York Christmas Market 2026: Dates, Opening Hours and Visitor Guide

York Christmas Market returns from Thursday 12 November to Monday 21 December 2026, taking over Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square in the city centre.

The market is organised by Make It York, and more than 80% of its traders come from Yorkshire. The stalls are set out in alpine chalets along two of York’s main shopping streets, so the market is woven into the city centre rather than fenced off in a single square.

Parliament Street

Parliament Street holds the main run of the market’s alpine chalets. Because it is one of York’s main shopping streets, the market stalls sit alongside the city’s regular shops, and the street is at its busiest at weekends.

St Sampson’s Square

St Sampson’s Square holds the rest of the market, a short walk from Parliament Street. Together the two streets make up the whole market, and both can be covered in a single visit.

The Tuesday closure

One detail that catches visitors out: the market is closed every Tuesday. It is open Wednesday to Monday, from 10.30am to 7pm, with a weekly rest day on Tuesdays. If you are planning a trip to York specifically for the market, do not plan it for a Tuesday.

The market also closes early on its final day, Monday 21 December, shutting at 5pm rather than 7pm.

Accessibility

Visit York also publishes an accessibility guide for the Christmas market, which lists the same opening hours as the main listing. Check the guide before you travel if you need access information for the market streets.

The traders

More than 80% of the traders at York Christmas Market come from Yorkshire. The market is organised by Make It York, who can be contacted at [email protected] or on 01904 551551.

Tips for your visit

• Because the market occupies public streets, there is no single entrance to queue at — you can join it from either Parliament Street or St Sampson’s Square.
• The market is closed every Tuesday — plan around that.
• The market closes at 5pm, not 7pm, on its last day, Monday 21 December.
• Because the market occupies public streets, it is easy to combine with the rest of York city centre in one trip.
• Dates and hours can change at short notice, so check the official Visit York page before you travel.

Frequently asked questions

When is York Christmas Market 2026?

Thursday 12 November to Monday 21 December 2026.

Where is York Christmas Market?

Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square in York city centre (YO1 8RY).

What are the opening hours?

10.30am to 7pm, Wednesday to Monday. The market is closed every Tuesday, and it closes at 5pm on Monday 21 December.

Is York Christmas Market closed on Tuesdays?

Yes. Tuesday is the market’s weekly rest day, every week of the run.