Whitby winter events expansion launches with new festive programme including Fire and Ice trail

The new partnership-led initiative, Whitby Winter Event Expansion – Baxtergate & Beyond, will support a co-ordinated programme of events, business engagement and town centre activity designed to increase footfall, support independent traders and strengthen Whitby’s winter economy.

Supported by David Skaith and funded through York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, the programme will see the expansion of Whitby’s festive offering across the town centre, with a particular focus on Baxtergate.

Whitby Christmas Market & Lights Switch-On

The festive season will begin with an expanded Whitby Christmas Market & Lights Switch-On Weekend, taking place across Whitby town centre on Friday November 13, Saturday November 14 and Sunday November 15.

The weekend will feature:

♦ festive market stalls

♦ Christmas lights switch-on celebrations

♦ live entertainment

♦ community performances

♦ family activities

♦ food and drink experiences

♦ late-night shopping opportunities

♦ and fringe events across the town centre

The organisers are inviting businesses, venues, performers, community groups and event organisers to create and host additional fringe events throughout the festive season.

The aim is to create a continuous programme of winter activity running from the popular Whitby Lit Fest period through to the Made in Whitby Christmas Festival on December 12 and 13.

Suggested fringe events could include late-night shopping evenings, Carol singing and choir performances, artisan workshops, indoor festive markets, live music, storytelling events, family activities, heritage talks, food and drink experiences.

Fire & Ice Trail

The new winter programme will also introduce Whitby’s first Fire & Ice Trail, taking place on Saturday January 23, 2027.

The trail will feature:

♦ ice sculptures throughout the town centre

♦ live carving demonstrations

♦ a large centrepiece sculpture

♦ interactive storytelling

♦ family activities including a fire and drumming performance at Dock End and community participation and school involvement

The trail route will begin and end on Baxtergate, encouraging visitors to explore the wider town centre during the quieter winter season.

Vibrant Baxtergate meetings

Businesses based on Baxtergate are invited to become involved in shaping the future of the area through the ongoing Vibrant Baxtergate meetings.

The next meeting will take place at Ammonite & Alchemy on Tuesday July 7, 2026.

Sessions available at 3.15pm and 5.30pm, with repeat session for businesses unable to leave premises earlier in the day.

The meetings will provide updates on things such as planned events and activity, business support opportunities, marketing initiatives and street scene improvements.

Emailing [email protected] for more information.

The partnership hopes the programme will help restore pride in Baxtergate and create a more vibrant, resilient and welcoming high street for residents, businesses and visitors alike.

Further announcements regarding event programmes, sponsorship opportunities and participation will be released over the coming months.