Ripon’s Festive Season Preview

✨ Ripon is about to sparkle — and we mean that quite literally! ✨

This November, the city is pulling out all the stops to deliver a festive season full of magic, music, and community spirit.

🎅 It all kicks off on Saturday 15th November with the Christmas Lights Switch-On, hosted by Ripon City Council. From 1pm, Market Square will transform into a festive playground with fairground rides, a climbing wall, and even Santa and his reindeer making magical appearances. Live entertainment begins at 3pm, building up to the big moment at 5pm when Ripon’s Christmas lights officially illuminate the city. It’s a free event, and everyone’s invited to come along, shop, celebrate, and soak up the seasonal sparkle.

But that’s just the beginning.

🍷 The following weekend, from Friday 21st to Sunday 23rd November, Ripon BID and Little Bird Artisan Markets are teaming up to bring us the Magical Artisan Christmas Market — a brand new three-day extravaganza. Picture traditional wooden huts filled with handcrafted gifts, festive food, and warming winter drinks. Add in cheeky elves, Father Christmas, and the incredible Calvos street performers, and you’ve got a market that’s bursting with charm and creativity. It’s all about supporting local makers and small businesses, while giving visitors a truly magical experience in the heart of Ripon.  It is also Ripon Cathedral’s Food & Gift Fair on Friday and Saturday – so a packed weekend for markets.

🎁 And if you’re still not feeling festive enough, mark your calendars for Thursday 27th November — that’s when Jingle & Mingle Late Night Shopping returns, with bells on! Local shops will stay open late, offering exclusive deals and festive treats. Plus, the AFO Choir will be performing in the square from 5pm, adding a joyful soundtrack to your evening stroll. Shoppers can also take part in the Jingle & Mingle Card prize draw — collect stamps from five participating businesses and you could win vouchers to spend locally.

So whether you’re here for the lights, the artisan gifts, or the mince pies, Ripon is the place to be this Christmas. It’s festive, it’s fun, and it’s full of heart. As Lilla Bathurst from Ripon BID says, ‘It’s not just about festive cheer — it’s about driving footfall, supporting our businesses, and giving people a reason to rediscover and fall in love with our city centre.’

Come make it magical — come make it Ripon.