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York Christmas Markets 2026: What to eat, drink & see

York Christmas Market 2026 returns this November, bringing some festive magic to the city’s historic streets. Voted the 5th best Christmas market in the UK, this year’s market will feature 75 stalls, with an impressive 80% made up of Yorkshire businesses.

Expect a wonderfully curated mix of independent makers, artisan traders and local food and drink producers, with plenty of opportunities to pick up something special (or treat yourself along the way).

Whether you’re browsing for Christmas gifts, warming up with something delicious or simply soaking up the atmosphere beneath York Minster, this is a super festive date for the diary.

york christmas market stall

The important information for York Christmas Market

12th November – 21st December 2026

York Christmas Market will run six days a week, with Alpine chalets stretching across Sampson Square and Parliament Street, showcasing local crafts, artisan products, unique gifts and seasonal treats.

Trader Village & Street Food

Wednesday -Monday: 10:30 am – 7 pm

Closed Tuesdays

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Top picks for food and drink at York Christmas Market

Thor’s Tipi

The ultimate spot for festive drinks, Thor’s Tipi will be back alongside Thor’s On Ice rink at the Museum Gardens.

Local favourite Lucia is bringing an Italian twist to Thor’s Tipi this year, taking over the balcony with a signature Dolce Glide cocktail, Champagne, seasonal cocktails, mulled wine and mulled rosé.

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Crumbles deserts

Satisfy your sweet tooth with Crumbles Desserts’ warm, freshly baked crumbles, piled high with your choice of toppings. Keep an eye out for the returning Sticky Toffee Pudding Crumble, too.

Millers York

Bringing a taste of Ireland to the Christmas market, Millers York is serving up its popular Irish Spice Bag. Expect crispy salt-and-pepper chicken, chunky chips, peppers and chillies tossed in a punchy five-spice seasoning, with Irish curry sauce on the side.

Chocolate Circus Hot choclates at York Christmas Market 2027

Chocolate Circus York

There’s no better place for a hot chocolate than York Christmas Market. Chocolate Circus are delivering the goods with gooey cookies, toasted marshmallow fluff, whipped cream, delicious festive toppings and, of course, a York-themed wafer.

Beth Bakes Cakes

York’s very own Beth Bakes Cakes is bringing its famous bakes back to York Christmas Market, including the much-loved eight-layer Bruce Bogtrotter style Beth Cake.

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Shambles Kitchen

Look out for The Shambles Kitchen serving up its Scandi-style sausages, bringing a Nordic twist to the market’s street food offering. Expect hearty, flavour-packed bites that are ideal for fuelling a festive wander around the stalls.

Lucia

For the Pasta lovers, you need to head to Lucia’s stall, where freshly cooked pasta is tossed tableside in a giant cheese wheel. It’s indulgent, wonderfully warming and well worth saving room for.

York St Nicholas Christmas Markets in Yorkshire

What else do we need to know about York Christmas Market?

York Christmas Market is free to visit, with no general admission ticket required.
Weekday mornings and early afternoons are usually quieter, while evenings and weekends tend to be busier.
Allow a couple of hours to browse the stalls, enjoy the street food and soak up the atmosphere.
The market is primarily outdoors, so wrap up warm. Festive bars offer somewhere to escape the cold.
Four-legged friends are welcome.