York Christmas Market wins Best Large Speciality Market at NABMA’s Great British Market Awards 

York Christmas Market has won the ‘Best Large Speciality Market’ category at the Great British Market Awards, organised by The National Association of British Market Authorities (NABMA). We share this alongside Strafford upon Avon. 

Sarah Loftus, Managing Director of Make It York, said: “We are extremely proud and privileged to have won the Best Large Speciality Market in the UK. We could not have achieved this accolade without the support of our partners, local businesses and the City of York Council. A huge thank you to the wide array of local traders and local businesses that get involved and support the Christmas Market and Christmas festivities year on year. 

Lots of work was done this year ensuring past feedback was taken into consideration, a great example of this is the new layout which we received lots of positive feedback from those attending and trading.”  

The Christmas Market really showcases York at it’s very best and is a brilliant example of how both residents and visitors support Yorkshire based businesses and encourages repeat visitors throughout the year. York really is the most Festive Place in the UK. 

Research shows York Christmas Market has had a positive impact on the city’s economy and local businesses. Infact, it returns over £80m into the local economy with 68% of visitors going on to shop elsewhere in the city and 71% spending time eating at local restaurants and cafes. 22% of visitors stayed overnight. 54% went to the Minster, Museums and attractions, as part of the day or overnight visit. 

The Market featured in 174 pieces of print and online coverage, with a reach of 42 million and a value of £1.2 million.  

Following York Christmas Market 2023, 100% of Christmas Traders have registered interest in taking part in the York Christmas Market 2024, with 92% agreeing that the new layout worked well and 86%  

*Data based on interviews with 80 market traders and 216 visitors to the York Christmas Market 2023.