York's biggest events in the year ahead are the Christmas Market from 12 November to 21 December 2026, the JORVIK Viking Festival in February and the Ebor Festival at York Racecourse from 18 to 21 August 2027. Use the month picker below to see what's on when you visit, with links to each event's official details.
What's on in York this month?
Tap a month to see what's on. A dot marks months with a major event.
Key takeaways
- The next big event is the York Christmas Market, from 12 November to 21 December 2026.
- Make It York reports the market welcomed 1.2 million visitors, with 37% staying overnight.
- The JORVIK Viking Festival returns in February 2027, with dates still to be announced.
- The Dante Festival runs from 12 to 14 May 2027 and the Ebor Festival from 18 to 21 August 2027.
What are the main York events in the year ahead?
| When | Event | Where |
|---|---|---|
| 12 November to 21 December 2026 | York Christmas Market | Parliament Street and St Sampson's Square |
| February 2027 (2026: 16 to 22 February) | JORVIK Viking Festival | York city centre |
| Wednesday 12 to Friday 14 May 2027 | Dante Festival | York Racecourse |
| Wednesday 18 to Saturday 21 August 2027 | Ebor Festival | York Racecourse |
Where an organiser hasn't announced its 2027 dates yet, we show the 2026 dates as a guide and say so.
When is the York Christmas Market?
Visit York lists the 2026 market from 12 November to 21 December on Parliament Street and St Sampson's Square, closed on Tuesdays and open from 10.30am to 7pm on other days. Make It York, the city's tourism body, reports the market welcomed 1.2 million visitors, with 37% staying overnight. In 2025, the council charged its higher Friday and Saturday parking rate every day at its main car parks during the market, as our York parking guide explains.
When is the JORVIK Viking Festival?
The organisers say the festival returns in February 2027 but haven't announced the dates. York Archaeology, which runs the festival, held the 2026 festival from 16 to 22 February, with around 500 re-enactors and a free Viking encampment on Parliament Street.
When are the big race meetings at York?
Eventmasters, an official York Racecourse hospitality partner, lists the Dante Festival from Wednesday 12 to Friday 14 May 2027 and the four-day Ebor Festival from Wednesday 18 to Saturday 21 August 2027.
Where can you stay for York's events?
For the Christmas Market and the Viking Festival, homes inside or near the city walls keep you within walking distance of Parliament Street. For race meetings, homes south of the centre are closest to the Knavesmire. Market and Ebor weekends book up first, especially for larger groups needing a whole house.
Driving in? Our York parking guide lists the car parks, prices and Park & Ride.
Own a home in York? Christmas Market and Ebor weekends mean full houses, late arrivals and the 10pm "we can't find the key safe" call. A local manager from the Houst network takes those calls for you, and Guestwise manages short lets from 12% + VAT. See Airbnb management in York.
Frequently asked questions
When is the York Christmas Market 2026?
From 12 November to 21 December 2026 on Parliament Street and St Sampson's Square, closed on Tuesdays, according to Visit York.
When is the JORVIK Viking Festival 2027?
The organisers say the festival returns in February 2027, but haven't announced the dates yet. The 2026 festival ran from 16 to 22 February.
When is the Ebor Festival 2027?
From Wednesday 18 to Saturday 21 August 2027, according to York Racecourse's hospitality partner Eventmasters.
When is the Dante Festival 2027?
From Wednesday 12 to Friday 14 May 2027 at York Racecourse.
How many people visit the York Christmas Market?
Make It York reports the market welcomed 1.2 million visitors, with 37% staying overnight.
Related guides
Sources
Event dates come from the linked official pages and can change. Check the organiser's website before you travel.