Things to do in York at Christmas – York really comes alive at Christmas and is a beautiful place to visit with lots of things to do from visiting Santa to ice skating or a panto.
We have gorgeous Christmas lights, a famous Christmas market, and we even have two Christmas shops that are open all year round! Have a look at what’s on in York at Christmas!
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If you are not from York, have a look at the our guide to Festive Christmas Market breaks in York.
Candlelit Concerts – Candlelit Christmas
St Olave’s Church, 29 Marygate, York YO30 7BJ
December 6th and 7th 2024 (with a matinee on the 7th as well as an evening show)
Enchanting harmonies beneath flickering flames: A timeless celebration of Christmas with our mesmerizing candlelit concert and captivating string quartet. Set in the beautiful St Olave’s church in York, a string quartet will take you on a festive journey with classic Christmas songs, from the likes of The Pogues and George Michael to Christmas carol favourites. Enjoy a mulled wine and take in the magical atmosphere.
Buy Candlelit Concert tickets here.
Big Christmas Concert with Alistair Griffin
Q Church, 9 Priory St, York YO1 6ET
The 14th and 21st of December 2024 (with a matinee on the 21st as well as an evening show)
Taking place at Q Church (9 Priory St, York YO1 6ET). A brass band will play you in, then Alistair Griffin’s Big Christmas Concert will take you on a musical journey from acoustic versions of traditional carols through to Wizard, Slade and The Pogues. Sing along and sip mulled wine whilst enjoying the fairytale of old York.
This concert has become my favourite Christmas tradition. Everyone we have spoken to at the concert is having the best time!
Buy Tickets for the Big Christmas Concert here.
Swing into Christmas
Central Hall at the University of York
Saturday the 14th of December at 7.30pm
Celebrate the festive season in style with the vocalists and instrumentalists of Down for the Count Orchestra, as they Swing Into Christmas!
This is a festive celebration like no other, as Down for the Count recreate the music of Nat ‘King’ Cole, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra and many more in a luscious 30-piece “big band with strings” setting evoking the sounds of the great Capitol Studios recordings.
Expect to hear faithful recreations of the best music of the swing era including I’ve Got You Under My Skin, Let’s Face The Music and Dance and ‘S Wonderful, alongside original arrangements of jazz and festive standards written by the Orchestra’s principal conductor Mike Paul-Smith and featured on the album Swing Into Christmas, including Winter Wonderland and The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting).
Fast becoming part of the social calendar in locations across the UK, the show is full of joie de vivre and fantastic musicianship – and is guaranteed to put a smile on your face this Christmas. Grab your family and friends and join us as we Swing Into Christmas!
Christmas Films at St Saviourgate York
St Saviourgate, York, YO1 8NQ Thurs 12th – Mon 23rd December 2024
Picturehouse pop-up screen travels to York for a cosy season of festive classics at the Central Methodist Church on St Saviourgate right in the middle of the city centre! Choose from Christmas classics like Elf, The Muppet Christmas Carol and The Polar Express.
Check out all the films and book here.
Illuminate at Burnby Hall Gardens
Pocklington, East Yorkshire
This winter, experience the enchanting beauty of Burnby Hall Gardens like never before at their first ever ‘Illuminate’ event. Running from November 29th to December 21st 2024, this family-friendly event transforms the 8-acre gardens in Pocklington into a dazzling winter wonderland with stunning night-time illuminations.
Whether you’re looking for a festive evening with the family or a magical date night, Illuminate promises a unique experience. As you wander through the beautifully lit gardens, you’ll discover spectacular light displays, glowing pathways, and immersive installations, creating a truly memorable evening.
Perfect for couples and families, this event is the perfect opportunity to wrap up warm, grab a hot drink, and enjoy the beauty of Yorkshire’s most magical garden illuminated by night. With Burnby Hall Gardens known for its award-winning landscapes, Illuminate 2024 will take the magic of the gardens to a whole new level.
