York Christmas Market

Festive Adventures Everyday: Discover Christmas in York

City News, Events, Make It York News, Markets, Shambles Market, Uncategorized, York Christmas Market / Comms

Enjoy festive experiences across York every day of the week this Christmas.

Christmas in York is a magical time of year, with seasonal events, shopping, food and drink taking place throughout the festive season.

York Christmas Market returns from 12 November to 21 December, opening Wednesday to Monday and closed for a weekly rest day on Tuesdays.

While the market is closed on Tuesdays, York’s wider festive offer continues, with plenty of opportunities to shop, explore, eat, drink and enjoy seasonal experiences.

From wandering the city’s historic streets and famous snickelways to browsing independent shops, there are plenty of ways to enjoy a festive day in York everyday.

With independent shops and Shambles Market open seven days a week, and plenty of cosy places to stop for coffee or a bite to eat, York is the perfect setting for a festive day of Christmas shopping. Discover Christmas shopping in York.

Warm up with a hot chocolate, enjoy lunch in a cosy café or pub, book a festive afternoon tea or stay into the evening for dinner and drinks. York’s food and drink scene offers everything from seasonal menus and traditional favourites to independent restaurants, cafés and bakeries, while Shambles Food Court serves a variety of street food and festive treats. Find places to eat and drink in York.

Christmas is also a great time to discover York’s attractions. Explore museums and galleries, uncover stories from the city’s past, enjoy family experiences or simply take time to explore the city’s historic streets. The Visit York Pass offers admission to more than 35 attractions, helping to make the most of your time in the city and beyond. Explore things to do in York.

York’s Christmas calendar is packed with seasonal events and experiences for all ages, from Christmas shows, pantomimes and concerts to family activities and opportunities to meet Santa. Explore Christmas events in York.

For those looking to make the most of their visit, an overnight stay offers more time to explore at a relaxed pace. Choose from city-centre hotels, characterful guest houses and self-catering accommodation across York and the surrounding area. Find accommodation in York.

Visitors can also call into the Visit York Visitor Information Centre & Gift Shop at 28 Back Swinegate for maps, guides and recommendations, as well as York-themed gifts and souvenirs.

Whether visiting for Christmas shopping, a family day out, festive food and drink, a seasonal event or a few nights away, explore Christmas in York: visityork.org/christmas

ENDS

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Useful links:

Discover Christmas shopping in York: https://visityork.org/business-directory/category/shopping

Find places to eat and drink in York: https://visityork.org/business-directory/category/eat-drink

Explore things to do in York: https://visityork.org/business-directory/category/things-to-do

Explore Christmas events in York: https://visityork.org/events/category/christmas

Find accommodation in York: https://visityork.org/business-directory/category/stay

Festive Adventures Everyday: https://visityork.org/blog/festive-adventures-everyday-christmas-experiences-and-things-to-do-in-york

Christmas Experiences and Things To Do in York:

