Christmas in York in 2023 is set to be a magical.
Here are all the events you can enjoy in the city over the festive period. We add new ones as they come through.
Recently added: Santa Specials with North Yorkshire Moors Railway and pantomime fun at Grand Opera House York and York Theatre Royal.
Christmas events confirmed for York in 2023
York Christmas Market
The alpine chalets are returning to Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square in 2023.
They will be host to local and national traders selling street food and artisan and unique gifts.
- Parliament St, York
- 16 Nov – 22 Dec 2023
- TBC
- More info
Christmas at Treasurer’s House
The period rooms in the house are transformed for Christmas with a new theme for 2023.
- Minster Yard, York, YO1 7JL
- 13 Nov – 17 Dec 2023
- Sat – Wed, 11am – 4pm
- More info
Castle Howard’s Christmas in Neverland
Fly into the adventure of a lifetime bursting with fairies, mermaids, and pirates.
Vast ships will cruise into our great galleries, Lost Boy-laughter will echo through our halls, and our beautiful rooms will transform into tropical lagoons.
Follow the boy that never grew up into a fantastical festive world that will re-ignite your belief in fairies and leave your heart full.
- Castle Howard, York, YO60 7DA
- 11 Nov 2023 – 2 Jan 2024
- TBC
- More info
Santa Specials
Join Santa and his special team of elves at either Pickering or Grosmont Station before a magical adventure aboard the Santa Express which will take you on a festive journey you won’t forget!
This enchanting Christmas experience sees Mr. Claus and his jolly helpers pass through the heritage carriages, giving children a chance to meet the legendary man himself on board the train, and gifting a special soft toy present to the children onboard – providing they’ve managed to keep themselves off the naughty list this year!
- Pickering & Grosmont Stations, North Yorkshire Moors Railway
- 25, 26 Nov, 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23 & 24 Dec
- TBC
- More info
Jack and the Beanstalk
Our 2023 pantomime is a Fe-Fi-Fo-Fun extravaganza for all the family: Jack and the Beanstalk!
Starring James Mackenzie as the villainous Luke Backinanger. James played the immortal, leather-clad warrior in CBBC’s fantasy adventure game show Raven. Panto favourite Robin Simpson (Mrs Smee in All New Adventures of Peter Pan and Manky in Cinderella) who was nominated for a 2021 British Pantomime Award, will also be returning as our Dame. Join us for a fresh new take on this timeless rags-to-riches tale as we bring you another spectacular family panto.
- York Theatre Royal, St. Leonard’s Place, York, YO1 7HD
- 8 Dec 2023 – 7 Jan 2024
- Various times
- More info
Robinson Crusoe and the Pirates of the River Ouse
York legend Berwick Kaler returns with all of the gang for his hilarious take on the classic story of the sailor from York who finds himself marooned on a desert island, but he’s not alone! Galleons of laughter are guaranteed in this sea-faring tale.
- Grand Opera House, Cumberland Street, York YO1 9SW
- 9 Dec 2023 – 6 Jan 2024
- Various times
- More info
York’s Annual Community Carol Concert
It wouldn’t be Christmas without York’s Annual Community Carol Concert, for 65 years the concert has marked the start of the festive season and we are back at York Barbican with a bang (and maybe some snow too) to celebrate 65 years of festive fun and all your favourite Christmas carols and songs.
Join Shepherd Group Youth Band, Badger Hill School Choir, Track 29 Ladies Harmony Chorus, York Stage School and Steve Cassidy for a Christmas sing along under the baton of Musical Director Mike Pratt. Carol concert favourites Adam Tomlinson and Rev Andrew Foster return to keep you entertained, be ready for laughs and maybe some festive surprises…
- York Barbican, Paragon St, York, YO10 4AH
- 17 Dec 2023
- 2pm
- More info