The best things about York Christmas Market 2025!

I did it again. I went back to York Christmas Market because after loving it so much last year I was determined to take the girls and let them in on the magic. Second time around it was just as good, maybe even better. This time I knew my way around and knew what was a bargain, which stalls had the best stuff, and most importantly I learned my lesson from last year and wrapped up extra well. There were twinkly lights, cosy smells and people wandering about with hot chocolates the size of their heads! It was an amazing day!

Here’s my favourite things about York Christmas Market this year! There was so much to love!

The festive atmosphere hits you straight away!

The moment we got into the heart of York and walked through the Shambles the festive atmosphere really hits you! The lights, the smells and then you turn the corner and see all the Christmas huts! It’s wonderful and puts you right in the Christmas mood!

York itself is the perfect backdrop!

York could stick a Christmas market in a car park and it would still look magical but the city really goes all out. Cobbled streets, the Minster peeking over rooftops, old buildings wrapped in fairy lights and all the trees too! It was beautiful! It’s one of those places where you can’t take a bad photo. I could have accidentally taken a picture of my shoe and it would still look festive. 

The food!

York knows how to feed you, they do not mess around when it comes to food! I had steak and chips last year and had been thinking about them ever since! The girls went for mac and cheese which had so much cheese, in the hut selling it there was a whole wheel of parmesan cheese. We also had apple crumble and custard! Yum! Other food highlights were the churros dusted in cinnamon sugar, giant Yorkshire puddings filled with roast dinner, German sausages the length of my arm and the most amazing brownies!

It's Family friendly!

There were loads of families with little kids running about but it didn’t feel overly kiddy so it is ideal when you’ve got older kids, teens or you’re just doing a grown ups Christmas day out. The queues moved fairly quickly, no one was shoving or stressed and there was enough space to browse without feeling like you were trapped.

Local traders make it extra special!

One of my favourite things this year was how many of the stalls were Yorkshire businesses. You can feel the pride people have in what they make: handmade candles, fudge, ornaments, gin, chutneys, wooden toys, soaps that smell better than my entire house and jewellery that looks far more expensive than it actually is! We spoke to loads of stallholders and every single one was lovely. They were happy to chat, explain what they made, give recommendations and even tell us where else to visit in York. There’s something extra Christmassy about knowing your money is going to real people and not an anonymous online cart.

It’s full of gift ideas and temptations!

I went with every intention of just looking and somehow came home with ornaments, fudge, pork pies, cookies and a few gifts for other people! There were so many unique finds: personalised baubles, handmade Christmas cards, knitted scarves, glass decorations that looked like they belonged in a stately home and those cute wooden signs that tell you to believe in the magic of Christmas!

The hot drinks situation is elite

There is mulled wine, spiced cider, Bailey’s hot chocolate, different flavoured hot chocolate and even coffee with festive twists. I always make a beeline for mulled wine. This year there were plenty of options with traditional red, apple & cinnamon and even spiced gin versions. It’s the kind of drink that makes you feel warm inside and out!

The fudge stalls are dangerously persuasive!

They always start with would you like a free sample and suddenly you’re ten flavours deep, sticky fingered and buying enough to fill a suitcase. I bought quite a few different flavours, it is my favourite sweet treat at this time of year!

There are great spots for festive photos!

Every corner is a photo opportunity waiting to happen! I took hundreds of photos, way more than I could ever put in blog posts.

We had a fantastic day and it wasn't as cold as it was forecast to be which was a real bonus! It worked out well getting the train there and the bus home even if we did get stuck in traffic and arrived back to Hull 45 minutes after we should have. I was just glad to sit down. The girls had a fantastic time too and I am so glad I took them, they are already planning a trip back to York in the summer to see all the sights.

Have you been to a Christmas market this year or are you planning to go to any?