They’re officially here: Your much-needed guide to this year’s York Christmas markets

Potentially more stressful than the Christmas assessment period is the Christmas ‘I have no money, inspiration, or time to buy everyone I’ve ever met a present’ period. But never fear: York Christmas markets are officially back! They’re open from the 14^th November to the 22^nd December from 10am-7pm.

I went on the opening night to give you the essential guide to the Christmas markets 2024 – tricks and tips, the best underrated companies, and way too many food reviews. Yes, we basically ate our way through the market. Who does their actual shopping this early anyway?

Get ready for a month of last-minute present shopping, absolute standstill human traffic every weekend, and that unbeatable festive feeling.

One thing you can always guarantee about the markets is that they will be jam-packed. More than that, the entire of town will be. Sorry if you’re planning on going into Primark, Boots, or any coffee shop near the high street for the next month… you physically won’t even be able to fit in.

The only solution to this is going on a weeknight. We went at about 5:30 on the first Thursday, and considering it was the opening night it was actually not awful. Stay away on Saturdays if you’re a student – use being a local to your advantage and just pop over after your lecture one day!

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I’m not sure why it shuts at 7 but it definitely felt really early. We were walking around for the full 2 hours we were there, and we didn’t even buy any presents, so maybe go earlier if you’re planning a more practical trip than just checking the Christmassy vibe. The Christmas markets are a real time commitment, even if that’s just how long it takes to follow the crowd around.

Last-minute presents for the family

I know what you’re reading this for, and I know the desperation of needing to buy your dad a present when you feel like you buy him the same thing every year. Alcohol, tick. Some DIY or gardening tool he will use twice in January and never again, tick. A musical throwback to his indie youth days, tick. Fortunately for you, York markets do actually offer some good alternatives to old routine.

My dad’s personal favourite is the Chilli Jam Man. I actually think this is a stall normally at the Shambles as I have definitely bought from here for multiple people year-round. My dad enthusiastically forwarded me the promotion email announcing the Chilli Jam Man’s attendance at the Markets this year, so it was clearly a hit last time. They do chilli chocolate roulettes and gift boxes as well as the normal set deals. Although the very hot jam was too much for my dad – take my warning wisely!

Another few stalls I’d recommend as being personal faves are the Black Yak’s hats and scarves, Artifactually’s beautiful bauble selection, and Luke Horton’s Yorkshire prints. Last year I bought my mum a set of four tiny cushion owls on a branch representing our family, and cherry bakewell candles from the Yorkshire Candle Company. Being a student from anywhere else in the country is the perfect opportunity to bring a bit of York back home.

And if you really want to go out on a limb, there are Viking drinking horns on sale every year…

The essentials, or Food and drink

You know how people tell you not to go food shopping when you’re hungry? The same goes for the York Christmas Markets.

The immediate first stop has to be for a hot chocolate and Baileys. Or orange liqueur, if you’re me and fancied a bit of extra something. You get free whipped cream and marshmallows (although I did get one marshmallow less than my friends which I think is blatant favouritism) and it makes the inevitable 20-minute queue somewhat worth it.

Apparently, something people will queue up for each night is apple crumble. It’s on TikTok, in every Christmas market going – I’m going to be brutally honest and say it was a bit overrated. The apple crumble was £6.50 and we shared it between 3 of us, and even though the crumble is my favourite bit, I could admit there was barely any fruit in it. Although my top tip is to go at literally 5 to 7 before it shuts and there’s no queue. Do not queue for subpar crumble xxxx

Local York restaurant Lucia also has a stall this year, so if you want to spend a tenner on some very peppery cheese pasta here’s your chance! The restaurant is good, but I would skip the pasta and go for the Shambles Kitchen further down the Markets.

If you want to buy any food or drink either for presents or for yourself later on, there are endless stalls of gin and spirits, pie companies, and fudge stalls. So. Much. Fudge. It was actually a work of self-restraint that I didn’t go into the overdraft on fudge. When in doubt, York does food and drink very, very well.

Personal faves!

Absolute number one on the list – and this is probably very niche – is the Yorkshire Kitchen dessert butters stall, opposite M&S. Like hello? I have no reason to buy little jars of buttercream but they were delicious. Coming in vanilla, orange, chocolate, whisky, and salted caramel, you at least need to go and try the tasters. I could definitely eat buttercream out of the tub (and potentially have done this before) so go and grab a little stick and try them all. Will very likely be returning to buy some just for a sweet treat one night.

There’s a Lush stall further down the end as well, which I was buzzing about. Shoutout to anyone who needs their annual Snow Fairy stock up, because this is the place in York to do it. Although, there is a brand new Lush store in York, hello! I’ve never actually smelled a Snow Fairy scent but I’m getting the vibes that this Christmas is the year to invest.

Finally, another stall I buy from every year is the Little Bee Hut. Go by for some adorable knitted teddies, animal shaped candles, wax melts and sprays. I live by their lavender room and pillow spray – it puts me to sleep like nothing else. And you always feel better buying bits like this from local, sustainable companies. Or at least I do…

The York Christmas Markets are open until December 22nd, so if you’re like me and Christmas gift-giving is the most stressful part of the whole year round, brave the crowds and give it a try. At the very least, you’ll get some cute photos out of it, and a bit of appreciation for the specialties of Yorkshire.