Christmas at York Castle Museum, 14 November 2026 to 3 January 2027: York Castle Museum transforms for the festive season, inviting visitors to journey through Christmases past with traditional decorations, festive atmosphere and historic streets brought to life.
York’s Santa Cruise Experience, 21 November to 31 December 2026: City Cruises York brings Christmas to the River Ouse with a festive family cruise featuring Santa, his elves and a North Pole grotto on board.
Christmas On The Water!, 21 November to 31 December 2026: Also from City Cruises York, this seasonal sightseeing experience offers a different perspective on the city from the River Ouse.
Santa’s Christmas Tour, Christmas Family Masterclass, Adults Christmas Masterclass and Tour & Christmas Truffle Rolling, 28 November to 23 December 2026: York’s Chocolate Story hosts a range of hands-on festive experiences, giving visitors the chance to make seasonal chocolate creations, meet Santa and discover more about York’s chocolate heritage.
Christmas Tree Festival, 28 November 2026 to 5 January 2027: York Minster’s popular festival fills the Nave, Chapter House and Lady Chapel with around 100 individually decorated Christmas trees.
Christmas Carol Concerts, 3 to 4 December 2026: The Choir of York Minster performs traditional Christmas music and festive readings in the spectacular surroundings of York Minster.
The Nutcracker, 5 December 2026: York Minster brings Tchaikovsky’s festive favourite to life in the Nave with music, storytelling and puppetry for all the family.
The Further Adventures of Peter Pan: The Return of Captain Hook, 5 December 2026 to 3 January 2027: Grand Opera House York welcomes a family pantomime packed with comedy, music, flying scenes and festive fun.
A Winter Union, 12 December 2026: The National Centre for Early Music welcomes five leading folk musicians for a seasonal concert celebrating winter music and festive traditions.
Grimethorpe Colliery Band Christmas Concert, 12 December 2026: York Minster hosts the internationally renowned brass band for an evening of festive favourites.
Sankta Lucia: Festival of Light, 14 December 2026: York Minster presents an atmospheric candlelit procession and carol service inspired by the traditional Swedish Lucia celebration.
Fairytale at York Minster: Christmas Hits by Candlelight, 16 December 2026: Alistair Griffin and the Ebor Quartet perform well-known festive favourites in the candlelit surroundings of York Minster.
Awake Arise, 18 December 2026: The National Centre for Early Music hosts five acclaimed English folk artists for an evening exploring winter traditions through contemporary and traditional seasonal music.
Chapter House Choir: Carols by Candlelight, 19 December 2026: York Minster welcomes the Chapter House Choir and Youth Choir for an atmospheric evening of festive music.
Nine Lessons and Carols, 23 and 24 December 2026: York Minster’s traditional Christmas services combine readings, music from the Choir of York Minster and well-loved carols.
Festive Afternoon Tea, 13 November 2026 to 1 January 2027: Middletons Hotel serves a seasonal afternoon tea featuring festive sandwiches, savouries and sweet treats.

Festive Adventures Everyday: Discover Christmas in York Read More »

York Christmas Market 2026 – Dates Announced

City News, Events, Make It York News, Markets, York Christmas Market / Comms

York Christmas Market returns from Thursday 12 November to Monday 21 December 2026, bringing festive shopping, seasonal food and Christmas atmosphere to the heart of the city.

York Christmas Market brings together the city’s renowned festive shopping, seasonal entertainment and independent traders in its historic surroundings.

Organised by Make It York, the Christmas Market is open six days a week, from 10:30am to 7pm, Wednesday to Monday, and closed on Tuesdays for a weekly rest day.

While York Christmas Market is closed on Tuesdays for a rest day, the city remains open and welcoming for your festive days out.

The festive season in York is always one of the most popular and atmospheric times of year in the city. With so much to do, you can explore York’s shops and historic streets, visit an attraction, stop for lunch or enjoy festive events taking place across the city.

The historic Shambles Market and Shambles Food Court remains open every day, 9am to 5pm, as usual in the heart of York’s city centre. A hub for independent traders where you can find something different every day, offering a delightful variety of choice.

Sarah Loftus, Managing Director of Make It York, said: “Our aim is to ensure the city delivers a world-class Christmas experience that balances the needs of visitors, residents and businesses.

“We would love for everyone to keep York and the Christmas Market firmly on their itineraries. There’s so much to do and see in the city throughout the week, your time in the city can be easily packed with the city’s world-class attractions, events, and food and drink options.”

Councillor Pete Kilbane, Executive Member for the Economy said: “During the festive season York is the most Christmassy place in the UK, with people coming together to celebrate and explore our amazing city and its wonderful hospitality and retail businesses.

“This year, to ensure easier access to the city centre for everyone, we are trialling a Christmas Market rest day one day a week on Tuesdays.

“With so much to explore and enjoy seven days a week across the whole of York we are looking forward, with our partners, to what promises to be another fantastic festive period.”

York Christmas Market 2026 Key Information

Dates: Thursday 12 November to Monday 21 December 2026

Opening days: Wednesday to Monday

Opening hours: 10:30am to 7pm (except Monday 21 December 10:30am to 5pm)

Tuesdays: York Christmas Market is closed for a weekly rest day

Wider city: York’s shops, attractions, cafés, restaurants and events remain open throughout the week

Visitor advice: Check York Christmas Market opening times and travel information before visiting.

Plan your visit and discover Christmas across York at visityork.org/christmas

ENDS

PRESS RELEASE: 10 August 2026

NOTES TO EDITOR

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The rest day is a trial following a decision of the City of York Council’s Executive on Tuesday 12 May. It means that on Tuesdays throughout the market, the stalls will be closed and the Goodramgate, King’s Square, Colliergate loop for Blue Badge holders will be in operation. For the other days when the market is open, in line with recommended anti-terrorism measures, arrangements will be similar to last year with restrictions on vehicles within the footstreet area.

