Issue details

York Christmas Market Operating Hours

Members agreed a strategic approach to city centre events in March 2025 Executive, including maintaining a wide variety of events, and implementing measures over the short medium and long term to improve the accessibility of the City Centre at these times.

Members asked for further work to be undertaken around the operating hours of the Christmas Market as part of this package of measures. This report explores options and recommends a preferred approach on the basis of accessibility improvements, economic and financial impact, security implications and operational effectiveness.

This work is in the context of forthcoming consultation of a permanent ATTRO, recommended by North Yorkshire Police (NYP) and which has emerged as a crucial consideration in the planning of all city centre events.
The Executive will be asked to:

Consider options around the hours and days of operation of the Christmas Market and the broader implications of these.

Agree an approach to the 2026 Christmas Market hours and days of operation, and any associated measures required in order for this to be implemented.

Background information

4th November 2025 Executive report and annexes (item 161) Agenda for Executive on Tuesday, 4 November 2025, 4.30 pm

7th October 2025 Executive report and annexes (item 145) Agenda for Executive on Tuesday, 7 October 2025, 4.30 pm

3rd March 2026 Executive report and annexes (item 10) https://democracy.york.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=733&MId=15182&Ver=4

Decision type: Key

Decision status: For Determination

Wards affected: (All Wards);

Notice of proposed decision first published: 16/03/2026

Anticipated restriction: Fully exempt  - View reasons

Level of Risk: 04-08 Regular monitoring required;

Decision due: 14/04/26 by Executive
Reason: This is a "Date Comment"

Lead member: Leader of the Council and Executive Member for Policy, Strategy and Partnerships

Lead director: Director of City Development

Department: Directorate of City Development

Contact: Ben Murphy, Head of City Development Email: garry.taylor@york.gov.uk / Email: ben.murphy@york.gov.uk Email: ben.murphy@york.gov.uk, Garry Taylor, Director of City Development Email: garry.taylor@york.gov.uk.

Consultation process

The work has been informed by ongoing dialogue with key city centre stakeholders including Make it York, the BID, the Tourism Advisory Board, North Yorkshire Police, Safety Advisory Group representatives, and Council Officers including Access Officer.

The work forms part of a wider and ongoing dialogue with these and other parties, further discussion with York Access Forum and Disability Rights Forum specifically is planned as part of the report preparation process.

Equality Impact Assessment Completed?: No

Documents

  • York Christmas Market Operating Hours  

 

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