Make It York said it was unsafe to open the market with wind gusts of up to 55 to 57 mph and heavy rain expected.
A yellow warning for rain and wind is in place until Sunday.
A Make It York spokesperson said: “The safety of our traders, visitors and staff remains our top priority.”
“While this decision has been taken independently, we are aware that other Christmas markets have closed in response to similar adverse weather conditions.”
They said Make It York would “review the forecast” on Saturday afternoon and provide an update “as soon as possible” on whether the market will reopen on Sunday.
“We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding during this difficult situation.
“For further updates, please check our official communication channels via the links below.”
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As The Press reported, Christmas markets were canceled in other areas due to the storm.
Organizers of the Malton Christmas Festival have announced that the event will be canceled on Saturday and Sunday due to “severe high winds expected”.
Mark Brayshaw, director of Visit Malton CIC, which organizes the festival, said the “difficult decision” had been made as strong gusts of wind posed “significant safety concerns”.
“Visitors to Christmas markets typically prepare for cold weather and occasional rain, but the expected strong winds pose a serious safety concern, especially as many of our traders rely on gazebos and canopies. ,” he said.
“After closely monitoring the weather and consulting with our key suppliers, we have made the difficult decision to cancel this weekend's event.”
He said the road closures that were to be in place in Malton during the festival period have been lifted, adding that this will allow visitors to “take advantage of Malton's free year-round parking in the town centre”.
Businesses in Malton will operate as usual.
Mr Brayshaw said: “I am confident that our town's talented bakers, manufacturers and traders will continue to provide an enjoyable experience for all who visit.”
Organizers of the Leeds Christmas Market have also announced that it is “unsafe” to hold the market in City Square on Saturday.
“We currently plan to reopen on Sunday 8 December, but this is subject to weather conditions. Please refer to Visit Leeds and Leeds City Council social media for the latest information,” the spokesperson said.
Environment Agency says flooding is possible in York
A flood warning (meaning flooding is possible) was issued for riverside areas of York on Friday afternoon.
As of 5pm, the level on the River Ouse was 2.37 meters and rising according to the Viking Recorder. 1.9 meters is the high end of the river's normal range.
The Environment Agency said river levels were expected to fall to normal ranges on Saturday morning and rise again that afternoon and into Monday.
A spokeswoman said areas most at risk of flooding were riverside footpaths and low-lying land in York, including King's and Queen's Staithes, and areas south of the city as far as Naburn Lock.
“We are closely monitoring the situation and will issue flood warnings if necessary,” they said.
“Please avoid using low lying footpaths and bridges near local watercourses, and do not walk, drive or cycle through flood water.
“Please use caution and consider activating a flood plan if you have one.”