About Make It York – Make It York’s purpose is to develop and promote the city and its surroundings, nationally and internationally, as a vibrant and attractive place to live, visit, study, work and do business. Its mission is to grow the economic prosperity and wider wellbeing of York and its citizens. In practice, this means delivering a range of projects and programmes based around our corporate strategic priorities. These are, city positioning and profile-raising, ensuring an exciting city centre, and delivering the city’s ground-breaking cultural strategy.

About Visit York – Visit York is a part of Make It York and is the leisure tourism brand. Under the brand Visit York, Make It York’s aim is to market York as a must-see world-class destination to the leisure and business visitor and ensure investment to develop the quality of tourism in York. Activity covers all aspects of tourism marketing and PR, including market intelligence, as well as providing business support through the membership programme. Visit York operate the Visit York Pass, York’s city-sightseeing card, and run the Visitor Information Centre.

York Christmas Market 2026 – Dates Announced Read More »

PHOTO STORY: York Christmas Market – Festivities return to York today

Events, Markets, Uncategorized, York Christmas Market / Comms

Download high-res images here – photo credit Make It York. Please note: further images will be added after 4pm today to capture the market in the evening.

The award-winning York Christmas Market returned today, 13 November, with seventy-five alpine chalets lining Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square. With festive garlands and twinkling fairy lights, they transform York into a Christmas wonderland for all to enjoy! Running until 21 December, there is plenty of time to come and join in the festivities in York this festive season.

Make It York is passionate about supporting local businesses and makers from across the region, and this year over 80% of traders on the Christmas Market are Yorkshire based. All Christmas Market traders will also be offering a 10% discount for York residents who present a valid ID card with a York address.
For a full list of this year’s traders, visit York Christmas Market Traders List – 2025 | Visit York

Our online Trader Map allows for individuals to plan their visit to the Christmas Market in advance, making it a more accessible and enjoyable experience for all. In addition to this, the designated Quiet Time, runs daily from 10:30am-12pm, where all music will be switched off, allowing a quieter, more relaxed experience for those who may find the market overwhelming at times.
The York Christmas Market Accessibility Guide tells you everything you need to know regarding getting around the markets, toilet facilities close by, safety information and more.

The historic Shambles Market will be open daily, as always, offering exquisite quality gifts, fresh flowers and artisan crafts. Plus, the Shambles Food Court is not to be missed with everything from Yorkshire favourites to global cuisine, there is something to suit everyone’s taste.

For additional information on all things York this Christmas, to collect guides or one of our Visit York Christmas leaflets, or to buy special gifts or souvenirs, visit our friendly team at the Visit York Visitor Information Centre.

Heading into York this festive season? Skip the parking and hop on the York Park & Ride. With more buses until 21 December, earlier and later too. It’s the simplest way to reach the York Christmas Market, York’s shops and celebrations. Return tickets just £3.90, with free parking and up to three kids travelling free.

Sarah Loftus, Managing Director of Make It York, said:
“We are thrilled to kick off the festive season in York with the opening of our amazing Christmas Market today. Visitors can look forward to a range of delicious food and festive treats, perfectly unique gifts and a truly magical atmosphere, bringing so much joy to the city centre during the holidays.”

Continue your visit to York beyond the Christmas Market with a range of exciting Christmas events taking place across the city! For a full list of festive activities and to see what’s on, visit Christmas Events in York | Visit York

END

PRESS RELEASE: 13 November 2025

Notes to editors

Download images: https://app.air.inc/a/bMU8F95qz

PHOTO STORY: York Christmas Market – Festivities return to York today Read More »

Meet the Makers: Traders Announced for York Christmas Market 2025

City News, Markets, Uncategorized, York Christmas Market / Comms

With only two weeks to go until the start of the York Christmas Market 2025, the countdown is officially on! Artisan traders from across Yorkshire are putting the finishing touches on their handcrafted gifts, festive flavours and beautifully made creations ready to fill the famous Alpine Chalets lining Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square.

With a range of new traders for 2025 as well as returning favourites from Christmas past, there is something for everyone to enjoy at the York Christmas Market this year.

