York Christmas Market 2025

york christmas market

“Last updated: 15 November 2025”

This year, York Christmas Market takes place from November 13th until December 21st 2025.  Set in one of the UK’s most festive cities York really is a magical place to be at Christmas time.

Quick‑Look Essentials

What Details
2025 dates 13th Nov – 21st Dec 2025
Opening hours Daily 10:30am – 7pm
Entry fee Free
Location Parliament St & St Sampson’s Sq, YO1 8RU.  Get Directions.
No‑car option Six electric Park & Ride routes direct to the gates
Quiet hours 10:30am – 12 pm every day for a calmer shopping experience with no music playing.

Why Visit in 2025?

  • Hand‑picked local traders: 80 % of stalls come from Yorkshire artisans, so your money stays local and gifts stay unique.

  • Greener than ever: Make It York is expanding its sustainability commitment with more plastic‑free packaging and a bigger emphasis on ethically sourced goods.

  • Fresh festive spaces: Following rave reviews, the cosy Thor’s Tipi Bar will return to Museum Gardens with open fires, plush sheepskins and craft cocktails—perfect for warming up after a lap of the market.

What’s New for 2025?

  1. Winter Garden Trail – a glittering light‑walk through the Museum Gardens, free after 4pm.

  2. Yorkshire Makers Pop‑Up – a rotating “guest chalet” giving micro‑businesses a 3‑day slot to trial products.

  3. Late‑Night Thursdays – shops city‑wide now open to 9 pm with live buskers and projections on the Minster.
    (These additions are included in York’s 2025 trader brief; final programme released September.)

Food & Drink Highlights

  • Supreme Sausages – award‑winning wild‑boar hot‑dogs that sell out daily.

  • Wonder Chalets (Herbies) – authentic German Glühwein, Cornish mulled cider and indulgent York‑made hot chocolate.

  • Yorkshire Cheese Toasties – gooey Wensleydale with cranberry relish.

  • Sweet Treats Row – try gingerbread from the Shambles Market bakers or churros with spiced chocolate sauce.

You can find the full guide to every York Christmas Market 2025 stall below:

Food and drink

    • The Gourmet Scotch Egg Co
    • Northern Brownies
    • Florian Poirot
    • Blueberry Hill Preserves
    • Cryer and Stott Cheesemongers
    • Sloemotion Distillery
    • Johnson’s Toffees
    • Rose Cottage Pantry
    • The Sawley Kitchen
    • Sweet Treats by Mil
    • Raisthorpe Distillery
    • Charlie & Ivy’s
    • The Cheshire Cheese Co
    • Spirit of Yorkshire and Filey Bay Whisky
    • Casa Mia
    • Whitby Distillery
    • Farrah’s of Harrogate
    • Sommer Aperitif & Sing Gin
    • MoodyMare Patisserie
    • The Chilli Jam Man
    • Cooper King Distillery
    • Bullion Chocolate
    • York Gin
    • Beth Bakes Cakes
    • Deborah Bakes
    • The Yorkshire Kitchen
    • Caroline’s Fudge & Sweets
    • Brown & Blond Brownies
    • The Hooting Owl Distillery
    • Nidhoggr Mead
    • York Cocoa Works

Christmas Decor

      • The Festive House
      • Nuttys Emporium
      • Artifactually Glass Ornaments
      • Paper Starlights

Gifts

      • StavesArt
      • Keepsakes
      • Fei’s Crochet
      • York Lucky Cats
      • Hand Turned Pens
      • Hop Skip & Flutter
      • Socktopus
      • Luminology
      • Katherine Sheard Designs
      • York Terrariums
      • Blossom Gifts
      • The Pet Quarter
      • Villains Rum of York
      • Hollie Tree Silver & Scents
      • Printing Stamps London and Yorkshire
      • The Cat Gallery
      • Copper & White
      • The Library of Flowers
      • The Little Bee Hut
      • Traditional Wooden Games
      • Bags and Gladrags
      • Victoria Prints GB
      • Rainbownames
      • Wacky Wax
      • LUSH
      • The Twisted Curry Co
      • Bowbrook Studios
      • ideaPOT
      • Avorium
      • All You Need Is Woof
      • Nox Of York
      • Sarah Garbutt Accessories
      • Just Be Socks
      • MS Unique Gifts
      • M.J. Braithwaite Fine Arts
      • Shea Alchemy
      • LukeHorton Art
      • Beyond the Shelf
      • Colin Williamson Prints
      • Pop Up Cards York

