York Christmas Market
WINNER! Best Large Speciality Market in Britain*
14 November – 22 December
Open daily 10am – 7pm Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square
The York Christmas Market takes great pride in being predominantly local. There are 75 famous alpine chalets, adorned with twinkling fairy lights, creating a festive wonderland of 80% local traders and artisan products.
The festive wonderland showcases Yorkshire's finest artisans, edible treats, beverages and thoughtful gifts all contributing to an exquisite winter escape.
While people flock from across Europe to enjoy our award-winning Christmas Market, voted the Best Large Speciality Market in Britain*, there are many more reasons why York has been called the UK’s most festive city.
York can boast more enchanting experiences per square mile than any other city in the UK with lots of festive must-see attractions.
Check the Festive Calendar on page 20 and head to visityork.org/christmas for more events.
*National Association of British Market Authorities (NABMA)’s Great British Market Awards 2023. Shared alongside Stratford-upon-Avon.
Are you a York resident?
York Christmas Market wants to welcome as many residents as possible and all of the traders are offering an exclusive 10% discount for you. 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).
Shambles Market
Among the Christmas Market stalls, there will also be regular stalls from the popular Shambles Market – a Tripadvisor® 2023 Travelers' Choice® Award Winner. Open every day, you can find something different each day from local York traders.
A Market For Everyone
The market is not just about shopping – it's about creating a welcoming and inclusive experience for everyone.
We want everyone to enjoy the Christmas Market with ease and comfort that’s individual to everyone. To help with this, we have put special measures in place.
Virtual Christmas Market
Explore familiar favourites and uncover new treasures, all from the comfort of your own home.
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.
From 10am to 12pm daily, visitors can be assured of a music-free period.
Trader Map
View the accessibility-friendly Trader Map online, making it a winter wonderland breeze to locate your favourite stalls!
An online map to help locate a restroom.
10 September 2024 – 23 March 2025 (on open days)
Discover the botanical artworks of Mary Delany in a new photographic exhibition on the first floor Reddihough Galleries, presented in partnership with the British Museum.
nationaltrust.org.uk/beningbrough-art
Proudly Yorkshire
Many of our local businesses are sustainable champions, and the York Christmas Market is no exception. We aim to promote a more responsible and conscious market that benefits everyone.
With most of the traders Yorkshire-based businesses, there’s a focus on sustainability with traders committed to ethical and eco-friendly practices.
Don't miss the Indie York chalet where you can pick up a map and find out more about York's independently-run businesses. You'll find something new every day from a different supplier!
At the stunning Guildhall, nestled just behind the Mansion House on St Helen's Square, you'll find the Yorkshire Yuletide Village hosted by Made In Yorkshire. Bringing together some of the finest designer makers from around the region where you can find that unique Christmas gift and support local artisans.
Look out for ‘The Yorkshire Mark’ that celebrates Yorkshire’s fantastic range of food and drink businesses that produce, make, sell or champion Yorkshire products.
It's easy to ensure a hassle-free and ecoconscious day out in York.
Getting around Green York
York’s local bus services are the most efficient way to travel to and within the city. Plan ahead and stay up to date at itravelyork.info
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. firstbus.co.uk/york
York tells a story where traditional charm meets sustainability. Read more about Green York, including stays, walks and adventures at visityork.org/green-york
Shambles Market
Food Heroes
Discover the culinary artistry and dedication to sustainability of York's food heroes, chefs, producers and eateries.
The Shambles Food Court is an awardwinning spot open every day serving up delicious street food delights. With a wide choice to indulge in, there’s something for everyone. Many Shambles Food Court regulars are also trading at the Christmas Market, and they are expanding their offerings so you can enjoy more culinary treats!
You can tuck into the nationally-acclaimed, pulled pork sandwiches at Shambles Kitchen, and they will also be serving up jumbo
sausages, Swedish meatballs, and their very popular crumble.
The multi-award-winning chef Tommy Banks will be serving up not-to-bemissed pies. Why not discover more by booking yourself a table at Roots York, for an exceptional dining experience.
