York Christmas Market 2022: What’s On & When
This year the York Christmas market is celebrating its 30-year anniversary, and there’s loads of stuff to see and get involved in! Here’s everything you need to know about the Christmas Market and how students can get involved.
When does the York Christmas market start?
The York Christmas Market is running from the 17th of November to the 23rd of December 2022, which gives you plenty of time to plan a weekend or evening to visit. You’ll be able to enjoy carol singing, beer and mulled wine, and Christmas snacks and visit the stalls selling handmade Christmas gifts, Christmas confectionary, homeware and more!
What is the St Nicholas Fair in York?
The St Nicholas Fair has been a staple in York for the last 30 years and sees the streets lined with alpine chalets creating a festive wonderland of different traders for you to explore. It is open every day from 10 am to 7 pm, so you can pop by to visit in-between lectures of an early morning gym session if you don’t have a spare weekend to make a day of it.
Best of all? All York residents will get a discount between 10-30% depending on the trader when you show proof of York residency via either a bus pass or driving licence.
York German Christmas market opening and closing times
You can visit from November the 17th all the way up to December the 23rd between 10 am to 7 pm, so you might want to keep an afternoon free to take a stroll with your flatmates and see all of the festivities come to life!
Where is York’s Christmas market?
York’s Christmas Market is located on Parliament Street and St Samson’s Square. This is in York city centre and is just a short bus ride away from the university campus, so you can definitely pop in to visit in-between lectures if you’ve got time.
What’s on at the York Christmas market?
This year, The Winter Hütte is a new addition to the York Christmas market, offering a Swiss dining experience. You can book for food or drinks and enjoy seasonal favourites as well as hot chocolate, draught beers and cocktails. There is also an informal dining experience serving bratwurst and spiced cider.
If you don’t want to grab something to eat, the traders range from crafts, homeware, food and lifestyle so you can grab some Christmas presents for your family (or for yourself). Of course, everything is decorated like a winter wonderland so even if you don’t want to buy anything, it’s worth going just to get into the festive spirit.
Is the York Christmas market free?
Yes, the York Christmas Market is free to enter, however, you will have to pay for eating or dining. Don’t forget to take advantage of the York residents discount scheme that the individual traders will be taking part in to save some money on your Christmassy purchases!
York Christmas Market parking
There are car parks in York city centre if you wish to drive to the Christmas market. In particular, the York Tanner Row car park is within walking distance of where the market is taking place, however, there’s a high chance it’s going to get super busy, so definitely plan ahead and be prepared to hunt for a space if you do want to drive.
When is York’s Christmas lights switch on?
The Christmas lights switch-on will take place on the 17th of November 2022 this year. From 12pm to 9 pm there will be an event offering free entertainment across the city in honour of the 30th anniversary of St Nicholas Fair, with bands, choirs, performances and festive workshops.
Don’t forget to keep an eye out for all of our best discounts at Student Beans this Christmas from gifting inspo to food discounts!
