31 things to do in York this weekend, November 21-22 2015
Tis the season to start shopping, tra la la la la. La la la. Laaaa… And skating. Escape festive fever with trips to the archives, the theatre or a gig. Full details in our What’s On GuideYorkshire’s Winter Wonderland
Days after York switched on its lights and St Nicholas Fair began trading, York Designer Outlet gets in on the Christmas act. Back with a winter wonderland including an Ice Factor skating rink, there’s also a heated alpine-themed chalet serving refreshments. Opens Saturday – more here.
| Event | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Christmas Fete | De Grey Rooms | Sat @ 10am-4pm |
| Christmas Craft Fair | Acomb Explore | Sat @ 9am-4pm |
| The Keeping of Christmas | Fairfax House | Daily except Mondays |
| 1920s Christmas Experience | Nunnington Hall | Daily 11am-4pm |
| Bach’s Cantata 140, Sleepers, wake | York Minster | Sun @ 4pm |
St Nicholas Fair
They’ve given traders new chalets, there are more of them and they’ll be here for longer – it’s the biggest St Nicholas Fair ever. No massive rush then, but it is the first weekend so time to scope out the shopping on Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square – more here.
| Event | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Made Locally With Love | Merchant Adventurers’ Hall | Sun @ 11am-4.30pm |
| Polly Perkins True Vintage Market | Shambles Market | Sun @ 10am-5pm |
| York Farmers’ Market | York Auction Centre | Sat @ 9am-noon |
| Dolls House & Miniatures Fair | York Racecourse | Sun @ 10.30am-4pm |
| Table-Top Sale & Christmas Crafts | Dunnington Reading Rooms | Sat @ 9.30am-12.30pm |
Sunset Boulevard
Based on the classic 1950 film, this musical adaptation tells the story of Joe Gillis, a failing Hollywood screenwriter, and his relationship with faded movie star Norma Desmond. Brought to Joseph Rowntree Theatre by New Earswick Musicals it runs till Saturday – more here.
| Event | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|
| The Importance Of Being Earnest | Grand Opera House | Till Sat |
| Confirmation | Fleeting Arms | Till Sat 7.30pm |
| Absurd Person Singular | Escrick Village Hall | Till Sat |
Kids explore York archives
This weekend brings to a close a week-long series of Explore Your Archive events. Children between eight and 12 are invited to look for photos and solve clues at York Explore library. Sat & Sun 9am-5pm – more here.
| Event | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Fishergate 1914-1918 | York Cemetery | Sat @ 10am-4pm |
| Behind the Scenes at the Archive | York Explore | Sun 11am-2pm |
| History Behind the Headlines | York Explore | Sun @ 1pm-4pm |
Gervase Phinn
One of Britain’s best loved comic writers Gervase Phinn introduces his latest book A Lesson In Love, his new tale of life in the Dales. He will also sign copies after the talk, at York Explore on Saturday, from 2pm-4pm – more here.
| Event | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday Night Lounge | Duchess | Sat @ 8pm |
Songs by candlelight
There’ll be few more atmospheric events this weekend than the two performances by choral group Albion. Not only are their two performances in one of York’s hidden gems – Holy Trinity, Goodramgate – they will be lit by candlelight. On Saturday at 4pm then 6pm – more here.
| Event | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Lullaby – the Singing Bowl | York Minster | Sat @ 7.30pm |
| King No-One | Fibbers | Sat @ 7.30pm |
| Doomed Nymph | Basement Bar | Sat @ 8pm |
| Andy Sheppard Quartet | NCEM | Sun @ 7.15pm |
| Ezee Goin | Edinburgh Arms | Sat @ 9pm |
| Glam Rock Tribute | Acorn Rugby Club | Sat @ 9pm |
| Aftermath | Ainsty | Sat @ 9pm |
| Punk Show | Fulford Arms | Sun @ 7.30pm |