Award-winning Millers Fish & Chips will be serving up their delicious mealsusing only the finest locally sourced ingredients.You can also visit them in their regular spot at the Shambles Food Court and in Haxby.
With York’s history in chocolate manufacturing, York Cocoa Works won’t disappoint, serving up hot chocolate at the Christmas Market. At its Castlegate location, it’s a working chocolate factory where you can eat and craft your very own chocolate.
Local Tipples Making a Difference
Explore York’s master distillers and brewers crafting York’s award-winning tipples.
With opportunities to go behind-the-scenes and explore how they create spirits, you can also find some of these independent makers at the Christmas Market, including:
York Gin
Winner of the England Distillery of the Year at the New York International Spirits Competition 2021, they use 100% green energy, and all bottles, packaging and labels are made sustainably in Yorkshire and are plastic free. For an alternative G&T, try their alcohol-free botanical spirit, York Zero!
Ellers Farm Distillery
Located in North Yorkshire, the water for their products is sourced directly from the 260-metre-deep borehole on the farm. With their carbon offsetting measures, their decision making is based on balancing people, planet and profit.
Hooting Owl Distillery & Lounge Bar
Distilled locally on-site, you'll find 25 artisan spirits, including gins, vodkas and rums. History and gin blend together with myth, legend and magic to create an unforgettable experience, where you can also enjoy the opulent surroundings of the lounge bar.
York Gin
Hooting Owl Distillery
Chocolate story lollies with Santa! Make BOOK NOW
Events Calendar
Haunted York until 31 Oct
Big Wheel, St Sampson's Square until 1 Nov
PHOENIX: lightshow, York Minster until 2 Nov
Ghosts in the Gardens, city wide until 5 Nov
THOR’S, Museum Gardens
25 Oct – 31 Dec
Ghosts After Dark, Museum Gardens
7 – 10 Nov
Christmas Candle Making Workshop, Fabrication Crafts
2 Nov, 1 & 15 Dec
A Christmas Mousetery, Fairfax House
9 Nov – 5 Jan
Vintage Carousel, King's Square
14 Nov – 22 Dec
York Christmas Walking Tour with Sarah Cowling
14 Nov – 24 Dec
York Christmas Market, Parliament Street 14 Nov – 22 Dec
THOR’S, The Milner York Hotel Gardens
14 Nov – 24 Dec
Alice’s Christmas Wonderland, Castle Howard
15 Nov – 5 Jan
Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland, York Designer Outlet
15 Nov – 5 Jan
Christmas at York Castle Museum
16 Nov – 5 Jan 20
York's Santa Experience, City Cruises York
23 Nov – 23 Dec
Magical Sleigh Rides, Piglets Adventure Farm Park
22 Nov – 24 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
Beauty and The Beast, Grand Opera House York
7 Dec – 5 Jan
Malton Christmas Festival
7 Dec – 8 Dec
Candlelit Christmas, St Olave's Church
6 & 7 Dec
Big Christmas Concert, Q Church 14 & 21 Dec
Residents’ Festival 25 – 26 Jan
York Ice Trail 1 – 2 Feb
JORVIK Viking Festival 17 – 23 Feb
The Art of Wallpaper: Morris & Co. York Art Gallery Until 23 Feb
Star Carr: Life After the Ice Yorkshire Museum Until 22 March
Find more Christmas events at visityork.org/christmas
Santa Special North Yorkshire Moors Railway
Alice’s Christmas Wonderland Castle Howard
VisitYorkwinterguideCoppergate-139mmx98x-Landscape-Oct-2024-PrintReady.pdf111/10/202414:42
GETTING TO YORK
Regular bus services run to York from many nearby towns and cities, including Leeds, Selby and Scarborough. Call Bus Info on 01904 551400 or visit itravelyork.info/buses.
York Train Station is a short 10-minute walk from the city centre. For more information on services please visit nationalrail.co.uk.
For taxi rank locations, hours of operation, and further info: york.gov.uk/TaxiRanks.
