Planning your York Christmas Market visit this year? Here's exactly what's changed and how to make the most of your trip to what promises to be a completely different festive experience. What's Actually Changed This Year York Council and Make It York have listened to visitor feedback and made significant changes to tackle the overcrowding that plagued previous years. Seven fewer huts have been removed entirely, including three from the busy St Sampson's Square area. This creates much more space for walkways and reduces bottlenecks where crowds used to build up. Food stalls have been relocated from their cramped positions opposite Davygate to St Sampson's Square, spreading out the queuing areas that caused major congestion last year. The traditional carousel in King's Square is gone - replaced with a dedicated busking area and quiet space where families can actually breathe and enjoy the atmosphere. Where Everything Is Now Located The market still runs on Parliament Street and St Sampson's Square from Thursday, November 13 to Sunday, December 21, but the layout is completely different. Parliament Street Changes: The bottom block of chalets has moved to create a massive 29-foot (9-metre) wider walkway More space around the Christmas tree for photos without the crush Better signposting and event dressing St Sampson's Square Improvements: Three fewer huts mean proper pedestrian flow Food stalls now positioned to reduce queuing at the Church Street and Davygate junction The popular Treehouse attraction has moved to Parliament Street to spread crowds more evenly King's Square Transformation: No more carousel creating bottlenecks Quiet space for families and those needing a break Dedicated area for street performers How to Plan Your Visit Best Times to Visit: Weekday mornings and early afternoons will still be quieter, but the new layout means weekend visits should be far more manageable than previous years. Getting There: If you're staying at Hedley House Hotel , you're perfectly positioned. The market is just a 10-minute walk from our Bootham Terrace location, and you can park securely with us rather than battling city centre parking. What to Expect: Wider walkways throughout Better access for pushchairs and wheelchairs Shorter queues at food stalls due to better positioning More space to actually browse the craft and artisan stalls Why These Changes Matter The statistics tell the story: nearly one-third of visitors surveyed after last year's market said it was too crowded, and more than a fifth specifically asked for it to be spread out. Make It York's report to the council stated these modifications aim to make the event "safer and more accessible" - addressing the genuine safety concerns that arose when thousands of people were squeezed into inadequate spaces. Making the Most of Your York Christmas Market Trip Combine with Other York Attractions: With better crowd flow, you'll have more time and energy to explore York's other winter attractions. The market's improved accessibility means you can easily walk to York Minster, the Shambles, or along the medieval city walls. Plan Your Accommodation: Stay somewhere with secure parking and easy walking access to avoid the stress of city centre driving. From Hedley House Hotel , you can walk to the market, explore the city, and return to relax in our hot tub after a day of festive shopping. Food and Drink Strategy: With food stalls now spread across different areas, you won't be stuck in one massive queue. Try the traditional German bratwurst, Yorkshire pudding wraps, and mulled wine from various vendors without the previous bottleneck frustrations. What Hasn't Changed The market still features the same high-quality local craft and artisan products that make it special. You'll find handmade gifts, local artwork, and traditional Christmas decorations alongside the improved food and drink offerings. The festive atmosphere remains - it's just now properly accessible and enjoyable rather than an endurance test. Your Next Steps The 2025 York Christmas Market runs from November 13 to December 21. With these significant improvements, it's worth planning your visit earlier in the season when you can properly appreciate the changes without the last-minute Christmas rush. Book your York accommodation now to secure the best rates and avoid disappointment. The improved market experience means more people will likely extend their stays to fully enjoy what the city offers during the festive season. Get booked in ...... www.hedleyhouse.com
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