At Christmas, sometimes the cities and towns become the main focus for the festive activities, with the smaller villages scattered across Yorkshire forgotten about. The magical markets and events are definitely worth visiting. But while you probably think it’s something more native to the fictional villages we see on tele this time of year, you’d be wrong.
Every December, Yorkshire’s villages become adorned in festive decorations and become the most beautiful winter wonderlands, filled with cosy pubs, festive cheer and great local and independent events, which make for great festive get-togethers. Fancy entering the festive rom-com of your dreams? These are the most magical Christmas villages in Yorkshire that are perfect to travel to this time of year.
So, what are the best Christmas villages in Yorkshire to visit?
1. Haworth
The home of the Bronte sisters, the quaint village of Haworth, turns into a twinkling wonderland each year as the magical festive experience takes over the village across the four weekends leading up to Christmas. You can enjoy pretty twinkling fairy lights in shop windows and festive spirit all the way up the cobbled streets throughout December. Escape the commercialism of the towns and cities and enjoy stepping back into some old Christmas shopping with small businesses in a beautiful village.
2. Robin Hood’s Bay
Our favourite spot in Yorkshire, Robin Hood’s Bay, transforms for its Victorian weekend, which took place earlier this month. You can support the local businesses during the quieter time of year for the village. If you ask us, though, nothing beats wandering the old fishing village by night. The warm glow comes from the quaint cottages and all the independent shops decked out with wonderful festive decorations. The old pubs with a roaring fire hit better in the colder months than in the summer.
3. Wentworth
The village of Wenworth near Rotherham is home to Wenworth House, which transforms each Christmas into a magical place to visit. Not only that, but its garden centre is renowned for its festive spirit, transforming into to winter wonderland. If you are looking for a Christmas village in Yorkshire, then this is the spot to be.
4. Saltaire
Known for its Living Advent Calendar, which started in 2006, Saltaire is a stunning model village and UNESCO site. The advent calendar is a highlight of the festive period and sees its quirky window designs located in picturesque settings light up daily throughout the month in houses, schools, shops and churches until Christmas Eve. Windows remain secret until they are revealed at 16:00 on their light-up night.
5. Slaithwaite
This charming village, located in the Colne Valley, is known for its rich industrial heritage, but over Christmas, it lights up into a real festive treat for visitors. The village comes to life as 14 venues provide power night in and night out to illuminate the festive village.
6. Grassington
The Yorkshire Dales village has risen in popularity over the last few years due to Channel 5’s reboot of All Creatures Great and Small. The quaint village has been used as the fictional village of Darrowby created by vet Alf Wight aka James Herriot. Grassington is set to transform into a twinkling wonderland as the Christmas markets bring all the joys to the village from the 30th November to the 7th December 2024. Expect Christmas market stalls with food & drink as well as music from the City of Bradford Brass Band, Tony Bailey and Paul Harper.
Read More: 14 Of The Most Christmas Afternoon Teas To Try In Yorkshire
Feature Image Credit: Grassington Christmas Market
