Knaresborough Christmas Market
Traditional festive market weekend in historic Market Place.

Festive wooden stalls and twinkling lights in historic Knaresborough Market Place during the Christmas Market

Posted on 5th September 2026


Soak in pure Yorkshire festive charm at the annual Knaresborough Christmas Market! Taking over the town's historic Market Place for one special weekend each December, this traditional event brings together festive shopping, live musical entertainment, and fabulous local street food against the backdrop of this picturesque cliffside town.

Packed with bustling stalls offering handmade gifts, regional cheeses, craft spirits, and seasonal decorations, it remains one of North Yorkshire's most beloved Christmas events for families, shoppers, and day-trippers alike.

Days Out Yorkshire Take

We attended the 2025 market and absolutely loved it! The wide range of independent stalls made it ideal for unique holiday shopping, and the free Park & Ride shuttle bus service made getting into town completely stress-free. It definitely gets very busy by midday, so we recommend arriving early to make the most of your stroll around the stalls!

Beyond the Market Place, local independent shops, cozy tearooms, and historic pubs throughout Knaresborough join in the celebrations, creating a town-wide festive atmosphere that stretches down to the River Nidd and Castle ruins.

Market Highlights 🎁🎺

What you can look forward to during the weekend:

  • Artisan Craft & Food Stalls: Browse dozens of wooden chalets and stalls featuring Yorkshire food producers, handmade jewellery, textiles, and festive treats.
  • Live Festive Entertainment: Enjoy traditional brass bands, festive choirs, and street performers throughout the town center across both days.
  • Grand Finale Fireworks: Wrap up the weekend with a dramatic evening fireworks display over the iconic Knaresborough Viaduct and Castle ruins on Sunday afternoon.
  • Free Shuttle Bus Service: Take advantage of the dedicated free Park & Ride bus operating from local car parks directly into the market area.

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Don't Miss: Knaresborough Christmas Tree Festival

While visiting the Christmas Market, take a short walk to St John’s Parish Church to experience the stunning Knaresborough Christmas Tree Festival! Featuring dozens of uniquely decorated trees submitted by local schools, charities, and community groups, it's an enchanting festive indoor display to pair with your market visit.

Read Our Christmas Tree Festival Guide ➡️

Plan Your Visit 📅

Key details for visiting the Knaresborough Christmas Market:

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Admission

Free entry to the market and street entertainment throughout the weekend.

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2026 Weekend Dates

Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th December 2026
• Market open from 10:00am – 5:00pm daily.

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Park & Ride Shuttle

A free, frequent shuttle bus runs from a local participating car park directly to the Market Place on both days.

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Public Transport

Knaresborough Train Station is just a 5-minute walk from the Market Place, with direct services from Leeds, Harrogate, and York.