Groups can visit York Christmas Market from November for festive shopping, food and entertainment, plus there’ll be a range of special events happening.
York Christmas Market has been confirmed to return from November to December this year, offering festive shopping, seasonal food and a lively atmosphere in the historic heart of the city, expected to fill Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square and conveniently located next to the Shambles.
Groups can expect a range of local independent traders and festive entertainment in authentic chalet-style huts. Organised by Make It York, it will be open six days a week, from 10:30am to 7pm, Wednesday to Monday.
Sarah Lofthus, managing director of Make It York, said: “Our aim is to ensure the city delivers a world-class Christmas experience that balances the needs of visitors, residents and businesses.
“We would love for everyone to keep York and the Christmas Market firmly on their itineraries. There’s so much to do and see in the city throughout the week, your time in the city can be easily packed with the city’s world-class attractions, events, and food and drink options.”
A small change for the city
New for this year, the market will be closed on Tuesdays. Councillor Pete Kilbane, executive member for the economy said this is “to ensure easier access to the city centre for everyone”.
He added: “During the festive season York is the most Christmassy place in the UK, with people coming together to celebrate and explore our amazing city and its wonderful hospitality and retail businesses.
“With so much to explore and enjoy seven days a week across the whole of York we are looking forward, with our partners, to what promises to be another fantastic festive period.”
Seasonal events in the city
The historic style of York perfectly lends itself to a cosy Christmas day out, and there will be plenty of festive events and experiences to enjoy in the city alongside the Christmas Markets.
York Minster will have a packed schedule of candlelit carol concerts and special services to celebrate Advent, as well as the popular annual Christmas Tree Festival. Returning for its sixth year from 28th November to 5th January 2027, this event typically features around 70 Christmas trees individually decorated and displayed inside the cathedral.
Panto-fans can catch West End and Emmerdale star Tom Lister in a performance of Peter Pan at the Grand Opera House, from 5th December to 3rd January 2027. There will also be a production of festive favourite It’s a Wonderful Life at Theatre@41.
Group visits to York
There are several coach parking areas including two dedicated coach parks in York city centre. Over Christmas, groups travelling to the city by coach are encouraged to pre-book spaces.
Visit York offer sample itineraries, a dedicated Travel Trade team and the Visit York Pass which provides access to attractions across one, two or three days.
Useful information about group visits can be found here: ./groups-travel-trade.
