Yorkshire’s cities and market towns turn on the tinsel for a fine festive time - here’s where to wander, shop and feast...
Hebden Bridge
FESTIVE FEELING: The town will be twinkling with lights and a Christmas tree lit up in all its festive glory. Lots of eating places and some alfresco café seating – all with a friendly atmosphere.
SHOP: Shop Hebden Bridge is packed with an eclectic mix of independent shops. Totally Awesome is bound to have the kids’ Christmas wish list in stock. The town centre is home to everything from chic boutiques to Goo cheese shop, book lovers’ favourite The Book Case in Market Street, as well as Hope Gallery and the extensive Heart Gallery in Market Street, which has gifts galore.
DO THIS: Love a market? Hebden’s offers a mouth-watering mixture of produce, from home-made pies and pastries to cheeses, fish and locally reared meats. The small, buzzing market punches way above its weight for quality and unusual produce. The Market operates Thursday (general retail), Friday (preloved and second hand), Saturday (arts and crafts) and Sunday (local produce).
Ripon
FESTIVE FEELING: Known as the Cathedral City of the Dales, a visit to Ripon this Christmas will be truly magical. The Christmas lights will be on while you wander the pretty cobbled streets that twinkle under fairy lights leading you to the tree at Ripon Cathedral.
SHOP: With plenty of independent shops it’s the perfect place to pick up a present or two. The Ripon Bookshop is always welcoming, and you can find stylish interiors gifts, baubles and more at The Castle. Pick up tasty treats at Vanora’s Bakery and find a cyclist’s heaven at Moonglu. A short drive away at English Heritage Fountains Abbey there’s a lovely gift shop too.
DO THIS: See Ripon Cathedral Choir sing alongside the renowned St Cecilia Orchestra for a spectacular Christmas concert. December 17, 5.30pm.
Malton
FESTIVE FEELING: One for the gourmets. Yorkshire’s ‘food capital’, Malton, pulls out all the stops when it comes to festive fayre.
SHOP: A town of happy independents – not just food. Kemps General Store is the place for books and lovely cards and gifts. Homeware devotees will swoon at Hare & Wilde. Discover quirky artisan shops in The Shambles.
DO THIS: A huge two-day Christmas Festival is the shopping event of the year with a giant number of festive food, non-food stalls and present ideas. Expect a fabulous weekend of festive fun in and around Malton’s picturesque Market Place. Delicious food, festive gift stalls, street food, live music and family entertainment. December 2 and 3, 9am-3.30pm
Harrogate
FESTIVE FEELING: A big hit with locals and visitors alike, the spa town’s famous Christmas Fayre returns with festive shopping opport
