If there’s one thing that York does well – it’s Christmas.
So what’s in store for the city this festive season?
Residents and visitors can once again look forward to the streets of York being transformed into a festive wonderland – with the return of St Nicholas Fair and the York Minster Winter Village.
Take a look at our guide to things to do in York this Christmas and discover all the magical events York has to offer this year.
The guide will continue to get updated as we get closer to Christmas. If you have a festive event that you think we’ve missed let us know by leaving a comment below or drop us a line at [email protected].
Don’t miss
Barley Hall’s Keep Calm & Craft
Get into the Christmas spirit by creating your own decorations.
On 14 and 21 December join us for our 1940’s themed Christmas crafts workshops – Keep Calm & Craft. During each session you will make three different decorations, with everything you need provided, so all you need to bring is your creativity.
14th December 14:00 (session lasts approx. 3hrs)
In this workshop you will make Christmas crackers, baubles and lanterns
21st December 17:30 (session lasts approx. 3hrs)
In this workshop you will make stars, paper chains and Christmas cones (traditionally used for putting sweets in and hanging off the Christmas Tree).
Tickets can be booked in advance and include everything you will need to create your decorations as well as a hot drink and mince pie (or similar cake).
- Barley Hall, Coffee Yard, off Stonegate, York, YO1 8AR
- Wed 14 and Wed 21 Dec
- 2pm or 5:30pm
- Website
St Nicholas Fair
Parliament Street and St. Sampson’s Square will once again be transformed into a festive wonderland – as York’s Christmas Market returns! This year will mark the market’s 30th anniversary, and visitors can expect a wide array of festive treats to explore in the alpine chalets.
- Parliament Street, York
- Thurs 17 Nov – Fri 23 Dec
- 10am – 7pm
- Website
York Minster Winter Village
Situated at the foot of the majestic South Door of York Minster, The Winter Village comprises several decorative wooden cabins offering food, drinks, gifts and the perfect place to sit and admire the view.
- South Piazza, York YO1 7HH
- Fri 18 Nov – Tues 2 Jan
- 10am – 6pm
- Website
Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland
Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland offers a magical winter experience for all ages, with an outdoor ice rink, vintage funfair, Santa’s Grotto and The Chalet alpine cafe.
- York Designer Outlet, St Nicholas Ave, York YO19 4TA
- Fri 18 Nov – Sun 8 Jan
- 10:30am – 9:30pm
- Website
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Malton Christmas Festival
A festive 2 day market, top street food, figgy puddings, turkey and goose, award winning macarons, mulled wine, gin and beers alongside festive gift stalls, choirs, brass bands and seasonal entertainment.
- Malton Town Centre, YO17 7LX
- Sat 3 – Sun 4 Dec
- 9am – 3:30pm
- Website
The York Minster Christmas Tree Festival
Experience the York Minster Christmas Tree Festival, set inside the medieval Minster this year, with around 40 trees on display in the cathedral’s stunning Chapter House and Lady Chapel. Explore the trees, which will be decorated to individual themes by local businesses, schools and charities, before adding your own Christmas message to a tag on the festival’s prayer trees.
- York Minster, Deangate, York, YO1 7HH
- Sat 3 Dec – Thurs 5 Jan
- 10am – 3:30pm
- Website
Into the Woods: A Fairytale Christmas
This Christmas, Castle Howard becomes a wonderland of happily ever afters, fair maidens and magic as we bring you a Christmas experience like no other. Expect to be enchanted by theatrical installations and projections that bring to life your favourite fairytales as the sounds of glass slippers on ballroom floors and horse-drawn pumpkins echo through the great halls via state-of-the-art soundscapes.
- Castle Howard, York, YO60 7DA
- Sat 12 Nov – Mon 2 Jan
- 10am – 5pm
- Website
Family fun
Santa’s Postbox
This year young people can post their Christmas Wishes and Thank you letters to Santa in a sparkling illuminated Santa’s Postbox in Museum Gardens.
