Christmas market dates are starting to be announced, and whilst we love the big festive markets in cities such as York, Leeds and Sheffield, there’s something rather magical about visiting a smaller market.
And this year, one of Yorkshire’s most beautiful coastal towns is getting ready to welcome visitors for a festive weekend, as Whitby Christmas Market returns in November 2026 alongside the Whitby Hot Chocolate Festival.
The popular Christmas Festival will take place from Friday 13 to Sunday 15 November 2026, bringing festive stalls, independent shopping, food and drink and plenty of entertainment to the seaside town.
It’s the perfect excuse to wrap up warm, head to the Yorkshire coast and spend a few days exploring Whitby as it gets into the Christmas spirit.
When is Whitby Christmas Market 2026?
The 2026 Whitby Christmas Festival will run from Friday 13 November until Sunday 15 November.
According to Whitby Town Council, the Christmas Market will be open from 5pm until 8pm on Friday, 10am until 8pm on Saturday and 10am until 4pm on Sunday.
Friday evening is set to be particularly atmospheric, giving visitors the chance to explore the market after dark and enjoy Whitby as its festive lights begin to appear.
The festival is held in the town centre, making it easy to combine a visit to the market with a wander around Whitby’s independent shops, cafés, pubs and restaurants.
What can you expect at Whitby Christmas Market?
If you’re thinking of heading to Whitby for the festive market, you can expect a mixture of Christmas shopping, food and drink and entertainment.
The market will bring together traders and food vendors, giving visitors the opportunity to browse for Christmas gifts and treats while enjoying the atmosphere of the town.
And, of course, there’s something particularly lovely about Christmas shopping in Whitby. Rather than heading into a huge shopping centre, you can wander through the historic streets, browse independent businesses and take in views of the harbour along the way.
The festival also includes entertainment and community events, with the wider weekend designed to encourage visitors to explore more of Whitby rather than simply arriving for the market and heading home.
Read More: 17 Autumn Walks That Will Make You Fall In Love With Yorkshire All Over Again
Feature Image Credit: Unsplash
