Video and pix: Magical Christmas Tree Festival lights up York Minster
York Minster is looking more festive than ever before thanks to the first Christmas Tree Festival to be held inside its walls.
Launched last year inside a marquee outside the cathedral due to Covid restrictions, this year’s festival is being held inside the Minster’s stunning Chapter House and Lady Chapel.
Opening today (Saturday, 3 December), it features nearly 40 trees decorated by local businesses, schools and charities.
Visitors will be able to see the trees decorated to individual themes, vote for their favourite tree in a ‘best dressed tree’ competition and add their own Christmas message to a tag to hang on one of the festival’s prayer trees.
There is a wide range of different decorations, including candles, angels – and Strictly Come Dancing star Anton Du Beke even features!
Neil Sanderson, director of the York Minster Fund, said: “We’re delighted to see the Christmas Tree Festival return for a second year following the success of the 2021 event.
“This year the festival will take place inside the Minster, with trees set inside the spectacular, medieval Chapter House and Lady Chapel.
York Minster Christmas Tree Festival 2022
- The Christmas Tree Festival will run from Saturday 3 December 2022 to Thursday 5 January 2023 during general admission times (please check opening times on the website before visiting).
- Entry is included with general admission (general admission is free for York residents with proof of address).
- The festival forms part of a busy programme of services and events at the cathedral to mark Advent and Christmas. More here
“Nearly 40 trees will be decorated to individual themes, taking inspiration from a range of topics including seasonal stories, nature and festive traditions, and featuring diverse decorations from handcrafted items, to mythical creatures and Yorkshire inspired decorations.
“We hope the event will again spread some seasonal cheer while supporting one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals.”
The trees for the festival have been provided by award-winning local company York Christmas Trees.
Throughout the festival’s run, visitors will be able to vote for their favourite tree with the winning charity or school receiving a £200 prize and the winning business £200 to donate to a charity of their choice.
