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 save on booking fees and grab a ticket for even less when you book via the Northern App.
Halifax Piece Hall Christmas Market
When: December 18-20th, 2026
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 event, the magnificent Georgian building transforms 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 this Grade I listed building's stunning architecture.
Beverley Christmas Market 
When: December 13th, 2026
Where: Beverley Town Centre
Train station: Beverley
Just a short distance from Beverley train station, you'll find Beverley's town centre festively decorated this festive season. Head there on December 13th to catch the Beverley Festival of Christmas and markets, with three Victorian Christmas markets to explore. Food, drink and goodies galore; it's a great family day out - even Santa and his trusty reindeer will be there!
Lancaster Brewery Christmas Markets
When: November 27-29th, 2026
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.
Scarborough Sparkle
When: November 27-29th, 2026
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.
Knutsford Christmas Market
When: December 5th and 6th, 2026
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!
Chester Christmas Market
When: November 18 - December 22, 2026
Where: Town Hall Square, Chester
Train station: Chester
While we know that Chester is technically a small city, we couldn't help but sneak it into our list. The magical experience features approximately 80 trader stalls offering unique and locally made produce. It's the perfect place to find some nibbles for the Christmas table or a one-of-a-kind gift for somebody special.
Harrogate Christmas Fayre
When: December 5th and 6th, 2026
Where: Cambridge Street & Market Place, Harrogate
Train station: Harrogate
Celebrate the festive season in the heart of Yorkshire at Harrogate Little Bird Christmas Market, hosting a fantastic mix of local traders where you can browse a range of arts and crafts, gifts, tempting treats, and more. The Harrogate Pavilion will also be covered with an ice rink from December 17 - January 3. Plus, Santa's Grotto will be nearby on select dates throughout December, as well as an ice trail and giant snow globe.
Bridlington Christmas Market
When: December 13th, 2026
Where: Market Place, Knaresborough
Train station: Bridlington
Packed with festive cheer for all ages, Bridlington Christmas Market will offer 60 stalls to peruse at Bridlington Spa on December 13th. Wrap up warm and head along to lights and smiles as everyone enjoys the occasion. Younger visitors will be delighted by the free entertainment and the chance to meet Minnie Mouse and Donald Duck.
Knaresborough Christmas Market
When: December 5th and 6th, 2026
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 fireworks display that lights up the Nidd Gorge on Sunday evening!
Buxton Christmas Fair
When: December 5th and 6th, 2026
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!
Skipton Christmas Market
When: December 5th and 6th, 2026
Where: Skipton High Street
Train station: Skipton
Skipton Christmas Market is back! The must-see event will have a variety of stalls with handmade gifts, food and drink, and much more. Head along to savour some mulled wine, hot chocolate and mince pies, as you get into the festive spirit at Skipton. Plus, take the kids to visit Santa at his grotto! There's plenty to see, eat, and do.
Visit a small-town Christmas market in the North
Use this quick guide to check out where and when our selected small-town Christmas markets are, including the nearest Northern train station. Hop on the train and leave the car (and parking charges) behind!
Location | Dates | Information | Nearest Northern station |
|---|---|---|---|
| Halifax Piece Hall Christmas Market | Dec 18 - 20th, 2026 | This magnificent Georgian building transforms into a winter spectacle, hosting a market brimming with independent food and drink producers, artisan crafts, and unique gifts across more than 50 stalls. | Halifax |
| Beverley Christmas Market | Dec 13th, 2026 | Food, drink and goodies galore; it's a great family day out - even Santa and his trusty reindeer will be there! | Beverley |
| Lancaster Brewery Christmas Markets | Nov 27 - 29th, 2026 | Lancaster Christmas Market returns to the Brewery this winter for a festive weekend full of cheer! | Lancaster |
| Scarborough Sparkle | Nov 27 - 29th, 2026 | This spectacular event transforms the iconic Open Air Theatre into a festive wonderland filled with twinkling lights, live entertainment, and seasonal cheer. | Scarborough |
| Knutsford Christmas Market | Dec 5th & 6th, 2026 | Knutsford Christmas Market has over 120 artisan stalls offering local food, drink, crafts and gifts. | Knutsford |
| Chester Christmas Market | Nov 18 - Dec 22nd, 2026 | The magical experience features approximately 80 trader stalls offering unique and locally made produce. | Chester |
| Harrogate Christmas Fayre | Dec 5th & 6th, 2026 | Celebrate the festive season in the heart of Yorkshire at Harrogate Little Bird Christmas Market, hosting a fantastic mix of local traders where you can browse a range of arts and crafts, gifts, tempting treats, and more. | Harrogate |
| Bridlington Christmas Market | Dec 13th, 2026 | Packed with festive cheer for all ages, Bridlington Christmas Market will offer 60 stalls to peruse at Bridlington Spa on December 13th. | Bridlington |
| Knaresborough Christmas Market | Dec 5th & 6th, 2026 | Centred around the historic Market Place, you'll find quality stalls, independent shops, and festive entertainment for all ages. | Knaresborough |
| Buxton Christmas Fair | Dec 5th & 6th, 2026 | This market showcases the very best of local artisans, food, and drink, creating a lovely festive buzz in the historic spa town. | Buxton |
| Skipton Christmas Market | Dec 5th & 6th, 2026 | Skipton Christmas Market is back! The must-see event will have a variety of stalls with handmade gifts, food and drink, and much more. | Skipton |
Visit a Christmas market with Northern
These small-town Christmas markets across the north have plenty to offer every visitor. From hot food and sweet treats to Santa's grottos and memories you won't forget. Plus, you can get there by train with ease, allowing you to enjoy the mulled wine to the fullest. Travelling together? Consider a duo or family ticket to save on your travel, or if you travel with family regularly, a family and friends railcard could be an excellent choice. Save even more with no booking fees when you buy tickets via the Northern App!
Northern App
Streamline your journey and get tickets straight to your phone. Making your journey contact-free.
Northern App
Streamline your journey and get tickets straight to your phone. Making your journey contact-free.