York Christmas Market

The York Christmas Market returns to the city centre from 12 November to 21 December 2026, with the main stretch running along Parliament Street and St Sampson's Square (YO1 8SG). It's officially known as the St Nicholas Fair, and it's one of the biggest festive dates in the city, drawing huge crowds as December approaches and spilling out from the centre into surrounding areas, including The Shambles.

There are over 100 Scandinavian-style alpine chalets to wander through, stocked with local artisan goods and festive food and drink. Thor's Tipi Bar is back as a focal point, alongside seasonal lights and live entertainment throughout the run. It's the kind of thing that takes over a good chunk of the city centre for several weeks, so it's worth planning your visits around the dates.

One change to keep in mind this year: the market is closed on Tuesdays. It's a trial approved by the council to improve accessibility for disabled people, following a period when Blue Badge holders were restricted from parking in the city centre under an Anti-Terror Traffic Regulation Order requested by North Yorkshire Police. The council and disabled campaigners argued the closure would send a clear message that disabled people are equal parts of the local community. Traders, on the other hand, warned it could put more pressure on a struggling hospitality industry, with some estimates suggesting up to £7.8m in lost income. It's a point of debate that's shaped how the market runs this time around.

So, the market runs from 12 November to 21 December, closed on Tuesdays, across Parliament Street and St Sampson's Square in the city centre.