GUIDE – Beverley Festival of Christmas returns on Sunday 14th Decemeber for its 29th year, and as anyone who’s been before knows, it’s brilliant, chaotic, charming and occasionally overwhelming, especially when the weather turns. With more than 120 stalls, the parade, the reindeer, fairground rides, live entertainment across the town and the Minster and Flemingate centre both running their own events, it’s a full-on day. Here’s a simple guide to help you get the best from it.
1. Use the Park & Ride — it’s free and saves a headache
Road closures mean town-centre parking will be tight. The free Park & Ride from Beverley Racecourse and Wylies Road runs every 10 to 15 minutes from 9am to 5pm . It’s by far the easiest way in and out.
2. Get into town before the 10am parade
The parade starts in Wednesday Market at 10am and travels to Saturday Market, bringing Santa and his reindeer with it . If you want a good view, arrive early.
3. Dress for ‘mixed’ weather
Its Sunday, it’s an event, it’s in England. Enough said.
4. Know your hotspots and escape routes
Saturday Market and Wednesday Market are the busiest pinch points thanks to the Victorian market and the reindeer pen. If you need a breather, head to Beverley Guildhall for quieter activities and refreshments from 10am to 3pm .
5. Warm up in St Mary’s or the Toll Gavel Church
St Mary’s is running mini carol services through the day, plus mulled wine, hot chocolate and children’s crafts, all free with donations welcome . Toll Gavel has live choirs and music from 10.30am and refreshments for £2.50. Both offer shelter if the rain turns heavy.
6. Don’t miss the Minster’s final day of the Christmas Tree Festival
Sunday is the last chance to see 150 decorated fir trees filling Beverley Minster in one of the town’s best festive displays. Doors open at 10am, last entry 4pm, adults £5 and children go free .
7. Head to North Bar for the best browsing
The Georgian Quarter will host independent traders, birds of prey, entertainment and an ice sculpture new for 2025 . It’s a great spot for gifts you won’t find in chain shops and usually a little calmer than Saturday Market.
8. Eat strategically — there’s good stuff everywhere
From Victorian market food stalls to Flemingate’s eateries, you won’t go hungry. If queues in Saturday Market look long, try Walkergate, Butcher Row or the independent cafés off the main drag. Flemingate has hot food, mulled wine and shelter in its Nordic tipi bar if the rain hits .
9. Bring cash as well as card
Most stalls take card, but some smaller makers don’t. A bit of cash can save you missing out on something brilliant.
10. Make a plan for little ones
The First Aid and Lost Children point is in Old Waste, Saturday Market . Show older kids where it is. Dogs must be on leads, especially during the reindeer parade.
If you embrace the crowds, prepare for the weather and follow a few local tricks, Beverley Festival of Christmas remains one of the best days on the Yorkshire calendar. Come early, wander slowly, eat well and let the atmosphere do the rest. If you’ve never been, you’re about to see the town at its most magical.