There are multiple places to store your luggage near York Railway Station, as well as within the city. Find all at details: visityork.org/luggage.
Visitors travelling by car are encouraged to use York’s Park & Ride service for ease. Find out more about services at the six sites by visiting yorkparkandride.co.uk.
There are a number of convenient and secure car parks in York city centre. For details, visit itravelyork.info/driving/parking.
During your visit we want to make sure you are able to get around safely. Visit AccessAble.co.uk to check for easily accessible venues.
Call 01904 679222 to hire a scooter or wheelchair from the second floor of Piccadilly car park (YO1 9NX). To find out more, visit: yorkshopmobility.wixsite.com/mysite.
Please check online for the most up-to-date information.
By Bus
By Train
By Taxi
Park and Ride
Family Festivities
Explore exciting family attractions for fun-filled adventures in the city and beyond!
Take a spin on the Vintage Carousel at King's Square, keep it moving with a City Sightseeing or Golden Tours bus tour, or encounter the Vikings on a famous ride through the sights, sounds and smells of Viking-age Coppergate at the JORVIK Viking Centre.
For a nice wander, explore the Christmas Tree Festival at York Minster featuring nearly 60 decorated trees, or walk the historic snow-covered cobbled street Kirkgate at York Castle Museum.
For fun-filled interactive experiences, the Wonderlab: The Bramall Gallery at the National Railway Museum will keep the kids busy!
York's Chocolate Story is a one-of-a-kind adventure. An exciting and educational journey through the fascinating history of chocolate, complete with interactive exhibits, delicious tastings, and chocolate-making awaits!
For unforgettable family theatre experiences, York offers two delightful shows that will keep you laughing all day. York Theatre Royal presents Aladdin, a magical evening filled with dazzling special effects, while the Grand Opera House York enchants with a sparkling rendition of Beauty and The Beast.
Transitional Carousel Kings Square Wonderlab National Railway Museum
York’s Chocolate Story
To stay fuelled, you won’t be disappointed with the wide variety of options at SPARK, which is sure to satisfy every taste bud. For afters, indulge at Heavenly Desserts or start your day with their new delightful breakfast or brunch options.
A little further out of the city, but easily accessible by bus, Yorkshire's Winter Wonderland will sure put you in the festive mood with an outdoor ice rink, funfair rides and a cosy alpine café serving hot chocolate.
Heading a little further out, you’ll find the Dreamery Gardens, England's Fairy Sanctuary, set within 100 acres of glorious woodland, it will delight adults as well as children with its imaginative nature trail.
With a wide range of activities for all ages, York is the perfect destination for families.
Christmas At Kirkgate York Castle Museum
Dreamery Gardens
Castle Howard
Festive Shopping
Y
ork's big brand favourites share the streets with unique boutiques. Exploring the shopping scene in York is truly an exceptional experience, brimming with exclusive boutiques that contribute significantly to the city's allure and charm.
We take immense pride in the abundance of local artisans and their distinctive craftsmanship, which adds a unique flavour to our city's offerings.
Wander along the city's cobbled streets with each distinct area having its own speciality set in characterful buildings.
Pick up the shopping map (£1) from the Visitor Information Centre highlighting all these shopping streets and areas with a handy big scale map for an easy way to get around.
Stonegate | Swinegate | Fossgate
Walmgate | Coppergate
Coney Street | Parliament Street
Petergate | Gillygate
Goodramgate | Micklegate
York Designer Outlet
Monks Cross Shopping Park
Vangarde Shopping Park
What3words:///grant.camp.penny
Fossgate
York Designer Outlets
Shambles
Visit York Gift Shop Top Picks
Before you embark on your exploration, make sure to drop by the Visit York Visitor Information Centre and Gift Shop! The friendly, knowledgeable team are on hand for advice as you navigate all that York and its surroundings have to offer.
As well as the official Information Centre, you can pick up souvenirs, gifts, tickets and more. Here's some of the team’s top picks perfect for the giftgiving season...
