Plan your visit to the Beverley Festival of Christmas

The Beverley Festival of Christmas takes place on Sunday 13 December 2026, running from 10am to 4pm across the heart of historic Beverley. Entry is free. Here's everything you need to know to make the most of your visit.
 

Getting there

By public transport (recommended)

We strongly recommend travelling to the festival by public transport where possible. Beverley is well served by both train and bus, and it's by far the easiest and most enjoyable way to arrive on what is an exceptionally busy day in the town. Beverley Railway Station is a 5-minute walk from the town centre and is served by trains from Hull, York and beyond. Beverley Bus Station is centrally located just a 1-minute walk from the festival and is served by routes from across the East Riding. Check the Arriva and East Yorkshire Motor Services websites for timetables and plan your journey in advance.

Free park and ride service

A free park and ride service is available from Beverley Racecourse, York Road, Beverley, HU17 8QZ. Please follow the AA signs to the Park & Ride which are located on all main roads locally.

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Capacity
Parking for 500 cars.

Operating times
Two buses will run between the Racecourse and the town centre.

The first bus will leave at 9am and the last bus from Beverley at 5pm.

Pick up times
Approximately every 10-15 minutes.

Pick up
Beverley Racecourse - look for signs opposite the car park.

Drop off
Wylies Road, Outside North Bar. Walk through the North Bar, into North Bar Within, passing St Mary’s Church, and onto Saturday Market Place (around a 4-minute walk). Volunteers will be available to assist.

Please follow the brown road signs to the Racecourse that are located on main roads, locally.

By car (car parks)

Every year thousands of people travel to East Yorkshire to attend the Beverley Festival of Christmas. Beverley is well signposted from all major routes with the M62 leading into the heart of the East Riding of Yorkshire. We are also accessed by the major A roads from York, Hull, Leeds and Scarborough.

There will be road closures and parking suspensions in Beverley on Sunday 13 December, 2026.

Full details of road closures and parking suspensions are available below

Princes Gardens Car Park, off Champney Road, Beverley, HU17 8HS, will be designated for Blue Badge holders.

Car Parks - Filter by Area: Beverley

By coach

Designated coach parking is available at School Lane Car and Coach Park, School Lane, Beverley, HU17 9AW (Off Walkergate, behind the Fire Station and approximately 3 minutes from the town centre). 

Coach parking is free of charge but must be booked in advance. To book coach parking please contact transport.support@eastriding.gov.uk.

This car park is designated to coaches only on this date.
 

Timings

The Beverley Festival of Christmas runs from 10am to 4pm. The opening parade leaves Wednesday Market at 10am and arrives at Saturday Market shortly after. Santa and his reindeer will be in Saturday Market from the arrival of the parade until approximately 2.30pm. We recommend arriving early to make the most of the day and to find the best spots for the parade.
 

Accessibility

Include - wheelchair access across the market areas, accessible parking and drop-off points, accessible toilets
 

Toilets

Public toilets are located on Lord Roberts Road, Beverley Railway station, Sow Hill Road and Dyer Lane.

Safety

The Beverley Festival of Christmas is a well-established, professionally managed event with extensive safety measures in place. The town centre will be very busy throughout the day so please keep the following in mind:  Keep children close and agree a meeting point at the start of the day in case you get separated.  Be mindful of the crowds, particularly during the opening parade and around Santa's location in Saturday Market.  The festival takes place largely on pedestrianised streets but please be aware of any vehicles associated with the event.  If you have any concerns on the day, speak to one of the event stewards in high-visibility jackets who are positioned throughout the festival site.

Please note that VEY Events and East Riding of Yorkshire Council are not responsible for any injury to persons and/or damage or loss of property during this event. You should ensure all your property remains with you at all times, that all children are supervised and that all dogs are kept on leads at all times (especially during the reindeer parade). 

In the event of an emergency you will be notified by the emergency services. Please follow the instructions of the emergency services, security and event staff. The First Aid and Lost Children point will be located in Saturday Market near the Market Cross.
 

Filming and photography

Please note we will be taking photographs and filming at this event. These photos and film will be used for future publicity. If you have any objections please notify the photographer/film crew on the day.
 

What to bring

The festival takes place outdoors across the historic streets of Beverley in December so wrap up warm and wear comfortable shoes. Here are a few things worth bringing: 

• Warm layers. It's December and the streets are open to the elements.
• Comfortable shoes. You'll be on your feet for most of the day on cobbled streets.
• Cash as well as cards. Many of the independent stallholders prefer cash or may have limited card facilities.
• A bag for your purchases
• A camera. The parade, the lights and the atmosphere are all worth capturing.
   

Dogs

Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome at the Beverley Festival of Christmas. Please be mindful of the crowds and keep your dog close, particularly around the live reindeer and fairground rides. Please also be a responsible owner and clean up after your dog.
 

Food and drink

You won't go hungry or thirsty at the Beverley Festival of Christmas. As well as the takeaway food and drink stalls across the market areas, Beverley's restaurants, cafes, pubs and eateries are all open throughout the day. Whether you're after a warming bowl of soup, a mulled wine or a full sit-down lunch, there's plenty of choice across the town.  For a relaxing drink or bite to eat in a more peaceful setting, the Beverley Arms Hotel on North Bar is right at the heart of the festival and is the perfect spot to recharge before heading back to the markets.
 

Making a weekend of it

The Beverley Festival of Christmas is a single-day event but Beverley has plenty to offer if you'd like to stay longer. The town has a brilliant selection of hotels, B&Bs and self-catering options, and Christmas in Beverley extends well beyond the festival itself. 

Find accommodation in Beverley