Ripon at Christmas Guide 2022

The Right Worshipful the Mayor of Ripon, Councillor Sidney Hawke

On behalf of the City Council, I would like to wish everyone a very happy Christmas and prosperous New Year.

It has been an honour to serve you as Mayor during 2022, working together with the local community and charity groups and I look forward to continuing this in the New Year. Ripon is a great city that does a lot of charity work to make life a little better for those who are less fortunate and I am extremely proud of this.

From shops and cafes to a fantastic lighting display, we have lots to see and get involved in and we hope that you will join us.

Finally, together with the Mayoress, I would like to take this opportunity to extend my best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a peaceful, healthy and prosperous New Year to all.

Councillor Andrew Williams, Chairman of Ripon City Council’s Event Committee

I am pleased that Ripon City Council and Ripon BID have come together to produce the annual Christmas Guide. This Christmas, I know, will be, for many, a challenging time, trying to cope with the current cost of living crisis. I hope that the Christmas Lights and the switch-on event on November 19th and our annual New Year’s Eve celebration will give all our spirits a small boost.

I have one vital plea to you this Christmas: now more than ever, our shops and cafes and restaurants need us to use them if they are to stay in business. Whatever your budget, every cup of tea in a café and every pound spent in a Ripon business helps to keep it open and keep local people in work. Please support our local economy this Christmas; it is vital that we do.

I hope that 2023 is a less challenging year for us all. Merry Christmas.

A message from Richard Compton, Chairman of Ripon BID

Ripon city region has a fantastic offering; whether you are looking for a unique gift from one of our many independent retailers, organising your Christmas event at one of our incredible eateries, looking for a festive drink from one of the many pubs & bars, hoping to have that special seasonal makeover or looking forward to one of the many events happening this season - Ripon has it all! Ripon BID would encourage everyone to shop at & support your local businesses this year.

We are home to three museums, Ripon racecourse, three rivers & a canal, Lightwater Valley, Unesco World Heritage site Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, one of Britain’s greatest stately homes, a Cathedral founded in 672 & we are on the doorstep of the Yorkshire Dales & North York Moors. Our vision is to develop further the unique Ripon city region as a great destination for tourism, culture, creativity, innovation & business.

Ripon BID’s Investment in Ripon:

• c.£170,000+ in annual levy

• c.£850,000 investment in Ripon over 5 years

• Ability to secure significant grant funding

Ripon BID has achieved a great deal in its first year with some highlights being additional lighting, floral displays & cleaning, a new website, a promotional video, live music, a summer trail & investment in the inaugural Ripon Theatre Festival, a business savings scheme & creation of the Ripon Apprenticeship & Training Hub (RATH).

On behalf of the BID Board & the BID team I would like to wish all our BID businesses a very Happy Christmas & best wishes for a prosperous New Year.

Chris tmas LightsThe Big Switch-on

Enjoy free festive fun for the whole family from 1pm with the Christmas lights switch-on at 5pm.

Meet Santa & his reindeer as they make a special visit to Ripon to spread some magic & see our fantastic Christmas lights. With free fairground rides, a climbing wall & live entertainment too, get into the festive spirit & head on down to the Market Square!

Santa & his reindeer, free fairground rides & climbing wall from 1pm

Live entertainment takes to the stage from 2pm Christmas lights switch-on at 5pm

www.christmasinripon.co.uk

Christmas Market

Ripon’s Christmas Markets, curated by Little Bird Artisan Markets return on two selected Sundays this winter, offering mouth-watering international food, drinks and delicately-crafted Yuletide gifts in the heart of our bustling city. Their abundance of stalls will give you a truly diverse Christmas shopping experience and there really is something for everyone. Local crafters and producers offer everything from ceramic jewellery, children’s gifts, handcrafted woodwork to framed photo prints and skincare products.

littlebirdmade.com

Ripon Market Square

Christmas Market

Soak up the atmosphere and follow the market trail as it winds through our medieval marketplace, tempting you with beautiful Christmas presents, treats and festive decorations. What would Christmas be without the glorious food! When planning a visit, don’t miss the amazing array of food and drink suppliers available to tempt and treat you. Ripon’s Christmas Markets, curated by the wonderful Little Bird Artisan Markets, will have all your traditional festive favourites, including bratwurst, pies, cheese, cakes, fresh coffee, or a good old-fashioned mulled wine.

littlebirdmade.com

Ripon

Market Square

New Year’s Eve Celebrations

Ring in the new year with live music on the market square 9pm – midnight

Ripon at Christmas Events Guide

November

THURS 17th

Christmas Shopping on North Street 10am–8pm

Enjoy a glass of fizz, festive treats & Christmas shopping from the fabulous independent retailers on North Street.

