Why Ripon Christmas Market isn’t open for longer hours each day

Over the weekend, I was asked several times why the Ripon Christmas Market wasn’t open for longer hours each day. It’s a fair question on the surface—after all, it’s Christmas, it’s a short season, and people understandably want to make the most of it.

But the reality behind the scenes is far more complex.

This year, our market ran on the same days as the Ripon Cathedral Gift Fair. We coordinated our timings intentionally: to ease congestion in the city, to encourage visitors to explore throughout the day, and to support longer dwell times in our shops and local businesses. A well-paced day benefits everyone.

However, when I explained that traders simply can’t work 12-hour days, many people replied with, “Well, it’s Christmas—it’s only for a short time.”

What customers often don’t see is everything that happens before and after the trading day even begins.

Behind every artisan stall is:

• Two hours of set-up before opening
• Load-out time after closing
• Travel time and early wake-ups
• Days of preparation beforehand—making stock, packing vans, organising childcare, making food for long days
• Weather to contend with, often harsh and relentless

And for us as organisers, the work begins days earlier too—sending out set-up details, planning layouts, liaising with partners, and ensuring everything runs smoothly.

Yes, this is part of the job for all of us. And yes, it’s the Christmas period. But just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.

A market day is long, physical, exhausting work. Our traders and staff are dedicated, but they’re also human. They have families. They have limits. They are not robots. And many of them are trading multiple days a week at different markets across the region.

We appreciate every single pound spent at our markets—we truly do. Your support keeps small businesses alive. But we also have a responsibility to protect the well-being of the people who bring these markets to life.

Sometimes the kindest, smartest decision is not to push for “more,” but to create an experience that’s sustainable, enjoyable, and safe for everyone involved.

Thank you for your understanding, your support, and for shopping small this Christmas.

Jackie, Managing Director, Little Bird Markets