Step into a Dickensian Christmas in Pateley Bridge, 4-6 December! Enjoy festive markets, lanterns, live music, theatre and family fun!

Nidderdale Christmas Festival 2026: Your Complete Three-Day Guide

The Nidderdale Christmas Festival is about so much more than markets and entertainment. It's a celebration of our wonderful local community.

From independent businesses and talented makers to musicians, performers, schools, volunteers and community groups, so many people are coming together to make the weekend special.

The festival is coordinated by the Nidderdale Business Association and funded by the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority as part of the Vibrant High Street programme.

Whether you live locally or are visiting Pateley Bridge for the first time, we'd love you to join us, enjoy the festive atmosphere and discover everything our wonderful area has to offer.

Day One – Friday 4 December

Let the Festivities Begin!

Friday evening kicks off the celebrations with markets, late-night shopping, Christmas music and our magical Lantern Parade!

4pm–8pm | Artisan Market & Makers Yard

King Street Workshops | FREE ENTRY

Meet talented local artists and craftspeople, explore their workshops and discover unique handmade Christmas gifts, from jewellery and ceramics to artwork and sculpture.

4pm–8pm | Christmas Farmers Market & Craft Fair

Pateley Auction Mart, Bridgehousegate | FREE ENTRY

Browse local produce, handmade crafts, Christmas gifts, wreaths and festive treats from a wonderful selection of independent traders.

Friday evening only.

4.30pm–7.30pm | 12 Days of Christmas Treasure Trail

Pateley Bridge High Street | FREE

Follow the festive clues hidden around the town, solve the secret two-word Christmas phrase and collect a treat from the Sweet Shop!

5pm–8pm | Late-Night Christmas Shopping

Pateley Bridge High Street | FREE TO EXPLORE

Discover our fantastic independent shops, find unique Christmas gifts and enjoy the festive atmosphere as the High Street comes alive with music and celebrations.

5pm–7.30pm | Nidderdale Community Photography Competition

St Cuthbert's Church | FREE

Explore Nidderdale through the eyes of our community! Submitted photographs will be showcased in a digital slideshow, with the very best shortlisted for the competition.

From 5.15pm | Summerbridge & Dacre Band

Dales Market Corner, then the Pet Shop from 6pm | FREE

Enjoy festive favourites and traditional Christmas music from our much-loved local band.

5.30pm–6pm | Christmas Lantern Parade

Starting at Pateley Auction Mart | FREE TO WATCH

One of the highlights of the weekend!

Watch children proudly carry their handmade lanterns through Pateley Bridge, joined by Santa on his tractor, the Nidderdale Community Choir and a special articulated Ebenezer Scrooge lantern.

The procession travels up the High Street, along Church Street and past the Makers Yard, finishing at St Cuthbert's Church for the Christmas lights switch-on.

Would your child like to take part?

Lantern-making workshops for children in Years 3–6 take place from 23–27 November, 5.15pm–6.45pm, at St Cuthbert's Primary School.

FREE – Advance booking required.

Book your lantern-making workshop here (https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/nidderdale-festival-lantern-making-workshops-tickets-2003611559109).

5.30pm–7.30pm | Christmas Tree Festival

St Cuthbert's Church | FREE

Admire the beautifully decorated Christmas trees and enjoy festive refreshments, hot chocolate, bell ringing and Christmas celebrations.

6pm | Santa's Christmas Lights Switch-On

St Cuthbert's Church | FREE

Join Santa as he switches on the Christmas Tree Festival lights following the Lantern Parade, with Christmas treats for children.

6pm–7pm | Nidderdale Community Choir

Various High Street locations | FREE

Enjoy traditional carols and festive favourites as the choir brings Christmas cheer to Pateley Bridge.

7.30pm–9pm | Carols by Candlelight Concert

Pateley Theatre | TICKETED EVENT

Enjoy a special evening of Christmas carols in a wonderful festive setting.

Tickets: Advertised as available from 20 November. Please check with Pateley Theatre for booking information.

7.30pm–9.30pm | A Taste of Yorkshire Christmas

Pateley Bridge & Bewerley Memorial Hall | PAID EVENT – STATUS TO BE CONFIRMED

Join Steph Moon and Sandy Docherty for festive cooking inspiration, delicious ideas and plenty of laughs, including a welcome drink, canapés and a raffle.

Booking: Please confirm the event's status with the organiser before making plans, as the ticket listing has displayed a cancellation notice.

Day Two – Saturday 5 December

Festive Fun for the Whole Family!

Saturday brings a full day of artisan shopping, live entertainment, Christmas music and activities for all ages.

10am–5pm | Artisan Market & Makers Yard

King Street Workshops | FREE ENTRY

Explore the open workshops, meet local makers and browse beautiful handmade gifts, artwork, jewellery, ceramics and more.

10am–4pm | Christmas Tree Festival & St Nicholas Fair

St Cuth

Description supplied by the event organiser.