Discover why local christmas markets are the perfect family day out. Support small businesses, spark curiosity, and enjoy free entertainment for kids.

Why Local Markets Are a Must for Every Family This Christmas

There’s something truly magical about a Christmas market — the twinkle of fairy lights, the smell of mulled wine and homemade fudge, and the sound of festive music drifting through the air.

For us, these markets capture the very best of the season: community spirit, family time, and simple moments that make Christmas feel special. Each year, we try to visit as many as we can, soaking up the atmosphere, supporting local makers, and making memories together.

A Place Where Learning Comes to Life

Christmas markets for kids aren’t just about shopping — they’re full of opportunities to learn and explore. From Lily’s eyes lighting up as she chats to stallholders about how their handmade Christmas crafts are created, to Noah asking endless questions about the decorations and toys, every market becomes a festive classroom.

Many UK Christmas markets feature live music, traditional crafts, and festive workshops that bring the story of Christmas to life far more vividly than any textbook ever could. Last year, Lily even performed at the Brighouse market, and the pride she felt being part of such a creative, community-spirited event was unforgettable.

Free Entertainment and Community Spirit

One of the best things about Christmas markets is just how much festive entertainment you can enjoy for free. From live music and choirs to cheerful street performers, the atmosphere at a family Christmas market always feels full of life and joy.

For families, that sense of community really matters. You bump into familiar faces, chat to friendly stallholders, and often see the same people year after year. It’s a lovely reminder that the most meaningful family days out don’t have to be expensive or far away — sometimes the best memories are made right in your own Yorkshire market square, wrapped in the sounds of laughter and Christmas carols.

Confidence and Independence for Kids

Markets are brilliant for helping children develop confidence. They learn how to ask for things politely, count out money, and talk to adults who aren’t teachers or relatives.

I love watching Lily and Noah explore — deciding what to eat, choosing small handmade gifts, or proudly paying for something themselves. These experiences help them find their voice and independence in the most natural, joyful way.

Food, Flavours, and New Experiences

If you’ve ever wandered through a Christmas market food stall, you’ll know how impossible it is to resist trying everything! I love letting the kids pick something new each time we visit — maybe a homemade brownie, a spicy sausage, or a wedge of local Yorkshire cheese.It’s such a fun (and delicious) way to encourage them to try new flavours and learn where food comes from. These little tasting adventures turn into great memories — and even better conversations on the ride home. “Did you really love that fudge, or was it just the sprinkles?”

Supporting Local Makers and Small Businesses

For parents, markets are the perfect reminder of why it’s so important to shop small. Behind every stall is someone’s passion — from candle makers and artists to bakers and jewellers. Buying from them doesn’t just support a small business; it shows your children that creativity and hard work can become something real.

Markets are also a fantastic place to find personalised presents that actually mean something. Every Christmas, I pick up at least one handmade gift from a market stall, and it always ends up being the most appreciated.

A Love Letter to Local Life

Exploring markets has helped my children gain a real appreciation for where they live. They’ve discovered parts of Yorkshire’s towns they might never have visited otherwise — from the charm of Brighouse to the cobbled magic of Haworth or the grandeur of Piece Hall.

Each market shows off its own character. When kids see their town buzzing with life and colour, it teaches them pride in their local area and helps build a sense of belonging.

Christmas Magic (and a Printable Activity Pack!)

Of course, we will be visiting a number of local christmas markets this year. There’s something about the glow of fairy lights, the smell of cinnamon, and carols echoing across cobbled streets that feels like a storybook come to life.

If you’re heading to one this year, make sure to use my Christmas Market Scavenger Hunt, included in my Christmas Activity Pack. It’s a fun, screen-free way for kids to stay engaged — spotting decorations, smells, and sounds — while learning about the magic of the season.

💕 Why It Matters

These market days are the moments that stitch our family year together — a mix of laughter, discovery, and togetherness. They remind us that joy often lives in simple things: live music in the cold, warm mince pies, and muddy boots on the way back to the car.

Christmas markets have a way of bringing people closer — to each other, to their town, and to that magical thing called Christmas joy.