It’s nearly the weekend!
And it’s almost time for Christmas too – with the big day only a week away.
So what’s in store in York this weekend? York favourites Shed Seven are playing an intimate acoustic show at Huntington Working Men’s Club, York’s first Anime Festival is here, and there’s plenty of Christmas fun with everything from festive concerts and shows, to seasonal shopping and comedy.
Have a wonderful Christmas and a happy new year!
For more ideas of Christmassy things to do in York, check out our festive guide below.
What’s on in York this weekend, Friday 20 – Sunday 22 December
Shed Seven – Intimate Acoustic Show with Rick Witter & Paul Banks
Rick and Paul will perform a full set of Sheds classics and share stories – plus, a DJ set from Tom Gladwin. Anyone who has seen one of our acoustic shows before will confirm that this is not your usual sitting-on-stools affair! It’s as riotous, fun, and sing-your-hearts-out as a full band show.. will be a reet good knees up! This show is currently sold out.
- Huntington Working Men’s Club, 1 N Moor Rd, Huntington, York YO32 9QS
- Sat 21 Dec
- 7pm
- More info
York Anime Festival 2024
York’s celebration of anime is here! Get ready for an exhilarating weekend filled with a diverse lineup of artists and dealers, captivating cosplayers and a host of other exciting activities. Don’t miss out on this amazing anime adventure.
- York Railway Institute, 24 Queen Street, York YO24 1AD
- Sat 21 Dec
- 10am – 5pm
- More info
York Christmas Market
This weekend is your last chance to visit the York Christmas Market! Don’t miss the 75 alpine chalets lining Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square, offering a magical array of local crafts, artisan products, and delicious seasonal treats.
- Parliament St, York
- Thu 14 Nov – Sun 22 Dec
- 10am – 7pm
- More info
Big Christmas Concert 2024
Step into Christmas with York’s biggest festive musical spectacular the Big Christmas Concert. You’ll be greeted by a brass band, then taken on a journey through the Christmas classics. From soul stirring acoustic versions of your favourite carols to the old Christmas bangers from the Pogues and Slade. Treat yourself to a mulled wine, sing along, and embrace the magical fairytale ambiance of old York.
- Q Church, 9 Priory Street, York YO1 6ET
- Sat 21 Dec
- 2:30pm & 7:45pm
- More info
The Xmas Escape Club
Come have a dance at the hugely popular Escape Club Christmas Party. Excellent resident DJs playing a cross section of soul, pop, house, indie & hip-hop for all!
- The Crescent York, 8 The Crescent, York, YO24 1AW
- Sat 21 Dec
- 8pm
- More info
Door 84 Christmas Community Event
Door 84 are hosting a Christmas community event with with a tombola and Christmas arts ‘n’ crafts, music, free food and hot drinks, a visit from Santa and his sleigh, and more.
- Door 84 Youth and Community Centre, 84 Lowther St, York YO31 7LX
- Sun 22 Dec
- 12-4pm
- More info
A Christmas Cracker
Things are not going well for world famous storyteller Ebeneezer Sneezer. He’s lost. There is snow in his wellies and his wise and faithful dog, Cracker, has some strange ideas about Christmas. Pull open this delightful cracker packed with comedy, puppetry, and seasonal storytelling, as Riding Lights offers the whole family a magical glimpse into the heart of Christmas.
- Friargate Theatre, Lower Friargate, York, YO1 9SL
- Sat 21 – Tue 24 Dec
- Multiple times
- More info
Spark presents Elf
A heated outdoor screening of Jon Favreau’s ‘Elf’. Mulled wine/non-alc drink included in ticket price! Follow Buddy the Elf (Will Ferrell) on his journey to New York to find his biological father, where he spreads unfiltered cheer, falls in love, and accidentally saves Christmas.
