Nowhere does Christmas like York. There’s simply no better place to enjoy a festive getaway. Taking in this historic yet vibrant city when it’s decked out for Christmas is a magical experience. York at Christmas truly offers something for everyone. Here’s our selection of things you’ll love.
Enjoy a show
York’s theatres and venues pull out all the stops at Christmas. York Barbican is York’s largest music and arts venue and plays host to festive favourites including Jools Holland and Sophie Ellis Bextor’s Christmas Kitchen Disco. You can also catch some of the UK’s top comedians at the Laugh Out Loud Christmas comedy club, playing on several nights through December.
Of course, panto season is in full flow, and York’s annual extravaganzas are adored by kids and adults alike. You’ll have plenty of fee-fi-fo-fun at York Theatre Royal, where Jack and the Beanstalk is sure to astonish. And for a swashbuckling adventure with a Yorkshire twist, catch Robinson Crusoe and the Pirates of the River Ouse at the Grand Opera House. Both shows run from early December through to January.
Fill up on chocolate
York is famous for many things. Chief among them are its Christmas celebrations and its status as the UK’s chocolate capital.
So it makes perfect sense to indulge your chocolatey cravings in York this Christmas. And it’s incredibly easy to do so, with several luxury chocolatiers around York.
If you take a stroll down the famous Shambles, it’s definitely worth popping into Monk Bar Chocolatiers, where you’ll find unique and exquisite chocolate creations, all handmade in the shop.
York Chocolate Story also offers a selection of indulgent experiences that are the stuff of chocolate-lovers’ dreams. Adults can enjoy a chocolate-making masterclass complete with a boozy hot chocolate, while kids will get to make chocolate with Santa and his elves.
And of course, you’ll find all manner of delightful confections in the markets…
Christmas shopping like no other
You’ll find chocolate aplenty in York’s famous Christmas Market. But that’s not all. An array of delicacies and unique holiday gifts are on display in over a hundred chalets that line the streets. All your Christmas classics like wine, jewellery and knitwear are on show, as well as more eclectic treats and trinkets such as chilli jam and Viking drinking horns.
We’re sure you’ll have no trouble finding special gifts for all your loved ones, as well as indulging yourself a little on the way around.
Roam the city
Why limit your roaming to the markets? York’s ancient and quirky streets are brimming with shops, cafes, restaurants, bars and galleries, all beautifully adorned for Christmas and offering something unique.
Why not ditch the map and simply wander? You’ll find plenty to delight you wherever you go in York – including two of the UK’s best year-round Christmas shops.
Christmas walking tours
If you prefer a bit more structure to your exploration, or you’re interested in York’s festive past, you’ll thoroughly enjoy a Christmas walking tour around York.
You’ll get an intimate glimpse into 2000 years of winter celebrations, from the Romans’ hedonistic capers to the Viking Midwinter Festivals.
You may even get a cup of mulled wine to warm your cockles as you stroll.
York Minster
Every year, York’s most famous landmark puts on a seasonal spectacular. This year, it begins on the 3rd of December as the mesmerising Advent procession takes place. A packed roster of festive events follows that. Highlights include carol performances, Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, and Christmas with Jethro Tull.
And if somehow, you haven’t quite gotten into the Christmas spirit while exploring York, then you certainly will after seeing the sixty Christmas trees on display in the Minster. Local businesses, schools and charities have decorated each one individually for the beloved Christmas Tree Festival.
Escape the hustle and bustle - Christmas at Castle Howard
From a famous landmark within the city to one further afield. Castle Howard is unequalled in splendour, and from 12th November, the main House will be transformed into a Peter Pan-themed adventure. Adults and children alike can create magical Christmas memories with a range of activities and experiences.
A dusting of frost and the crisp winter air give the stunning grounds a magical sheen at Christmastime. Well worth the half-hour drive from York.
York truly offers everything you could need for a luxurious and enriching Christmas getaway. And with the 10 St Mary’s festooned with decorations, you’ll have a beautiful festive refuge for the duration of your stay. A truly unforgettable Christmas experience.
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