Organised by Make It York, the York Christmas Market shines a spotlight on the very best of the city while celebrating residents’ and visitors’ commitment to supporting local Yorkshire businesses. An impressive 85% of traders come from within the Yorkshire region, with every single food trader (100%) proudly representing Yorkshire.

Keep reading for a full list of market traders at York Christmas Market this year.

As with previous years, Make It York are committed to making the Christmas Market as inclusive and accessible as possible. Following on from previous years, our online Traders Map has been published. This is designed to help visitors easily locate their favourite stalls, plan ahead and fully enjoy the festive atmosphere.

In addition to this, for the second year, Make It York are continuing the partnership with St Sampson’s Centre and City of York Council to deliver a Quiet Oasis during the Christmas Market. St Sampson’s Centre is the perfect venue to provide an accessible space a few meters away from the main market and next to the accessible toilet and Changing Places facilities on Silver Street. Located at Church Street (YO1 8BE), the centre will be open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm. 

Public transport remains the easiest and most convenient way to reach the city centre.

With York Station serving as a major transport hub, and frequent bus services bringing visitors straight into the heart of the city, travelling in and out of the city couldn’t be simpler.

If you do drive, using the York Park & Ride service is the best way to travel by car. With six convenient sites located around the city, you can relax on board zero-emission buses and let someone else do the driving into the heart of York. Return tickets for adults are £3.90, with 3 children travelling for free, making it an easy and affordable start for your festive day out. For travelling within the city centre York’s local bus service is the easiest and most efficient way to get around, plan ahead at itravelyork.info.

York Christmas Market 2025 Traders:

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

Our local traders have begun making their goods for the York Christmas Market! For more information on this year’s traders, visit York Christmas Market Traders List – 2025 | Visit York.

For sneak peeks and previews of what’s coming follow Visit York on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok and Threads!

For full details and events, visit visityork.org/christmas  

END 

PRESS RELEASE: 30 October 2025 

Notes to Editors 

Download images (from York Christmas Market 2024) 

Meet the Makers: Traders Announced for York Christmas Market 2025 Read More »

York Christmas Market – smooth and safe experience for all visitors

City News, Make It York News, Markets, York Christmas Market / Comms

“Make It York, the organisers, are thrilled to see the return of the iconic York Christmas Market – a cherished event that brings festive joy and plays an essential role in showcasing York’s local businesses.

As the market continues to grow in popularity, measures such as crowd management and accessibility considerations are more important than ever. Every year, we work alongside City of York Council, North Yorkshire Police and stakeholders to make the Christmas Market inclusive for all visitors.

We welcome efforts to ensure a smooth and safe experience for all visitors. While we understand that changes have been made to manage access to the city centre during the Christmas Market, North Yorkshire Police’s decision is one that ensures the best possible experience for everyone’s safety, and are always working diligently to address everyone’s needs, including those of Blue Badge holders.

The Christmas Market plays a vital role in supporting our local artisans and traders, many of whom rely on the event as a platform to showcase their work. This event is a celebration of what makes York so special, contributing to the local economy.

Without the Christmas Market, the city would lose this valuable economic boost, impacting a wide range of local businesses. The effects would be felt across the hospitality sector, accommodation providers, attractions and independent retailers, all of whom benefit significantly from the Christmas Market’s success.

In addition, York Christmas Market has earned widespread recognition, including being named ‘Best Large Speciality Market’, listed among the ‘Top 10 Most Accessible Christmas Markets in the UK’, and consistently celebrated as one of the finest Christmas markets in both the UK and Europe.

We couldn’t be prouder of the continued success and strong community support surrounding the Christmas Market, despite the challenging economic climate felt by many businesses. It’s a testament to the dedication, creativity and resilience of everyone involved, from organisers, traders and visitors who make it all possible.

York Christmas Market has long been a symbol of community, inclusivity and celebration. Our continued collaboration with City of York Council, North Yorkshire Police and stakeholders will ensure that everyone has an opportunity to enjoy the event safely.”

