Skip to content

Christmas market could have 'rest day' built in

Jack Hadaway-WellerYorkshire
Getty Images A festive street scene at what appears to be a Christmas market, captured during the evening or early night. A large decorative arch spans the street in the foreground, lush with green garlands, baubles in red and gold, and warm white lights. Several glowing star-shaped light decorations hang from the arch, creating a welcoming entrance and framing the view beyond. Underneath the arch sits a wooden market stall, topped with greenery and lights. The stall is filled with seasonal items—likely Christmas ornaments, wreaths, plants, and small festive decorations—arranged neatly on shelves and tables. The street is narrow and lined with brick buildings, their shopfronts softly illuminated. People in winter coats and scarves walk through the scene, some browsing the stall, others passing by with shopping bags. Getty Images
Make It York estimate the revenue generated by the Christmas market is between £80m and £100m

A popular Christmas market could get a "rest day" and its opening hours cut from seven days to six to reduce pressure on city centre accessibility.

City of York Council is examining a number of potential changes to the format of the festive event, including a fallow Tuesday, the day when footfall is lowest.

The issue is being discussed by the council executive this week following concerns around traffic, overcrowding and lack of access for Blue Badge holders.

Deputy leader Pete Kilbane said: "We know that some people can feel cut off from the city centre at this time of year and this can't continue."

Getty Images A close-up view of a Christmas market stall, overflowing with ornate holiday decorations and bathed in warm, golden light. In the foreground, dozens of delicate glass ornaments hang densely from wooden beams. On the right side, an elderly woman in a dark winter coat stands thoughtfully at the stall.Getty Images
The market has faced criticism in the past because of concerns about overcrowding and accessibility

If the six-day option is approved, 2026 would be a trial year for the plan with scope for it to continue in the future.

The city centre would operate as it normally does for one day a week with Blue Badge holders given access through "hostile vehicle measures" in the city centre.

For the days when the market is open, and in line with North Yorkshire Police's anti-terror measures, arrangements would be similar to previous years with restrictions on all vehicles within the pedestrianised area.

Additionally, access could also be denied to the city centre on proposed rest days due to exceptional circumstances, such as a national security threat or a VIP visit.

During the market in 2025, all vehicles, except those belonging to the emergency services, were barred from city centre streets during the market's operational hours.

Kilbane said: "We are looking at rest days for the market to support those who need to get into the city centre for everyday needs such as banking services, and for leisure."

The final decision will be made at a meeting on 14 April.

Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.

More on this story