UK’s Biggest One-Day Christmas Market Returns With Reindeer
Father Christmas and his reindeer will lead a procession through Beverley’s streets this December, as one of Britain’s biggest one-day Christmas markets returns to East Yorkshire. The Beverley Festival of Christmas takes place on Sunday 13 December 2026, with local traders, musicians and performers gathering across the historic town centre. Its morning parade is only the beginning of a packed festive programme.
The parade starts at Wednesday Market and heads along Toll Gavel towards Saturday Market, with Santa, reindeer, musicians, dancers and performers joining the procession. Afterwards, the reindeer remain at Saturday Market until mid-afternoon for photographs. More than 120 stalls will fill Saturday Market, Wednesday Market and North Bar, selling handmade decorations, jewellery and local produce, while brass bands and carol singers perform throughout the day.
Getting to Beverley’s Christmas Market
- Date and entry: Sunday 13 December, 10am–4pm; admission is free.
- Train: Beverley station is about five minutes’ walk from the centre.
- Parking: Free park-and-ride at Beverley Racecourse (HU17 8QZ), with 500 spaces.
- Shuttle: Buses run approximately every 10–15 minutes; first departure 9am, last return 5pm.
- Roads: Town-centre closures apply; check the organisers’ travel guidance.
- Coaches: Parking must be booked in advance.
Beyond the stalls, Beverley Minster's Christmas Tree Festival displays more than 150 decorated fir trees until 13 December, with £6 adult entry and free admission for accompanied under-18s. St Mary's Church near North Bar hosts free carol services, while Flemingate adds craft stalls, face painting and family entertainment. Together they turn a market visit into a full day exploring Beverley's medieval churches and shopping streets.
Anyone hoping to see the parade should arrive before 10am. The reindeer stay only until mid-afternoon, and the market shuts at 4pm. Public transport or the racecourse shuttle is preferable to hunting for a central parking space, especially with road closures in place. The market needs no ticket, but Beverley Minster charges separately; aim to enter its Christmas Tree Festival before 4pm.
