York Christmas Festival

14th November - 22nd December 2024, 10am - 7pm

Enjoy the Christmas cheer on offer in one of the UK's most festive cities as York's restaurants, shops and attractions are beautifully decorated and provide a wonderful winter experience, with an incredible range of festive events! For the perfect York Christmas, stay in York hotels, B&Bs or self catering and give yourself a luxurious amount of time to soak up the festive atmosphere.

York's award-winning Christmas Market is back from 14th November to 22nd December 2024, bringing festive cheer to the heart of the city. With 75 alpine chalets lining Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square, the market offers a magical array of local crafts, artisan products, and delicious seasonal treats. The vintage carousel on King’s Square adds to the festive atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for families and visitors alike. With 80% of the traders hailing from Yorkshire, this is a fantastic opportunity to support local businesses while enjoying the best of what the region has to offer.

The market is not just about shopping - it's about creating a welcoming and inclusive experience for everyone. There’s a focus on sustainability with a selection of traders committed to ethical and eco-friendly practices. Additionally, a quieter period from 10am to 12pm daily ensures that the market is accessible to all visitors.

The Take A Seat Initiative ensures that everyone, including those with reduced mobility, can comfortably enjoy the festivities around the city. And with public transport options like York Park & Ride making it easy to get into the city centre, it’s never been easier to experience the magic of Christmas in York. Make it York are working in partnership with St Sampson's Centre and City of York Council to deliver a 'Quiet Oasis':  an accessible space a few meters away from the main market and next to the accessible toilet and Changing Places facilities in Silver Street.

Christmas is a great time to support local businesses and we're looking forward to welcoming residents and visitors to safely enjoy the festivities in York.

Experience Christmas in York

Screenshot 2024 11 21 164331

Christmas Events in York

There are Christmas events for everyone at York, whether you're looking for family friendly activities, shows and concerts, or a festive evening out with friends.

B014257

York Christmas Market

York's award-winning Christmas Market is back from 14th November to 22nd December 2024, bringing festive cheer to the heart of the city.

York Christmas Market 2024 58

Christmas Market Trader List

Discover the festive delights of York's Christmas Market. Browse the charming stalls for unique local treasures and seasonal gifts. Join the cheer in York this winter!

York Christmas Market 2024 081

Book Your Festive Stay

Elevate your Christmas experience and immerse yourself in the city's yuletide charm with an extended stay. Discover the magic of York's Christmas traditions, wander through twinkling streets, and let the festive spirit embrace you a little longer.

C24187bb faf8 456e 885e da409599033b copy2

Visit York Gift Shop

Discover handpicked treasures from the Visit York Information Centre & Gift Shop. Adorn your Christmas tree with our exclusive York Baubles, cherish the city's beauty through Chris Ceaser's photography cards, unique handcrafted FaTuz magnets, and more!

Christmas In York Hero Banner 2022 11 30 134056 oonr

Visit York Pass

Embrace the magic of York this festive season with the Visit York Pass! Unlock exclusive savings at top attractions, savour more and spend less. Your Yuletide adventure awaits!

Xmasgrid22 3

York Park & Ride

Step into the festive spirit with York Park & Ride! Glide past the busy streets and straight into holiday cheer with frequent buses every 12 minutes and complimentary parking.

York Christmas 64

Accessibility Guide

Read our accessibility guide to the York Christmas Market, which includes information about designated quieter periods and parking details.

Virtualmarket23

Explore The Virtual Christmas Market

If you're unable to join us in person for the Christmas Market, explore our Virtual Market! Discover this year's traders and shop for the range of Christmas goodies and treats.

York Christmas Market 2024 084

Christmas Market FAQs

Your questions about the Christmas Market have been answered on our FAQ page, so you can be as informed as possible before your festive trip to York!

York Christmas Market 2024 59

Sustainability Guide

We strive to be as sustainable as possible at Visit York. Explore our Sustainability Guide to read how we are committed to minisiming our environmental impact over the festive period.

York Christmas Market 2024 163

Christmas Guide 2024

Head over to the Visit York Information Centre and pick up your ultimate Christmas guide, or discover the digital version to be clued up before you visit.

York Christmas 48

Give Us Your Feedback

Share your experience of York's Christmas Market through our short survey - we always appreciate your feedback!

What's on this Christmas in York

See all Christmas Events

Fun events for all the family and the festive!

NYMR Santa Specials Group Shot
Family friendly white
7th Dec 24 - 8th Dec 24

NYMR Santa Specials

Brand-new Santa Specials at the NYMR All aboard our Santa Specials to meet Santa Claus and have fun with his railway he…

Banner festive tastings visit york
Indie york white
20th Dec 24

Sparkly Gin Tastings

Sparkly Christmas Gin Tastings in the festive 16th Century York Gin shop(from £35) Here's the perfect festive treat for…

Banner festive tastings visit york
Indie york white
6th Dec 24

Sparkly Gin Tastings

Sparkly Christmas Gin Tastings in the festive 16th Century York Gin shop(from £35) Here's the perfect festive treat for…

Banner festive tastings visit york
Indie york white
13th Dec 24

Sparkly Gin Tastings

Sparkly Christmas Gin Tastings in the festive 16th Century York Gin shop(from £35) Here's the perfect festive treat for…

See all Festive Events

Xmasgrid22 4

All Christmas Events in York

Santa sightings? Festive Afternoon Tea? Plan your perfect Christmas adventure by browsing all of the Christmas events in York.

Tim mossholder eg V4ig2 Zhp A unsplash

Meet Santa

Santa has been spotted across the city! Don't miss the chance to tell him what's on the top of your Christmas list this year.

Xmasgrid22 5

Pantos, Theatre and Music

From classic carols, to theatre fun and orchestral masterpieces, there is something for all music and drama lovers in York this Christmas.

B014791

Family Friendly Events

Family friendly festive events to keep kids, and all the family, entertained this Christmas!

Vlcsnap 2022 11 28 12h26m11s409

Enjoy Christmas Safely

We’re working with Counter Terrorism Policing UK to keep York safe. Your safety is our priority. If you see something that doesn't feel right, tell security staff or report online at gov.uk/ACT

Extend your Christmas break and soak up more of the city’s festive magic by booking a stay.

189320623 smaller
Stay white

Castle Howard Holiday Cottages

The Cottages These beautiful holiday cottages are pet-friendly and located in attractive rural villages near Castle How…

CP1
Stay white

Castle Howard Lakeside Holiday Park

Enjoy a peaceful, rural retreat at Castle Howard's tranquil Lakeside Holiday Park. Nestled between the Great Lake and t…

Hottub
Stay white

Hoxne Cottages

Hoxne Cottages are four award-winning luxury 2 bedroom self-catering holiday cottages with hot tubs. Located just six m…

Stay at aldwark
Stay white

Aldwark Manor Estate

Nestled within over 200 acres of picturesque North Yorkshire, the renowned Aldwark Manor Estate has been synonymous wit…

Daffs cropped

Save money while sightseeing with a Visit York Pass!

York's official sightseeing card which gives entry to top attractions in York, including York Minster, City Cruises York, JORVIK Viking Centre and more!

Buy Now
York pass Phone Mock Up white qr

Why get a Visit York Pass?

🏰 Save money on 30+ attractions

🏰 Quick and easy to use

🏰 Includes 24 hours city sightseeing bus ticket

It's the only ticket you need!

Explore Visit York Pass
1slideryp3