www.northernrailway.co.uk/) or via the Promoter’s mobile phone application (https://www.northernrailway.co.uk/app) on or after the Start Date that is valid for travel up to 3 days prior to the associated event.
- For the avoidance of doubt a return ticket does not constitute a Qualifying Ticket. The tickets is for one way only.
- Number of available tickets varies by train service.
- Up to two children under the age of 5 years may travel free with each adult that holds a Qualifying Ticket.
- All purchases of Qualifying Tickets are subject to the Promoter’s terms and conditions available to view at https://www.northernrailway.co.uk/legal/conditions-of-travel and https://www.northernrailway.co.uk/legal/booking-service-terms-and-conditions.
- Qualifying Tickets must be purchased in advance of travel and are only available while stocks last.
- A Qualifying Ticket cannot be purchased in conjunction with a Railcard.
- A Qualifying Ticket is valid for travel ONLY on the date and service stated on the ticket and passengers must travel in the Class shown on the ticket.
- Passengers may not start, break and resume, or end their journey at any intermediate station except to change to/from connecting trains as shown on their Qualifying Ticket or other valid travel itinerary.
- Qualifying Tickets are non-refundable. Unless industrial action is announced, when the tickets could be changed in line with our Advance fares. Full T&C's available at: https://www.northernrailway.co.uk/tickets/advance
- The National Rail Conditions of Travel apply for travel on all of the Promoter’s rail services. A copy of the National Rail Conditions of Travel is available at https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/times_fares/46427.aspx
Northern App
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Northern App
Streamline your journey and get tickets straight to your phone. Making your journey contact-free.