Book Now! Don’t miss out on this incredible festive experience!
The Wizard Walk of York
Click here to book tickets for The Wizard Walk of York.
The Magic Hatter is bringing his award-winning entertainment to the streets, with his Wizard Walk of York.
“Magic, mystery, comedy and excitement plus a dash of York’s history…the ingredients for a truly unforgettable experience for all the family!”
Public tours are running on selected evenings, starting from the bottom of The Shambles opposite The Golden Fleece. Pre-booking required. Private tours are available for birthdays, school groups, brownies, cubs and more. A wonderfully whimsical tour that wizard fans will go Potty for!
Wizard Wand Kits are also available, subject to availability. A handcrafted wand and instructions for seven tricks that young witches and wizards can learn at home. Plus a FREE printable certificate!
** Note from Nikki: If you have younger kids with you, there is no better tour for you. Check out our full review here**
A Baroque Christmas with York Gin
Merchant Adventurers’ Hall, York
Friday 20th December 2024, 7pm
Eboracum Baroque are delighted to return to York for their annual festive performance with good friends, York Gin. Due to refurbishment of York Mansion House, the concert takes place at the historic Merchant Adventurers’ Hall this year.
The programme features seasonal vocal and instrumental works including arias from Handel’s Messiah, a pastoral recorder concerto, music for Trumpet and traditional french Christmas carols by Charpentier and Lalande. There will also be a performance of Bach’s festive cantata, Jauchzet Gott.
We’re delighted to be working with York Gin again. Enjoy a delicious drink of multi award winning gin on arrival in the 18th century splendour of the Mansion House. This promises to be an evening full of festive cheer! Non-alcoholic drinks also available.
Castle Howard, Malton, North Yorkshire
15th November 2024 – 5th January 2025
Christmas at Castle Howard – The theme for this year at Castle Howard is Alice’s Christmas Wonderland and runs from the 15th November until the 5th January 2025.
See all the details of Castle Howard at Christmas.
Festive Christmas Gin Tastings
Various Dates Throughout December
York Gin have the perfect festive treat for gin lovers – a glittering gin tasting to enjoy with your friends in one of the UK’s most Christmassy cities.
The York Gin Sparkly Christmas Tasting is a festive, fun, and fascinating experience that will be a highlight of the run-up to Christmas 2024.
As well as a festive welcome cocktail, you’ll taste the whole York Gin range. You’ll learn lots, laugh lots, and enjoy a G&T at the end with your favourite flavour of York Gin.
So here’s what you get with the hour-long York Gin Christmas Tasting:
- A welcome festive themed gin cocktail
- Taste the whole range of six gins and learn to taste gin like a professional
- Learn about the history of gin: legends and myths, fact and fiction
- Enjoy a full G&T as your final drink
- A 10% discount on anything you buy – we have a range of truly beautiful Christmas gifts
The Sparkly Christmas Gin Tasting takes place between 6:30 and 7:30 / 7:45 pm on Friday and Saturday evenings throughout November and most of December. Book early to avoid disappointment.
Read our review of when we tried Gin Tasting at York Gin
Sparkly Gin Tasting at York Gin
A Christmas Mousetery: The Case of the Missing Ruby.
Fairfax House, Castlegate, York YO1 9RN
Hundreds of mice will once again descend on Fairfax House this Christmouse. Catch the Fairfax Townmice causing havoc amongst the festive Georgian décor from Saturday 9 November 2024 to Sunday 5 January 2025, as they take centre stage for A Christmas Mousetery: The Case of the Missing Ruby.
It is Christmas morning and the family have awoken to discover the famous Fairfax Ruby has been stolen by the dastardly Highway Mouse, but he did not act alone. Visitors will need to play detective to recover this precious jewel and discover who helped commit the crime. Throughout the house they’ll meet a host of mousey suspects who may have had a hand in the robbery. Each possible accomplice has a dubious alibi which will need to be examined closely to catch the inside mouse!
