A Personal Invitation to the Ripon Christmas Markets – Celebrating Our City’s Festive Spirit

As a Ripon native, local Independent Councillor, and the founder of Little Bird HQ, I couldn’t be more excited to announce the Ripon Christmas Markets are finally here! This year marks a very special moment for me – not only because I get to bring three days of festive fun to the city I love so much, but also because this is a celebration of our local community, our traders, and the magic of Ripon at Christmas time.

Three Days of Festive Fun in the Heart of Ripon

Thanks to our incredible partnership with Ripon BID, support from David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, and funding from the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, this event promises to be something truly special. The Ripon Christmas Markets will be running across three days, packed with over 20 unique market huts, an array of entertainment, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere for everyone.

As someone born and raised here, I’m incredibly proud to play a part in bringing this event to life. It’s a chance to support local traders, celebrate Ripon’s rich heritage, and share the Christmas spirit with both our community and the thousands of visitors we’re expecting this weekend.

A Christmas Market You Can’t Miss

We've gone all out this year to make sure Ripon is ready to shine, with banners proudly displayed across the city and surrounding areas. Over 30,000 Ripon festive booklets have been delivered across the city, filled with all the details you need about the market and the entertainment, and our radio adverts are helping spread the word even further. It’s an event that’s going to bring a real buzz to the city, and I can’t wait to see the streets filled with people enjoying everything Ripon has to offer.

Entertainment That Brings the Magic to Life ✨

No Christmas market is complete without a little entertainment – and trust me, we’ve got plenty to keep you smiling! From the cheeky elves on unicycles to magical balloon-modelling reindeer, there’s fun around every corner. You’ll also be wowed by the incredible Calvos street entertainers, and our futuristic Halo LED Doormen will certainly make an impression.

But it’s not just about the modern spectacle – we’ve got something truly special for those who love tradition. The Ripon City Band will be playing festive favourites, filling the air with the timeless sounds of a traditional brass band. Their Christmas carols will create the perfect soundtrack as you wander through the market huts.

Proud to Be Ripon

I’ve always been proud to call Ripon home, and seeing our city come alive with festive cheer makes me incredibly grateful to be able to bring this event to life. This isn’t just about the markets – it’s about celebrating our community and all the wonderful local businesses that make Ripon so special. A huge thank you to Lilla and Ric at Ripon BID for all their amazing collaboration work and helping to finish off a great year.

I’m looking forward to welcoming thousands of visitors to Ripon this weekend – it’s going to be a weekend full of Christmas cheer, local pride, and, of course, plenty of festive fun.

So, whether you’re a Ripon local or visiting from further afield, make sure you join us for what promises to be a magical Christmas experience. See you at the markets! 🎄