Dates for this year’s Harrogate Christmas Fayre have been announced, with research showing significant public support for the annual event.
The fayre is organised by Market Place and has been supported by us and our predecessor authority since 2021.
Analysis of last year’s event, undertaken by Harrogate Business Improvement District (BID), showed the vast majority of people were in favour of the fayre and felt it was a great way to welcome in the festive season.
This year’s fayre will take place between 5 and 14 December and is set to fill the streets of Harrogate town centre with festive cheer.
A range of chalets will be available for people to visit, selling an exciting mix of products, gifts, food and drink.
Over the past four years, statistics show an increase in both the number of people visiting the town centre and those staying in hotels and local accommodation.
Executive member for open to business, Cllr Mark Crane, said: “We are delighted to once again be supporting the Harrogate Christmas Fayre.
“Events such as this bring significant benefits for businesses at a crucial time in the calendar.
“They bring people into town centres as well as attracting visitors from outside of the area to plan their festive break here in North Yorkshire.”
Harrogate BID has supported the event since its launch. Every year, the BID team conduct a survey with the organisation’s members about the festive period in the town centre.
Chief executive at Harrogate BID, Matthew Chapman, said: “We received some really positive responses in relation to last year’s Christmas Fayre and we are delighted that North Yorkshire Council is supporting the event again for 2025.
“As the BID, we feel it’s very important to offer the chance to our members to feedback on such a critical time of year for the business community.
“We’re passionate about not only listening to the voices of local businesses, but sharing their thoughts with key partners as we work to continue to develop and enhance the Christmas offer in our town.”
In the latest review, 79 per cent of respondents said they supported the fayre and the overall offer in the town over the festive period.
Meanwhile, 81 per cent said the locations of the stalls and attractions had worked well and they felt there was a great overall atmosphere, which brought the town centre to life.
Head of tourism, Tony Watson, said: “Christmas markets and events are an important part of the overall Christmas offer in North Yorkshire.
“Alongside our stately homes which bring fairytales to life, Father Christmas making appearances on our railways, in our castles and even our caves, North Yorkshire towns are filled with festive cheer thanks to events such as the Harrogate Christmas Fayre.
“They provide visitors and locals with more reasons to enjoy town centres, boosting spending in shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants, as well as encouraging people to stay longer to experience what the rest of the county has to offer.”
The Christmas market offer will once again extend beyond the town centre as the Little Bird Christmas Artisan Market pops up in Harrogate’s Valley Gardens for the weekends of 6 and 7 and 13 and 14 December.
The popular Candy Cane Express Road Train is also set to return to transport market goers around the town during the fayre’s opening hours.
Further information can be found on the Visit North Yorkshire website.