Homeware

      • Marbletree
      • Rowbert
      • Wild Wood Gifts
      • The Yorkshire Candle Company
      • Jane Gales Art
      • Made With A Smile
      • Luna Resin Wood Art
      • Nick Franklin Art
      • All Mapped Out

Lifestyle

      • Viking Horns
      • Celtic Knitwear Company
      • Redleb Jewellery
      • The Ambient Company
      • BLACK YAK
      • Hemp Well
      • York City FC

Street Food

    • Tommy’s Pies
    • Herbies
    • Wonder
    • The Yorkshire Barn
    • Chocolate Circus
    • Woody’s Van
    • The Crusty Pie Company
    • Churros
    • La Focaccia
    • The Cut & Craft
    • Lucia Restaurants
    • Saint Nicks Frites
    • Millers Poutine
    • Shambles Kitchen
    • Crumbles Desserts

Festive Events & Entertainment

Date Event Need‑to‑know
All season Vintage carousel in St Sampson’s Sq £3 a ride; best lit after dusk
Selected evenings Carol concerts inside York Minster Book online—often sell out
30th Nov & 7th Dec Santa Cruise on the River Ouse Families love this 1‑hr trip
11th & 12th Dec York Minster Choir carol evenings Atmospheric, candle‑lit setting

Getting There & Parking

  • Park & Ride (best value): Free parking at six hubs and a return bus ticket from £3.90; extra late buses run 10th Nov – 24th Dec.

  • By train: York Station is a 10‑minute walk (0.5 mi) via the city walls.

  • Driving: City‑centre car parks fill by 10 am on Saturdays. For Blue‑Badge holders, Coppergate Car Park is only 120 m from the market, and barrier access via Blake St is allowed 7 pm‑10 : 30 am.

  • By air: Leeds‑Bradford (LBA) is the nearest airport (50 min by car), or fly into Manchester (1 hr 50 min by direct TransPennine Express).

Accessibility & Inclusion

York champions inclusive Christmas shopping:

  • Quiet hours 10:30am‑12 pm daily, visitors can assured a music-free period

  • “Take A Seat” initiative sprinkles extra seating city‑wide for those with limited mobility.

  • Terrain is mostly flat, but cobbles around The Shambles can be slippery—pack sturdy footwear.

  • Toilets – The nearest accessible and standard toilets can be found on Silver St, approx. 40m from the market. Public toilets in York are cleaned and maintained by Healthmatic and you can report any issues on telephone: 01249 823143.Toilet locations are outlined below with accessible toilets (require a RADAR key):
    • St Leonard’s Place public toilets, St Leonard’s Place, Exhibition Square, York, YO1 7EW
    • Coppergate Shopping Centre public toilets, Coppergate, York, YO1 9NT
    • Nunnery Lane public toilets, Nunnery Lane car park, York, YO23 1AA
    • St George’s Field public toilets, St George’s Field car and coach Park, Castle Mills Bridge, York, YO10 4AB
    • Rougier Street public toilets, Rougier Street, York, YO1 6JB
    • Silver Street public toilets, Silver Street, York, YO1 8RY
    • Union Terrace public toilets, Union Terrace car and coach park, Clarence Street, York, YO31 7ES
    • Guildhall – only available 10am – 16:00, 1 – 19 December 2025

Typical Weather & Packing List

  • Temperature: 3 °C – 8 °C; frost common after dark.

  • Rain: December averages 14 wet days—carry a compact umbrella.

  • Essentials: Thermal layers, waterproof boots, power bank (for photos & e‑tickets), reusable cup (many stalls give 20p off).

Where to Stay in York for Every Budget

Luxury (£250 + per night)

  1. The Grand, York – 5★ spa hotel inside the former railway headquarters; 2‑min walk from station.

  2. Middlethorpe Hall & Spa – 17th‑century country‑house charm with formal gardens (10 min taxi).

  3. The Milner York (ex‑Principal) – heritage grandeur with indoor pool facing York Minster.

Mid‑Range (£120 – £200)

  1. Hotel Indigo York – boutique vibes & Yorkshire‑themed décor near Fossgate foodie quarter.

  2. Dean Court Hotel – unbeatable Minster views; valet parking available.

  3. Novotel York Centre – riverside location, family rooms and indoor pool.

Budget (under £120)

  1. YHA York – modern hostel in a Victorian mansion, 15 min riverside walk; free parking.

  2. Ibis York Centre – clean, compact rooms 5 min from station; 24‑hr café‑bar.

  3. Safestay York Micklegate – Georgian townhouse with dorms & private rooms; great for solo travellers.

All properties are bookable on Booking.com (check free‑cancellation rates early—weekend dates routinely sell out by September).

