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Your essential guide to visiting York, England

Christmas Markets in York

Thinking of visiting the Christmas markets in York? I visit the Xmas markets in York every year and there is always something new to discover.

Christmas in York is a magical time. The York Christmas Markets are the centrepiece of the six-week long, citywide St. Nicholas Fair. The Christmas markets in York attract visitors from all over the U.K and abroad. It is regularly voted one of the top ten ‘Best Christmas Markets UK’.

I put together this comprehensive list of frequently asked questions to help you plan a successful Xmas markets York trip.

Table of Contents

Christmas markets in York – planning your trip

Is york christmas market on this year .

Yes. In 2023, the Christmas markets in York are better than ever. This year the market has over 70 wooden chalets selling locally made crafts, gifts, food and drink.

What are York Christmas market dates and opening hours? 

The main Christmas market runs from 16th November to 22nd December. The markets are open everyday from 10 am to 7 pm.

Where is the Christmas market held?

The open air market is one of the main city centre pedestrianised streets. There are two lines of chalets on Parliament Street plus more chalets centred around St. Sampson’s Square at the top of Parliament Street.

How many Christmas markets in York are there? 

There is the large annual Christmas market on Parliament Street but this year, there are a few smaller York markets Christmas shoppers can browse.

The ‘Yorkshire Yuletide Village’ is an artisan market run by Made In Yorkshire. It is held in the historic Guildhall behind the Mansion House on St. Helen’s Square and is open everyday from 21st November to 17th December from 10 am to 4.30 pm.  All the stallholders are local Yorkshire artists so this is a great place to pick up unique, one of a kind gifts.

You can buy jewellery, ceramics, fine art, textiles, glassware, sculpture and homewares.  You can also have a go at making your own gift at one the workshops run by the artisans. These include make your own felt wreath, a felt brooch and a metal rose. Pre-booking is essential. Find out more about the workshops here. 

I also recommend visiting The Shambles Market. Although this is a year round market,  you can visit some handicraft stalls for that perfect gift.

How any days do I need to spend at York Christmas Market?

If you’re looking for a one day Christmas markets trip, York is the perfect option as all the markets can easily be visited in one day.

Getting around York is quick and easy. The city centre is compact and its pedestrianised streets are easily covered on foot so you won’t walk miles. Plus, you won’t need to use public transport to get around the Christmas markets as you do in other U.K cities.

So, if you want easy to visit, one day Christmas markets York is the perfect choice.

Are the Xmas markets in York child friendly? 

I have three children and I bring them to the Xmas markets in York every year. However, the markets do get very busy at peak times so if you are visiting with kids I advise visiting as early as you can or going later on in the day.

There are a few stalls selling toys and gifts for kids plus food stalls selling chocolate, brownies, fudge and hot chocolate. Plus, if weary little legs need to take a break, there are a few benches along the edge of Parliament Street.

I recommend walking 5 minutes from the Christmas market to King’s Square, in front of York Chocolate Story. This is where you will find magicians and street performers. It also has an old fashioned carousel during the Xmas fair.

There is also a drop-in Santa’s grotto in Coppergate near Jorvik Viking Centre. Read my tried and tested guide of the best things to do in York with kids here. 

Are York Xmas markets wheelchair accessible? 

Yes. The main Christmas market is wheelchair accessible but it will be very busy at peak times so getting around easily could be difficult. If possible, avoid weekends and visit at quieter times during the week.

There are disabled parking bays available in nearby Castle car park. Plus, there is fee paying wheelchair accessible toilet in The Shambles Market on Silver Street. There is also a free disabled access toilet on the ground floor of Brown’s department store on St. Sampson’s Square.

Can I bring my dog to the Christmas market? 

York is a dog friendly city but whether you bring your dog to York Christmas markets depends on how your dog copes with crowds. At weekends, the market gets very busy so moving around easily with a dog is difficult.

Getting to York Christmas markets

Where is the nearest parking to york christmas market .

The nearest ground level car park is Castle Car Park, opposite Clifford’s Tower (Tower Street, YO1 9SA). It is open 24 hours a day and is a 6 minute walk from the market.

However, parking in York is not cheap! If you go Christmas shopping in York for 5 hours, you will pay £15.50 – plus an additional £3.10 per hour for every hour over 4 hours! It costs £4 to park between 6 pm and 8 am.