Sarah Loftus, Managing Director, Make It York

York Christmas Market – smooth and safe experience for all visitors Read More »

York Christmas Market Returns On 13 November 2025

Events, Markets, Uncategorized, York Christmas Market / Comms

York’s award-winning Christmas Market is returning from 13 November to 21 December 2025! The famous Alpine chalets filled with sweet treats, delicious food and drink, thoughtful gifts and handmade crafts will line Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square, creating a festive wonderland for all to enjoy.

We are committed to making the market as environmentally sustainable and accessible as possible. This includes the continued publication of our online, accessibility-friendly Trader Map (published from 13 October). This is designed to help visitors easily locate their favourite stalls, plan ahead and fully enjoy the festive atmosphere of this winter Festival.

Continuing from previous years, a designated Quiet Time at the market will run daily from 10:30am to 12pm so everyone can enjoy the festive atmosphere music free, allowing for a more sensory friendly experience.

As part of our commitment to improving access for residents and visitors, for the second year, Make It York are continuing the partnership with St Sampson’s Centre and City of York Council to deliver a Quiet Oasis during the Christmas Market.

St Sampson’s Centre is the perfect venue to provide an accessible space a few meters away from the main market and next to the accessible toilet and Changing Places facilities on Silver Street. Located at Church Street (YO1 8BE), the centre will be open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm.

St Sampson’s Centre has been an integral part of York’s services for those in need for 50 years. Its main aim is to combat social isolation and loneliness by providing games and activities throughout the year for those who choose to take part. They serve food and drink at low rates and pride themselves on being a safe place that welcomes all.

Other considerations of the market include, detailing the locations of public toilets, for ease of locating a restroom around the city centre. Discover more about the accessibility features we’ve put in place to help everyone enjoy the market.

The historic Shambles Market will be open every day as usual over the festive period, located in the heart of the city, it’s just a stroll away from the York Christmas Market. With stalls selling timeless gifts and the Shambles Food Court offering a range of street food from Yorkshire favourites to world-wide cuisine, it is a great stop on a Christmas day out.

In addition to the popular York Christmas Market, there will be Christmas events throughout the city, whether you’re looking for family friendly activities, performances, or a festive evening out with friends, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Along with local businesses, Make It York will be supporting the popular York Minster Christmas Tree Festival (29 November 2025 – 5 January 2026). Over 60 Christmas trees from schools, charities and York’s favourite businesses will fill York Minster, creating a perfect Christmas festival for all to enjoy. This year our tree will be dedicated to our Visit York Pass, the city’s official sightseeing pass, and all the attractions who support us through this.

The very popular THOR’S Tipi will also be returning to York Museum Gardens (22 October 2025 – 4 January 2026) and The Milner Hotel Gardens (8 November 2025 – 24 December 2025) for the festive period. With delicious feasts and winter warmers by cosy fire pits, as well as live music events, it creates a perfect festive atmosphere.

Check out more events this festive season.

Public transport remains the easiest and most convenient way to reach the city centre.

With York Station serving as a major transport hub, and frequent bus services bringing visitors straight into the heart of the city, travelling in and out of the city couldn’t be simpler.

The city offers plenty of bike racks and secure storage options, making it easy and safe to cycle into York. In addition, there will be supervised, undercover cycle parking located at Minster Refectory (2 Deangate, YO1 7JA). Provided by York Cycle Campaign, this free service will be open on Wednesday 13 and Thursday 14 November from 5pm to 7pm, and on Saturday 15, Sunday 16, Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 November from 10am to 5pm. Keep your bike safe and enjoy exploring York’s Christmas Market with peace of mind.

You can plan ahead and check the i-Travel York website for the most up-to-date public transport and travel information.

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

“We are thrilled to announce the return of our award-winning York Christmas Market. The team is always dedicated to creating an inclusive event for all to enjoy, and this time of year just adds to the truly festive experience we bring to the city. We can’t wait to welcome residents and visitors back to celebrate the season with us this year!”

For full details and events, visit visityork.org/christmas

END

PRESS RELEASE: 16 September 2025

Notes to Editors

Download images (from York Christmas Market 2024)

York Christmas Market Returns On 13 November 2025 Read More »

Important Update for York Christmas Market: Market Closure Announcement

City News, Make It York News, Markets, York Christmas Market / Comms

We regret to inform that, due to Storm Darragh, the York Christmas Market will not take place on Saturday 7 December.

