York Christmas Market 2023 St Nicholas Fair at The Shambles

York is so much more than The Shambles, the famous cobblestone street lined with half-timbered houses. The city is filled with iconic attractions like York Minster, Clifford’s Tower and, of course, York Christmas Market.

The Christmas market in York is known as St. Nicholas Fair, and it’s returning again in 2023, bringing the community together for a magical winter in York.

I share details on confirmed dates, opening times, regional specialties and new locations in this guide.

Located in the heart of the city, you can experience the wonderful Christmas decorations along The Shambles to Parliament Street, where the Christmas market begins.

York Christmas Market 2023

Enjoy the stalls and sample the Christmas food as you walk towards St Sampson’s Square, which is lined with alpine-style chalets.

Continuing a little further to Kings Square, you’ll find the beautiful vintage carousel, the perfect spot for those with a young family.

Dates and Location

York Christmas market dates: 16th November to 22nd December 2023.
Location: Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square.
Opening times: 10am to 7pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Admission: Free, no tickets required.
Christmas lights: Yes, switch on date: 16th November 2023, from 12pm to 9pm.
Santa: Yes, Santa’s Grotto at Winter Wonderland.
Ice skating: Yes, at Winter Wonderland at York Designer Outlet.
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes.
Gluten free: Yes, but limited.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, but not advised.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Reason to visit: The festive atmosphere and historic Shambles Market location.
Recommended tour: Take a city highlights walking tour.
Specialities: International food court and the vintage carousel on Kings Square.
Where to stay: Galtres Lodge is a small, locally-owned hotel near the Christmas market.

Hotels near York Christmas Market

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in York, Galtres Lodge is a 2-minute walk to St Sampson’s Square making it the closest hotel to the markets. Alternatively, you might prefer Hotel Indigo York, which is a 10-minute walk away but is one of the top boutique hotels in York.

I’ve published a guide detailing where to stay in York this holiday season to help you avoid disappointment. Hotels book out early as this is one of the most popular markets in the UK. Read the guide to hotels near York Christmas Market for a list of where to stay.

Location of York Christmas Market

City and Christmas Tours

Exploring York on a city tour is a great way to discover the city’s profound history and cultural depth. Even in winter, York, with its delightful old city, characteristic buildings and remarkable architecture, warrants a visit.

This city tour of York is worth considering, as it allows you to discover the city’s highlights accompanied by a local guide at a reasonable cost. It’s particularly well-suited if this is your first visit to the city.

During your tour, you’ll encounter many of York’s distinguished landmarks and attractions, typically including the ancient city walls, the Shambles and York Minster.

As an alternative, you might want to take this fish and chip cruise and tour for something different.

Christmas in York

York is one of the most popular and best UK Christmas markets 2023. It makes my top 10!

Christmas Events in York

Christmas in Narnia: Engage in a winter adventure at the Great Hall in Castle Howard for their ‘Christmas in Narnia’ event. Designed with children and families in mind, it whisks you away to C.S. Lewis’s world of Narnia. The hall fills with the glow of Christmas lights, illuminating the vibrant projections and a splendidly decorated Christmas tree. It’s a charming way to experience the joy and excitement of the festive period.

Christmas Afternoon Tea: If you’re after a more tranquil experience, indulge in a Christmas Afternoon Tea at Chez Mel Brasserie. Here, you can relish a selection of Christmas-themed delicacies. Savour the sweet Christmas cakes or savoury dishes paired with your choice of tea. An optional glass of prosecco is available for those wishing to add a touch of sparkle to their afternoon.

York’s Big Christmas Concert: Tap into the spirit of Christmas with ‘York’s Big Christmas Concert’ at St Michael Le Belfry, Holy Trinity Church. The event features an array of traditional Christmas songs, carols and acoustic renditions of popular Christmas tunes. It’s a heartwarming celebration of music that stirs the Christmas spirit within everyone.

Christmas Drinks: Treat yourself to a warming drink as you meander around York’s Christmas markets. You might choose a glass of spiced mulled wine or a hot toddy if you’re after something a tad stronger. These traditional drinks add to the cosy atmosphere of the Christmas markets and help keep the chill at bay.

Chocolate Making Class: York Cocoa Works hosts a chocolate-making class for those interested in a hands-on activity. You can learn the craft of making chocolate bars, truffles, or even a Christmas cottage. It’s an engaging experience that could yield a unique handmade gift.

Santa’s Post Box: For the little ones, the post box in Museum Gardens transforms into Santa’s Post Box. Here, they can post their heartfelt letters to Santa, adding a sprinkle of Christmas wonder to their visit to York.

Food at the Christmas Market

Yorkshire Pudding Wrap: A local twist on a national favourite, the Yorkshire Pudding Wrap is something you must try. Imagine a traditional, fluffy Yorkshire pudding, flattened and used to wrap up a hearty filling of roast meat, vegetables and a dash of gravy. It’s a whole Sunday roast in a wrap that you can savour as you wander the market stalls.

Mulled Wine: You’ll undoubtedly find vendors selling mulled wine, a beloved Christmas market staple. The warming blend of red wine, spices, and citrus fruits is traditionally served hot and provides a cosy respite from the winter chill.

Parkin: Parkin is a Yorkshire speciality and an absolute must for anyone with a sweet tooth. This moist, sticky ginger cake made from oatmeal and black treacle will warm you up from the inside out.

Roasted Chestnuts: Another treat you can look forward to is roasted chestnuts. These delicious, warming snacks are often found at Christmas markets and have a comforting, nutty flavour that’s perfect for a cold day out.

