Welcome to the bountiful Christmas celebration bursting forth from Yorkshire's smallest city. The medieval streets that surround Ripon's delightful marketplace and cathedral will ring out with the sound of Christmas as Ripon gets ready to welcome the festive season.
From the end of November as twilight falls, the Ripon Christmas Markets begin offering a mixture of produce, gifts and decorations in a mixture of indoor and outdoor settings.
See Fountains Abbey aglow with all the colours of the rainbow and walk beneath the cellarium's vaulted ceilings to the sound of live choirs and bands filling the ruins with festive music. At Carols by Candlelight pick up a candle on your way in and see the flickering glow of hundreds of candles light up the abbey cellarium.
After indulging on Christmas Day, join the annual Boxing Day Pilgrimage from Ripon Cathedral to Fountains Abbey, retracing the steps of the abbey’s founders centuries ago.
Ripon Cathedral Christmas Food & Gift Fair
22 & 23 November
Ripon Cathedral will be alive with the spirit of Christmas throughout the season, kicking off with the annual Christmas Food and Gift Fair. Browse the stalls of delicious edibles and Yorkshire gift ideas under the majestic roof of this 12th century wonder. As well as carefully selected local and regional stalls there will be refreshments and children's activities making this an event for all the family.
Ripon Cathedral Christmas Food & Gift Fair
Boxing Day Pilgrimage
Walk off the turkey on Boxing Day with friendly faces, get some air and find some reflection on the annual pilgrimage from Ripon to Fountains Abbey. Beginning with the St Stephen's Day Eucharist and concluding with the special service on arrival at the Abbey.
Boxing Day Pilgrimage from Ripon Cathedral to Fountains Abbey
New Year's Eve
Say Hello to 2025 in Ripon Market Square where there will be live music in the run up the big bong of the clock.
A special watch night service will be held at the cathedral from 11:15pm, followed by a torchlight procession to the market square so all of Ripon can welcome in the new year together.
Ripon New Year’s Eve Celebrations
