Harrogate Town Council is helping to support Christmas in Harrogate this year by pledging £15,000 of partnership funding towards Harrogate BID’s festive proposals for 2026. The funding will contribute to a renewed programme of Christmas attractions, family activities and seasonal experiences designed to bring festive sparkle to the town centre and support local businesses during one of the busiest times of the year.
The festive programme is being delivered through a wider partnership arrangement, with Harrogate BID, North Yorkshire Council, Visit North Yorkshire, Harrogate Town Council, Victoria Shopping Centre and other local stakeholders working together to create a strong and welcoming Christmas offer for residents, businesses and visitors.
Plans include a range of festive attractions in the town centre, including Santa’s Grotto, interactive curling rinks, a giant snow globe, festive entertainment and an Ice Trail, alongside activity in Valley Gardens including an outdoor ice rink and the return of the Little Bird Made Christmas Market.
The new approach is intended to refresh Harrogate’s Christmas offer by focusing investment on attractions, experiences and town centre animation, while reducing the amount of funding that is absorbed by temporary infrastructure such as road closures, security measures and hostile vehicle mitigation.
Councillor Viv Poskitt, Mayor of Harrogate, said that Christmas is a special time of year for the town and that Harrogate Town Council is pleased to be working with Harrogate BID, North Yorkshire Council and other partners to help deliver this year’s festive programme. The Town Council has also set aside additional funding to support accessibility measures, helping to ensure that as many residents as possible can enjoy the festive activities on offer.
The programme aims to encourage residents and visitors to spend time in Harrogate, explore local shops, cafés, restaurants and attractions, and support the town centre economy throughout the festive period.
Further details, including opening times, attraction information and event schedules, are expected to be announced over the coming weeks.