Parking fees to rise during York Christmas Market
The annual event starts on the 13th of November
York residents and visitors are being advised of changes to parking charges during the city’s popular Christmas Market period, following the council’s February 2025 budget decision.
From Wednesday 13 November, parking rates between Sunday and Thursday will increase to match the current Friday and Saturday charges at selected city centre car parks. The change will remain in place until Sunday 22 December, when prices revert to normal.
The updated charges apply to the following council car parks: Bootham Row, Castle, Coppergate, Esplanade, Foss Bank, Marygate, Monk Bar, Nunnery Lane, St George's Field and Union Terrace.
Car parks at Bishopthorpe Road, East Parade and Rowntree Park will remain at their current rates during the festive period.
Several on-street parking locations will also see temporary price adjustments, including Carmelite Street, Lord Mayors Walk, North Street, Piccadilly, Skeldergate, Tanner's Moat, Bishophill Senior, Cromwell Road, Cumberland Street, George Street, Leadmill Lane, Lower Friargate, Lower Priory Street, Margaret Street, Foss Islands Road (for large vehicles) and Walmgate. Evening parking charges will change on Fossgate, St Denys Road, Stonebow, Lawrence Street, Micklegate and Priory Street, while all other on-street locations will remain unchanged.
The changes come in response to last year’s public budget consultation, where 62% of respondents supported higher parking charges during major city events as a way to protect essential services such as transport and highways.
Councillor Kate Ravilious, Executive Member for Transport, said:
“All income generated from parking goes back into transport in the city. We are spending more than ever before on highways maintenance and are also investing in our bus network and in walking and cycling routes to help residents and visitors travel sustainably.”
She added that Minster Badge holders will continue to benefit from discounted parking, while families are encouraged to use public transport where possible.
“Extra Park & Ride buses are running with free travel for up to three children with a paying adult,” Cllr Ravilious explained. “A family of five can also travel around the city on any bus for £9.60 with an all-York pass. Park & Ride services now start at 5.30am and finish at 10.30pm, giving people more time to enjoy the city centre.”
York’s Christmas Market, one of the city’s busiest annual events, attracts thousands of visitors each year. The council says the temporary parking adjustments will help manage demand while supporting ongoing investment in York’s transport network.