As the festive season approaches, you might be dreaming of a festive getaway. North Yorkshire, with its stunning landscapes, rich history, and charming villages, offers a magical setting for a winter escape or Christmas break.
Whitby
Whitby, with its gothic charm and picturesque landscapes, becomes even more enchanting during the festive season. Picture cobbled streets lined with twinkling lights, charming shops and festive decorations – an idyllic location for a winter escape. Not to mention the coastal views and crisp sea air makes wrapping up in those winter woollies all the more satisfying! A highlight of the festive season in Whitby is their Christmas Market which brings together local artisans, food vendors, and performers. The market typically sets up in the heart of the town by the marina, offering a mix of seasonal goods and festive entertainment.
Whitby Christmas Market: Friday 15Â – Sunday 17 November
Grassington
The quaint village of Grassington is the perfect place to visit during winter. Known for its role as Darrowby in ‘All Creatures Great and Small’, with beautiful lights and festive decorations, cosy cafes and pubs as well as the stunning scenery of the Yorkshire Dales on your doorstep, Grassington has everything you need for a cosy Christmas getaway.
The village also has lots of festive activities taking place in the run up to Christmas:
- Christmas Lights Switch On: Friday 22 November – music and entertainment with the switch on at 4.30pm
- Christmas Markets: Saturday 30 November and 7 December. Santa’s Grotto will also be at the Town Hall, as well as a Christmas Crafts Fair
- Grassington Singers – All Singing All Dancing Christmas: 14 December
- The City of Bradford Brass Christmas Concert: 22 DecemberÂ
Richmond
Nestled in the heart of North Yorkshire, Richmond is another great option for a Christmas break. With its beautiful Georgian architecture, cobbled market place and 18th century streets, it really is one of the most picturesque places to visit, especially at Christmas.
Richmond also hosts a Christmas Fair which offers a lively experience with festive entertainment from street musicians and choirs, independent market stalls and shops that are perfect for picking up last-minute gifts, and delicious food and warming drinks aplenty. Head indoor to the Town Hall for Santa’s Grotto and the Richmond Artisan Fair, or follow the Treasure Hunt for a tour of the Fair.
Richmond Christmas Fair & Market: Sunday 1 December
 Knaresborough
Helmsley
If you’re looking for a winter getaway, Helmsley is a lovely place to visit during the festive season. Lying at the edge of the North York Moors National Park, the pretty town offers plenty of beautiful winter walks whether you head into the moors, visit the stunning Rievaulx Abbey or ruins of Helmsley Castle, or simply enjoy a stroll around the shops and eateries of the marketplace. Each Friday Helmsley hosts a local market with artisans producers and vendors offering handmade crafts, food, and gifts, while the Check out the town square for its beautifully decorated stalls and independent local shops, and call into one of the town’s charming restaurants or pubs to warm up with a delicious meal or drink.
Christmas Lights Switch-on:Â Friday 29 November – carols and bands before the
Discover more places to stay this Christmas
With so many festive events, days out and places to stay, North Yorkshire really is the perfect place for a winter break this Christmas.
