The best Christmas market Bradford has ever had!
In addition to the usual shopping and food and drink offering, and leisure and tourism attractions for adults, couples, families and children that you can find out more about everything Bradford has to offer here, but come the holidays Christmas markets are definitely popular in this part of Yorkshire – especially after a break for two years during the pandemic. There are several Christmas markets this year, including the “Victorian Christmas Wonderland”, held in Bradford Industrial Museum. LoyalFree looks at the best markets in Bradford and Yorkshire this year.
Families will find many children’s entertainment options at the markets, and there’s plenty to please foodies, and those looking for more unusual or hand-made Christmas gifts.
Christmas Market at Odsal Stadium
This two-day market is held at the end of November, and features a range of stalls, including food and drink, crafts, fairground rides and entertainment. Santa’s Grotto is also there, if your children want the opportunity to meet him. Doors open at 11am and close at 6pm.
Victorian Christmas Market
Held in Bradford Industrial Museum, this market is filled with things to see and do is especially popular with children. There are over 80 stalls, selling food, jewellery, accessories, clothes, and crafts. Many festive gifts will be on offer at the event. Costumed characters, including Ebenezer Scrooge, are also in attendance. There’s also face painting, entertainment from a concert band and Sand Art, as well as trips to see Santa on a specially decorated tram. The event is free and runs over one weekend at the end of November, from 10am to 4pm each day. With over 80 stalls, you’ll be sure to find a unique gift.
Christmas fair at Ilkley Manor House
The Christmas makers’ fair at the Manor House features craft gifts created by artists and makers from across the region. Contemporary artists from the area show their work, including jewellery, toys, textiles, ceramics, prints and painting.
St Nicholas Fair (York Christmas Market)
Located on Parliament Street and Sampson’s Square in York, this market has been running for 30 years as of 2022 and is hugely popular. 70 Alpine chalets line the streets from mid-November until the 23rd December. The festive wonderland will sell an array of artisanal gifts and produce from local traders. Highlights include York Cocoa House, hand crafted chocolate and cocoa, Gallinaro Ltd handmade jewellery, Asgard LLP mead, and Wild Wood Gifts, among many other independent traders. You can see a more extensive list of traders here. There’s even a discount offered for York residents of up to 30%.
New this year is The Winter Hütte, a pop-up Swiss chalet with two storeys. Located at the end of Parliament Street, the chalet has a restaurant upstairs, The Star Inn, led by Michelin-starred chef Andrew Pern. The menu features Schnitzel, fondue and ‘Pheasant au Vin’, alongside strudel and Alpine ice cream for dessert.
Harrogate Christmas Fayre
Running from early to mid-December, Harrogate Christmas Fayre features an array of local traders and traditional European Christmas stalls. Among the stalls are arts and craft gifts from artisan makers, festive food and Christmas decorations. There will also be music and entertainment, street food, as well as a Giant Ferris Wheel and Candy Cane Express road train. The usual favourites of hot chocolates, hog roasts and sweet treats like traditional German Strudel are all available.
Leeds Christmas Market
The Leeds German Market has finally returned after a two-year break. The market has been held for 20 years, and attracts thousands of visitors annually. The event boasts a wide range of stalls and authentic German food and drink, alongside children’s rides.
The traditional wooden chalets will house seasonal gifts, ornaments, German delicacies and many more. Cosy indoor retreats like the Alp Chalet, Kuh Stall and Ski Hutte Bar will all be back this year, offering snacks, drinks and entertainment. For children, there are weekly shows on a Sunday morning, and Santa’s Breakfast in the Bavarian Alp every Saturday and Sunday morning, serving up a festive buffet breakfast.
Smaller markets around Leeds
While York, Leeds and Harrogate Christmas Markets are the largest, there are also many smaller markets in Yorkshire. These smaller fayres often only run for one or two days, and are great for supporting local businesses.
Otley Christmas Market opens for one day in early December, and involves residents dressing up in Victorian clothing. In Farsley, the Sunny Bank Mills Christmas Market is held in late December. Located in the 1912 mill, over 50 local artists are there each day.
Other things to see and do in Bradford
The picturesque landscapes around Bradford look great at this time of year, and they’re also lovely to walk around too – while if you prefer to stay somewhere warm and dry we recommend something more dedicated to the arts… A Black Dyke Band concert or Carol singing evening at Bradford Cathedral perhaps? Lastly, don’t forget that Bradford is no less enthralling outside of the festive period too, and as the first UNESCO city of film and the UK City of Culture for 2025, there’s sure to be plenty to see and do no matter when you choose to visit!
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