Knaresborough Christmas Tree Festival
Enchanting community tree display at St John's Parish Church.
Posted on 5th September 2026
Step inside the peaceful surroundings of historic St John the Baptist Parish Church and immerse yourself in one of North Yorkshire’s most charming holiday traditions: the Knaresborough Christmas Tree Festival.
Running from Saturday 5th December to Monday 21st December 2026, this warm community event fills the medieval church with dozens of real, uniquely decorated Christmas trees crafted by local schools, charities, businesses, and community groups.
Days Out Yorkshire Take
This is such a lovely, cozy festive stop in Knaresborough! You can team with a visit on opening weekend (5th-6th December) to pair it with the famous Knaresborough Christmas Market, but it does get very busy. Walking into the church filled with twinkling lights, festive organ music, and the fresh scent of pine trees is pure magic.
Each tree on display tells its own story, featuring creative handmade ornaments, imaginative themes, and festive messages. Visitors can wander down the glowing aisles at their own pace, soak in the festive organ music, and vote for their favorite tree in the annual community awards.
Festival Highlights 🎄✨
Key highlights of the 2026 festival experience include:
- Dozens of Decorated Trees: Explore a sparkling forest of trees individually styled by local schoolchildren, artists, and community clubs.
- Vote for Your Favourite Tree: Pick up a voting slip upon arrival to choose your top decorated tree before you leave.
- Festive Refreshments: Enjoy tea, coffee, mulled wine, and home-baked mince pies inside the church halls during peak hours.
- Free Entry (Donations Welcome): Admission is free, with all optional donations going directly toward church upkeep and local charity causes.
Combine with the Christmas Market!
If you visit during the first weekend (5th & 6th December 2026), St John's Church is just a short 5-minute stroll from the town's bustling Market Place where the annual Knaresborough Christmas Market takes place.
Read Our Knaresborough Christmas Market Guide ➡️Plan Your Visit 📅
Key visitor details for the Knaresborough Christmas Tree Festival:
Admission
Free entry for all ages (voluntary donations toward church charities appreciated).
2026 Event Dates
5th December – 21st December 2026
• Open daily (times vary around church services).
Location
St John the Baptist Parish Church, Church Lane, Knaresborough, HG5 9AR
Nearest Station
Knaresborough Rail Station is directly adjacent to the church grounds (2-minute walk).
Recommended For You
Christmas in Yorkshire
Explore NowKnaresborough Market
Knaresborough Christmas Market
Explore NowHosting a Santa Grotto or Xmas Market?
Book your winter event listing early to capture peak ticket sales across Yorkshire.