York truly comes alive at Christmas offering a wonderful winter experience.
With festive magic around every corner we are proud to be one of the UK's most festive cities with our restaurants, shops and attractions all beautifully decorated and offering a wonderful winter experience.
1. York Christmas Market (16 November – 22 December 2023)
The popular York Christmas Market is back with eighty festive alpine chalets offering a range of unique gifts, seasonal food and drinks and local produce.
2. THOR’s Tipi (15 November – 31 December 2023)
Serving traditional ‘Winter Warmers,’ such as mulled wine and luxury hot chocolate, with delicious feasts by Yuzu Street Food
3. Jack and the Beanstalk at York Theatre Royal (8 December 2023 - 7 January 2024)
Stunning sets, lavish costumes, breath-taking special effects and of course lots of panto magic.
4. Christmas in Neverland at Castle Howard (11 November 2023 – 7 January 2024)
The main house is transformed into a Peter Pan themed odyssey plus book tickets to meet Father Christmas or take part in a guided tour to get into the festive spirit..
5. York Santa Cruise and Boat Bar at City Cruises,(25 November - 23 December)
Elevate your festive celebrations with City Cruises and get ready for an extraordinary Christmas adventure aboard a City cruises boat.
6. A Townmouse Christmas at Fairfax House (11 November 2023 – 7 January 2024)
Be prepared to be charmed, amused, and thoroughly delighted by the antics of the townmouse guests, who will capture the hearts of the whole family. Find out more here.
7. Robinson Crusoe & the Pirates of the River Ouse, Grand Opera House (9 December 2023 - 6 January 2024)
Galleons of laughter are guaranteed in this sea-faring tale, a captivating tale of magic, mayhem and misunderstandings live on York's famous stage.
8. York Minster Christmas Tree Festival (2 December 2023 – 5 January 2024)
Set inside the medieval Minster, with 60 trees on display in the cathedral's stunning Nave, Chapter House and Lady Chapel.
9. Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland at McArthurGlen Designer Outlet York (17 November 2023 – 7 January 2022)
A magical winter experience for all ages, with a glistening outdoor ice rink, thrilling funfair, magical Santa's Grotto and cosy alpine cafe, The Chalet - now with a rinkside terrace.
10. Gifts From Afar at Treasurer's House (13 November - 17 December 2023)
Expect the unexpected this Christmas with stories found in Frank Green's travel journals.
11. York Nutcracker Trail (16 November 2023 - 4 January 2024)
York BID have partnered with local charities, schools and artist Sian Ellis to bring you 10 bespoke nutcracker statues, dotted around the city ready for you to find.
12. Festive Chocolate Workshops at York Chocolate Story (1 December - 26 December 2023)
Get ready to indulge in the ultimate Christmas experience at York's Chocolate Story this December. The halls will be decked with festive fayre and all three floors turned into a winter wonderland fit for Santa himself, who will be helping visitors create delicious chocolate lollies alongside his trusty elf.
Find out more about York Christmas