York Christmas Market Has Been Officially Named One Of The Best In The World

When it comes to Christmas hotspots, it goes New York, Frankfurt, Krakow… and York? At least, according to experts who’ve named our beautiful Medieval city’s Christmas market one of the best in the world. Yep, you read that right. Not only is York one of the prettiest places (if you ask us, at least), but it’s also one of the best places to visit globally for a mooch around the Christmas markets, with only London’s Winter Wonderland joining it from the UK.

According to new research collated by Planet Cruise, York’s St Nicholas Fair ranks as the fifth-best Christmas market in the world, even trumping the German cities that are famed for their Bavarian antics.

While it isn’t one of the large-scale events that pop up around the country – such as Manchester and Edinburgh’s highly popular events – it’s always been one of our favourites, thanks to the beautiful backdrop of Medieval architecture, cobbled streets, and the towering Minster.

This year, the market will celebrate its 30th anniversary, and visitors can expect an incredible new two-story alpine bar with Michelin-starred chef Andrew Pern at the helm.

There, guests will be able to enjoy festive tipples at the Brew York Winter Hütte bar downstairs, before tucking into warming fondue and raclette at Pern’s restaurant upstairs, alongside specials such as pheasant with smoked garlic, alpine ‘spätzle’ dumplings, baked tartiflette with reblochon cheese and much more.

Pern is a notable chef here in Yorkshire, following Michelin Star success with The Star Inn at Harome and its sister restaurant in York, The Star Inn The City.

London’s Winter Wonderland nabbed the second spot, sitting just behind Bryant Park Winter Village in New York. Market-goers travel across the country to visit Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, where guests can enjoy a huge alpine bar with Bavarian performances, tons of fairground rides, street food, ice skating and so much more.