- Museum Gardens, Museum St, York YO1 7FR
- From 17 Nov
- 9am – 6pm
- Website
RHS Glow 2022 at Harlow Carr
Bring all the family for a magical evening at RHS Garden Harlow Carr. See the garden in breathtaking beauty as amazing illuminations light your way on our spectacular Glow trail.
- RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Crag Ln, Beckwithshaw, Harrogate HG3 1QB
- 17 Nov – 3 Dec, 7-17, 19-22, 28-30 Dec
- 4:30-8:30pm
- Website
Storytime with Father Christmas
The man in red is visiting Beningbrough once more to rest and recharge ahead of his busy night on Christmas Eve. Take a seat in the Victorian laundry for thirty-minutes, to hear first-hand tales of music, magical elves and mishaps along the way.
- Beningbrough, York YO30 1DD
- 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18 Dec
- 10:15am – 3:30pm
- Website
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Peter Pan
In this magical adaptation for all the family, J.M. Barrie’s classic is brought to life in Yorkshire during World War Two. Expect all your favourite characters: Captain James Hook, Mr Smee, Tinker Bell, Tiger Lily and all the lost boys in this festive retelling!
- Eden Camp Modern History Museum, Malton, YO17 6RT
- Fri 4 – Sat 12 Nov
- 7:30pm
- Website
The Gift of Giving
Explore the beautifully decorated house at Christmas and escape the winter bustle of York. Uncover the stories of past residents in this year’s new theme.
- Treasurer’s House, Minster Yard, York YO1 7JL
- Sat 19 Nov – Sun 18 Dec
- 11am – 4pm
- Website
Christmas at York Castle Museum
Join us for Christmas at York Castle Museum, a festive experience perfect for the whole family! Wander through our famous Victorian street, Kirkgate, as Christmas arrives with a blanket of festive snow on the historic cobbles.
- York Castle Museum, Eye of York, York, YO1 9RY
- Sat 19 Nov – Jan 2023
- 11am – 5pm
- Website
A TownMouse Christmas at Fairfax House
Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a… um, well actually… In amongst the gorgeous Georgian festive decor, the magical scenes of our very special (but very naughty) town-mouse guests will capture the hearts of the whole family this Christmas season.
- Fairfax House, Castlegate, York YO1 9RN
- Sat 19 Nov – Sun 8 Jan
- 11am – 4pm
- Website
Christmas at Murton Park
Prepare to be enchanted at Murton Park with our not-to-be-missed Christmas experience.
- Murton Park, Murton, York, YO19 5UF
- 3, 4, 10, 11, 17-22 Dec
- 10am – 4:30pm
- Website
Book reading by the Archbishop of York
Stephen Cottrell, the Archbishop of York, will be in York Minster’s Lady Chapel to give a reading from his children’s book, The Sleepy Shepherd.
- York Minster, Deangate, York, YO1 7HH
- Sat 17 Dec
- 10:30am
- Website
Sparkling shows
Rhythm of the Dance Christmas Special
Join us on this festive journey and let the magic of Christmas begin with all your favourite festive songs being performed live by world class musicians, star vocalists and world champion dancers.
- Grand Opera House York, Cumberland Street, York YO1 9SW
- Sun 13 Nov
- 7:30pm
- Website
A Christmas Carol
Olivier Award winner, Guy Masterson presents Dickens’ classic festive fable. Famed for bringing multiple characters to vivid life, Masterson gives us Scrooge, Marley, the Fezziwigs, the Cratchits, Tiny Tim et al in an riveting, performance that will dazzle, enchant, and linger long in the memory. Guaranteed to get you into the Christmas Spirit – in many more ways than one!
- Theatre@41, 41 Monkgate, York, YO31 7PB
- Thurs 24 Nov
- 7:30pm
- Website
Nativity! The Musical
Feel –good, funny and full of yuletide joy, Nativity! The Musical features all of the favourite sing-a-long hits from the films including Sparkle and Shine, Nazareth, One Night One Moment, She’s the Brightest Star and a whole host of new songs filled with the spirit of Christmas!
