This May half-term, York is placing its city centre Shambles Markets at the heart of a packed programme of family activities, independent shopping and live events.
Across the week, the Shambles Market will combine its regular independent traders, craft stalls and street food with a series of interactive experiences to explore the city’s historic market.
Trail brings family activity into the Market
From 20–27 May (9am-5pm), the Magical Owl Trail will bring family activity into Shambles Market. With ten owls hidden throughout the market, families can explore the market’s bustling corners and secret nooks as they embark on a magical adventure among the stalls.
Pick up free trail cards from the Visit York Visitor Information Centre, with completed entries rewarded with a sticker.
In addition, don’t miss your chance to win a Wizard Walk of York family ticket for four and two Wizard Wand Kits! Simply complete a short survey to be in with a chance of winning.
Evening market showcases independent traders
On 25 May (7:30pm-10pm), Shambles Market will host a special Magical Night Market, transforming the iconic market into a bustling hub of enchantment, bursting with street food and artisan crafts bringing together around 40 independent traders.
The evening will also include spellbinding entertainment and interactive features including roaming performers and themed installations.
The half-term programme of activity forms part of a wider city-centre events calendar, including WizardFest (23-25 May), which takes place across key locations such as Parliament Street, St. Helen’s Square and York Minster. With 25 activities on the magical map – including trails, tours, bubble shows, dragons, owls, wand making, LEGO workshops, Fancy Dress Parade and more.
Celebrating local markets
From 15-30 May, the Shambles Market will be taking part in the national Love Your Local Market – NABMA’s UK-wide campaign, celebrating local markets and the importance of markets to local economies, entrepreneurship and community life.
Historic plays return to the city
Shambles Market becomes the venue for York Mystery Plays as it hosts memorable performances depicting medieval times.
The return of the York Mystery Plays sees two twilight performances staged at the market’s unique setting on 30 June and 1 July. Across the evening at Shambles Market, five plays unfold with each one introduced by a Storyteller inviting you to experience the stories and discover your own response within them.
Performances also take place on 28 June and 5 July with the programme including a two-week fringe of events.
A focus on independent shopping and food
This year’s May half-term programme highlights the continued importance of the Shambles Market as a hub for independent traders, food culture and family-friendly activity in the heart of York’s city centre.
Not just for half-term, the Shambles Market is open throughout the year where you can find something different every day. It’s the ultimate destination for a diverse range of independent shopping from exquisite gifts and stylish accessories to fresh flowers and artisan crafts from local traders. The market offers a delightful variety if choices.
Nestled within the market, the Shambles Food Court is a culinary haven and the destination for gastronomic delights, catering to a wide range of global tastes. Plus, it’s a dog-friendly spot so you can grab a treat for yourself and your pooch, and relax at picnic bench area.
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PRESS RELEASE: 11 May 2026
NOTES TO EDITORS
- WizardFest: https://www.wizardwalkofyork.com/wizardfest/
- Love Your Local Market: https://loveyourlocalmarket.nabma.com/
- York Mystery Plays: https://www.yorkmysteryplays.co.uk/
- Magical Owl Trail survey is live from 20 to 27 May: https://visityork.org/wizard-win. Full terms: https://visityork.org/terms
