Harrogate Christmas market and winter events 2026
The Harrogate Christmas Fayre of earlier years does not take place in 2026, so do not plan around its stalls, streets or dates. Christmas in Harrogate this year is made up of separate events instead: a market in Valley Gardens, an ice rink, evening light events in a garden and markets at a country house nearby.
Check opening hours and entry for the Valley Gardens market closer to the date. Booked winter trips and day tours can fill the days around the events.
Winter tours and day trips from Harrogate
Winter days out from Harrogate with live prices and availability.
Christmas events in Harrogate in 2026
Dates and prices.
| Event | Where | Dates 2026 | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christmas market | Valley Gardens | 5 and 6 December | A different event from the old Christmas Fayre |
| Ice pavilion | Valley Gardens | 17 December to 3 January 2027, not 25 December | Check prices and sessions before you go |
| RHS Glow | RHS Garden Harlow Carr | 26 November to 30 December, selected evenings | Adults from £15.25, children from £8.75 |
| Christmas markets | Harewood | 6 to 8 November, 27 to 29 November | A separate event from the Valley Gardens market |
For most visitors, the first weekend of December in Valley Gardens is a good fit for a market visit, because it combines the market with a walk through the park. Glow suits an evening and the ice pavilion a family outing.
Winter in Harrogate beyond the market
Things to plan around.
Valley Gardens market
The Christmas market takes place in Valley Gardens on 5 and 6 December 2026. Parks and paths nearby suit a stroll afterwards. Read about the park on our Valley Gardens page.
Ice pavilion
The Harrogate Ice Pavilion is planned for 17 December 2026 to 3 January 2027, closed on 25 December. Check prices and sessions before you go.
RHS Glow at Harlow Carr
Glow runs on selected evenings from 26 November to 30 December 2026. Non-members pay from £15.25 for adults and from £8.75 for children. Members pay from £9.50, and their children from £5. Under-5s enter free. The preview night on 25 November is not the normal public start. See our RHS Harlow Carr page.
Harewood markets
Harewood runs Christmas markets on 6 to 8 November and 27 to 29 November 2026. They are separate from the Valley Gardens market. Harewood is also on our day trips page.
Getting around in winter
Winter weather changes plans, and some summer bus lines run in season only. Read the getting there guide for trains and buses, and the weather page for monthly temperatures.
Harrogate Christmas market: frequently asked questions
Is there a Christmas market in Harrogate in 2026?
Yes, in Valley Gardens on 5 and 6 December 2026. The Christmas Fayre of earlier years is not part of the 2026 programme.
When does the Harrogate ice rink open?
The ice pavilion is planned for 17 December 2026 to 3 January 2027, except 25 December. Check prices and sessions before you go.
What is RHS Glow?
An evening event at RHS Garden Harlow Carr on selected days from 26 November to 30 December 2026. Adults pay from £15.25 and children from £8.75.
Are there other Christmas markets nearby?
Yes. Harewood holds markets on 6 to 8 November and 27 to 29 November 2026.
What time does the Valley Gardens market open?
Check opening hours and entry closer to the date, as they can still change.
Do children pay for RHS Glow?
Children under 5 enter free. Other children pay from £8.75, or from £5 if they come with a member.