York, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
York Christmas Lights Switch-On
York's Christmas begins with the Lord Mayor's lights switch-on — 2026 date not yet confirmed.
The organiser has not yet confirmed this year's dates, and the dates circulating online are either estimates or carried over from a previous year — so we are not publishing them as fact. Sources disagree between Thursday 12 and Friday 13 November; neither date is on Visit York's page yet.
- Address
- Parliament Street, York
York’s Christmas lights switch-on is traditionally led by the Lord Mayor, with choirs and entertainment in the city centre, and it coincides with the opening of the York Christmas Market on Parliament Street.
Why there’s no date here yet
Sources disagree on the 2026 switch-on: some give Thursday 12 November, the market’s opening day, and others Friday 13 November. Both dates are plausible, which is precisely why we will not pick one — Visit York has not yet published the switch-on, and we will list it when it does.
What usually happens
Choirs and entertainment around Parliament Street and the market chalets, building to the lights coming on across the city centre, with the Minster lit beyond.
Getting there
York station is about ten minutes’ walk from Parliament Street. The city centre is compact and easiest on foot.
Make an evening of it
The Shambles, a minute from Parliament Street, is at its most atmospheric after dark in December, and the Minster holds Advent and carol services through the season.
When will we know?
We are checking the official source weekly and will update this page the day the dates are confirmed. In the meantime, our What’s open? tool shows the markets that have confirmed dates for any day you’re travelling.
When the dates are confirmed, dress for standing still outdoors in the cold — see our guide to what to wear.