Christmas Food and Drink in North Yorkshire

Festive flavours

Enjoying delicious food and drink

Is the perfect way to indulge and treat yourself all year round but it’s even more special at Christmastime.

The festive season in North Yorkshire is bursting with amazing food and drink to savour, here's some inspiration to help you make the most of this time of the year.

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Sit down to an afternoon tea with a festive twist in beautifully decorated surroundings warming yourself by the fire while you look out on to a frosty or even snowy day.

Browse the stalls at the many Christmas fairs and markets happening across the county where you can buy lots of foodie gifts from artisan food and drink producers for your friends and eat something warm as you walk around – mulled wine, hot chocolate, even a Yorkshire pudding wrap or a hot crumble with lashings of custard!

Many restaurants, pubs, tearooms and cafes offer a special festive menu, or you can book Christmas Day lunch at one of the hotels.

MB3 4227

Enjoy a festive afternoon tea at Swinton Park Hotel near Masham this Christmas season. The tradition of afternoon tea is so indulgent especially with a festive spin with delicate sandwiches, pastries and cakes. Why not make it extra special with a glass of champagne or sparkling wine.

Relax in the opulent surroundings of the drawing room or sitting room dressed for Christmas and take in the views across the deer park. Afterwards you can walk off your tea with a stroll around the parkland.

Festive afternoon teas at Swinton Park Hotel from 28 November to 10 January 2027 (except 24 – 26 December) 

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Foodies looking for a different festive experience can head to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. With a choice of services aboard a steam train, this is a lovely way to spend time with family and friends before or after Christmas.

Enjoy a festive lunch with a difference on the Christmas North Yorkshire Pullman. Tuck into a delicious three-course meal while you enjoy stunning views from the train window on the 18-mile journey through the North York Moors countryside.

NEW FOR 2026:

Winter Fish and Chips service: Settle into your seat and take in the passing countryside while tucking into freshly prepared fish and chips

The Tinsel Tipple: join in with festive sing-alongs and meet the elves on board. The evening services will get you in the Christmas spirit as you enjoy a drink and a mince pie.

Image credit: North Yorkshire Moors Railway/John Hunt

44806 heads the Christmas diner John Hunt

Malton, is a great foodie destination and in the run-up to Christmas you can certainly get your culinary fix.

Visit the different producers in the town including those in the Talbot Yard Food Court for lots of edible treats and gifts.

Get ahead on your Christmas food shopping for the big day or to pick up some foodie fayre to eat throughout the festive season.

The Little Bird Christmas Artisan Market (19 December) with many local artisan producers is the perfect opportunity to buy beautiful handmade gifts for friends and family.

Talbot Food Court Malton ROAM

The many Christmas markets taking place in North Yorkshire are a great way to soak up the festive atmosphere as you wander around with the aroma of hot roasted chestnuts or mulled wine in the air.

Many stalls sell foodie gifts, tipples which make great Christmas presents and hot food and drink to enjoy on the day.

Visit the Christmas markets in Grassington, Skipton, Knaresborough, Selby and Whitby.

VNY Mark Bickerdike Knaresborough Christmas Market MB3 5755

Find out more about Christmas in North Yorkshire on our Christmas page and the county’s food and drink offer all year round on our food and drink page.

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