From traditional carol services to comedy that doesn’t come out of a cracker, music, stories and sport, there’s plenty happening during the pre-Christmas weekend. Check out all York’s Christmas events here, and the city’s full What’s On guide here.
Gala Christmas Concert
The Shepherd Group Brass Band was formed in 1903 under the name Rowntree Cocoa Works, quickly establishing itself within the community and competing as early as 1905. Join all four of the Shepherd Group Brass Bands in their annual Christmas concert featuring many old favourites. Friday and Saturday
Christmas comedy
Junior Simpson headlines the Hyena Lounge’s last comedy club of 2013. A lapsed choirboy Junior is a familiar face from TV, as one of the team captains alongside Suggs on Night Fever and as host and star of two of his own series, In the Dark with Junior Simpson on Channel 5. Support comes from Benny Boot, Sam Gore and Tony Jameson. Saturday
Service of Nine Lessons and Carols
From the moment the Giant Advent Wreath is raised, York Minster resounds with song and ceremony in a season of popular services, events and activities for all ages. Among the variety of popular services is the traditional one featuring nine lessons and carols, taking place on Sunday.
It’s A Wonderful Life
One of the most popular and enduring films ever made, Frank Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life is a gloriously sentimental testament to homely small-town moral values. But you don’t have to wait for it to come on the telly – it’s on at City Screen. George Bailey (James Stewart), is a man so beset with problems that he contemplates a Christmas-time suicide. His guardian angel Clarence Oddbody intervenes. Screenings daily from Friday, December 20 to Christmas Eve.
- Book your tickets
- See also Gremlins at the Duchess
Winter Tales of Wonder
Forget the stresses of Christmas preparations, wrap up and settle down at the winter solstice to enjoy some heart warming tales for a cold time of year! Jenna will use traditional storytelling to conjure up the magic of a classic Grimm Fairytale set deep in a snow-laden forest, and will read extracts from children’s favourites including Mrs Pepperpot and Harry Potter. Saturday and Sunday at 5pm
City sign off
It’s been a year of ups and downs for City fans. Get behind the team, currently lying low in 20th place in League 2, as they play their last home fixture of 2013. It’s a good way to go out – against league leaders Oxford United. Could they win and give all the supporters an early Christmas present? Kicks off on Saturday at 3pm.