Recommended by Lauren
“One of my favourite products is our FaTuz range as they are handmade locally to York. They would make the perfect gift for either yourself or loved ones!”
Recommended by Frankie
“I love the Sketch tote bags. They’re colourful, great material and extremely practical! I love seeing all elements of York’s skyline –including the hot air balloons!”
by Joseph
“My favourite item in the VIC is the Jessica Hogarth York Mug. Jessica is a local artist, based in Whitby, and their designs show off York's many landmarks. It makes a great gift for friends, family or yourself!”
Recommended by Rach
“Our Luke Horton “Be Reyt” range captures the Yorkshire spirit perfectly – a perfect present to remind you of funfilled festive times spent in York!”
Recommended
HARD-TO-RESIST DISHES AND PERFECT PRIVATE DINING
Yorkshire is rightly proud of its produce. And in our Georgian building full of warm character, where art and pantry produce hang, that bounty is what’s celebrated. Delivering the very best of land and sea, you can expect delicious dishes served over fire and ice, Sunday Roasts with all the trimmings, our take on the classic: Afternoon Sea, and much more. Come and feel life made good by enjoying a little or a lot of what you love.
Looking to get-together? The Pearly Cow private dining room, secreted away from the main restaurant, is perfect for an intimate foodie-gathering for up to 16 guests.
Scan the QR code to get a taste of all things Pearly Cow.
1 Clifton, York YO30 6AA | 0330 055 4531
pearlycow.co.uk | pearlycowyork
A Perfect Festive Weekend in York
Y
ork and its surrounding areas offer a wealth of activities, especially during the holiday season. If you're short on time, here's a quick guide to the must-see Christmas attractions you won't want to miss.
Day 1
York Minster is a sanctuary of calm with its soaring stained-glass windows, but it’s also a favourite festive attraction during December with its joyous carol concerts and the Christmas Tree Festival featuring over 60 individually decorated trees.
Turn back time to a Christmas Past in Victorian Kirkgate, where an entire street beneath York Castle Museum is transformed into a Victorian winter wonderland, with magical shopfronts and period room displays.
Who needs a reindeer sleigh when you can explore the city by boat? Join Santa on a fun-filled river cruise with City Cruises York.
Day 3
Shop ‘til you drop in York’s independent stores, including the festive hot stop Käthe Wohlfahrt!
Beyond the city walls, York Designer Outlet is home to premium brands with discounts of up to 60% off RRP. It's also home to Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland.
Explore York’s vibrant pantomime traditions at York Theatre Royal’s Aladdin or Grand Opera House York’s Beauty and The Beast; and the world-class York Early Music Christmas Festival at the National Centre for Early Music.
Santa on City Cruises
Käthe Wohlfahrt
Day 2
Don’t miss JORVIK Viking Centre’s world-famous ‘sleigh’ ride through its reconstructed Viking-age village.
Wander through the city’s palatial Georgian mansions dressed for Christmas, including the 14th century medieval Barley Hall or Fairfax House for A Christmas Mousetery.
Just off the famous Shambles, the oldest shopping street in Europe, you’ll find the historic Shambles Market where you can find something different every day from local traders. Don't miss the Shambles Food Court serving up some of the best street food!
Day 4
Just a little further afield, the magnificent halls and galleries of Castle Howard will be exquisitely decorated with this year’s theme of Alice’s Christmas Wonderland – it's a Christmas day out like no other.
Back in the city centre, treat yourself to delicious festive delights and enjoy the cosy Christmas ambiance at THOR'S, or savour special Christmas menus at York’s many pubs and restaurants, including the York Minster Refectory.
Christmas At Kirkgate York Castle Museum
Thor’s
The Spectacular North York Moors National Park
Experience a Christmas like no other in the enchanting North York Moors National Park, where old-world charm and vibrant market towns will reignite your spirits. Each picturesque market town has its own festive traditions and are only a stone's throw from one another. Just a short journey from York, this idyllic region offers the perfect setting for a tranquil winter escape.
