We’re into a new year, the Christmas trees are coming down, and the pigs in blankets have been eaten.
But if you’re not quite ready to let go of the seasonal spirit just yet, here are eight fantastically festive events that are finishing in York this weekend.
This weekend is your last chance to head down the rabbit hole at Castle Howard with Alice’s Christmas Wonderland, don’t miss ‘pantomime perfection’ at York Theatre Royal with their production of Aladdin, and skate in a magical ice rink at Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland.
Take a look below for a final flurry of festive fun!
Aladdin
Join us for a spectacular family pantomime! Cbeebies and CBBC superstar, Evie Pickerill, will bring her sparkle and flair as Spirit of the Ring! York favourite, Robin Simpson will be returning for another sensational show. Paul Hawkyard will be back for his third pantomime at YTR as the villainous Abanazar! Sario Soloman stars as the titular hero in his York debut, alongside the sensational Emily Tang and the hilarious Tommy Carmichael.
- York Theatre Royal, St. Leonard’s Place, York, YO1 7HD
- Tue 3 Dec 2024 – Sun 5 Jan 2025
- Various times
- More info
Beauty and The Beast
The most enchanting pantomime of all time, Beauty & The Beast, comes to York with a sparkling fairy tale production for all the family. With an award-winning script by Jon Monie, a cast of larger than life characters, side-splitting comedy, sumptuous costumes, fabulous scenery, and a thrilling transformation scene.
- Grand Opera House, Cumberland Street, York YO1 9SW
- Sat 7 Dec 2024 – Sun 5 Jan 2025
- Various times
- More info
Alice’s Christmas Wonderland
Curiouser and curiouser! Tumble down the rabbit hole into a Christmassy wonderland like no other. Alice is planning a huge Christmas party, and she invites you to follow the White Rabbit through Castle Howard’s grand halls and regal rooms with each twist and turn revealing fanciful festive surprises.
CLW Event Design, the amazing team behind last year’s award winning Christmas in Neverland, are set to create our most fantastical experience yet, with the House transformed using theatrical installations to bring Lewis Carroll’s iconic characters to life. We are also thrilled to welcome back imitating the dog, who will once again create innovative projections and soundscapes.
- Castle Howard, York, YO60 7DA
- Fri 15 Nov 2024 – Sun 5 Jan 2025
- 10am – 4pm
- More info
Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland
Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland offers a magical winter experience for all ages, with its glistening outdoor ice rink, thrilling funfair, magical Santa’s Grotto and cosy alpine café The Chalet.
- York Designer Outlet, St Nicholas Ave, York YO19 4TA
- Fri 15 Nov 2024 – Sun 5 Jan 2025
- From 10am
- More info
Christmas at York Castle Museum
It’s cold outside, but in the warmth of our Victorian wonder, snow has settled on Kirkgate and our shops are wreathed in festive greenery, displaying seasonal objects from our acclaimed collection which take you back to yesteryear. Want to see the man himself? On Saturdays and selected weekdays leading up to the big day, as well as on Christmas Eve, a traditional Green Father Christmas will be wandering the snow-covered cobbles. Traditionally, a Green Father Christmas would talk of feasts, games, dancing and songs, bringing joy to everyone.
- York Castle Museum, Eye of York, York, YO1 9RY
- Sat 16 Nov – Sun 5 Jan
- 10am – 5pm
- More info
Christmas Tree Festival
Experience York Minster’s popular Christmas Tree Festival, set inside the medieval Minster, with 70 trees on display in the cathedral’s stunning Nave, Chapter House and Lady Chapel. Explore the trees, which will be decorated to individual themes by local businesses, schools and charities, and add your own Christmas message to a tag on the festival’s prayer trees.
- York Minster, Deangate, York, YO1 7HH
- Sat 30 Nov – Sun 5 Jan 25
- 10am – 4pm
- More info
A Christmas Mousetery
The Fairfax Townmice are back this festive season for a classic whodunit, The Case of the Missing Ruby. It is Christmas morning and the family have awoken to discover the famous Fairfax ruby has been stolen by the dastardly Highway Mouse, but he did not act alone. You’ll need to play detective to help recover this precious jewel and discover who helped commit the crime. Examine the witness statements, solve the clues and catch the inside mouse!
- Fairfax House, Castlegate, York YO1 9RN
- Sat 9 Nov – Sun 5 Jan
- 10am – 5pm
- More info
Cirquoise Circus at Langlands Garden Centre
Bring the whole family to the Christmas spectacular and be amazed and astounded by the skills of Cirquoise, a new style family circus with all the acts we and you love – from laughter-filled clowns to death-defying acrobatics, breathtaking jugglers, incredible Crossbow skills and awesome contortionists.
- Langlands Garden Centre, York Rd, Shiptonthorpe, York YO43 3PN
- Sat 14 Dec – Sun 5 Jan 2025
- 11am, 2pm & 4:30pm
- More info