Beverley at Christmas 2024

From twinkling lights to festive markets, Beverley is the place to be this Christmas.

The historic market town will be filled with festive fun this November and December, and will feature a range of activities, events and celebrations.  

Councillor Nick Coultish, cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “The Christmas offer this year in Beverley has something for everyone, including, the Christmas Tree Festival, a Reindeer Rampage Trail, and the hugely popular Beverley Festival of Christmas. We look forwarding to welcoming visitors to the town and seeing residents take part in the festive activities.’’

Here is what locals and visitors can expect from Beverley at Christmas:

4 November to 31 December: Reindeer Rampage

Help round up the herd for Father Christmas by taking part in this year’s Reindeer Rampage Christmas Trail around Beverley town centre. Pick up a free trail map and reindeer mask from the Tourist Information Centre on Cross Street for a chance to win a fantastic prize. For more information visit https://www.beverleyfestivalofchristmas.co.uk/beverley-reindeer-rampage/

4-8 December: Beverley Minster Christmas Tree Festival

A twinkling collection of more than 150 Christmas trees will be on display in Beverley Minster with entry costs £5 for adults and free entry for accompanied children (under 18). Visit beverleyminster.org.uk for more information including late night opening times.

Saturdays in December: Festive Saturday Market’s

Beverley’s weekly Saturday Market will continue throughout December, with a special festive edition on Saturday 7 December prior to the Beverley Festival of Christmas.

8 December: Beverley Festival of Christmas

And for the main event, the Beverley Festival of Christmas, supported by The Beverley Arms, will return for its 28th year, transforming the historic town into a Christmas shoppers’ wonderland with more than 120 stalls.

Santa and his reindeer will be joining the celebrations as part of the parade from 10am and there will be plenty to keep the whole family entertained, with fairground rides, food and drink, amazing Christmas gifts, birds of prey and the sound of brass bands drifting through the December air. North Bar’s Georgian Quarter will be also feature traders from East Yorkshire and an interactive ice sculpture.

Alongside the Festival of Christmas, those looking for a break from the crowds can pop into Beverley Guildhall between 10am and 3pm to see a ‘Studying Stars’ exhibition. Visit https://eastridingmuseums.co.uk for more information.

Toll Gavel United Church will have Christmas tunes, local choirs and refreshments on offer from 11am to 3pm. Visit https://tollgavelchurch.org.uk

East Riding Theatre will also be celebrating their 10th year anniversary with a special Christmas carol performance throughout December with tickets available at www.eastridingtheatre.co.uk 

And finally, Flemingate Shopping Centre will be hosting a range of festive family entertainment, a Nordic tipi bar, character visits and festive goats, as well as live music and children’s funfair rides. Visit https://www.flemingate.co.uk

Danny Martin, Marketing Director at Daniel Thwaites, which owns The Beverley Arms and is sponsoring the Festival of Christmas event for the fifth year running, said: ‘’Christmas is a special time of year where people get to enjoy themselves with loved ones and Beverley’s Festival of Christmas plays a huge part in that.

‘’Not only does the event raise the profile of Beverley, but it is essential to local businesses, particularly in the run up to Christmas, and we’re happy to be a part of the celebrations. The Festival of Christmas is a wonderful initiative for both local and surrounding communities to experience.”

Keep up to date with everything going on in Beverley this Christmas at https://beverleyfestivalofchristmas.co.uk