York’s eagerly awaited St Nicholas Fair launched today (Thursday 27 November) with the award for The Best Dressed Stand going to Paula Snowdon from Millies Designs. Paula, who can usually be found in Shambles Market on Saturdays and Sundays, is launching a new range of high quality decorations and shabby chic gifts at the Fair. The judge, Cllr Sonja Crisp, visited each of the chalets and enjoyed the seasonal, Christmassy atmosphere on the first day of trading.
The Christmas Fair, part of York St Nicolas Christmas Festival, opens on Parliament Street and continues for over 3 weeks until Sunday 21 December. This year over 60 winter-white chalets, selling a huge variety of different produce, crafts, gifts and Christmassy decorations, will open every day from 9am to 6pm. Late night shopping will be available on Thursdays until 8pm.
Cllr Sonja Crisp, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism said:
“I’d like to congratulate Millies Designs who have made an absolutely extraordinary effort to decorate their stand and this year they were up against some very strong competition indeed! St Nicholas Fair looks delightful and I’d like to thank all the traders for helping to make it such a festive and quality shopping experience.”
“For the first time in its 24 year history this magical Fair is extended to over three weeks, giving residents and visitors plenty of opportunities to come and sample its delights!”
This year stall holders will be dressed in Dickensian costume to add to the atmosphere and the Best Dressed Trader will be judged at the end of the Fair. There is a will be a wide range of quality gifts on offer to suit all ages, pockets and tastes including jewellery, ceramics, clothing, wooden carvings, seasonal food and drink, herbs, oils, Christmas sacks and decorations and much more.
St Nicholas Fair will run alongside the newly refurbished Shambles Market, situated just off Parliament Street and open daily from 9am to 5pm.
For further information about St Nicholas Fair visit www.visityork.org/christmas For information about planning your journey into the city centre visit www.itravelyork.info