York Christmas markets start when? All the details on this years markets and how to survive

November is well and truly underway, and with that, the busiest time in York has nearly arrived: Christmas Market season.

The wooden huts are already lining Parliament Street, the Christmas lights are up and the impending doom is settling in for those of us who have to go into town more than once a week. 

So, here’s your rundown on when the markets will be taking place and how to survive them. 

When do the markets open? 

The markets will officially open this week on Thursday 12th December and will remain open up until Monday 21st December. 

Unlike last year, which saw the markets being open a full seven days a week, this year they will be closed on a Tuesday. This is in order to provide the business occupying the stalls, alongside the locals, a rest day. 

However for the rest of the week, the markets will be open from 10:30 am up until 7:00 pm. Keeping the city busy all day long. 

Who will be at the market? 

This years market boasts a huge list of traders, with over 80% coming from Yorkshire. 

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Food and drink venders feature business such as: Beth Bakes Cakes, Brew York, Crumbles Desserts, Herbie’s, La Focaccia and the Shambles Kitchen. Among many wider names. 

For those planning to get some Christmas shopping done at the markets, gift vender feature: Beyond the Shelf, Avorium, Hollie Tree, Just be Socks and Luke Horton Art, to name just a few. 

Tips for making it through the month

It is no lie that the Christmas Markets increase the footfall in York City Centre. The 2025 Christmas Markets brought over 960,000 visitors to the city centre. 

For students and locals attempting to live and work in the city the markets can quickly become disruptive to their everyday life.

With this years markets offering a rest day on a Tuesday, it can be suggested that this is the best day to come into the city without having to tackle the crowds. Otherwise, prepare for crowded pavements which make a 10 minute walk turn into a 30 minute one.

Despite the disruption they may cause, it is equally important to remember the markets aims of supporting small, independent businesses. Visiting the markets of a weekday afternoon or early evening is the best time to come and support the businesses, without having to fight the huge crowds.