York Christmas Market Returns On 13 November 2025

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. 

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. 

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 10am 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.  

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.  

The city also offers numerous bike racks and secure storage, making it easy and safe to park your bike. In addition, there will be supervised under cover cycle parking located at Minster Refectory (2 Deangate YO1 7JA). Provided by York Cycle Campaign, this service will be open on 14 November (2pm-7pm), 15, 16, 22, 23 November (10am-5pm). Keeping your bike safe while you explore York. 

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