York Christmas Market returns in four weeks – festivities await!

Voted the Best Large Speciality Market in Britain*, the York Christmas Market returns from 14 November to 22 December 2024 on Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square. There will be 75 famous alpine chalets, adorned with twinkling fairy lights, creating a festive wonderland.

The York Christmas Market takes great pride in being predominantly local, with 80% being Yorkshire based businesses offering food and drink, artisan products and thoughtful gifts. 

Consideration for environmental sustainability and accessibility is a top priority every year. Sustainable traders were prioritized to ensure a positive environmental and social impact. These traders are committed to ethical practices, using eco-friendly materials, and supporting fair standards. By prioritizing them, we aim to promote a more responsible and conscious market that benefits everyone.  

Food and drink is always a highlight and there is something for everyone, traders include; award-winning chef Tommy Banks' pies and Millers Fish & Chips, an example of offers made with locally sourced ingredients. 

Discover York’s master distillers, including York Gin, known for sustainable packaging, and Ellers Farm Distillery, using water from the North Yorkshire farm. 

York's independently run businesses are the heart of the city. Stop by the Indie York chalet to discover local businesses, and don't miss the Yorkshire Yuletide Village located at The Guildhall, where some of the region's finest designer-makers come together to showcase their creations. 

The York Christmas Market is a welcoming and inclusive experience for everyone. To enjoy the festivities with ease and comfort that’s individual for all; special measures have been put in place and useful information can be found on at visityork.org. 

This includes:  

• Getting around - Getting in and around York is also a big consideration and it's easy to ensure a hassle-free and eco-conscious day out in York. York’s local bus services are the most efficient way to travel to and within the city, and you can plan ahead at itravelyork.info. In addition, with York Park & Ride you can park securely for free at one of six sites around the city and catch one of the frequent electric buses into the city centre. Find details at firstbus.co.uk/york 
• Quiet time - From 10am to 12pm daily, visitors can be assured a music-free period.   
• Toilet Map - An online map to help visitors locate a restroom.   
• Take A Seat Initiative - To allow a rest for those in need. The initiative is all about making the city more accessible to older people who may have reduced mobility but want to get out and about. 
• Safe Space Scheme - This is a community of businesses that provide a safe and secure place for women to go to if they feel under threat in any way. 
• Trader Map - View the accessibility-friendly Trader Map online, making it a winter wonderland breeze to locate your favourite stalls and plan ahead!  
• Virtual Christmas Market - available from 14 November, you can explore familiar favourites and uncover new treasures, all from the comfort of your own home. 

Sarah Loftus, Managing Director of Make It York, said: 

“We are excited to welcome everyone back to our enchanting Christmas Market! Our dedicated team has been hard at work to create a festive, welcoming, and safe environment where everyone can share in the holiday spirit. We can’t wait to celebrate the season with you all!” 

All Christmas Market traders are offering an exclusive 10% discount resident offer- just present a valid York Card or identity card that proves York residency (if presenting an identity card, this must clearly state 'York', e.g. driving licence or older person's bus pass).  

With a whole host of things to do in York, there’s always a reason to visit, here are just some of the events on the festive calendar: 

• THOR’S, Museum Gardens, 25 Oct - 31 Dec 
• Christmas Candle Making Workshop, Fabrication Crafts, 2 Nov, 1 & 15 Dec 
• Ghosts After Dark, York Museum Gardens, 7-10 November 
• A Christmas Mousetery, Fairfax House, 9 Nov - 5 Jan 
• Vintage Carousel, King's Square, 14 Nov - 22 Dec 
• York Christmas Market, Parliament Street, 14 Nov - 22 Dec  
• York Christmas Walking Tour with Sarah Cowling, 14 Nov - 24 Dec 
• THOR’S, The Milner York, 14 Nov - 24 Dec  
• Alice’s Christmas Wonderland, Castle Howard, 5 Nov - 5 Jan 
• Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland, York Designer Outlet, 15 Nov - 5 Jan 
• Christmas at York Castle Museum, 16 Nov - 5 Jan 
• Magical Sleigh Rides, Piglets Adventure Farm Park, 22 Nov - 24 Dec 
• York's Santa Experience, City Cruises York, 23 Nov - 23 Dec  
• Christmas at Mother Shipton's Cave, 23 Nov - 24 Dec 
• Christmas Ghost Stories, Barley Hall, 29 - 30 Nov 
• York Minster Christmas Tree Festival, York Minster, 30 Nov - 5 Jan  
• Santa Specials, North Yorkshire Moors Railway, 30 Nov - 24 Dec  
• The Yorkshire Yuletide Village, The Guildhall, 3 - 20 Dec 
• Aladdin, York Theatre Royal, 3 Dec - 5 Jan  
• York Early Music Christmas Festival, National Centre for Early Music, 6-15 Dec 
• Candlelit Christmas, St Olave's Church, 6 & 7 Dec  
• Beauty and The Beast, Grand Opera House York, 7 Dec - 5 Jan 
• Malton Christmas Festival, 7 Dec - 8 Dec 
• Big Christmas Concert, Q Church, 14 & 21 Dec 

The printed Winter Guide will be available from the Visitor Information Centre (21 Parliament Street) from 25 October – view the online version here.

Full details and more events can be found at: visityork.org/christmas