- Grand Opera House York, Cumberland Street, York YO1 9SW
- Thurs 24 Nov – Sat 3 Dec
- Various times
- Website
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All New Adventures of Peter Pan
Join us for a fun-packed swashbuckling family adventure with an extra sprinkling of fairy dust magic. Expect laughter, music and family fun galore.
- York Theatre Royal, St. Leonard’s Place, York, YO1 7HD
- Fri 2 Dec – Mon 2 Jan
- Various times
- Website
Babes in the Wood
Join Robin Hood and the Merry Band as they take on the sinister Sheriff of Nottingham and his all too regular tax hikes. But they are not on their own – as Dame Harmony Humperdinck and Kurt Jester, entertainers extraordinaire, tour the land with their two-person cabaret. Silly jokes, big musical numbers, slapstick and good old fashioned family fun!
- Joseph Rowntree Theatre, Haxby Road, York YO31 8TA
- 3, 4, 6-10 Dec
- Various times
- Website
Old Granny Goose
The juggernaut of laughter and joy that is York’s best loved pantomime is arriving once more at the Grand Opera House for this year’s show entitled The Adventures of Old Granny Goose.
- Grand Opera House York, Cumberland Street, York YO1 9SW
- Sat 10 Dec – Sun 8 Jan
- Various times
- Website
The Snowman at York Minster
Make it a Christmas to remember, with a special screening of family-favourite The Snowman, accompanied by a live orchestra. Alongside The Snowman, enjoy The Flight Before Christmas – the sensational new Shaun the Sheep film staged with live orchestra for the first time!
- Malton Town Centre, YO17 7LX
- Sat 10 Dec
- 2:30pm and 7:30pm
- Website
The Sound of Music
The final collaboration between Rodgers & Hammerstein was destined to become the world’s most beloved musical. Featuring a trove of cherished songs, including “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” “My Favorite Things,” “Do Re Mi,” “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” and the title number.
- Theatre@41, 41 Monkgate, York, YO31 7PB
- Fri 16 – Fri 30 Dec
- Various times
- Website
Nerubashenko Ballet presents The Nutcracker
The Nutcracker is a festive treat for all the family. Clara’s adventures begin when she is gifted a Nutcracker doll who magically comes to life…
- Grand Opera House York, Cumberland Street, York YO1 9SW
- Sun 22 Jan
- 5pm
- Website
Magical music
Sankta Lucia: Festival of Light
An atmospheric, candlelit procession and carol service for all the family based on the traditional Swedish Lucia celebration. This year’s service will feature the London Nordic Choir, who will form the procession which enters the cathedral’s Nave singing the traditional Lucia song.
- York Minster, Deangate, York, YO1 7HH
- Fri 2 Dec
- 7:30pm
- Website
York St John University Christmas Carol Service
Come and celebrate with the staff and students of York St John University at our annual Christmas Carol Service in the glorious surroundings of York Minster. There will be performances from our dance, drama and musical theatre students, as well as the chance to listen to readings and sing traditional carols.
- York Minster, Deangate, York, YO1 7HH
- Mon 5 Dec
- 7:30pm
- Website
Christmas With Aled and Russell
Two of the world’s greatest classical voices, Aled Jones and Russell Watson, reunite for Christmas 2022 with a brand-new album.
- York Barbican, Paragon St, York, YO10 4AH
- Tue 6 Dec
- 8pm
- Website
Love Actually in Concert
Love Actually, the star-studded rom-com that has become a Christmas classic will tour the UK in winter 2022 with a full orchestra performing its soundtrack live to screen.
- York Barbican, Paragon St, York, YO10 4AH
- Thurs 8 Dec
- 7:30pm
- Website
Big Christmas Concert
The biggest Christmas concert in York is back with classic Christmas tunes, brass bands, carols and bags of festive cheer.
- St Michael le Belfrey, High Petergate, York YO1 7EN
- 9, 10, 17 Dec
- 8pm
- Website
Christmas Carol Concerts at York Minster
York Minster’s popular Christmas Carol Concerts return offering the perfect start to the festive season. The Choir of York Minster, one of the UK’s leading cathedral choirs, will perform traditional and much loved Christmas music, with seasonal readings from a special guest and the chance for the audience to join in with carols.
