Beverley at Christmas: A season of festive fun awaits

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, from the Christmas lights switch-on at Flemingate, to a town centre reindeer trail and the traditional Beverley Festival of Christmas.

Councillor Nick Coultish, cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “Beverley has so much going on this Christmas.

“There really will be something for everyone, including the Christmas Tree Festival, Reindeer Rampage, and the hugely popular Beverley Festival of Christmas.

“We’re also welcoming back the Made in East Yorkshire Christmas Market, which is always a great place to pick up some unique gifts while supporting local businesses.”

Here's what locals and visitors can expect from Beverley at Christmas, and where you can find out more:

4th November to 31st December: Reindeer Rampage

Help round up the herd for Father Christmas by taking part in this year’s Reindeer Rampage trail around Beverley town centre. Pick up a free trail map and reindeer mask at the Tourist Information Centre on Cross Street for a chance to win a fantastic prize. 

17th November: Flemingate Christmas lights switch-on

Girls Aloud star Nadine Coyle will be the star of The Show at Flemingate’s Christmas lights switch-on. And as if that weren’t enough, there will also be live entertainment from Taylor Swift tribute act Katy Ellis, West End performer Adam Lacey and more.

1st-10th December: Beverley Minster Christmas Tree Festival

A twinkling collection of more than 125 Christmas trees will be on display at Beverley Minster’s 10-day Christmas Tree Festival. The festival will be open from 10am to 4pm Monday to Saturday, and noon to 4pm on the Sunday. Entry costs £5 for adults, with free entry for accompanied children (under 18).

6th-8th December: Made in East Yorkshire Christmas Market

The Made in East Yorkshire Christmas Market, sponsored by The Beverley Arms, part of Daniel Thwaites, is back for its third year, celebrating the best of East Yorkshire’s businesses.

From 10am to 4pm each day, the market will celebrate the very best produce that local businesses have to offer. Live buskers and local school choirs will be among the festive entertainment.

9th December: Festive Saturday Market

Beverley’s weekly Saturday Market will continue throughout December, with a special festive edition sitting between the Made in East Yorkshire Christmas Market and Beverley Festival of Christmas.

9th-10th December: Flemingate Festive Weekend

There’s more festive family entertainment in store over at Flemingate, including a giant snow globe, a Nordic tipi bar, Star Wars characters and miniature American horses, as well as live music and children’s funfair rides.

10th December: Beverley Festival of Christmas

And for the main event, the Beverley Festival of Christmas, sponsored by the Beverley Arms, will return for its 27th year, transforming the historic town into a Christmas shoppers’ wonderland with more than 120 stalls.

Santa and his reindeer will be joining the celebrations and there will be plenty to keep the whole family entertained, with fairground rides, birds of prey, and the sound of brass bands drifting through the December air. More details at Beverley Festival of Christmas

Alongside the Festival of Christmas, those looking for a break from the crowds can pop into Beverley Guildhall between 10am and 3pm to enjoy a new Memory Museum video, take part in a Paperchain Challenge or just enjoy a hot drink. More details at East Riding Museums

Toll Gavel United Church will have Christmas tunes, local choirs and refreshments on offer from 11am to 3pm. More details at Toll Gavel United Church

And last but not least, East Riding Theatre will be holding an Arts & Vintage Fair from 11am to 3pm, along with mulled wine and mince pies. More details at East Riding Theatre.

Danny Martin, marketing director at Daniel Thwaites, which owns The Beverley Arms and is sponsoring the Festival of Christmas event for the fourth year running, said: “Christmas is something that makes people smile and the Festival of Christmas is a huge part of that for the people of Beverley.

“It’s a first-class event that helps draw in massive crowds and forms the backbone of trade for local businesses in the run up to Christmas, so we’re happy to extend a hand of support to help bring this exciting programme of events to life.

“The Festival of Christmas is a true celebration of everything Beverley has to offer for both the people of the town and surrounding areas to enjoy.”

Keep up to date with all the yuletide events at Beverley Festival of Christmas.