Every year on the 1st of December as advent calendars are eagerly torn open by excited children and trees are carefully adorned with twinkling lights, it is widely agreed that a sense of festive cheer unites us; the Christmas season is, undisputedly, well and truly underway. On a local basis, this is certainly true for Ripon.

Every Christmas the city’s cobbled streets are decked out with spectacular decorations, centred around it’s medieval market square, where an an array of seasonal stalls are to be found. Ripon is rich in independent establishments including Karma, Memorable Moments, The Little Ripon Bookshop and many more perfect for authentic gift shopping, as well as coffee shops like Realitea, Clairo Lounge and the historic Wakeman’s café to provide warming festive drinks and sweet treats. Further enhancing the community’s experience is our magnificent cathedral, which provides spectacular candlelit services accompanied by carols, as well as a peaceful haven of quiet comfort for visitors during the chaotic, last minute gift shopping rush.

However, the celebration doesn’t end just outside Ripon, either; situated on it’s outskirts, Fountains Abbey is an awe-inspiring and beloved monastic ruin accompanied by Studley Royal’s dazzling water gardens and expansive deer park. This renowned world heritage site is now preparing to celebrate it’s eight-hundred and ninety-first Christmas, with much anticipated festivities well underway. This year, after browsing Ripon’s inner markets and completing their annual gift-shopping, visitors can expect to watch the abbey shine, illuminated by a blanket of sparkling lights as the cold, crisp winter evenings draw in. You can now see the abbey ablaze on a weekly basis, with specific events including carols by candlelight, winter garden tours and performances from live bands to name a few.

It is clear nothing epitomizes Christmas spirit more than the unity reflected within Ripon’s close-knit collective celebration, eagerly anticipated every year by the community.