Festive Shopping: Hampsthwaite Memorial Hall

Hampsthwaite Memorial Hall is hosting its festive shopping evening on Friday 4 December, from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. It's a Christmas market with over 15 stalls, so there's plenty to look through in one go. You'll find accessories, jam, candles, clothes and art, and there's a raffle running on the night too.

The evening is run by the hall itself, a community space that relies on a steady round of fundraising to stay open and to keep improving. Every penny raised on the night — from stallholder fees and raffle ticket sales to donations — goes directly back into the building. It's one of several such initiatives the venue stages throughout the year, with a wreath-making session following on 5 December, and the whole thing is held together by the hall's volunteer-led effort.

It's a good spot for ticking a few things off your list early, especially if you're after something a bit more thoughtful than the high street. With more than 15 stalls, you can pick up a few different kinds of gifts in one evening rather than spending the whole month nipping in and out of shops. Entry is free, and the raffle is there if you fancy a flutter while you're browsing.

If you're heading over, the hall is at Hollins Lane, Hampsthwaite, Harrogate HG3 2EJ. It runs from 6:00pm to 9:00pm on Friday 4 December, so you can pop in whenever suits you best.