There is also a multi storey NCP car park near Coppergate (2 St Mary’s Square, YO1 9WY). It is open 24 hours and is a little cheaper than Castle Car Park at £9.95 for over 3 hours. Plus it is only a 3 minute walk from the market. Cashless payment is available on the NCP app.

Wherever you choose to park, arrive early to secure your spot. Parking spaces fill up quickly, particularly at weekends.

What is the best way to get to the Christmas markets in York? 

Personally, I think the best way to get to the markets is to visit York by train or to use one of the four Park and Ride routes.

York rail station is 1.5 km or a short 15 minute walk from the market. You will avoid heavy traffic and high parking fees if you travel to York by train. 

If you are driving to York, use one of the four Park and Ride schemes stationed around the city. Buses run approximately every 15 minutes and have a journey time into York of around 10-15 minutes depending on traffic.

Return fares cost £3.60 per adult with up to 3 children under 16 travel for free with one paying adult. For a little extra hassle, using the Park and Ride buses works out much cheaper than parking in York.

Which Park and Ride bus do I need to catch?

There are Park and Ride bases at the compass points of the city so which base you use depends on where you are driving from.

If you arriving from west of the City of York, catch the No. 59 bus from Poppleton Park and Ride. It will drop you off outside York rail station (a 15 minute walk to the market). Alternatively, stay on the bus until Skeldergate (a 5 minute walk to the market).

The No. 2 bus from Rawcliffe Park and Ride in the north of the city drops you outside Museum Gardens or Exhibition Square, opposite Bootham Bar. It is a 7 minute walk from both stops to the Christmas market.

Arriving from the south of York?  Park at MacArthur Glen Park and Ride and catch the No. 7 bus. It drops you on Clifford Street near York Dungeon, a 5 minute walk from the market.

Want to walk as little as possible to get to the Xmas markets in York? Catch the No. 9 Park and Ride bus from Vangarde Shopping Centre north east of York. Get off at The Stonebow, a 4 minute walk from the market.

Read my guide to York Park and Ride here. 

Xmas markets in York – visiting information

Are the christmas markets free to enter .

Yes. All the Christmas markets mentioned in this article are free for everyone.

When is the best time to visit the Christmas market in York?

If you want a lively, festive atmosphere visit the market on weekends. However, it will be VERY busy so if you prefer a quieter shopping experience, visit during the week.

I like to visit the market at any time of the day but my favourite time is after dark. The illuminated trees along Parliament Street and the lit up chalets look so pretty!

What can I buy at the market?

I think there is something for everyone at the Christmas market in York. You can buy clothing items, jewellery, art, ornaments, homeware, lights and toys. I always leave with a new Christmas decoration!

Food options include brownies, fudge, chocolate and pies. You can also pick up a gift bottle of Yorkshire Gin, whiskey or wine.  You can find a full list of 2023 traders and a Christmas market map here.

Is there a public toilet in the market? 

There isn’t a public toilet in York Christmas market itself but there are three toilets within a one minute walk. Go into The Shambles market on Parliament Street, turn left and you will find the fee paying Silver Street toilets.

There are also free toilets on the ground and first floor of Brown’s department store and on the third floor of Marks and Spencers. Both shops are on Parliament Street next to the market.

You can read my guide to public toilets in York here. Other mums will understand why I wrote a post about loo’s!

Can I buy food and drink at the Christmas market?

Yes. There are several pop up stalls selling crepes, hot chocolate or mulled wine. Plus, there are lots of street food options in The Shambles market. It also has a covered communal seating area if you want to sit down.

Parliament Street is a central venue so you are only minute away from pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants.

If you have time, I recommend popping into Museum Gardens to visit Thor’s Tipi. This huge tipi is specially erected for the St. Nicholas Fair. It serves hot and cold drinks and alcohol (we take our kids every year for a hot chocolate piled with marshmellows). Visitors sit on communal, sheepskin line rugs around a roaring log fire. You will find it easy to strike up a conversation with a Yorkie in the Tipi.

What else is there to do in York at Christmas?

There is something for everyone in York at Christmas no matter what your age, budget or taste.

You can visit the Christmas themed displays in one of York’s historic houses, go to a carol concert at York Minster, shout yourself hoarse at a pantomime, indulge in a festive afternoon tea or go ice skating at York Winter Wonderland.

You won’t be bored and you will leave my city with some magical memories. Read my essential guide to York at Christmas 2023 here.

