From twinkling chalets on Parliament Street to cosy makers’ fairs on our doorstep and plenty of hot chocolate (or mulled wine!) along the way, York really does Christmas markets brilliantly. This year there’s a festive market for almost every weekend between now and Christmas, so whether you’re after handmade gifts, something delicious to eat or just a hefty dose of Christmas spirit, here’s our round-up of the best in and around York for 2026.
York Christmas Market (St Nicholas Fair)
The big one, and still the most magical. Alpine chalets line Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square, packed with gifts, crafts and seasonal food, and over 80% of the traders are from Yorkshire. New for 2026, the market is closed on Tuesdays for a weekly rest day, so plan around that.
Top tip: it gets very, very busy at weekends, so for babies and toddlers, aim for a weekday morning (not forgetting it’s closed on Tuesdays!),
📍 Parliament Street & St Sampson’s Square, York city centre
🗓 12th November to 21st December, 10.30am to 7pm, Wednesday to Monday (closed Tuesdays; closes 5pm on Monday 21st December)
Living North Christmas Fair, York Racecourse
If you’re keen to get ahead with the Christmas shopping, this is the one. Over 200 indoor stands make it a great rainy-day option, with gifts, food and festive bits for every age. It’s ticketed, so plan ahead!
📍 York Racecourse
🗓 19th to 22nd November (ticketed entry)
Frost Fair at Patch, York
A relaxed, family-friendly fair with Thin Ice Press. Last year’s had local makers, mulled wine and festive treats, so expect a cosy, independent feel.
📍 Patch, York
🗓 Saturday 28th November
York Makers Winter Fair, Clements Hall
A lovely community-hall fair full of local makers, perfect for finding something handmade for teachers, grandparents and stockings.
📍 Clements Hall, Nunthorpe Road, York
🗓 Saturday 28th November
South Bank Studios Winter Fair
Over 30 local art and craft stalls, plus cakes and refreshments to keep everyone going. A great one for little creatives who love seeing artists’ work up close.
📍 Southlands Church, 97 Bishopthorpe Road
🗓 Saturday 28th November, 10am to 4pm
Bishy Road Bazaar Christmas Edition
One of our favourite streets goes full festive, with over 40 local makers and creatives filling the car park. Pair it with a hot chocolate from one of Bishy Road’s independent cafés and you’ve got a perfect Sunday morning.
📍 Bishopthorpe Road car park, York
🗓 Sunday 29th November, 11am to 4pm
Yorkshire Yuletide Village, The Guildhall
Tucked behind the Mansion House, the beautifully restored Guildhall becomes a warm, festive hub of Yorkshire makers and food producers. It’s free, it’s indoors, and it’s a calmer alternative when the main market is in full swing. It’s a good chance to check out this lovely York building, too.
📍 The Guildhall, St Helen’s Square, York
🗓 1st to 20th December, open daily (free entry)
Cycle Heaven Christmas Makers Fair
A weekend makers’ fair with a friendly, local feel, ideal for picking up independent gifts in the run-up to Christmas. Why not check out the brilliant bikes while you’re there, too?
📍 Cycle Heaven, 31 Hospital Fields Rd, Fulford, York YO10 4FS
🗓 5th & 6th December
Worth the short drive 🚗
Malton
Yorkshire’s food capital is around half an hour away and does Christmas beautifully. Come for the St Clement’s Festival or one of the artisan markets in the Market Place, then fill up on local treats.
📍 Market Place, Malton
🗓 St Clement’s Festival on Saturday 21st November, 10am to 6pm. Artisan markets on 21st November and 19th December, 10am to 3pm
Artists & Makers Fair, Castle Howard Arboretum
If you fancy adding a fourth market to Super Saturday, head out to the arboretum for artists, makers and a wintry walk among the trees. Great for burning off some festive energy.
📍 Castle Howard Arboretum (around 25 to 30 minutes from York)
🗓 Saturday 28th November
Before you go
Dates and times can change, so it’s always worth checking each organiser’s website or socials before you set off!
