York Christmas Market 2026: Dates, locations and tips

Le York Christmas market, St Nicholas Fair, also known as St Nicholas Fair, is one of the most charming in England. Its cottages are nestled in the heart of the medieval town, a stone's throw from the Shambles and the cathedral. Here are the 2026 dates, locations, and our tips for enjoying it.

In short: The York Christmas Market 2026 takes place from Thursday, November 12th to Monday, December 21st, 2026, on Parliament Street and St Sampson's Square. It is open from 10:30 am to 7 pm, but closed on Tuesdays. Admission is free.

Dates for the York Christmas Market in 2026

According to the tourist office Visit York, The market is open from November 12th to December 21st, 2026. New for this edition: it will be closed every Tuesday, a day off tested by the organizers. Furthermore, it will close earlier, at 5 pm, on the last day.

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Event	Dates 2026
Market opening	Thursday, November 12, 2026
Schedules	From 10:30 am to 7 pm, Wednesday to Monday
Closing day	Every Tuesday
Market closure	Monday, December 21, 2026, at 5 p.m.

Where are the chalets located?

The chalets line Parliament Street and St Sampson's Square, right in the historic center. This allows you to walk from the market to the medieval alleyways in just a few minutes. You'll mainly find artisans and producers from Yorkshire: decorations, ceramics, soaps, fudge, cheeses, and local beers.

The Shambles, the most famous street in York

Just next door, the Shambles form a cobbled alley lined with medieval half-timbered houses. Illuminated for the holidays, it's one of the most beautiful streets in England at Christmas. It's often compared to Diagon Alley from Harry Potter.

What to do in York at Christmas?

• Visit York Minster, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Europe, and attend a Christmas carol.
• Take a walk around the medieval ramparts, which offer beautiful views of the city.
• Next, discover the National Railway Museum, the largest railway museum in the country, for free.
• Having tea in a historic salon in the city center.
• Finally, take a half-day trip to Castle Howard, which is beautifully decorated for Christmas.

To learn more about the cathedral, read our guide to England's most beautiful cathedrals.

Our tips for visiting the York Christmas market

First, avoid Saturday afternoons, which are very crowded, and consider Tuesdays: the market is closed that day. Second, come by train: York is about two hours from London's King's Cross, and about two and a half hours from Edinburgh. Furthermore, the train station is a ten-minute walk from the market.

Finally, pack warm clothes: in December, temperatures in Yorkshire are often between 1 and 7 °C.

Combine York with a trip to England

York combines easily with other cities. For example, compare it with the Bath Christmas market, THE Christmas markets in London or the Edinburgh Christmas Market, just a few hours away by train. Our selection of The best Christmas markets in England will also help you choose.

Frequently asked questions about the York Christmas market

When will the York Christmas market take place in 2026?

It takes place from November 12 to December 21, 2026, every day except Tuesday.

Is entry free?

Yes, access is free. You only pay for your purchases and tastings.

Why does the York Christmas market close on Tuesdays?

This is a rest day being tested for the first time this year by the organizers. So check the times before your visit.

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