York Christmas Market FAQs
What are the opening times for York Christmas Market?
York Christmas Market opens on 14th November until 22nd December from 10am to 7pm daily.
What traders are at York Christmas Market this year?
You can find the full list of traders at York Christmas Market here.
Is there a Residents Discount offered at this year’s York Christmas Market?
All traders will be offering 10% discounts for York residents when presented with 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).
Will there be Christmas lights in York this year?
Yes. The Christmas lights display is a partnership between York BID and Make It York, who jointly fund the scheme. All displays use sustainable LED lights, and solar technology where possible. A new contract has allowed the scheme to be extended to areas like George Hudson Street, Castlegate and Nessgate. The curtain of lights on York’s historic bar walls will remain, along with the magical ‘Tree of Light’ at the Eye of York with its 1km of twinkly LED lights which change colour to mark important dates and festivals.
Is there a light switch-on event this year?
There is no light switch-on event planned in York.
Is there parking at York Christmas Market?
If you’re visiting the York Christmas Markets please consider walking, cycling or using public transport. Plan your journey and get the latest travel information at www.itravelyork.info
What measures are in place to protect York from terrorism over the festive period?
The City of York Councils' new permanent protective security barriers are now in operation across the city for the duration of the Christmas Markets. The barriers are necessary to protect people attending and working in the Christmas Markets, and the visitors and residents enjoying the city over the festive season.
York Christmas Markets take your safety and security seriously. That’s why we’re supporting Counter Terrorism Policing’s campaign to encourage everyone to help keep each other safe this winter. We have security measures you can see and, of course, ones you can’t. We ask you to help by staying alert and trusting your instincts. While you’re with us, you will see our security team / stewards / staff, who are there to help you if you need it.
If something doesn’t feel right, tell them straight away and they will do the rest. You won’t be wasting our time. In an emergency, call 999. Let’s keep each other safe.
I don't feel comfortable visiting the Christmas Market, how can I still get involved in the festivities?
A virtual Christmas market will run on visityork.org throughout the whole festive season. The online market is a great opportunity to bring the magic of York Christmas Market into the comfort of your own home, whilst also supporting York's traders, retailers and attractions.
I have accessibility needs and would like to attend the Christmas Markets, how can I find out more about planning my visit?
Make It York is proud to organise many free events and festivals throughout the year for residents and visitors to enjoy. We are committed to ensuring that everyone can participate, with access requirements in place to support with additional needs. Our accessibility guide to York Christmas Market can be found here. If you would like to discuss access requirements for York Christmas Market, please email events@makeityork.com
What measures are in place to make the Christmas Markets more sustainable?
York Christmas Markets operates a no single-use plastic policy and using energy saving electrical technology such as LED lighting. You can find out more about our commitment to sustainability and measures in place here.