Here’s what’s going on in York for the week ahead.
Christmas fun continues in York this week – pantomime is back, oh yes it is, as Aladdin starts performances at York Theatre Royal. The Yorkshire Yuletide Village returns to The Guildhall, York St John University host their annual Christmas Carol Service at York Minster, and the National Centre for Early Music kick off their York Early Music Christmas Festival.
For more ideas of Christmassy things to do in York, check out our festive guide below.
What’s on in York this week: Sunday 1 – Friday 6 December
All week
The Yorkshire Yuletide Village
Experience the creativity of Yorkshire at Made in Yorkshire’s Markets, where some of the region’s finest designers and artisans showcase their work in the city’s heart. Visitors can explore a diverse selection of unique, design-led Christmas gifts, including jewellery, art, textiles, handcrafted soaps, photography, ceramics, sculptures, and delicious homemade jams and chutneys.
- The Guildhall, Coney St, York YO1 9QN
- Mon 2 – Fri 20 Dec
- 10am – 4:30pm
- More info
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
Monday
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 a performance from our musical theatre students, as well as the chance to listen to readings and sing traditional carols.
All guests are invited back to York St John University after the carol service to carry on the festive celebrations with mulled wine and mince pies and time to socialise.
- York Minster, Deangate, York YO1 7HH
- Mon 2 Dec
- 7:30pm
- More info
Tuesday
Candle and Cake Workshop (Xmas Edition)
Join for an exclusive Christmas workshop! Learn to make personalised candles with Becky, founder of THE AMBIENT COMPANY, and decorate your own bento cake with expert baker Millie from Sweet Treats by Mil. Plus, take home a special goodie bag!
- Spark:York, 17—21 Piccadilly, York YO1 9PB
- Tue 3 Dec
- 6:45pm
- More info
Thursday
Disrupting the Norm: The Power of Disability Arts
Join us for an inspiring event with Pyramid Arts, a Leeds-based arts organisation that invests in people with learning disabilities through the discovery and disruption of the arts, helping them develop their talents as world-class artists. The event will highlight their collaboration with Explore York and share insights into Disability Arts. It is presented in partnership with York Creatives, a community-led network uniting York’s creative industries for York Disability Week 2024.
- York Explore Library and Archive, Library Square, York, YO1 7DS
- Thu 5 Dec
- 6pm
- More info
Words Matter Lecture
This year’s Words Matter Lecture will be delivered by Dr Zoë Enstone, who will share her research on the magical women of fifteenth-century literature and their ongoing impact on contemporary culture.
- De Grey Lecture Theatre, York St John University, Lord Mayor’s Walk, York YO31 7EX
- Thu 5 Dec
- 6pm
- More info
Some Voices: Christmas Crackers by Candlelight
Some Voices presents Christmas Crackers – an alternative carol concert. This winter, we’re bringing out everyone’s favourite Christmas hits for a seasonal set-list that’s anything but ordinary! Let us make your wish come true as we ditch hymns for festive modern classics in our alternative carol concert. Think Wham, Robbie Williams, The Beatles and more, all in stunning Some Voices style harmony. We guarantee much fun, good cheer and definite sing-alongs!
- Theatre@41, 41 Monkgate, York, YO31 7PB
- Thu 5 Dec
- 7:30pm
- More info
Friday
York Early Music Christmas Festival
The 2024 Christmas Festival opens with the baroque specialists Spiritato (Friday 6th) celebrating music inspired by the wealthy and highly fashionable Royal Court of Sweden, and closes with folk artists Awake Arise sharing their Christmas Show for our Times celebrating the riches of winter, reflecting upon the hope and resilience in music and song that can bring us joy in the darkest season.
- Multiple locations
- Fri 6 – Sun 15 Dec
- Multiple times
- More info
A Crafty Christmas at Bedern Hall
Our popular workshop returns with Katherine Armstrong Bisson of Fleuradamo and this year we are running 2 events to accommodate our regulars with our traditional lunch session plus an evening event with gin and sharing platters. Traditional workshop includes coffee and mince pies, all materials and tuition followed by a seasonal soup and sandwich lunch.
- Bedern Hall, Saint Andrewgate, York YO1 7AL
- Fri 6 Dec
- 11am
- More info
Blackbeard’s Tea Party Christmas show!
Their bold and rioutous modern folk rock is built for late nights and big stages. Hold on to your tri-corn hats and be prepared to stamp your wooden legs – Blackbeard’s Tea Party are in town. Blackbeard’s Tea Party believe a live show should be a spectacle for the eyes as well as the ears. Outlandish outfits, costume changes, DIY props, unhinged stage antics and chaotic choreography all add up to an engaging, high-octane show that inevitably leaves audiences cheering for more.
- The Crescent York, 8 The Crescent, York, YO24 1AW
- Fri 6 Dec
- 7:30pm
- More info
Bootleg Beatles
Featuring hits from A Hard Day’s Night, Help!, Magical Mystery Tour, Yellow submarine and Let it Be, The Bootleg Beatles and their orchestra will take you on a whistle stop trip through the celluloid career of the Fab Four in their brand new spectacular multi-media stage show. It’s all there, the costumes, the hairstyles, the banter and the gear. It’s not the Beatles…. but you simply won’t believe it!
- York Barbican, Paragon St, York, YO10 4AH
- Fri 6 Dec
- 7:30pm
- More info
Candlelit Christmas
Enchanting harmonies beneath flickering flames: A timeless celebration of Christmas with our mesmerizing candlelit concert and captivating string quartet. Set in the beautiful St Olaves church in York, the Ebor quartet will take you on a festive journey with classic Christmas songs, from the likes of The Pogues and George Michael to Christmas carol favourites. With vocals from the talented Alistair Griffin, treat yourself to a mulled wine and take in the magical atmosphere. All attendees will be in with a chance of winning festive drinks at Thor Tipi!
- St Olave’s Church, 29 Marygate, York YO30 7BJ
- Fri 6 Dec
- 8pm
- More info