Insider Tips

  1. Arrive mid‑week: Wednesday mornings are quietest for photography.

  2. Early bird gift‑shopping: Trader stock is fullest in the first two weeks.

  3. Late‑night magic: Grab a hot chocolate at 6 pm and watch the Minster façade projection cycle.

  4. Use Tap‑On Tap‑Off on First Bus Park & Ride—fares cap automatically.

Beyond the Market

Final Thoughts

York Christmas Market is more than a shopping trip—it’s a cosy, storybook plunge into Dickensian streets humming with festive cheer. Lock in your accommodation early, layer up and let the city’s historic magic wrap around you like a warm woollen scarf. See you under the twinkling lights of Parliament Street this November!

York Christmas Market Address

York Christmas Market, Parliament Street, York, YO1 8SG

🎄 York Christmas Market 2025 – FAQ

✅ When is the York Christmas Market 2025?

The York Christmas Market 2025 runs from Thursday 13 November to Sunday 21 December 2025. It’s part of the historic St Nicholas Fair, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.

✅ What are the opening times for York Christmas Market 2025?

The market is open daily from 10:30 am to 7 pm, giving you plenty of time to browse festive stalls and enjoy food and drinks.

✅ Where is the York Christmas Market held?

It’s mainly along Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square, right in the city centre. You’ll also find extra stalls around The Shambles and the Shambles Market food court.

✅ What can you buy at York Christmas Market? 

You’ll find around 75–100 alpine chalets selling:

  • Handmade gifts and crafts

  • Christmas decorations

  • Local Yorkshire produce

  • Street food, sweets and festive drinks

It’s the perfect place to pick up unique Christmas presents.

✅ Is York Christmas Market dog friendly?

Yes — well-behaved dogs on leads are generally welcome in the outdoor areas. Bear in mind it can get very crowded, so quieter times like weekday mornings are better if your dog is nervous.

✅ Are there toilets at York Christmas Market?

Yes, there are several public toilets nearby in the city centre, including around Parliament Street and the Shambles Market area. Many cafes and bars also have customer toilets.

✅ Does York Christmas Market have food stalls?

Absolutely! You’ll find festive food stalls selling bratwurst, Yorkshire pudding wraps, sweet treats, hot chocolate, mulled wine and much more.

✅ Is York Christmas Market free to enter?

Yes — it’s completely free to walk around the market and browse the stalls. You only pay for what you buy.

✅ Where to park for York Christmas Market 2025?

The best option is to use York’s Park & Ride service, which is quick and affordable. City centre car parks fill up fast and can be expensive, especially at weekends.

✅ Are there quieter times to visit York Christmas Market?

Yes — visiting between 10:30am and 12 pm on weekdays is usually quieter. Evenings after 5pm can also be less crowded than weekends.

✅ Is York Christmas Market good for kids?

Definitely! The market has a magical festive atmosphere, child-friendly food, and lots to see. Mornings are best for families to avoid the busiest crowds.

✅ How busy is York Christmas Market?

It can get very busy, especially at weekends and from mid-December onwards. Visiting earlier in the season or during weekday mornings makes for a calmer experience.

✅ Are card payments accepted at York Christmas Market?

Most stalls do accept card payments, but it’s still wise to carry some cash, as a few smaller traders may be cash-only.

✅ What else to do in York at Christmas?

You can:

  • Visit York Minster for carol concerts

  • Explore the Yorkshire Museum Gardens light trail

  • Go ice skating at Castle Howard or nearby venues

  • Enjoy festive afternoon teas in local hotels

✅ When do York Christmas lights go on in 2025?

The Christmas lights usually switch on in mid-November, around the same time the market opens. Exact dates are confirmed closer to the season.

✅ Can I get to York Christmas Market by train?

Yes! York has excellent rail connections from Leeds, London, Manchester and beyond. It’s about a 10–15 minute walk from York railway station to the market.

✅ How long does York Christmas Market last?

It runs for just over five weeks, from 13 November to 21 December 2025.

✅ Is York Christmas Market worth visiting?

Absolutely! It’s one of the UK’s most atmospheric Christmas markets, famous for its historic setting, local crafts, festive food and charming alpine chalets.

✅ What are the best hotels near York Christmas Market?

Some popular options include:

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