Helmsley
A gem of a market town, a visit to Helmsley at Christmas is a must. There is a much-loved Tree Festival, while carols, panto and lighting displays spill out onto the street. The Christmas market is the perfect place to find unique gifts and decorations, with the twinkling lights at the Helmsley Walled Garden offering a tranquil escape.
Pickering
One of the area’s oldest towns, you’ll find plenty of choice with a wide variety of cafés, pubs, traditional butchers and bakeries, specialist independent shops, galleries and antique shops.
It’s also best known for its heritage railway, the southern terminus of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, where you can join Santa and his special team of elves aboard the Santa Express. Children will have the opportunity to meet the legendary man himself while aboard the train, and they may even receive a special present as a reward for staying off the naughty list.
North Yorkshire Moors Railway
Whitby Abbey
DATE FOR YOUR DIARY
Dark Skies Festival 10th anniversary 14 February – 2 March 2025
Experience the wonder of the night in the North York Moors, with a stargazing journey amongst some of the UK's starriest skies. From awe-inspiring night walks to cosmic family fun... explore the North York Moors as you've never seen it before: an International Dark Sky Reserve, one of only 21 locations in the world to be recognised for pristine, dark skies.
Whitby
In the atmospheric town of Whitby, Dracula, Captain Cook and fish and chips await, and of course the spectacular ruins of Whitby Abbey. You'll also find Whitby Christmas Market & Festival and if you dare, a Boxing Day Dip on Whitby Beach!
Dalby Forest
Dalby Forest’s 8,000 acres of breath-taking views offers the perfect place for an adventure to suit all. Uncover walking trails with the Gruffalo adventures, grab your bike and head around some of the very best cycling trails, and test your nerve amongst the trees on the Go Ape courses.
Sutton Bank National Park Centre With the “finest view in England”, according to the famous local author, James Herriot, Sutton Bank is one of the best places in Yorkshire for a walk, ride or to explore the wonders of the natural world. Make sure to enjoy a relaxing cuppa at the on-site café!
With convenient transport links from York, getting to the North York Moors is effortless. Once there, with so much to explore in this stunning region, you won’t be in any rush to leave. Whether you prefer a cozy B&B, a welcoming guest house, or a luxurious spa hotel, the choice is yours.
Discover everything you need at northyorkmoors.org.uk
Please note, many businesses close or reduce operating hours in the North York Moors during January to February, please check their websites before travel.
Sutton Bank
Dark Skies Festival
Dalby Forest
The Magic of Christmas in North Yorkshire
With stunning scenery, colourful events, family-friendly attractions and charming towns, North Yorkshire is the perfect place to extend your Christmas celebrations – all within easy reach of York.
Discover market towns and villages full of character where you can browse independent shops and admire twinkling Christmas lights that bring festive cheer. Complete your shopping at lively markets offering one-of-a-kind gifts, including the Little Bird Markets across the county where you’ll find artisan producers, and enjoy the atmosphere at Christmas light switch-ons.
Experience festive magic at vibrant events like Harrogate Christmas Fayre and Scarborough Sparkle, where entertainment and family activities blend with Christmas stalls and an array of seasonal treats to tantalise
your taste buds. Marvel at the colourful light displays at RHS Garden Harlow Carr and Fountains Abbey, or head to the coast for Scarborough Lights which sees the town illuminated with captivating installations.
Create unforgettable memories as you meet Santa and his helpers on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway or deep within Ingleborough Cave. For an enchanting day out, step into Alice’s Wonderland as Castle Howard’s regal rooms are transformed into a magical setting. Enjoy quality time together at pantomimes and musical shows at theatres across the county, or get creative with fun workshops where you can make your own Christmas decorations and wreaths.
When it’s time to unwind, indulge in delicious meals and refreshments at the welcoming restaurants, bars, and pubs across North Yorkshire, and relax in cosy accommodation where you can ring in the New Year in style.
Plan your break at visitnorthyorkshire.com/Christmas
RHS Garden Harlow Carr
Scarborough Harbour
Ingleborough Cave