Christmas Lights Switch-on

Ripon Market Square 1pm–5pm

Festive fun for all the family with a visit from Santa & his reindeer, a climbing wall, live entertainment & free fairground rides. Lights switch-on at 5pm

FRI 25th

Christmas Trees at Ripon Walled Garden Open 7 days a week from 25th November 9.30am–4pm Christmas shop opens with a selection of premium cut & potted Christmas trees, gifts & festive items Palace Road, HG4 3HN www.riponcommunitylink.org

FRI 25th & SAT 26th

Ripon Cathedral Christmas Gift & Food Fair

9.30am–4.30pm

A festive day out for all the family with 100 local traders, children’s craft activities & live music. Seasonal refreshments available. Tickets £5, under 12s free riponcathedral.org.uk

SAT 3RD

Fountains Abbey Festival Trail

Daily from 3rd December until 2nd January Festive family trail nationaltrust.org.uk

SAT 3RD & SUN 4TH

SAT 19TH

Music & Lights at Fountains

Abbey Weekends from 19th November & daily during school holidays

Seasonal music & rainbow lighting in the abbey. nationaltrust.org.uk

Christmas Shopping at the Workhouse Late night Christmas shopping & nibbles within the marvellous museum till 6pm www.riponmuseums.co.uk

SUN 27th

Christmas Market Ripon Market Square 10am–3pm Artisan Christmas market brought to you by Little Bird. littlebirdmade.com

Advent Procession & Carol Service

Ripon Cathedral 5.30pm

A beautiful candlelit service as we begin the preparation for Christmas riponcathedral.org.uk

Christmas at the Workhouse The Workhouse Museum at 2.30pm & 3.45pm Explore how paupers & staff would celebrate Christmas in 1896 with interactive performances www.riponmuseums.co.uk

MON 5th

Macmillan Ripon Carol Concert

From 6pm

Drinks & canapés at The Old Deanery followed by a candlelit carol concert at Ripon Cathedral macmillanriponcarolconcert.co.uk

SAT 10th

Ripon Choral Society performs Handel’s Messiah with carols

Ripon Cathedral 7.30pm Tickets £23 / £20 (unreserved) riponchoralsociety.org.uk

FRI 16TH

Carols at the Workhouse

Enjoy carols and mince pies at the Workhouse Museum accompanied by St Mary’s Church choir. Tickets £6 per person. www.riponmuseums.co.uk

SUN 18th

Christmas Market Ripon Market Square 10am–3pm Artisan Christmas market brought to you by Little Bird. littlebirdmade.com

FRI 23rd

Festival of Lessons & Carols

Ripon Cathedral 5.30pm

The Christmas Story told in readings and music from the glorious Ripon Cathedral Choir. riponcathedral.org.uk

SAT 24th

Festival of Lessons & Carols

Ripon Cathedral 5.30pm The Christmas Story told in readings and music.

MON 26th

Eucharist for St Stephen’s Day Ripon Cathedral 9.30am Followed by Pilgrimage to Fountains Abbey riponcathedral.org.uk

THURS 15th – SUN 18th

Illuminated Winter Wonderland

Ripon Spa Gardens 2pm–8pm

Enjoy lights, decorations, an alternative Christmas tree competition, Santa and sleigh. Refreshments on sale Free entry but all donations gratefully received

Festival of Lessons & Carols Ripon Cathedral 5.30pm The Christmas Story told in readings and music from the glorious Ripon Cathedral Choir. riponcathedral.org.uk

Journey to Bethlehem Ripon Cathedral 11am Families welcome for this interactive service Midnight Mass Ripon Cathedral 11pm www.riponcathedral.org.uk

SUN 25th

Christmas Day Festal Eucharist Ripon Cathedral 10.30am

SAT 31st

New Year’s Eve Celebration

Ripon Market Square 9pm–midnight Ring in the new year with live music on the Market Square

Watchnight Service and Torchlight Procession Ripon Cathedral 11.15pm From Ripon Cathedral to the Market Square

All events are subject to change. Please check venue websites for details.

Valentinos

2022 - a update from Ripon City Council

• Installed infrastructure at 11 locations across the city and purchased two Vehicle Activated Speed signs which are rotated around the locations on a schedule agreed with NYCC.

• Continued our programme of restoration of Hugh Ripley Hall which is a thriving community building.

• Provided Small Grants and Partnership Funding to 16 organisations.

• Provided much needed toilets at the Paddling Pool during the summer opening season.

• Held an enhanced programme of events, including our amazingly successful four-day Platinum Jubilee event.

• Continued our work with NYCC Highways to ensure that improvements are made to the roads in Ripon.

• Carried out significant work with the Police and Crime Commissioner, North Yorkshire Police and other partner agencies around antisocial behaviour and young people.

• Commissioned a mobile CCTV camera to be deployed within the city boundary at the discretion of North Yorkshire Police.

• Continued our investment in Christmas Lights for the City to help our residents enjoy the festive season and help our business to thrive.

• Partnered with Ripon Bid on the production of this festive marketing campaign.

We would like to update you on what the council has delivered in 2021 / 2022:

Shop, Dine & Drink local this

Christmas

Visit Ripon this Christmas and New Year and enjoy one of the many festive activities and attractions on offer – make sure you visit our wonderful independent and high street retailers for all your seasonal needs.

Why not stop at one of the many welcoming pubs and bars for a festive drink, or one of our superb cafés and coffee shops for a winter warmer. Our fabulous array of highquality restaurants are ready to welcome you with seasonal menus, offers and of course glorious food!

They say health is wealth, and as we approach 2023, if you are thinking of kick-starting your health and fitness journey in the New Year, you couldn’t be in better hands. From our gym and leisure centre to high street opticians and holistic practitioners, there is something for the mind, body and soul.

Details of all Ripon has to offer can be found via the directory at: www.visitripon.co.uk/directory

Shop local this Christmas - Shop Ripon!