Changes to York Christmas Markets as busy season approaches
Two of York’s leading hotel bosses say losing the city’s world-famous Christmas Market would have a devastating impact on local tourism and jobs.
The loss of York’s Christmas Market would be devastating, the bosses of two of York’s biggest hotels have warned.
Middleton's Hotel general manager Oliver Stott said the market, which draws visitors from across the UK and abroad, keeps the city’s hotels busy during the winter months.
“It’s nationally and internationally known - people visit the market, shop locally and enjoy the start of Christmas here,” he said.
“People visit the market to come and have a great start to Christmas and they also spend money in the shops, on the Shambles and with local traders."
“I’m hopeful that the council can find a workaround because it would have a huge impact on us."
“During November and December we’re operating at more than 90 per cent occupancy and pretty much everyone staying then will visit the market."
“We get people coming from the length and breadth of the country and international travellers including people coming from as far away as the US and China."
Andy Barnsdale, general manager of The Milner, warned they might have to cut staff if visitor numbers fell.
“We employ nearly 200 people, and if the market disappeared, that would mean job losses just before Christmas,” he said.
Their comments come as York Council reviews how major city centre events are managed amid safety and access concerns.
This year’s market will open half an hour later, at 10.30am, to ease restrictions on Blue Badge holders after police requested vehicle bans for security reasons.
Council leader Cllr Claire Douglas said the authority was working with Make It York and the police to “find solutions” that balance safety, accessibility, and the city’s vital festive economy.
Labour Council Deputy Leader Cllr Pete Kilbane said in October the situation had put the future of the Christmas Market in doubt.
But he said on Tuesday, November 4 the council would not stop putting on events and would work to make them accessible.
A spokesperson for the Hospitality Association York (HAY) said they welcomed the safety measures in place this year but added they should not signal the end of the Christmas Market.