- York Minster, Deangate, York, YO1 7HH
- 8-9 Dec
- 7pm
- Website
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York Community Carol Concert
After 64 successful years this long-running community carol concert appeals to all ages and still plays to full houses. Appearing on stage this year are York Railway Institute Band, Osbaldwick Primary Academy Choir, St Oswald’s CE Primary School, Stamford Bridge Community Choir, and Steve Cassidy.
- York Barbican, Paragon St, York, YO10 4AH
- Sun 11 Dec
- 2pm
- Website
Christmas Showtime with Don Spears & Company
A seasonal selection of songs including many Christmas favourites introduced by Don Pears and featuring the vocal talents of the members of Singphonia.
- Joseph Rowntree Theatre, Haxby Road, York YO31 8TA
- Sun 11 Dec
- 4pm
- Website
Mostly Autumn – Christmas Show!
Mostly Autumn are an English rock band. The group formed in 1995 and have built their reputation through constant touring, never signing to a major label. They produce music heavily influenced by 1970s progressive rock.
- The Crescent, 8 The Crescent, York, YO24 1AW
- Sun 11 Dec
- 8pm
- Website
The Muppet Christmas Carol: Live in Concert
Disney’s The Muppet Christmas Carol will be presented live in concert this winter across the UK, featuring its musical score performed live to the film.
- York Barbican, Paragon St, York, YO10 4AH
- Mon 12 Dec
- 7pm
- Website
Carol Concert at York Cemetery
In the beautiful grade 2* listed cemetery chapel: Drama, traditional carols & readings, a musical performance by Cantorelli, home-made mince pies and fruit punch.
- York Barbican, Paragon St, York, YO10 4AH
- Fri 16 Dec
- 7:30pm
- Website
Christmas Concert
This Christmas concert will feature all the bands that make up the Shepherd Group Brass Band from their absolute beginners (Brass Roots) through to their championship section Senior Band, playing a variety of Christmas and seasonal music with plenty of audience participation.
- Joseph Rowntree Theatre, Haxby Road, York YO31 8TA
- Fri 16 – Sat 17 Dec
- 7:30pm
- Website
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Carols by Candlelight
This ever popular annual concert will take place in the stunning Nave of York Minster. In addition to traditional choral items old and new, there will be festive music performed by the Handbell Ringers of the Chapter House Choir – a uniquely Christmassy combination in the perfect candlelit setting!
- York Minster, Deangate, York, YO1 7HH
- Sat 17 Dec
- 7:30pm
- Website
Kate Rusby at Christmas
Hailed as ‘The Start of Christmas’ for many, a Kate Rusby Christmas Concert perpetuates the tradition of Yorkshire carols, specific carols still sung in the pubs of South Yorkshire.
- York Barbican, Paragon St, York, YO10 4AH
- Sun 18 Dec
- 7:30pm
- Website
G4 Christmas
Expect to hear timeless classics such as When A Child is Born, Silent Night and All I Want For Christmas, as well as delightful medleys to evoke the Christmas spirit, all delivered exquisitely in some of the UK’s most iconic historical venues.
- York Minster, Deangate, York, YO1 7HH
- Tue 20 Dec
- 7:30-9:30pm
- Website
Festive food and drink
Christmas Chocolate Workshops at York Cocoa House
Our Chocolate Bar Making workshops have gone completely festive with your chance to craft a Chocolate Christmas Tree or Sparkling Star or why not learn how to craft your own Chocolate Truffles this Christmas to give that special gift with our Festival Chocolate Truffle Making Workshop or Create and decorate your own Christmas Cottage.
- York Cocoa Works, 10 Castlegate, York YO1 9RG
- 16 Nov – 31 Dec
- Various times
- Website
A Chocolate Covered Christmas
This December, get ready for A Chocolate Covered Christmas. From expert masterclasses to helping Father Christmas create festive treats, there’s a chocolate-filled Christmas event to suit everyone. Workshops include truffle rolling, chocolate making with Santa, and more.
