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York’s countdown to Christmas goes large

Number 1… the Make It York HQ prepares to unveil the first number in York's Living Advent Calendar
@ Things to do

How many sleeps till Christmas?

If you live or work in York you’ll have no excuse for not knowing – as shops, offices and other businesses display the date in their windows.

They are taking part in York’s first city-wide Living Advent Calendar. First dreamed up by those innovative Swedes in Stockholm, the Living Advent Calendar will see a daily reveal of that day’s number in the window of one of the 25 participating organisations.

Beginning with the office of the organisers, Make It York, who will display their giant 1 tomorrow (Wednesday, December 1) it will culminate with a big 25 being unveiled by the Dean Court Hotel on Christmas Day.

Each number will be revealed at 11am on the day.

The helter-skelter in King's Square is reflected in the window of York's Chocolate Story, who are due to reveal their design on December 3
The helter-skelter in King’s Square is reflected in the window of York’s Chocolate Story, who are due to reveal their design on December 3

Residents can vote for their favourite Living Advent Window via the York Press. The winner will receive £1,000 for the charity of their choice.

And a competition via Visit York’s Facebook page will see everybody who ‘Likes’ an advent window picture entered into a prize draw. There are 25 prizes to give away.

Where to see the numbers

christmas-advent-map

1 Dec – Make It York
2 Dec – Lotte Inch Gallery
3 Dec – York’s Chocolate Story
4 Dec – Browns
5 Dec – Barley Hall
6 Dec – The York Press
7 Dec – York Theatre Royal
8 Dec – Give the Dog a Bone
9 Dec – Hunter Gee Holroyd
10 Dec – Chris Ceaser Photography
11 Dec – Pandora’s Box
12 Dec – The Botanist
13 Dec – Letters Property Management Ltd
14 Dec – Azendi
15 Dec – Ye Old Shambles Tavern
16 Dec – Plaskitt & Plaskitt
17 Dec – The York Makery
18 Dec – Café Luca
19 Dec – Bedern Hall
20 Dec – Walmgate Ale House and Bistro
21 Dec – The Principal York Hotel
22 Dec – Earl Grey Tea Rooms
23 Dec – Evil Eye Lounge
24 Dec – Missoula York
25 Dec – Best Western Plus Dean Court Hotel

Andrew Sharp, head of business at Make It York, said: “This is a great opportunity for local businesses to get involved in York’s Christmas offer and to promote footfall in their area.

“Residents and visitors to York will be able to experience chocolatey, theatrical and photographic themed displays, among many more.

“We hope that the Living Advent Calendar will offer a unique and inspiring experience for everyone.”