Love Actually in Concert
Friday 13th Dec 2024 at The Barbican
The star studded and Christmas favourite Love Actually, will come alive across the UK with a full orchestra performing its soundtrack live to screen.
York Christmas Festival
14th November – 22nd December 2024
There’s usually lots going on in the centre of York over Christmas (even if there wasn’t, Christmas in York is so pretty it’s always worth a visit!). St Nicholas Fair, the York Christmas Market is planned to return this year, with lots of food, festivities and a lovely Christmassy atmosphere to soak up.
Take a look at our full review of York Christmas Market.
Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland, York
Open from the 15th of November until 5th of January 2025
York’s award-winning festive destination – Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland at McArthurGlen Designer Outlet York – is back for Christmas.
York Minster – York at Christmas
Why not join the Advent Procession and Sankta Lucia at York Minster – candles provide the only source of light for these unique services in York Minster, launching the season of advent.
Thors Tipi
York Museum Gardens – 25th October to the 31st of December 2024 and The Principal Hotel 14th November to the 24th of December 2024
Thor’s Tipi is a gorgeous pop up Nordic tent in two locations – the gardens of the Principal Hotel and the Museum Gardens. They sell street-food, hot seasonal drinks and cool cocktails.
It’s a perfectly decadent place to take a break from all your York Xmas shopping!
Christmas at York Castle Museum
Details to be announced
The Castle Museum is a great place to visit at Christmas. Their Victorian Street, Kirkgate looks particularly Dickensian in its festive finery. They often stage A Christmas Carol here and you can also take the kids to visit Santa.
Wander through our famous Victorian street, Kirkgate, as Christmas arrives with a blanket of festive snow on the historic cobbles. Enjoy the charming period trimmings that adorn the street and take a peek at an exciting range of historical decorations and objects, all from the museum’s collection, in our stunning shopfronts. With a variety of free family friendly Christmas activities on offer, there’s something for all ages to enjoy.
As well as experiencing the Christmas cheer on Kirkgate, visitors can step back in time as they stroll through our popular Period Rooms, from a 17th century dining room to a 1980s kitchen, all embellished with authentic decorations.
Piglets Adventure Farm, York
Dates for Christmas 2024 to be announced.
For a truly unforgettable Christmas experience, visit Piglets Adventure Farm this festive season!
Fancy a ride on a magical Christmas sleigh? Then head on down to Piglets Adventure Farm where you can meet Santa in his twinkling woodland village.
Join us for a magical sleigh ride and a heart-warming adventure. Soar through the trees on an enchanting sleigh ride and meander through our Woodland Village with treats and activities to enjoy at every turn. Meet our cheery elves along the way and the star of the show, Santa Claus himself!
York’s Chocolate Story
Events to be announced – the below is from a previous year
The Chocolate Story in York is a lovely attraction where you can learn all about the history of chocolate and sweetie production in York. There will be lots of Christmas related events this year:
“Get ready to indulge in the ultimate Christmas experience at York’s Chocolate Story this December! We’re decking the halls with festive fayre and transforming all three floors into a winter wonderland fit for Santa himself. That’s right, Santa will be taking up residence at our chocolate haven, and you’re invited to join in on the fun!
Don’t miss out on this magical Christmas adventure at York’s Chocolate Story. Book your tickets now and get ready to be transported to a world of chocolatey delights and festive cheer!
The Fairytale of New York
Grand Opera House – Monday the 11th November 2024
From the producers of Seven Drunken Nights – The Story of The Dubliners, immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Irish culture as our talented singers, musicians and dancers perform a world class concert featuring all the festive favourites including ‘Driving Home for Christmas’, ‘Step Into Christmas’, ‘Oh Holy Night’ and, of course, ‘The Fairytale of New York’.
Buy tickets from The Grand Opera House.
Santa Experience on York City Cruises, York
23rd November – 23rd December 2024 (Selected Dates)
Join Santa for a marvellously magical festive cruise on the River Ouse at Christmas!
