Christmas 2023 starts in Knaresborough
Come visit the bustling streets of this ancient town and enjoy its unique atmosphere and distinctive topography. With the striking castle and grounds atop the famous Knaresborough cliffs and market place that feels like it could be the set of a Dickens film. Knaresborough Christmas Events are the perfect way to bring the family together for Christmas.
Start your Christmas in Knaresborough with two days of festive shopping to tempt and tantalise visitors at Knaresborough Christmas Market with a selection of delicious food, enchanting gifts and lovingly created festive decorations for the home. Come and listen to the brass bands, carol singers and seasonal entertainers too, who bring a lovely atmosphere to enjoy.
Head to the riverside or Castle to close the Christmas Market with a bang as the big annual finale closing the Christmas Market takes place on the Sunday. Enjoy the professional fireworks display over the famous Viaduct and River Nidd.
Knaresborough Christmas Events
Christmas Tree Festival
2 - 23 December
Knaresborough is a town of tradition, one of its most popular is the St John’s Christmas Tree Festival. This magical event sees the beautiful nave of St John's Church filled with dozens of different Christmas trees decorated by local businesses and organisations. The display of wonderful and varied trees is available to view during the day between 2 and 23 December.
St. John's Christmas Tree Festival
Knaresborough Christmas Market
2 - 3 December
Two days of festive shopping to tempt and tantalise visitors on 2 & 3 December with a selection of delicious food, enchanting gifts and lovingly created festive decorations for the home.
Knaresborough Christmas Market fills the marketplace with festive cheer and concludes on Sunday afternoon with a fantastic firework display.
Knaresborough Christmas Market
Knaresborough Outdoor Nativity
Christmas Eve
In what has become an annual tradition Knaresborough Market Place becomes a stage for a community retelling of the Christmas story.
Illustrated through readings and dramatic scenes performed by a cast of local residents come and join the crowd on Christmas Eve in the centre of Knaresborough.
The Knaresborough Outdoor Nativity
Boxing Day Tug o' War
26 December
It's the perfect excuse to get outside for another brilliant Knaresborough tradition. Two of Knaresborough's popular pubs put forward teams to once more contest the annual 'Tug o' war' from their respective positions on either side of the River Nidd.
Several contests will take place over the afternoon, to the ongoing cheers of watching crowds on the banks of the river and watching from the bridge.
Knaresborough Boxing Day Tug o’ War
New Year's Duck Race
1 January 2024
The River Nidd takes centre stage for this annual charity event run by Knaresborough Cricket Club. Thousands of yellow ducks will be released from High Bridge to make their way down the river and buy a duck to be in with a chance of winning a prize. Win or lose you can be sure to enjoy a wonderful day on Knaresborough's iconic riverside.
