A Holly Jolly Weekend at Skipton Christmas Markets
3rd November 2024
Ah, the magic of December! Twinkling lights, jolly jingles, and… the distinct smell of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts wafting through the air as you bundle up in your thickest scarf and head out into the crisp Yorkshire air. This year, we dove headfirst into the festive wonderland of the Skipton Christmas Markets.
A Festive Welcome to Skipton
Arriving in Skipton in December feels like stepping into a holiday postcard. The streets are aglow with festive lights, and the atmosphere is absolutely brimming with cheer. With the cobblestone streets and historic buildings draped in seasonal decor, it’s hard not to feel your holiday spirit kick into overdrive. After dropping off our bags at our holiday cottage and getting our winter woollies on, we were more than ready for the main event: the Skipton Christmas Market!
Skipton Christmas Markets: Where Festive Dreams Come True
On the morning of the market, we layered up (because this is Yorkshire, after all) and set off with rosy cheeks and high spirits. For two Sundays in December, Skipton transforms into a bustling holiday hub filled with over 100 stalls, brimming with crafts, treats, gifts, and plenty of festive cheer.
The market is everything you could dream of – with the added hilarity of trying to maneuver around with a hot mince pie in one hand and a mulled wine in the other. Pro tip: try not to drop the wine while wrestling for a spot at the craft stalls; those reindeer ornaments go quick!
From local artisan cheese and hand-knit scarves to quirky trinkets and hearty Yorkshire ales, the market has something for everyone. And with so many merry faces around, it was hard not to get swept up in the festive spirit (and accidentally purchase a reindeer hat for the dog – which he wore with as much dignity as one can muster in antlers).
The Carolling Extravaganza
No Christmas market is complete without carols, and let me tell you, Skipton does not disappoint. Imagine a choir belting out classics in the shadow of Skipton Castle while you clutch a cup of hot chocolate like it’s a life raft. We might have even joined in a rendition of Jingle Bells – and by “joined in,” I mean we were enthusiastically mouthing the words from behind our hot chocolates.
A Cosy Escape
After a whirlwind of sights, sounds, and a fair amount of indulgence (who knew one could consume so many mince pies in one morning?), a cosy retreat was in order. As much as we love the bustling holiday cheer, there’s something about curling up in your holiday accommodation and reflecting on the day’s excitement that makes the experience even sweeter.
Once back at our holiday cottage, we slipped into the warm embrace of a quiet evening with a hot cup of tea, wrapped ourselves in soft blankets, and perhaps dived into some goodies we “accidentally” bought at the market. It turns out there’s no better way to wind down after a day of Christmas market excitement than in the comfort of a Yorkshire cottage, with a content dog snoozing by your feet and the warmth of your holiday home.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the lookout for a merry little weekend getaway, Skipton and its charming Christmas Market make the perfect festive duo. You get all the bustling excitement of the market with the serene charm of Yorkshire waiting for you when it’s time to unwind. And if you’re bringing your dog along, expect double the smiles as they become honorary market-goers (and probably draw more attention than you will).
So, this December, throw on your best Christmas jumper, book a cosy cottage, and prepare for a holly jolly time at the Skipton Christmas Market – where the only thing merrier than the festive spirit might just be your four-legged friend dressed as Rudolph. Cheers to holiday magic, Yorkshire style!