With the holidays fast approaching, a guide to York County shopping districts may be what you need to find those last-minute gifts.

Downtown York City’s three districts

Market District

Central Market with Market District banner

The Market District is anchored by the historic Central Market, which has dozens of vendors where you can find all sorts of stocking stuffers, from Sweet Mama’s Mambo Sauce, Locally Seasoned chutneys, and colorful York County artwork and souvenirs from Inspired Imagez. Along the streets surrounding Central Market, you’ll find a variety of small independent shops as you run down your list:

  • Bound Books: An independent bookstore with a curated collection of new books, houseplants, and a small café.
  • Refillism: A refill and eco-lifestyle store. Shop for earth-loving, reusable, zero waste everyday essentials.
  • House of Flowers:  A new plant store featuring house plants, succulents, flowers, air plants, pots, unique gifts, and more!
  • Sunrise Soap Company:  High-quality, natural, hand-made soaps and body products created on-site in an open-air kitchen. Stop next door and check out the Creation Station if you’re looking for DIY activities.
  • My Girlfriend’s Wardrobe: Your favorite brands and designers all in one place! New items daily, and multiple ways to shop. Best of York for 8+ years!
  • The Watchmaker’s Daughter: A jeweler’s gallery offering artisan, estate, and custom design pieces. Jewelry-making demos available. Now offering permanent jewelry.
  • POP Crafts: Your one-stop DIY paint and gift shop -- unleash your creative side in the store or take it home.
  • Mudhook Brewing Company: York City's oldest brewpub, featuring a casual dining experience and exceptional craft beer brewed on-site, including the newest offering, the Thirsty Tourist. Be sure to check in on the Good Libations Trails digital passport while you’re there.

WeCo District

WeCo District Gather 256

WeCo (short for West of the Codorus Creek) is as diverse as its restaurants, shops, and local businesses.

  • You could spend hours browsing the shelves at The York Emporium Used Book Store. You’ll find thousands of used books, plus antiques, records, comics, militaria, and other stuff.
  • Head across the street to Penn Market, the oldest public market in York, operating year-round continually since the mid-1800s. Parking is available on-site for your convenience. If you’re shopping on a Saturday, sample a few wines from Mark & Val Wines before deciding which to purchase.
  • Looking for a sit-down location in between stops? Check out Pecan Tree Café or Gather 256 for some sustenance before continuing on.

Royal Square District

HIVE artspace front door

Royal Square District gets its name from its regal position surrounded by Princess, Duke, King, and Queen Streets. Royal Square is home to a variety of creatives for those unique gifts. Be sure to check out the recent additions at Mural Park.

A few of our favorite stops:

  • HIVE artspace: An award-winning gallery and gift shop, hosts themed monthly exhibits featuring regional and national artists.
  • Gusa by Victoria: Where you can celebrate cultural diversity through fashion with handmade women's clothing.
  • Collusion Tap Works: A small gastro pub and brewery with 24 taps of constantly rotating beers all produced in-house (and another location for your Good Libations Trails digital passport).
  • Aviano’s: A cozy atmosphere with wood-fired pizza and scratch pasta.
  • The Cantina: A Miami-inspired bar with cocktails, shareable plates, and live entertainment.

Downtown Hanover

Hanover has a small-town charm with a variety of small shops. As you’re shopping, check out the beautiful storefronts along the way and vote for your favorite window in the annual Main Street Hanover Christmas Tree Wars.

A few highlights:

  • Hanover Area Arts Guild: The Hanover region's long-time hub for all things art, located right in the heart of downtown Hanover.
  • The Succulent Hippie: Hanover's first downtown plant shop. Rooted in the community with curated plants, workshops, and gifts.
  • Aldus Brewing Company: A fun and inviting atmosphere with a wide range of different beer styles in addition to other libations and food. Currently located at 555 Centennial Avenue less than a mile from Hanover Square, Aldus is about to open a new location at 11 Center Square! Watch for the grand opening in early February. 
  • Depending on the day of your visit, you may want to take in the Christmas Tree Tours at the beautiful Warehime-Myers Mansion.
  • Or, bring the youngsters along to check out the Santa Cabin.

 

York Galleria

If malls are your jam, there’s the York Galleria. This two-level shopping mall features a Boscov’s department store along with a variety of specialty shops and eateries. You’ll even find Santa in the center court on the second level through the holiday season.

Directly across from the mall, you’ll find Christmas Tree Hill -- In the Mansion. This treasured and historic York landmark has been restored to showcase exciting gifts, home accessories, collectibles, and Christmas presentations. Christmas Tree Hill offers three floors of seasonal gift displays, themed rooms, and a Vera Bradley showroom. Christmas Tree Hill is also a Department 56 Gold Key Showcase Retailer. 

 

Still need ideas? Check out our Shopping page for other great options all around York County.

Happy Holidays!