The forecast predicts strong north to north-westerly gusts of up to 55-57mph, accompanied by heavy rain, creating unsafe conditions for both trading and visiting. The safety of our traders, visitors, and staff remains our top priority. While this decision has been made independently, we are also aware that other Christmas markets are closing in response to similar adverse weather conditions.

We will review the forecast on Saturday afternoon and provide an update regarding trading on Sunday 8 December as soon as possible.

We regret any inconvenience caused and appreciate your understanding during this challenging situation. Please check our official communication channels for further updates, links below.

York is still open and ready to welcome everyone, but we encourage everyone to plan ahead and check the weather before traveling.

END

Notes to Editors

PRESS RELEASE: 6 December 2024

About Make It York
Make It York’s purpose is to develop and promote the city and its surroundings – nationally and internationally – as a vibrant and attractive place to live, visit, study, work and do business. Its mission is to grow the economic prosperity and wider wellbeing of York and its citizens. In practice, this means delivering a range of projects and programmes based around our corporate strategic priorities. These are, city positioning and profile-raising, ensuring an exciting city centre, and delivering the city’s ground-breaking cultural strategy. MakeItYork.com

About Visit York
Visit York is a part of Make It York and is the leisure tourism brand. Under the brand Visit York, Make It York’s aim is to market York as a must-see world-class destination to the leisure and business visitor and ensure investment to develop the quality of tourism in York. Activity covers all aspects of tourism marketing and PR, including market intelligence, as well as providing business support through the membership programme. Visit York operate the Visit York Pass, York’s city-sightseeing card, and run the Visitor Information Centre. VisitYork.org

Important Update for York Christmas Market: Market Closure Announcement Read More »

Important update for York Christmas Market: Storm Darragh monitoring

City News, Make It York News, Markets, York Christmas Market / Comms

We are closely monitoring the developments of Storm Darragh, with current forecasts suggesting strong north to north-westerly gusts of up to 55-57mph and heavy rain expected from early afternoon on Saturday 7 December.

As part of our event safety contingency plans, York Christmas Market will close if wind gusts reach or exceed 40mph. We will be monitoring wind levels on-site throughout the morning and afternoon to assess their local impact. Should wind speeds approach 40mph, York Christmas Market will be closed until 12pm on Sunday 8 December, subject to weather conditions being appropriate for reopening.

The decision to close the market will be made by Make It York and communicated immediately. Please keep an eye on our official channels for further updates.

The safety of our visitors, traders and staff is our top priority, and we are sorry for any disappointment caused.

END

Notes to Editors

PRESS RELEASE: 6 December 2024

Important update for York Christmas Market: Storm Darragh monitoring Read More »

St Sampson’s Centre to serve as a ‘Quiet Oasis’ this Christmas

City News, Culture and Wellbeing, Events, Markets, York Christmas Market / Comms

St Sampson’s Centre will serve the community as a peaceful and welcoming retreat this Christmas for a serene moment amid the seasonal celebrations.

As part of Make It York’s commitment to improving access for residents and visitors, we are working in partnership with St Sampson’s Centre and City of York Council to deliver a ‘Quiet Oasis’ during the York Christmas Market.

Just moments from the city’s festive celebrations, this accessible space offers a relaxing environment, complete with a cosy café and facilities to recharge. Perfect for those seeking a break during the excitement of the season, St Sampson’s Centre is here to enhance visitors’ festive experience.

Furthermore, St Sampson’s Centre is in the perfect location to provide an accessible space and next to the accessible toilet and Changing Places facilities on Silver Street.

Location:
St Sampson’s Centre, Church Street, York, YO1 8BE

Opening Times:
Monday to Saturday, 10am-4pm

Why Visit?

Accessible facilities for comfort and relaxation.

A warm, inviting café with affordable refreshments.

Conveniently located near York’s Christmas Market.

David Smith, City of York Council Access Officer, said:

“We continue to work with Make It York and the York Access Forum to help improve accessibility for the annual York Christmas Market. St Sampson’s Centre is the ideal location to get away from it all and relax. It really is the perfect spot to get away from it all and recharge.”

Richard and Rama, managers of St Sampson’s Centre, said:

“We extend a warm welcome to the facilities offered in the historic setting and its idyllic courtyard – ‘a hidden gem in the heart of York’. Come and see us!”

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

“We’re proud to all be working together this Christmas to create this special space for the community. Offering a peaceful place to unwind is part of our commitment in ensuring everyone is supported.”

