The Great Yorkshire Showground are counting down to Christmas

The Great Yorkshire Showground is gearing up for a particularly busy festive season, with a packed calendar of Christmas events, seasonal shopping and plenty of reasons to make a trip to Harrogate.

From the biggest Christmas fair, perfect for getting the shopping done, to afternoon tea with Santa himself, we can’t wait for the Christmas season to arrive.

What’s on at the Great Yorkshire Showground this Christmas?

New for 2026, they’ve announced Santa’s Polar Kingdom. Bringing some North Pole magic to the Great Yorkshire Events Centre from 11th to 23rd December with an enchanted Elf Forest, dazzling Northern Lights, Santa’s Village, Santa’s Workshop and the North Pole Post Office.

Hop on the Sleigh Ride, browse the Christmas Market, enjoy the Fun Fair or take a well-earned rest at the Après Ski Bar.

There’s an amazing incentive behind the festive calendar, too. Profits raised from events throughout the festive season will be reinvested in the countryside by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, supporting its work across the region.

Commercial Director of Yorkshire Event Centre Ltd, Graham Thompson, said: “Christmas is always exciting here at the Great Yorkshire Showground and we really have something for everyone this year!

“We know what a busy time of year Christmas is for everyone, and we hope that having one destination for all your Christmas needs will make life simpler – and more enjoyable for everyone.”

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Festive food shopping and Santa’s Afternoon Tea at Fodder

No festive season would be complete without the most exciting food shop of the year, and Fodder is bringing together some of the region’s best producers for its free-to-enter Christmas Extravaganza on 19th November, from 5:30 pm to 8 pm.

It’s a chance to meet the local suppliers behind some of Yorkshire’s finest produce and pick up some inspiration for the big day.

There’ll be butchery demonstrations, cheese tastings and plenty of seasonal food and drink to take a look at, with complimentary mulled wine and mince pies waiting on arrival.

Santa will also be making an appearance at Fodder on Saturday 12th December, hosting a magical festive afternoon tea from 4 pm.

Tuck into a generous spread of sandwiches, savoury bites, and festive treats, with freshly brewed Yorkshire Tea or Coffee Brothers coffee, plus a warming glass of mulled wine for the adults.

The highlight, of course, is a visit from Santa himself, who’ll visit each table to hear the children’s Christmas wishes. Every child aged up to 14 will also receive a gift to take home.

Book your tickets here!

More festive events at the Great Yorkshire Showground

Plenty is happening beyond Fodder, too. From 26th to 29th November, the Great Yorkshire Events Centre will host the Great Yorkshire Christmas Fair.

Here you can expect everything from festive food and decorations to stocking fillers. There’ll also be plenty of places for a pitstop at one of their cafés or restaurants or if you fancy making an occasion of it, their champagne bar!

Meanwhile, the Pavilions of Harrogate will be getting into the party spirit, with its annual programme of Christmas celebrations. Whether you’re after a place at one of its Christmas Party Nights or planning a private gathering, expect a warm Yorkshire welcome and festive menus prepared by the in-house chefs using locally sourced produce.

And for those gearing up to get the decorations out, the Harrogate Christmas Tree Centre returns from the end of November, with Yorkshire-grown trees from its family-run business.

There’s plenty to keep the Great Yorkshire Showground busy this Christmas, whether you’re getting ahead with the food shop, planning a festive afternoon out with the family or simply looking for an excuse to indulge in seasonal Yorkshire produce.

For more information about any of the events above, head to Fodder’s website and the Great Yorkshire Events Centre website.

Hungry for some more festive fun? Check out our guide to the best Christmas markets in Yorkshire.