A festive outing to one of the UK's most beloved Christmas markets turned into a stressful ordeal for one woman, who claims her day in York was completely ruined by a single, overwhelming factor: the sheer volume of people.
Festive Spirit Dampened by the Crowds
With the Christmas season now in full swing, York's popular Christmas market is welcoming visitors to its charming alpine chalets on Parliament Street and St Sampson's Square. The market, which began last week and runs until December 21st, features local crafts and artisan goods, with over 80% of the traders hailing from Yorkshire.
However, a visitor named Shaila took to TikTok to share her disappointing experience. She had travelled to York with plans to create vlog-style content, but found the city so congested that she felt too intimidated to even take out her phone.
She expressed her frustration, stating she could barely move through the 'insane' crowds. The situation was so hectic and stressful that she abandoned her original plans, ultimately only purchasing a cookie and some fluffy clogs before calling it a day.
Locals Weigh In: Avoid Weekends and Evenings
The reaction to Shaila's post was divided. Many York residents echoed her sentiments, describing the crowds during the market period as 'awful'. One local commenter advised avoiding the city centre entirely for the duration of the market, while another explicitly suggested potential visitors go to Leeds instead.
Several long-term residents confirmed that the congestion gets worse every year, with one stating they avoid the area 'like the plague' unless it's first thing on a mid-week morning.
However, not everyone was sympathetic. One person retorted, questioning the surprise of encountering crowds at a popular seasonal attraction.
Planning Your Visit: Timing is Everything
For those still keen to experience York's festive offering, locals offered a crucial piece of advice: timing is key. While weekends are described as 'manic', visiting on a weekday is widely recommended for a calmer experience.
It was also noted that evenings and Fridays can be just as packed as weekends. Therefore, careful planning is essential for anyone hoping to enjoy the market's food and complete their Christmas shopping without battling oppressive crowds.
