UK’s largest one-day Christmas market returns to historic town with REAL reindeers, brass bands
A HISTORIC town will host a festive wonderland with real reindeers for just one day.
The UK’s largest single-day Christmas market is returning with more than 120 stalls this December.
The Beverley Festival of Christmas will return on Sunday, December 13, bringing thousands of visitors to the East Yorkshire town for one of the country’s biggest festive events.
Shoppers will be able to browse more than 120 stalls selling everything from handmade gifts and Christmas decorations to jewellery, homeware and locally produced food.
The market will spread across Beverley’s historic Saturday Market, Wednesday Market and North Bar, with independent traders offering plenty of inspiration for anyone still searching for Christmas presents.
The day will kick off with a spectacular parade at 10am, setting off from Wednesday Market and travelling along Toll Gavel towards Saturday Market.
Santa Claus will lead the procession alongside his reindeer, with live music, comedy acts, Steampunks, majorettes and Bernese mountain dogs also expected to take part.
After the parade, Father Christmas and his reindeer will remain in Saturday Market until mid-afternoon, giving families the chance to see them up close and take photographs.
Visitors can also expect traditional Victorian fairground rides, face painting, birds of prey displays and ice sculptures throughout the day.
Brass bands, carol singers and dancers will provide a festive soundtrack as shoppers explore the town centre.
The festival will be running from 10am until 4pm and the entry is free.
The event was first established in 1995 by local shop owner John Bird, who brought Beverley’s traders together to create a special day of Christmas shopping.
It has since grown into one of East Yorkshire’s best-known festive traditions, with 2026 marking its 30th year.