Destination Harrogate is delighted to announce that “Destination Christmas” is back, bigger and better for 2022.
From early December the spa town of Harrogate will sparkle and shine with fun festive attractions and two Christmas markets, making it the perfect place to meet up with friends, take the kids for a special treat, enjoy some Christmas shopping or plan a cosy Christmas date with someone special.
All new for 2022 is an outdoor ice skating rink, with an après ski bar offering seasonal treats and refreshments and a giant 32m Ferris wheel offering spectacular views of the surrounding area. A traditional carousel, together with children’s fairground rides, will add to the Christmas attractions in Harrogate’s Crescent Gardens, provided by Events By Cynosure and supported by Harrogate Borough Council’s Parks and Environmental Services team.
Destination Harrogate is bringing back Harrogate Christmas Fayre, which launched in 2021, bigger and better for 2022 – with a great variety of stalls to browse for Christmas gifts, decorations and seasonal foodie treats. From 2nd – 11th December the traditional Christmas market, delivered by Market Place Europe, will take place in the town centre and will offer an eclectic mix of enticing stalls to complement Harrogate’s independent retailers, restaurants, bars and boutique stores. The Christmas road train experience is also back for 2022, to transport festive revellers around Harrogate town centre while the market is on, with the Candy Cane Express co-funded by Harrogate BID. Father Christmas and his elves are rumoured to be dropping in from the North Pole, too!
Little Bird Made artisan market will take up residence in Harrogate’s historic Valley Gardens for the first two weekends in December (3rd, 4th and 10th, 11th) with jewellery, crafts and gifts from local traders, adding to the unique Christmas shopping experience in the heart of the town.
An amazing array of Christmas activities and experiences are taking place throughout the wider district, with the Swinton Estate near Masham hosting a series of seasonal events from wreath making to festive afternoon teas; Christmas lunch courses at the Cookery School to delicious Christmas dining options and festive residential packages. While Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden near Ripon hosts “Music and Lights” throughout December, where visitors can take in the beauty of the abbey ruins illuminated in colour and sing along to carols, with live musical performances on selected dates. With Christmas light displays, carol singing and festive family events happening across the whole of the Harrogate district, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a festive day out or seasonal short break this year.
John McGivern, Destination Events Manager for Destination Harrogate, said: “We’re thrilled to be bringing back Destination Christmas and to be offering an even bigger and better experience for 2022. We’re building on the success of last year and through working in collaboration with our partners, including Harrogate Borough Council and Harrogate BID, we can look forward to delivering something really special this Christmas.
“Destination Christmas not only offers our residents the opportunity to enjoy an amazing Christmas experience, particularly following the challenges of the past two years, it also encourages visitors to the Harrogate district from further afield, bolstering local trade and boosting our tourism industry at a crucial time in the business calendar.”
Councillor Richard Cooper, leader of Harrogate Borough Council, said: “Once again, Christmas will be coming to Harrogate town centre and I for one can’t wait. Last year’s offer was a great success but I know this year’s will be even bigger and better.
“Town centres are recovering well from the Covid-19 pandemic and by working with our partners and stakeholders we can once again deliver a safe, vibrant and attractive offer that drives visitors to our district’s shops, restaurants, visitor attractions, hotels and B&Bs this festive season, and showcase the Harrogate district as the perfect Christmas destination.
“The Christmas attractions also offer a fantastic way for families and friends to spend quality time together at this special time of year and to enjoy being active outdoors. And the all-new ice skating rink not only offers an exciting opportunity for people of all ages to socialise but also encourages physical activity, in a magical environment.”
Nick Rhodes, Chief Executive of Market Place Europe said: “Harrogate is a beautiful and unique destination and the perfect place to enjoy our fantastic Christmas market. We’re really excited to be returning this year with an even bigger Harrogate Christmas Fayre, and to be bringing an exciting variety of traders into the town centre to offer a wonderful experience that all the family can enjoy.”
Find out more about making Harrogate your Christmas destination from the Visit Harrogate website: www.visitharrogate.co.uk/christmas
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