- Spark, 17-21 Piccadilly, York YO1 9PB
- Sun 22 Dec
- 4pm
- More info
Oliver Twist
Join young, orphaned Oliver Twist on an adventure in this festive adaptation of Charles Dickens’ much-loved novel. Born in a workhouse. Sold into an apprenticeship. Recruited by Fagin’s band of pickpockets and thieves. We follow Oliver as he sinks into London’s grimy underworld on his search for a home, a family and love. A story of courage in adversity, Oliver Twist is a classic tale that touches us all, with a large dose of Christmas cheer and festive sparkle!
- Theatre@41, 41 Monkgate, York, YO31 7PB
- Tue 17 – Mon 30 Dec
- 7:30pm, 2:30pm weekend matinees
- More info
The Snowman’ with Live Orchestra
Make it a Christmas to remember, with a special screening of family-favourite ‘The Snowman’ accompanied by a live orchestra. Presented by Carrot Productions – the world’s leading performers of ‘The Snowman’ film with orchestra – the award-winning show features some of the UK’s finest professional musicians. As an extra bonus, performances will include an additional short film, again accompanied live by the orchestra.
- York Barbican, Paragon St, York, YO10 4AH
- Sun 22 Dec
- 1pm & 4pm
- More info
Elvis: Christmas Special – Tribute by Steve Knight
Entertaining crowds from coast to coast, Steve Knight embodies the spirit and energy of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll himself – Elvis Presley. With uncanny vocal prowess, dynamic stage presence, and uncanny resemblance, Steve has mesmerised audiences with electrifying performances that transport spectators back to the golden age of rock music. Prepare to be all shook up as Steve backed by his full band takes you on a musical journey through the hits that defined a generation.
- Joseph Rowntree Theatre, Haxby Road, York, YO31 8TA
- Sun 22 Dec
- 7:30pm
- More info
Winter Wonderland Wilberfoss
There’s two days full of festive fun, smiles, and Christmas magic at the Winter Wonderland Wilberfoss! There’s a unique photo opportunity with a magical Christmas-themed snow globe, meet and snap pictures with The Grinch, there’s festive stalls and attractions, small kids rides, and more.
- The Pavilion, Storking Lane, YO41 5AB
- Fri 20 – Sat 21 Dec
- 3-9pm (Fri) & 12-6pm (Sat)
- More info
Queer Affaire – Christmas Edition
Join Queer Affaire for a festive good time at their Christmas edition of the LGBT+ Makers Market! Immerse yourself in a world of holiday cheer and creativity as talented queer artisans showcase a variety of festive decorations, unique handmade goods, and seasonal crafts.
- Spark:York, 17—21 Piccadilly, York YO1 9PB
- Sun 22 Dec
- 1-6pm
- More info
A Christmas Carol
Step back in time this festive season and join us for a truly unique Christmas experience at JORVIK Viking Centre. Celebrate the season as the Vikings would, with a snowy evening filled with history, wintery tales, and festive cheer.
- Holy Trinity Church, 70 Goodramgate, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 7LF
- Thu 19 – Sun 22 Dec
- Multiple times
- More info
Nine Lessons and Carols
Two services consisting of nine special readings, music sung by the Choir of York Minster, and well-loved Christmas carols for everyone to join in with. A traditional Christmas celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.
- York Minster, Deangate, York, YO1 7HH
- Sun 22 – Tue 24 Dec
- 4-5:30pm
- More info
Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club Christmas Special
Star of ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent comedian Mike Newall is headlining this Christmas comedy special with lots of unmissable festive fun.
- York Barbican, Paragon St, York, YO10 4AH
- Fri 20 Dec
- 8pm
- More info
Villainous Tour & Rum Sampling
Uncover the dark and mysterious world of York’s most infamous villains as you sample a range of our signature rums. Learn the twisted stories behind each character, and enjoy a guided tasting experience of the rums that they inspired.
- Villains Rum of York, 14 Little Stonegate York, YO1 8AX
- Sat 21 – Sun 22 Dec
- 2pm, 3pm & 4pm
- More info