END

PRESS RELEASE: 15 November 2024

Notes to Editors

Contact: comms@makeityork.com

Find full details about York Christmas Market at: https://visityork.org/christmas

About Make It York

Make It York’s purpose is to develop and promote the city and its surroundings – nationally and internationally – as a vibrant and attractive place to live, visit, study, work and do business. Its mission is to grow the economic prosperity and wider wellbeing of York and its citizens. In practice, this means delivering a range of projects and programmes based around our corporate strategic priorities. These are: City positioning and profile-raising; Ensuring an exciting city centre; Delivering the city’s ground-breaking Cultural Strategy. MakeItYork.com

About St Sampson’s Centre

About Visit York
Visit York is a part of Make It York and is the leisure tourism brand. Under the brand Visit York, Make It York’s aim is to market York as a must-see world-class destination to the leisure and business visitor and ensure investment to develop the quality of tourism in York. Activity covers all aspects of tourism marketing and PR, including market intelligence, as well as providing business support through the membership programme. Visit York operate the Visit York Pass, York’s city-sightseeing card, and run the Visitor Information Centre. VisitYork.org

St Sampson’s Centre to serve as a ‘Quiet Oasis’ this Christmas Read More »

PHOTO STORY: York Christmas Market – The first day of festivities in York!

City News, Make It York News, Markets, Shambles Market, York Christmas Market / Comms

Download high-res images here – photo credit Make It York. Please note: further images will be added after 4pm today to capture the market in the evening.

The York Christmas Market returns today on Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square. Seventy-five alpine chalets, adorned with Christmas garlands and twinkling fairy lights, line the street creating a festive wonderland.

Open until 22 December, experience the award-winning York Christmas Market named Britain’s Best Large Specialty Market*. This year, the market has also earned a spot in Which? as one of the best Christmas markets in the UK’s top-rated cities.

Shambles Market

The historic Shambles Market will be open daily, as always, offering exquisite quality gifts, fresh flowers and artisan crafts. Plus, the Shambles Food Court is one not to be missed catering to a wide range of tastes. This year, the Shambles Market has been nominated for the Great British Market of the Year Award – and you can cast your vote for this iconic destination today!

Proudly Yorkshire

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. In addition, sustainable traders were prioritized who are committed to ethical practices, using eco-friendly materials, and supporting fair standards.

Residents’ offer

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).

Useful information

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 online. This includes getting around by bus, quiet time (10am-12pm daily) so visitors can be assured a music-free period, a ‘quiet oasis’ at St Sampson’s Centre, access to more toilet facilities, and a trader map to locate stalls and plan ahead.

Getting around

Getting in and around York by public transport is the easiest and most hassle-free way for a day out. York’s local bus services are the most efficient way to travel within the city, and you can plan ahead at iTravel York. 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.

What’s on

Full of an array of festive things to do in York, find out what’s on with the festive calendar, and pick up the Winter Guide from the Visitor Information Centre chalet or shop at 21 Parliament Street. Our team are on hand to provide expert advice alongside souvenirs, attraction tickets and the Visit York Pass.

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

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

“We’re thrilled to kick off the festive season with the first day of our iconic York Christmas Market today! You can look forward to exploring unique gifts, festive treats, and a truly magical atmosphere that brings so much joy to the city centre during the holiday season.”

END

PRESS RELEASE: 14 November 2024

Notes to Editors

Contact: comms@makeityork.com

Download images – CREDIT: Make It York

*National Association of British Market Authorities (NABMA)’s Great British Market Awards 2023. Shared alongside Stratford-upon-Avon.

Read more on the Which? article: The UK’s best Christmas markets in 2024 – Which? News

About Make It York
Make It York’s purpose is to develop and promote the city and its surroundings – nationally and internationally – as a vibrant and attractive place to live, visit, study, work and do business. Its mission is to grow the economic prosperity and wider wellbeing of York and its citizens. In practice, this means delivering a range of projects and programmes based around our corporate strategic priorities. These are: City positioning and profile-raising; Ensuring an exciting city centre; Delivering the city’s ground-breaking Cultural Strategy. MakeItYork.com

PHOTO STORY: York Christmas Market – The first day of festivities in York! Read More »

York Christmas Market

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