Plus, if you are spending Christmas Day in York, discover my top picks for Christmas dinner in York here. There is an option for every budget.

Are there other Yorkshire Christmas markets I can visit from York? 

There are a few other notable Christmas markets in Yorkshire that are easy to get to from York.

Leeds is 30 minutes by fast train from York. Its city centre Christmas market is very spread out in several different locations so expect to do a lot of walking. Locations include Dortmund Square, New Briggate and City Square. The stalls are open everyday from 21st November to 22nd December. Opening hours are 10 am – 7 pm weeknights, till 9 pm on weekends and till 6 pm on Sundays.

We love visiting Knaresborough Christmas Market. This charming market town is 20 minutes by train from York. It’s one off market takes place on December 2nd and 3rd from 10 am – This market gets very busy but it has a great festive atmosphere. The market weekend finishes with a fireworks display on Sunday at 4.30 pm.

If you decide to drive to Knaresborough, the council are offering free Park and Ride from Manse Lane (HG5 8LF) use for the duration of the fair.

Harrogate is a 30 minute drive or train ride from York. It hosts a small Christmas market on its pedestrianised Cambridge Street and Market Place. The market is open everyday from 1st – 17th December from 10 am – 7 pm (except Sundays 11 am – 4 pm).

The Harrogate Christmas Fayre is expected to take place between 1 and 17 December 2023, and will be open daily. There is also a Festive Artisan Fayre in Valley Gardens on December weekends.

I know I am biased but of all the Christmas market Yorkshire has to offer, I think York is the best!

I hope you have a wonderful, festive time visiting the Christmas markets in York and, if it’s not too early, happy Christmas!

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York, a beautiful and enchanting walled city in the heart of North Yorkshire.

Described as a lively festival city with Roman roots and a Viking past, York offers a fantastic range of attractions for you to explore.  Wander around the Shambles, quaint cobbled lanes which are home to independent stores, quirky gift shops and cosy tea rooms. With buildings from the 14th century, it’s one of the most intact medieval areas in England, visited by many visitors every year.

Visit York Minster, one of the world’s most magnificent Gothic cathedral and the largest cathedral in Northern Europe. This exquisite building contains an impressive collection of medieval stained glass, with the earliest dating back to the 12th century. 

Explore the fascinating museums, such as the National Railway Museum, York Castle Museum and Jorvik Viking Centre. There are also inspiring art galleries, including York Art Gallery with artist collections that span over 600 years. 

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Or why not visit a Christmas Market either in the UK or Europe? We have a choice of Christmas Market breaks in cities such as Edinburgh, York, Paris, Bruges and Moselle.

Alternatively, if you’d like to relax on Christmas Day and let someone else do the cooking, try one of our great Christmas breaks in a choice of fantastic locations throughout the UK, including festive food and entertainment as well as included excursions.

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Events in Mesa, AZ

Enjoy the many thrilling, family-friendly events that fill our calendar year-round — ranging from nightly improv comedy shows and live music performances, to larger annual festivals and multicultural celebrations.

During the day, browse artisan vendors and local purveyors at pop-up farmers’ markets — such as the Downtown Mesa Farmers’ Market held every Saturday — or savor the global flavors of Mesa’s dynamic culinary scene at a street fair or food festival. In the evening, laugh it up with friends and family during an improv act at the Neighborhood Comedy Theatre , settle in for a stage production at the Hale Centre Theatre , or listen to live music at a local bar, craft brewery or concert hall.

Plan your visit around one of Mesa’s can’t miss annual events , such as the popular Flagg Gem & Mineral Show, Southwest Maker Fest or the Desert Woodcarving Show and Sale. During the summer, Mesa celebrates Independence Day with the Arizona Celebration of Freedom , filling the streets of downtown Mesa with local vendors, family activities , stunt shows and live music performances, as well as a stunning fireworks display. In the fall, the Mesa Arts Center presents the Día de los Muertos Festival , which celebrates Latin American art, culture and cuisine in honor of the Mexican holiday.

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Legends and Lore of the Superstition Mountains and More, Lecture Series 4087 N Apache Trail Apache Junction, Arizona 85119 More   Open in Google Maps

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Picnic at The Yard w/ Live Music on Wednesdays 1 N. MacDonald Dr Mesa, AZ 85201 More   Open in Google Maps

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