Destination Harrogate is delighted to announce that “Destination Christmas” is back, bigger and better for 2022.
From early December Harrogate will host festive attractions and two Christmas markets. All new for 2022 there will be 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 variety of stalls to browse for Christmas gifts, decorations and seasonal foodie treats. From 2 to 11 December the traditional Christmas market, delivered by Market Place Europe, will take place in the town centre and will offer a mix of 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.
Little Bird Made artisan market will take up residence in Harrogate’s historic Valley Gardens for the first two weekends in December with jewellery, crafts and gifts from local traders.
There will also be Christmas light displays, carol singing and festive family events happening across the whole of the Harrogate district.
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.”
This year Market Place Europe is once again giving one lucky business the chance to trade for free at the Christmas Fayre. The online competition invites applications from businesses in North Yorkshire that have been trading for at least six months but for no more than two years. Terms and conditions apply. Full details of the competition and how to apply can be found at https://destinationharrogate.co.uk/jolly-big-business-boost/.
Find out more about making Harrogate your Christmas destination from the Visit Harrogate website: www.visitharrogate.co.uk/christmas
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