For a magical UK Christmas destination combining sublime seasonal events and entertainment with festive family fun and a fantastic Christmas shopping experience, it has to be the Harrogate district of North Yorkshire.

From 2nd December the beautiful spa town of Harrogate is set to sparkle and shine as, once again, families, friends and loved ones can enjoy the enchanting experience of “Destination Christmas”.

Back bigger and better for 2022, Destination Christmas will, for the first time, feature an outdoor ice skating rink in Harrogate's picturesque Crescent Gardens, together with an apres ski bar for seasonal treats and refreshments - making it the perfect place to meet up with friends and family, take the kids for a special treat, or even enjoy a cosy Christmas date with someone special.

A giant 32m Ferris wheel will provide spectacular aerial views of Harrogate and the surrounding area, illuminated after dark in festive splendour, while a traditional carousel and children's rides will thrill little ones and bigger kids alike.

Harrogate Christmas Fayre, launched in 2021, makes a welcome return but bigger and better, with more than fifty stalls to browse for Christmas gifts, decorations and seasonal foodie treats. The traditional Christmas market will run from 2nd – 11th December and will offer an eclectic mix of enticing stalls to complement the incredible wealth of independent retailers, restaurants, bars and boutique stores in Harrogate town centre.

Little Bird Made artisan market will take up residence in Harrogate's historic Valley Gardens from 3rd-4th and 10th-11th December, with jewellery, crafts and gifts from local traders – the ideal place to find a unique and personal Christmas present, or to treat yourself with a special memento from a magical festive short break.

The Candy Cane Express road train will be pulling into Harrogate to transport visitors around the Christmas Fayre, artisan market and magical assortment of fairground attractions and seasonal entertainment, whilst enjoying the pretty Christmas lights in which Harrogate will be festooned. Look out for Father Christmas and his elves too!

With fabulous festive events and experiences taking place across the whole of the Harrogate district, this magical Christmas destination is the perfect place to enjoy a short break away.

The Swinton Estate, set in spectacular rolling countryside near Masham at the gateway to Nidderdale AONB, is hosting a series of sensational seasonal events, from wreath making to festive afternoon teas; Christmas lunch courses at the Cookery School; delicious festive dining options from the Chef's Table experience to family Christmas lunch events with children's entertainment and a full, three-night Christmas package including a black tie Boxing Day party.

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden near Ripon, a World Heritage Site featuring the UK's largest monastic ruins, hosts “Music and Lights” throughout December, where visitors can wander around the colourfully illuminated ruins and sing along to their favourite carols, with live musical performances on selected weekend dates. Follow the festive trail and enjoy talks from the ranger at the deer park, together with free guided tours of the abbey and water garden.

Added to wonderful Christmas markets, beautiful light displays and carol singing in the market squares across Knaresborough, Ripon and beyond, the Harrogate district offers a complete Christmas experience that visitors won't want to miss. 

Make Harrogate your Christmas destination this year. Find out more: www.visitharrogate.co.uk/christmas

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Notes to Editors

“Destination Christmas” is a campaign run by Destination Harrogate, the Destination Management Organisation for the Harrogate district, under the Visit Harrogate brand.

Entertainment and attractions in Harrogate including the ice skating rink, giant Ferris wheel, carousel and children's rides are provided by Harrogate Borough Council's Parks and Environmental Services department and will be in situ from 2nd December 2022 to 8th January 2023.

Harrogate Christmas Fayre, organised by Market Place Europe, will run in Harrogate town centre from 2nd – 11th December 2022.

Little Bird Made artisan market will take place on 3rd-4th December and 10th-11th December in Harrogate's Valley Gardens.

The Candy Cane Express road train will run throughout the days that the Christmas market takes place.

Harrogate is situated midway between London and Edinburgh, west and east coast ports and has excellent transport connections. There is a direct train link from London King's Cross to Harrogate with a journey time of less than three hours with LNER.

The Harrogate district is made up of Boroughbridge, Harrogate, Knaresborough, Masham, Pateley Bridge and the city of Ripon.

High res images are available on request.

For more information please contact Luisse Whiting, PR & Social Media Manager, Destination Harrogate: luisse.whiting@destinationharrogate.co.uk