You might think that Santa is far too busy to drop in to York to see all the good boys and girls, but you’d be wrong! Santa is a big fan of City Cruises (we’re his favourite) and loves coming to see us every year to spread festive cheer!
You’ll be welcomed into Santa’s Grotto at our Boatyard, hidden underneath the beautiful Lendal Bridge in the centre of York. As you enter, your Captain will check that children are on the special VIP guestlist we receive from Lapland.
Don’t worry if you are bringing a pushchair, you’ll be able to park it in the safety of our Reindeer Pen! Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen and, of course, Rudolph – are all away on business with Santa.
Once on board, you’ll be greeted warmly by one of Santa’s good friends, Mary Christmas or Ernie/Ellie the Elf, who will show you to your reserved seating, ready for our magical departure! Santa doesn’t let us say too much more about what happens next, as that would spoil the magic, but we can guarantee that Santa Claus himself will find his way aboard and the whole family will have the most wonderful time on board – there’s a reason why families come back year after year to experience this truly fabulous festive treat, after all…
Murton Park, York – Yorkshire Farming Museum
Check their website for 2024 details. (The below info is for a previous Christmas)
Visit the annual Santa Special Extravaganza at Murton Park, the Yorkshire Farming Museum. Ride on the Santa train, then take a guided tour of Santa’s village to see how the Elves are getting on at ‘Yule School’.
Beningbrough Hall, York
Check their website for 2024 details. (The below info is for a previous Christmas)
From a previous year – Father Christmas is making his way to Beningbrough for his annual holiday. As he glides through the skies, dodging the typical British weather, disaster strikes and his case falls off the back of his sleigh. His elves come to the rescue, finding his case and all its content. However his clothes need a bit of TLC, but thankfully Beningbrough has some fantastic washing facilities. Find Father Christmas in the Victorian Laundry for a brand new and unique tale for his Yorkshire guests.
Book your place at one of the sessions across the weekends usually from the end of November. Every child can go to see him, have a photograph taken and if you want to, give him your list. Then there’s a small gift to take away and either put under your tree or open early.
Call the elves on 01904 472014 to book
Treasurer’s House, York
Dates to be released (info from last year)
Expect the unexpected this Christmas as the stories found in Frank Green’s travel journals take centre stage. His far flung, and at times far fetched, tales are the inspiration for a truly unique Christmas offer.
Inside the period rooms, 1920s design elements will mingle with modern touches to create a timeless Christmas and you’re invited to wander at your own pace, making memories as you explore. Many of the decorations are hand made by the talented team of volunteers who decorate the house. This season promises to be the biggest Christmas yet.
Drop in anytime between 11am and 4pm (last entry 3.15pm), booking not required and tours are paused during the festive season.
Christmas at Barley Hall, York
Check their website for 2024 details. (The below info is for a previous Christmas)
This is your chance to discover the hidden history of the use of charms, potions and magic during Christmas celebrations in medieval York at our beautifully decorated townhouse, Barley Hall. Enjoy the greenery and colour as you are transported back in time to explore the beautifully decorated rooms of Barley Hall, each dressed to reflect the different activities that would have taken place in the home and around the city in Lady Snawsell’s time.
The Snowman
Sunday 22 December 2024 at York Barbican
The iconic Christmas film, The Snowman is being shown at the York Barbican this Christmas. We saw it in York Minster a few years ago and it truly is a magical experience. The film is projected onto a large screen and has a live orchestra accompanying it. They have a local child singer to sing ‘Walking in the Air’. Tickets sell out fast, so get booked in!
Pantomimes and Festive Theatre
It does not get any more festive than a panto at Christmas, and in York we have plenty of choice. Both the Theatre Royal and The Grand Opera House stage pantomimes at Christmas. Also check what’s on at The Barbican and the Joseph Rowntree Theatre.
Also, consider visiting York’s Christmas lights.