- York’s Chocolate Story, King’s Square, York YO1 7LD
- Various dates in December
- Various times
- Website
Cracking crafts
Craft Your Christmas with Sara Davies
Craft Your Christmas with Sara Davies is the perfect warm up for the festive break, with plenty of practical demonstrations, creative ideas and a healthy slice of Sara’s down to earth know how.
- York Barbican, Paragon St, York, YO10 4AH
- Sat 3 Dec
- 7:30pm
- Website
Wreath Making Masterclass
This Christmas, get creative and join us to make a beautiful Christmas wreath for your home. Ticket includes: Materials, arrival drink & festive canapés.
- Sandburn Hall, Scotchman Ln, Flaxton, York YO60 7RG
- Tues 6 Dec
- 7:30pm
- Website
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Super shopping
Christmas Market at the Designer Outlet
York Artisan Collective are holding a Christmas market featuring handmade Yorkshire products from local traders and businesses.
- South Entrance, Designer Outlet York, YO19 4TA
- From Sat 1 Oct
- 9:30am – 6pm
- Website
Living North Christmas Fair
Join us for a jam-packed day of shopping, food, live music and more as our Yorkshire Christmas Fair returns to York Racecourse!
- York Racecourse, York YO23 1EX
- Thurs 10 – Sun 13 Nov
- 10am – 4pm
- Website
St Leonard’s Hospice Christmas Fair
St Leonard’s Hospice Christmas Fair is back! Come along and join in the festive fun with presents from Santa, a Christmas choir and entertainment, festive food and drink, games and prizes, and much more.
- York RI, Hamilton Drive, Acomb, York, YO24 4NX
- Sun 20 Nov
- 12-4pm
- Website
A Vintage Christmas
Enjoy a nostalgic day out to get you into the spirit of Christmas past at York Racecourse. We will be celebrating the fashions, music and yule tide traditions of the 1930’s, 1940’s, 1950’s & 1960’s with vintage shopping, live music and more.
- York Racecourse, York YO23 1EX
- 3-4 Dec
- 10am – 5pm
- Website
More festive fun
York Christmas Walking Tour
Discover the History of Christmas in an extra-special Walking Tour through the Christmas light bedecked streets of York.
- Statue of Constantine, 4 Minster Yard, York YO1 7JB
- 17 Nov – 24 Dec
- 4pm
- Website
Christmas Gothic
Come in from the cold and enter into the Christmas spirit as a dark and spectral woman tells haunting tales of the festive season, lighting a candle to the frailties of human nature and illuminating the cold and chilling depths of the bleak, wintry dark…
- Theatre@41, 41 Monkgate, York, YO31 7PB
- Sat 26 – Sun 27 Nov
- 7:30pm
- Website
The Ghosts Of Christmas Past
With a nod to the festive season, Death in a Chocolate Box presents our much sought after walking tour – The Ghosts Of Christmas Past.
- The Last Drop Inn, Colliergate, Kings Square, York YO1 8BN
- Sun 27 Nov – Fri 30 Dec
- 7-9pm
- Website
Bongo’s Bingo Christmas
Dig out your dancing shoes and get your disco pants on! The Bongo’s Bingo that we all love will be glittered with all of the ABBA classics, including some amazing themed prizes!
- York Barbican, Paragon St, York, YO10 4AH
- Sat 10 Dec
- 8pm
- Website
York Nutcracker Trail
Have fun and win with the York Nutcracker Trail! There are 10 life-size Nutcrackers dotted around the city, and each one is named. Find all 10 and make a note of their names for a chance to win a £500 York Gift Card or 1 of 5 weekly Visit York hampers.
- York city centre
- 17 Dec – 6 Jan
- All day
- Website
York Quest Santa Search
We need your help! Santa and Mrs Claus brought some of their festive friends to York to see the lights and get in the festive spirit, but now they’re lost in the City Centre. Join the Santa Search and discover 7 jolly Augmented Reality virtual characters along the way at magical locations around York. Use the GPS-enabled map to find and collect each one. We wish you a very merry time! The York Quest app is free to use and is available now on Google Play Store or App Store.
- York city centre
- 17 Dec – 6 Jan
- All day
- Website