Scarborough Sparkle
Free Christmas market & Christmas Wonderland Weekend

---

Posted on 27th August 2026

---

Scarborough Sparkle transforms the iconic Scarborough Open Air Theatre into a winter wonderland, marking the official start of the festive season along the coast with a free three-day Christmas weekend.

Sponsored by O'Briens Funfairs, Catering and Stage Hire, the community event features Christmas market shopping, artisan craft stalls, food and drink traders, and family entertainment set around the coastal arena grounds.

Held during the final weekend of November (Friday 27th November to Sunday 29th November 2026), Scarborough Sparkle offers free entry throughout the weekend. Visitors can explore festive stalls for early holiday shopping, grab seasonal treats, and enjoy live local stage performances.

What's Happening 🎄✨

Key highlights and attractions scheduled across the three-day festive event include:

• Community Lantern Parade: An annual illuminated lantern parade created and led by local community groups, kicking off the weekend's celebrations.
• Christmas Market Stalls: Dozens of outdoor traders offering handmade crafts, holiday gifts, winter fashion, and specialty local items.
• Cozy Tipi Bar: A heated Tipi bar area serving warm drinks where visitors can relax to live music and toast marshmallows over open fire pits.
• This is the Coast Stage: Hosted by local radio station This is the Coast, featuring performances by local community choirs, live music acts, and interactive prize giveaways.
• Funfair Rides & Attractions: Traditional family funfair rides provided by event sponsor O'Briens Funfairs.
• Festive Photo Spots & Characters: Featuring a giant illuminated Christmas tree, a artificial snow machine, Santa’s sleigh, plus character appearances by special snow sisters and a mischievous green Christmas guest.
• Hot Food & Drink Stalls: A wide range of street food vendors offering hot dishes, festive snacks, mulled wine, and hot chocolate.

Photo Gallery - coming soon

---

Plan Your Visit 📅

Practical details for attending Scarborough Sparkle at the Open Air Theatre:

🎟️

Admission & Booking

FREE ENTRY

The event is completely free to enter. No tickets or advance reservations are required—simply turn up and enjoy.

📅

Dates & Typical Times

Friday 27th – Sunday 29th November 2026
• Friday: 5:00pm – 9:00pm
• Saturday: 11:00am – 8:00pm
• Sunday: 11:00am – 5:00pm

👶

Age Suitability

Suitable for all ages. Features dedicated children's funfair rides, character walkabouts, and family-friendly stage entertainment.

♿

Accessibility

Scarborough Open Air Theatre is a flat, fully paved outdoor venue with level access throughout the main concourse, accessible toilets, and nearby designated blue badge parking.

---

💡

Visitor Tip

The event is entirely outdoors on the North Bay coast; wrap up warm with hats and gloves, as breezes off the sea can get chilly in late November!

Getting There 🗺️

📍 Venue Address:

Scarborough Open Air Theatre, Burniston Road, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, YO12 6PF

---

🚆 By Train & Public Transport

Scarborough Railway Station is about 1.5 miles from the Open Air Theatre. Local buses run regularly from the station and town centre towards Peasholm Park and Burniston Road.

🚗 Driving & Parking

Pay-and-display parking is available adjacent to the venue at the North Bay Car Park (YO12 6PF) and along Victoria Road/Northstead Manor Drive. Dedicated event shuttle buses often run from local surrounding areas during peak weekend hours.