Take a look at what’s going on in York for the week ahead.
There’s plenty of pantomime fun – with Beauty and the Beast beginning performances at the Grand Opera House, and Mother Goose at Joseph Rowntree Theatre. Strictly star Anton Du Beke is at the York Barbican, and Hyde Family Jam are throwing a Festive Fiesta at The Crescent.
For more ideas of Christmassy things to do in York, check out our festive guide below.
What’s on in York this week, Sunday 8 – Friday 13 December
All week
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 Ivan Tobebooed! 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
Mother Goose
Another Rollicking Romp of a Panto From Rowntree Players. It’s market day and Mother Goose needs to make rent before the ever nasty Demon Darkheart evicts the Goose family. Meantime Jack’s exciting new addition to the farm – Priscilla the Goose – has stopped production in Jill’s hen house. Comedy, song and dance in this very silly family pantomime.
- Joseph Rowntree Theatre, Haxby Road, York, YO31 8TA
- Sat 7 – Sun 8 & Tue 10 – Sat 14 Dec
- Various times
- More info
Monday
Fundraising Film: The Muppet Christmas Carol
Re-experience this 1992 classic re-telling of the Dickensian tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, with Michael Caine in leading role, supported by famous faces like Miss Piggy, the Great Gonzo, Rizzo the Rat and of course Kermit the Frog. A fundraising event for the Joseph Rowntree Theatre.
- Joseph Rowntree Theatre, Haxby Road, York, YO31 8TA
- Mon 9 Dec
- 7pm
- More info
Tuesday
Festive Bauble Painting Workshop
Grab your pals and come join illustrator Lucy Hook The Lemon Tree Cafe in Poppleton for a fun-filled evening of creativity and Christmas cheer. Get into the festive spirit as you paint your own unique Christmas baubles to decorate your tree or give as gifts to loved ones.
- The Lemon Tree, 20 Allerton Dr, Nether Poppleton, York YO26 6HN
- Tue 10 Dec
- 6pm
- More info
Spark York presents Home Alone
A heated outdoor screening of the Christmas classic ‘Home Alone’. Mulled wine/non-alc drink included in ticket price!
- Spark York, 17-21 Piccadilly York YO1 9PB
- Tue 10 Dec
- 7pm
- More info
The Royal Ballet presents Cinderella
This Christmas, be transported into an ethereal world where a sprinkling of fairy dust makes dreams come true. This enchanting ballet by The Royal Ballet’s Founding Choreographer Frederick Ashton is a theatrical experience for all the family
Stuck at home and put to work by her spoiled Step-Sisters, Cinderella’s life is dreary and dull. Everything changes when she helps a mysterious woman out…With a little bit of magic, she is transported into an ethereal new world – one where fairies bring the gifts of the seasons, where pumpkins turn into carriages, and where true love awaits.
- The Galtres Centre, Market Place, Easingwold, YO61 3AD
- Tue 10 Dec
- 7:15pm
- More info
Christmas with Anton Du Beke
Embark on a dazzling journey into a festive wonderland as Strictly’s one and only Anton Du Beke brightens up your Christmas with his brand new show – Christmas with Anton Du Beke! The Ballroom King and Strictly Come Dancing judge joins forces with his dynamic live band, the incomparable vocalist Lance Ellington, and a troupe of extraordinary dancers, to bring you a magical evening of music, dance and laughter.
- York Barbican, Paragon St, York, YO10 4AH
- Tue 10 Dec
- 7:30pm
- More info
Wednesday
The River Project: Reconnecting the Connectivity
As part of the Ryevitalise Community Arts Programme, artist Sue Walsh has produced a fascinating collaborative installation, inspired by the inter-connectedness of habitats within the River Rye landscape. The project involved a series of immersive workshops engaging local people and landowners in the natural environment, through movement, sound exploration, eco-printing and creative writing. You can view Sue’s work at Ampleforth Abbey’s Visitor Centre.
- Ampleforth Abbey, York, YO62 4EN
- Wed 11 – Fri 20 Dec
- 11am – 3pm
- More info
The Magic Numbers
The Magic Numbers are an UK-based four piece comprising two pairs of siblings (Romeo and Michele Stodart, Sean and Angela Gannon) who are known for their unique harmonies, melodic hooks, songwriting craftsmanship and timeless sound.
- The Citadel, York YO31 7EA
- Wed 11 Dec
- 7pm
- More info
Thursday
Celtic Carols by Candlelight with Olivia Graham
Join Celtic Folk Musician Olivia Graham for sacred music of the season, evoking the spirit of the ancient Celtic church.
- Holy Trinity, Goodramgate York YO1 7LF
- Thu 12 Dec
- 5pm & 7:30pm
- More info
The Hyde Family Jam Festive Fiesta!
Come celebrate another Christmas with a right thorough knees up at The Crescent this December! Hyde Family Jam are a traditional looking folk band who couldn’t be less traditional. We play the songs we love of any decade, any genre, in anyway we fancy. We play fast, loud and as entertaining as possible. We call it ‘folk gone wrong’! Expect a few special festive bonuses too…
- The Crescent York, 8 The Crescent, York, YO24 1AW
- Thu 12 Dec
- 7:30pm
- More info
Friday
A Christmas Carol
Ring in the Christmas season with this exquisite performance of the Dickens’ festive classic, brought to life in vivid detail by Mat Jones. Mat’s one-man retelling, has been delighting audiences every December, ushering in the Christmas season with warmth and joy. Join us for this classic tale of Victorian Christmas and the redemption of London’s most memorable miser, as we follow Scrooge through his encounters with the spirits of Christmas.
- Friargate Theatre, York, YO1 9SL
- Fri 13 – Sat 14 Dec
- 7:30pm
- More info