Footfall at York’s Christmas Market was down by almost a quarter year-on-year but visitor satisfaction was up, figures from the city’s tourism and events body showed.
The total footfall in Parliament Street was 961,730 during the market, though issues with cameras collecting data meant some of it had to be estimated according to Make It York.
Visitor satisfaction rose to 92 per cent, according to a survey which showed people wanted more variety in stalls, the event to be spread out and better crowd management.
A Make It York report stated it came as part of an exceptional year as the city’s brand continues to grow stronger nationally and internationally.
The body added early insights and a City of York Council review into the way the event is run would help with the planning of future markets.
It comes as planning is already underway for this year’s Christmas market following last year’s which ran from Thursday, 13 November 13 to Sunday, 21 December.
A council review into how future markets operate is ongoing after last year’s event faced access issues due restrictions barring vehicles from the city centre.
The Anti-Terror Traffic Regulation Order (ATTRO), approved following a North Yorkshire Police request to deter vehicle attacks, barred Blue Badge holders and other vehicles while the market was open.
Seating and shelter wanted
Make It York data showed last year’s footfall during the event was down from 1.24 million in 2024.
Visitor satisfaction went up from 50 per cent in 2024 to 92 per cent last year, according to an online survey of 390 people who went to the market.
The festive atmosphere was ranked the favourite feature of the market, followed by the variety of traders and the food and drinks stalls.
The most popular idea to improve the event was to have more craft stalls and less serving food and alcohol, which some of those surveyed dubbed repetitive.
The second most popular idea was to spread the market out followed by improving the management of queues, one-way systems and visitors’ comfort in the face of crowds.
People also suggested seating and sheltered areas, more food options and music and other entertainment.
The majority of visitors were couples, 53 per cent of those surveyed, with 17 per cent small friend groups.
Families made up 13 per cent of those surveyed, with 12 per cent people who came on their own.
The largest age bracket was 50 to 59 year olds, 26 per cent, followed by 60 to 69 years who made up 19 per cent and 40 to 49 year olds, 17 per cent.
Visitors from outside York made up 85 per cent of the total, compared to residents who accounts for 15 per cent.
Half drove to the market
Almost half of visitors, 47 per cent, drove to the market, with the rest walking, cycling, using Park and Rides or coming on public transport.
More than a fifth, 22 per cent, of visitors came from East and South Yorkshire compared to 4 per cent who came from North Yorkshire, excluding York residents.
Visitors from West Yorkshire accounted for 18 per cent of the total.
People also came from the North East, Scotland, Wales, North West, Midlands, the South East and East of England, with UK visitors making up 99 per cent of the total.
International visitors came from the US, Czechia, and Romania, with the longest distance travelled by someone from Los Angeles, California, a journey of around 5,310 miles.
A survey of 63 traders found 40 per cent reported better revenues than previous years, 42 per cent the same and 18 per cent worse.
Traders said they liked the layout, thought the footfall was strong, felt supported by Make It York and found the security better than previous markets.
Challenges included wet weather, toilets and welfare facilities, lighting outside of traders’ chalets and accessibility including a lack of wheelchair ramps.
