Christmas Around Harrogate

The boutique spa town of Harrogate and the surrounding district are a wonderful and enchanting place to visit this Christmas time. With Christmas lights sparkling in the trees along the Stray and glowing in the towns across the district there is a truly magical, festive feel.

From the beginning of November all the way through until New Year’s Day the Harrogate District has a busy schedule of sparkling events to get you in the festive spirit.

Christmas markets and fairs fill town centres offering a fun alternative the usual shopping experience with delicious Christmas treats to boot. Christmas shopping can be found in the eclectic mix of shops and boutiques in the cosmopolitan centre of Harrogate and picking up a unique hand-made gift from one of the independent craft shops in the delightful market towns of Knaresborough, Boroughbridge, Masham and Pateley Bridge.

Carol services in stunning locations such as the Cistercian Monastery at Fountain’s Abbey or the medieval Ripon Cathedral run throughout December.  The traditional Pantomime runs throughout the festive season in Harrogate Theatre and you can make that all important visit to see Father Christmas in his grotto at a number of spectacular locations across the district.

When it comes time to ‘refuel’ you will find yourself spoilt for choice.  There are over 135 restaurants to choose from in Harrogate alone and many more culinary gems across the district. 

From a traditional pub serving delicious homemade dishes and local beers in front of an open fire to light bites in one of the numerous independent cafés priding themselves on their single origin coffee beans and home baking, there is something for everyone.  For your evening meal choose from a familiar high street name or fine dining with a Michelin Star.

So, whatever you are looking for this Christmas the Harrogate District extends a warm festive welcome to visitors and residents alike.