Discover your perfect Christmas break in Harrogate district
With so much happening in Harrogate district this festive season, we don’t want you to miss a thing so to help you plan how to make the most of your Christmas break in our beautiful part of Yorkshire, we have highlighted some of the must see and dos to give you some exciting ideas.
Long weekend break for couples and adults (3-5 December)
Day One
Spend your first day exploring the Harrogate Christmas Fayre in the town centre. Meander around the many cosy wooden chalets selling decorations, gifts, festive food and drink and you are sure to be able to find all those gifts for loved ones and friends.
Perfectly positioned in the centre of town, you are only the shortest of walks from many of the other wonderful Harrogate shops.
From the Fayre, board the Candy Cane Express road train for a journey to the Christmas Attractions in Crescent Gardens.
Alight here for ice-skating at the new Harrogate Ice Rink. A short distance from the train stop is the main entrance to the Valley Gardens where you will find the Little Bird Artisan Market (3 and 4, 10 and 11 December) . As you browse a selection of stalls showcasing lots of small arts and craft makers underneath the stunning Sun Colonnade, this market really is a delight to explore.
Harrogate Festive Artisan Market
As dusk falls, enjoy a visit to GLOW at RHS Garden Harlow Carr on the outskirts of Harrogate. The gardens have been transformed into a sparkling, colourful wonderland including a ‘pixel lawn’ full of dancing lights. Take a torch with you and follow the spectacular illuminated trail around the gardens.
Glow - Winter Illuminations at RHS Garden Harlow CarrBack in the town, finish the evening by following the Harrogate Christmas Lights Trail. The Christmas lights are spectacular and include the beautiful lights in the trees on The Stray. You can find the illuminated penguins on Commercial Street and take a selfie by our Giant Wreath. Don’t forget to tag us into your photos using #MyHarrogateChristmas
Day Two
Spend your second day in the stunning market town of Knaresborough with its’ quaint market place surrounded by small shops and cosy pubs and majestic castle ruins overlooking the river. Wander around the small streets and visit the Castle and museum before descending down to the riverside and walking along underneath the arches of the magnificent viaduct.
Stop at St John’s Church and visit the stunning Knaresborough Christmas Tree Festival (3-23 December). In the market place, the Knaresborough Christmas Market (3 and 4 December) is in full swing with the atmosphere of a bygone era with stalls selling gifts and festive food and the hot chestnut seller with his traditional cart, Carols are sung and Christmas music is played by a brass band. The fireworks on Sunday is a fitting end to the day.
Knaresborough Christmas Market
Day Three
On your final day, enjoy a relaxing session at the Turkish Baths Harrogate. Immerse yourself in history, the Moorish design of the interior is breath-taking and unique. Enjoy the different levels of heat as you move between the hot chambers, before being exhilarated in the refreshing plunge pool. Finish your session in the Relaxation Room and you will leave feeling rejuvenated.
Turkish Baths Harrogate
Wrap up your weekend in style and head to the beautiful Rudding Park Hotel to savour a Festive Afternoon Tea in the stunning surroundings of the Clocktower Restaurant. Add a glass of Prosecco or Champagne for that extra special experience.
Rudding Park, the perfect place for Festive celebrations
