York Christmas Market (St Nicholas Fair) 2025 Guide
York, North Yorkshire ⢠13 Nov â 21 Dec 2025 ⢠England
Alpine chalets line Parliament Street and St Sampsonâs Square with Yorkshire traders, cosy tea huts and entertainment in the shadow of York Minster.
Why visit in 2025?
- Made in Yorkshire crafts, food and drink trail
- Festive tipi bars and pop-up performances on Shambles Market
- Seasonal lights across the historic city centre and Minster Quarter
At a glance
Location
Parliament Street & St Sampsonâs Square, York YO1 8QR
Opening hours (2025)
- SunâWed: 10am â 6pm
- ThuâSat: 10am â 8pm
- Selected late-night shopping: until 9pm
Costs
Free entry. Ice trail events, Santa experiences and river cruises have separate charges.
Contact
Why Yorkâs market is special
Yorkâs St Nicholas Fair transforms the medieval city into a Dickensian winter village. Alpine chalets line Parliament Street and St Sampsonâs Square, where you can browse Yorkshire-made crafts, artisan food, handmade jewellery and charcuterie. Thorâs Tipi returns for 2025 with a roaring fire, Scandinavian dĂŠcor and hot cocktails, while Shambles Market hosts a festive foodie quarter.
The market is part of the wider âYork Christmas Festivalâ featuring the Ice Trail (January 2026), choir performances beneath York Minster, and candlelit tours of the cityâs historic attractions. Sustainable transport options like Park & Ride and shuttle buses help keep the city centre walkable during peak weekends.
Getting there
By train
York station is a 10-minute stroll from Parliament Street. Direct LNER and TransPennine Express services run from London, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Manchester and Leeds.
By coach
National Express and Megabus stop at York Station Avenue. First Bus Park & Ride routes (Grimston Bar, Rawcliffe Bar, Askham Bar, Monks Cross) provide frequent links into the centre.
Driving & parking
City centre car parks include Q-Park Tanner Row, Nunnery Lane and Foss Bank. Park & Ride is recommended to avoid congestion inside the city walls.
Accessibility
Yorkâs historic streets feature cobbles and narrow lanes. Accessible drop-offs are available near St Sampsonâs Square. Changing Places facilities are located at Silver Street (Shambles Market) and at the Coppergate Centre.
Need-to-know details
- Tell me something unusual: Over 80% of stalls are run by Yorkshire businesses, showcasing regional produce, gin, chutneys and artisan crafts.
- Year established: 1998.
- Typical attendance: Around 1.5 million visitors each year.
- Official opening: The Lord Mayor of York leads the lights switch-on with choirs on Parliament Street.
- Entry cost: Free.
Top things to do
- Shop the chalets: Discover local ceramics, handmade knitwear, artisan chocolates and festive home dĂŠcor.
- Thorâs Tipi: Settle by the fire pit for mulled wine, craft ale and Viking-inspired street food.
- Kingâs Square carousel: Soak up the nostalgic vibes on the vintage gallopers ride.
- Ice Trail weekend: Visit in early January for ice sculptures across the city (free to explore).
Make a weekend of it
Tour York Minster, climb Cliffordâs Tower for winter views, and explore the Shambles at dusk when the lanterns glow. Donât miss the JORVIK Viking Centre, National Railway Museum or a ghost walk through the snickelways. Nearby day trips include Castle Howardâs Christmas spectacle and the Yorkshire Dalesâ festive markets.
Plan your trip
Accommodation
Book hotels or guesthouses as early as possibleâweekend dates around the market book up quickly. Consider nearby villages for boutique stays.
Travel
Rail is often the most convenient way to arrive. If driving, look for park and ride services to avoid city-centre congestion.
Accessibility
Most markets provide accessible routes, but cobbles and temporary surfaces can be unevenâcheck the organiser accessibility guide linked below.
Weather Ready
Pack layers, waterproof footwear and gloves (touchscreen-friendly for photos). Early sessions are quieter; evenings bring the best atmosphere.