A Winter to Remember

There’s no better place to soak up the festive spirit than Harrogate during the winter months. With twinkling lights strung across the town and the Stray glowing with illuminated trees, Harrogate transforms into a true winter wonderland. Whether you’re coming to browse the Christmas markets, enjoy the theatre and pantomimes, or simply relax in a cosy retreat, The Camberley, The Lodge, and Camberley Cottages offer the perfect base for your festive getaway.

From mid-November onwards, Harrogate comes alive with seasonal charm. The town’s Christmas Fayre and Market, just a short stroll from The Camberley, The Lodge and Camberley Cottages, runs from 5 to 24 December. Expect beautifully decorated chalet stalls, traditional fairground rides, and a spectacular Ferris Wheel, all set beneath a canopy of sparkling lights.

Browse for unique gifts, festive decorations, and tempting street food while enjoying the joyful atmosphere. Don’t miss the Candy Cane Express – a free-to-ride road train that takes you through the heart of Harrogate, passing by key festive spots such as Cambridge Street, Market Place, Station Square and Cambridge Crescent. The Fayre’s central location makes it easy to combine your visit with a spot of Christmas shopping in Harrogate’s high street favourites and charming independent boutiques.
 Find out more here.  

Explore the Region’s Christmas Markets
If you’re keen to venture further afield, the surrounding towns also host wonderful festive markets that are well worth the trip.

Knaresborough, just a short drive from Harrogate, holds its Christmas Market on 6 and 7 December in the historic Market Place. With over 60 stalls offering handmade gifts, festive treats, and live entertainment, it’s a delightful day out. Warm up with a mulled wine before enjoying the spectacular firework finale on Sunday at around 4:30 pm.  Find out more here.

A little further afield, the Skipton Christmas Market takes place on Sunday 7 and Sunday 14 December along Skipton High Street. You’ll find over 100 stalls selling artisan crafts, local produce, and festive food and drink, accompanied by entertainment throughout the day. Skipton often hosts a Makers Fair alongside the market – typically held on the first day – inside the beautiful Skipton Town Hall (date to be confirmed). It’s the perfect opportunity to discover locally made treasures and soak up the seasonal cheer.  

Finally, for a truly historic setting, head to York’s Christmas Market, which runs from 13 November to 21 December 2025. Centred around Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square, the market features traders from across Yorkshire offering regional crafts and gifts.  Find out more here.  To make your visit easier, we recommend using York’s Park and Ride facilities – Rawcliffe Bar or Poppleton are both excellent options. Spend the day exploring York’s many attractions such as the York Dungeon, Jorvik Viking Centre, or Castle Museum, before relaxing in one of the city’s cosy cafés or traditional pubs.

Stay in the Heart of the Festivities
After a day spent exploring the markets and soaking up the festive atmosphere, return to the warmth and comfort of The Camberley, The Lodge, or Camberley Cottages. With their welcoming rooms, convenient locations, and home-from-home feel, they’re the perfect places to unwind during your Christmas visit to Harrogate.  Check out the rooms here, and don’t forget, it’s easier to book direct with us to ensure you get the room you really want, whether you want a room with a huge shower, or one with a slipper bath. All our rooms are en-suite, and there’s one to suit everyone.  Alternatively, why not book one of our cosy cottages?  They make a delightful base from which to explore all that the town and wider area has to offer. 

Book your winter stay today and make this year’s festive season one to remember – surrounded by lights, laughter, and the unmistakable charm of Harrogate at Christmas.