Yorkshire's Best Christmas Markets and Attractions and How to Get There
Yorkshire is a wonderful place to live if you love Christmas activities and a little sparkle and glitter during Yuletide. You can visit cities like York, Leeds and Sheffield to enjoy beautiful Christmas markets and exciting attractions for the kids – but there’s also plenty to do in smaller towns that will charm and delight you as the weather grows colder.
So, if you’re looking for Christmas fun in Yorkshire for all the family, take a peek at our list of top sights to see, plus tips on how to get there.
Beverley Festival of Christmas
The town of Beverley in East Yorkshire is famous for its fantastic Christmas festival held on a Sunday in December. During the festival, the town is filled with Christmas cheer, including a Christmas market and much more.
The Beverley Festival of Christmas typically boasts three Victorian Christmas markets with around 120 market stalls – twice as many as some other large markets have. There’s also live music, fairground rides, a parade at the start of the event, and the opportunity to meet Santa Claus himself.
York Minster’s Christmas Tree Festival
If you’re looking for something a little bit different to add to your Christmas festivities, the York Minster Christmas Tree Festival might be for you.
In this attraction, the famous and breathtaking York Minster will be filled with 70 Christmas trees, all decorated in different ways. You can also add a prayer to a tree if you like.
Plus, when you’re finished, you can head to…
The York Christmas Market
Any list of top Christmas markets in Yorkshire would have to mention the York Christmas Market. This large, popular market offers 75 vendor stalls, many of which are operated by Yorkshire-based vendors, plus a carousel nearby. What’s more, this market is quieter from 10am to 12 noon in order to accommodate visitors who have sensory needs.
Ice Cube Leeds
Leeds has a great Christmas market too – and it’s just one part of the experience of Leeds’s Ice Cube at Christmas. Head to Millennium Square in Leeds and you’ll see a covered outdoor ice rink, a family funfair and cute, themed pop-up bars as well as a collection of classic Christmas market stalls.
Winter Woodland at Sewerby Hall and Gardens
If you love lights, sparkle and imagination, try Sewerby Hall in Bridlington for a unique and popular attraction that will charm kids and adults alike.
When you visit the Winter Woodland at Sewerby Hall and Gardens, you’ll see grounds filled with illuminations, light displays and a light tunnel. But that’s just the beginning. The woodlands will also hold fairy-tale characters who will draw you into an interactive story experience. Then, when you’re done, try some delicious food or go indoors to investigate an exhibition on the history of Puss and Boots.
Sheffield Christmas Market
Sheffield hosts another well-known outdoor Christmas market – featuring over 50 stalls with heaps of snacks and drinks on offer. It even has three Alpine-themed bars to get you in the festive spirit – and you can meet Santa in his grotto too. And unlike some other shorter-term markets, this one is open from mid-November through December.
Malton Christmas Festival
Here’s a festival that lasts just two days, but it’s a big one! The Malton Christmas Festival in the town of Malton, North Yorkshire, expects up to 80 stalls – and that’s not all. At this huge event, you can listen to music and ride around on a Christmassy land train. There are special activities for kids, too, like face-painting and crafts.
How to get to your Christmas event
Transportation to Christmas events can be tricky for several reasons. For one, travel to highly popular events can involve congested streets and limited parking, meaning that you end up stressing out about finding a spot rather than enjoying your stay.
Secondly, those short December days can mean cold and darkness comes as early as 4pm, which can make it difficult and uncomfortable to find your way home from an unfamiliar place. And, of course, winter weather can add snow and ice to the mix, which makes your experience magical but isn’t so great for travel.
If you’re hoping to head to a Christmas attraction with friends or family, that’s another layer of difficulty, too.
With all of these concerns in mind, is it better to drive and deal with parking and traffic, or take public transit and risk delays and long waits on cold platforms?
Here’s a better answer – gather up your family and hire a minibus so you can go to your favourite Christmas market or event together in warmth and comfort. You won’t have to worry about kids who are upset because they’re freezing from walking to a distant car park or waiting for a bus.
In fact, you can make the drive itself part of your Christmas experience. Switch on some LED lights inside your minibus or hired coach, switch off your worries, and start your Christmas day out in style as you chat and relax with the family.
When you’re done, your minibus will be right there, waiting to take you home. You can spend your return journey showing off your finds at the Christmas market or taking more pics together.
Rely on Star Coaches to make your outing perfect
When you’re choosing a private coach hire service, you want one with experience, great reviews, and a commitment to safety, cleanliness and reliability. In other words, you want Star Coaches. We’ve been supplying professional coaches for hire since 1982, and we’re ready to help make your Christmas outing one to remember.
Ready to get started? You can simply request a quote today. Or, if you have any questions, just reach out to us via info@star-coaches.com or by calling 01924 477111.
FAQs
How do I reach Yorkshire markets?
You can drive, use public transport, or book a private minibus. A minibus is easier for families because it avoids parking problems, keeps everyone together, and gives you a warm, comfortable trip to and from the event.
What’s special about York Market?
York Christmas Market is known for its local stalls, cosy decorations, and friendly atmosphere. It also offers a quieter visiting time for people with sensory needs, which makes the experience easier and more enjoyable for many visitors.
What makes Beverley worth visiting?
Beverley’s festival stands out because it fills the whole town with Victorian-style stalls, music, rides, and a parade. Families love it because there’s plenty to see and do without feeling rushed or overwhelmed by large crowds.
Is Leeds good for Christmas fun?
Leeds offers more than just a market. Ice Cube brings skating, rides, food, and festive bars to Millennium Square. It’s a great choice if you want a mix of activities instead of only walking through stalls.
Why choose a minibus for trips?
A minibus makes Christmas outings simple. No parking stress, no long cold walks, and no waiting on busy platforms. Your group travels together, stays warm, and gets dropped off close to the event for a smooth, relaxed day out.