Bratwurst: As for international fare, you’ll most likely come across stalls selling bratwurst. These German sausages are a classic Christmas market food, often served in a bun with a generous helping of sauerkraut and mustard.

What to Buy

Yorkshire Tea: Renowned across the country, Yorkshire Tea makes a wonderful gift for any tea lover. The region is famous for its robust, full-bodied brew, and a packet of this beloved tea is sure to please.

Handmade Crafts: At the York Christmas Market, you can expect to find a plethora of handmade crafts. Local artisans display their work, ranging from intricately crafted jewellery to beautiful pottery, textile crafts and beyond. Each piece carries the distinctive touch of its creator, making them truly unique gifts.

Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese: Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese is a delicious and distinctively regional gift. Creamy and slightly sweet, it’s often paired with fruit such as cranberries for a festive touch. A wedge of this fine cheese would make a delightful gift for any foodie.

Christmas Decorations: A typical sight at Christmas markets in York, festive decorations are aplenty at the York Christmas Market. Whether it’s hand-painted baubles, wooden ornaments, or festive wreaths, these seasonal decorations will undoubtedly add a touch of Christmas magic to any home.

Yorkshire Ale: For those who enjoy a pint, consider picking up some local Yorkshire Ale. The region is known for its brewing tradition, and a selection of local ales would be an ideal gift for beer enthusiasts.

Things to Do in York in Winter

There are many indoor winter attractions that complement the York Christmas market on St. Sampsons Square.

York Minster: A visit to York would be incomplete without exploring the splendid York Minster. As one of the UK’s grandest cathedrals, its vast space filled with intricate details and centuries of history welcomes you warmly from the winter chill. The detailed stained glass windows, the intricate stone carvings, and the atmospheric crypt give you an appreciation for the artistry and devotion poured into this sacred structure over generations.

National Railway Museum: A treat awaits you at the National Railway Museum. As a top attraction in York, it showcases a splendid collection of railway memorabilia. Its collection spans more than 300 years of railway history, including majestic locomotives, vintage carriages, and royal trains. Regardless of the weather outside, it’s a fantastic place to spend a winter’s day, delving into the fascinating world of trains and rail history.

York Castle Museum: The York Castle Museum, situated on the site of York Castle, offers you the chance to step back in time. Its varied exhibits range from recreated Victorian streets to displays about the First World War. Each exhibit is meticulously presented, giving you a thorough understanding of life in different eras. The museum’s setting, in historic prison buildings, further adds to its unique charm.

Castle Howard: A trip to the stunning Castle Howard will impress you. This 18th-century residence is home to breathtaking architecture, exquisite interiors, and a noteworthy art collection. While it’s a visual feast at any time of year, winter often sees the grounds covered in a dusting of snow, adding to the stately home’s beauty.

York Art Gallery: A world of artistic brilliance awaits within the York Art Gallery. Its diverse collection spans several centuries and includes works by renowned artists such as L.S. Lowry and David Hockney. The gallery continually updates its exhibits, meaning there’s always something new to see. It’s a haven for art enthusiasts, even on the coldest winter day.

York Cocoa Works: Finally, a visit to the York Cocoa Works can provide a delightful respite from the winter weather. This family-friendly location provides insight into the art of chocolate making. With hands-on classes available, it’s a unique opportunity to learn about the process of transforming cocoa beans into delicious chocolate. The roasting cocoa and melting chocolate aromas make this a particularly cosy winter activity.

If you’re visiting the Christmas markets in York in 2023, expect a resurgence of events and visits to attractions after the quiet time experienced over the last few years.

For more things to do in York in winter or further details on how to spend Christmas in York, visit the official tourist site, Visit York.

Sustainable Travel Tips

The choices we make have an environmental and social impact on the places we visit. When visiting the Christmas markets, keeping sustainability in mind is important.

Implement some or all of these simple measures to create a positive impact.

• Local Food Consumption: The Christmas markets of York are bursting with local produce. Opting to eat locally sourced food reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation. It also supports the local economy.
• Zero Waste Shopping: York is home to many independent shops and markets that encourage zero-waste shopping. Make a conscious choice to shop at these stores, and refuse single-use plastic wherever possible. Your shopping experience at the York Christmas Market can be an opportunity to promote sustainable practices by using reusable bags and choosing gifts with minimal packaging.
• Renewable Energy: I recommend booking your stay in a hotel that prioritises sustainability. Many hotels and B&Bs in York use renewable energy sources like solar power and have energy-efficient lighting. Do some research to find these places and make your trip a little greener.
• Sustainable Transportation: Opt to use sustainable modes of transport while navigating the city. York is a compact city, and many attractions are within walking distance. The city also has an extensive cycling infrastructure and many bike rental shops. Public transport in York, including buses and trains, is an excellent option for longer journeys.
• Mindful Consumption: While enjoying the array of tasty treats at York’s Christmas Market, try to minimise food waste by ordering only what you can finish. Many stalls offer smaller portion sizes to help with this. Also, remember to bring a refillable water bottle to reduce reliance on single-use plastics.
• Choose Vegetarian or Plant-based Options: Consider incorporating more vegetarian or plant-based meals into your diet during your visit. Livestock farming has a significant environmental impact, and choosing plant-based meals reduces your carbon footprint. York has a variety of restaurants and market stalls that serve delicious plant-based dishes. Give them a try – you might discover a new favourite!

FAQ

If you have any questions or comments about visiting York Xmas market or York at Christmas more generally, please leave a comment below.

—

Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. This post contains affiliate links to hotels and tours in York, UK. This means I get a small commission from any bookings at no extra cost to you.