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 the likes of Jools Holland and the Bootleg Beatles, plus festive concerts. 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. York Theatre Royal features Aladdin, with Cbeebies and CBBC star, Evie Pickerill playing the Spirit of the Ring.
Fill up on chocolate
York is famous for both its Christmas celebrations and for being the UK’s chocolate capital. So it makes perfect sense to indulge your chocolatey cravings in York this Christmas. With several luxury chocolatiers around the city, it’s dangerously easy to overindulge.
If you take a stroll down The Shambles (which you will of course, it’s one of Britain’s most famous streets), 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.
If you still haven’t had your fill of chocolate by then, just head to the markets…
Christmas shopping like no other
York’s famous Christmas Market involves dozens of chalets that line the streets. Several of them offer chocolatey treats of course. But you’ll also find an array of delicacies and unique holiday gifts. 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 on the way around.
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.
A Christmas Carol promenade
Malton is a market town just outside York. Not only is it the ‘foodie capital of the north (its Christmas Festival on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th December will be full of scrumptious festive fare), but it also hosts a truly unforgettable retelling of a Christmas classic.
From 3rd to 23rd December, you and your family can enjoy an immersive performance of A Christmas Carol, which is returning after selling out for the past three years. This version of Dickens’ masterpiece is a ‘promenade’ show, so you’ll walk to different parts of the town as the story progresses. Your ticket also includes a festive feast afterwards.
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 festivities, from the Romans’ hedonistic Saturnalia celebration to the Viking Midwinter Festivals. You’ll 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 1st of December as the mesmerising Advent Procession takes place. A packed roster of festive events follows that, including carol performances, candlelit concerts and Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker.
And if somehow, you haven’t quite gotten into the Christmas spirit while exploring York, then you certainly will after seeing the seventy Christmas trees on display for the Minster’s Christmas Tree Festival. Local businesses, schools and charities decorate each one individually for the beloved Christmas Tree Festival
Escape the hustle and bustle - Christmas at Castle Howard
This Christmas, take your family down the rabbit hole at Castle Howard. From 15th November, it turns into an enchanting world inspired by Alice in Wonderland. Follow the White Rabbit through the Castle as Alice plans a huge party, and discover new surprises at every turn.
Couples will enjoy The Chess Club, a secret dining room for grown-ups only, serving Wonderland-themed cocktails and sharing platters.