About to enter its 32nd year, Grassington Dickensian Festival is one of the most established Christmas festivals in the UK. It is also one of the most distinctive. The picturesque Dales village setting gives it character, and locals in period costume bring it to life. The village theatre group performs Mummers’ plays. Victorian carol singers and choirs as well as three brass bands provide musical entertainment. And if you wander off the beaten track you might stumble across granny selling Christmas puddings from her back door.
Stalls filled with local produce and Christmas gifts populate the village and hall, and if the weather is good the traditional pubs and cafés lay on outdoor seating. Grab a cappuccino while soaking up the atmosphere. And what an atmosphere! Barrel organs, children bearing gifts and carols, stilt walkers, living statues and jugglers provide some of the sights and sounds; even the town crier has a challenge on his hands to make himself heard.
The square of this 300 year old village is closed to traffic for the day; even Santa goes on foot, along with the donkey who leads the procession. And thousands of visitors from all over the country join them to make Grassington a vibrant Christmas village. Be part of this festive whirl through Dickensian times!
Our overnight stay includes dinner, bed and breakfast. There is another treat in store the following day as we travel to Manchester city centre. No Mancunian winter is complete without a wander through the chalet-lined streets of Manchester’s famous Christmas Markets.
European and local producers offer everything from fine amber jewellery, handcrafted leather bags, and top quality Bonsai trees, to Dutch cheeses, French breads, and Spanish chorizo. Perfect for alternative gift ideas, enjoy the banter and the advice of the stallholders from all over the continent. The array of over 200 stalls is mind-boggling! This unmissable Omega Holidays break aims to send you home refreshed, inspired and ready to make the most of your family Christmas.
This tour is organised and operated by Omega Short Breaks Ltd ABTA Y5914
