Top 10 Things to do in York this Christmas
With it being that time of the year, I thought I’d take the time to share some activities and places you can visit this festive season in the city of York.
I’ve lived in York for over a year and a half now and during that time, I’ve truly come to love and embrace the city that I can now confidently call home. Everyone is friendly, there are hundreds of shops and lots of things to do – it’s been great!
So naturally it made sense to do my research and see what’s going on this winter. I’ve also made sure that each activity is reasonably affordable for you, your friends and family so you can keep costs as low as possible.
That being said, these are just suggestions so don’t feel you have to do all of them – just do what you enjoy best! It is also by no means an exhaustive list, so don’t be afraid to do your own research and see what else is on.
Lastly, I have also filtered out anything that is not inside the city centre itself. This is just to make things easier regards accessibility and keeping travel costs low as well.
But before we begin, I do want to share a few tips first so you can make the most out of your visit.
Tips before you go
Always prepare your day
With it being Christmas, it’s bound to get heaving busy in the streets of York – and if you don’t come prepared, it can quickly turn your day into a literal nightmare, so always make sure you have a clear plan beforehand.
Just below is a map of the city, which shows where some of the activities and events are located. You can also visit the tourist information on Parliament Street as well - they usually have maps on display if you prefer to have a hard copy on hand.
The map that Visit York have provided shows a few of the things you can do as well as important spot points like FirstAid and public toilets. You can download the map here! (Image credit: VisitYork)
Some of the events are also on at different times throughout the day – singing, arts and crafts, meeting Father Christmas, you name it. However, it’s always worth looking up to see what the show times are in advance so you don’t have to rush around and miss out!
Wrap up warm!
Whilst the sun is still shining from time to time, that’s not to say you should underestimate the cold! Even during the day, it can get chilly very quickly, so do make sure you wrap up and stay warm. Some pubs and places to eat at do have indoor heating as well but there is no harm having a few extra layers on just in case!
Stay safe
Although this might sound obvious and whilst York is a fairly safe city, it’s still important to stress that you should always look after yourselves throughout the day. At night time, people do like to go out for a pint at one of York’s 365 pubs (yes, you heard that right! One pub for each day of the year!) – and they can get rowdy pretty quickly!
Based on my own personal experience, I tend to stick to areas that are quite busy with pedestrians as you’re less likely to encounter rowdy people there. There are also street rangers patrolling the streets throughout the day as well but apart from that, most of it is just common sense really. As long as you look after yourself and make sensible decisions, you should be all good.
Leave time to get from place to place
Again, this is also common sense but given how busy it can be and how easy it is to get wrapped up in everything, time can pass by very quickly and it’s easy to underestimate how long it can take to get from point A to point B. Again, like my first tip, it’s good to anticipate this so you can move about with ease.
And of course, it’s worth consulting the trusty Google Maps app as well to help you plan your day!
Right, with those tips out of the way, here are my top ten things you can do in York this Christmas.
Top 10 Things to do in York
1. Christmas on Kirkgate - York Castle Museum
Kirkgate has been dressed up with Christmas treets, lights, greenery and other decorations that are authentic to the Victorian period. Last year, they used to cover the entire street in fake snow but had to be more restrained this year to stop indoor snow fights!
First opened in 1938 by Dr John Kirk, the York Castle Museum is a must for modern history fans. It has galleries featuring artefacts and objects from “bygone” eras like the 1700s and 1800s, even right up to the 1960s!
Even better, the museum has its very own replica Victorian street called Kirkgate, which is named after Dr Kirk himself!
You can definitely spend a good couple of hours looking inside the shop windows, exploring all the nooks and crannies, talking to costumed guides and just soaking in the whole festive atmosphere as you step inside the Victorian world as it would have looked at this time of year.
George Britton’s Grocers is one of the two grocer’s shops on Kirkgate, the other one being Thomas Ambler’s, which is located in the slum area of the street.
The cobbles are covered in snow, the greenery is up, there is festive music playing, you can help yourself to some delicious mince pies in our studio kitchen, listen to carol singing, make your own decorations, even meet familiar faces like Father Christmas and Ebenezer Scrooge!
All of the shop windows have also been redecorated with items from the museum’s own collection, all of which date back to the 1800s and show us how people back then celebrated Christmas. There are even some beautifully handcrafted Christmas cards on display and the illustrations on them are stunning, so do make sure you keep an eye out for them!
Every Monday until the 23rd December, there will be Carol Singers singing some classic tunes like Silent Night and Twelve Days of Christmas. You can even put forward some suggestions to them and sing along if you fancy it!
Also, for any older visitors out there, on the 17th and 18th December from 6:30 to 8:30pm, you can book to see Scrooge and his one-man performance right here on Kirkgate - all whilst sipping on some mulled wine and a mince pie. Bah humbug! – I mean, what a bargain, eh?
Plus, your tickets are valid for 12 months as well so you can always come back and visit as many times as you want without extra charge!
At reception, there are two boards that show visitors all the events and activities that are going on throughout the Christmas period, right up until 5th January. (If the image above is too hard to read, you can see the full list by clicking here).
Opening hours: 10am – 5pm (Tuesday – Sunday), 11am – 5pm (Mondays)
Location: Tower Street, YO1 9RY
Prices: Adult (25+) - £17, Students/17-24 - £15.30, Seniors/Over 65s - £13.60 (Available Mon – Fri only), Child (5 – 16) - £10.20, Under 5 – Free, Reduced Access (visitors with reduced mobility) - £8.50
Dates: 16th November 2024 – 5th January 2025
Length: The museum recommends allowing 90 – 120 minutes to view the entire museum, but you are welcome to spend as long as you wish until close
Booking required?: It is not essential but it does mean you can skip queues!
Website: https://www.yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk/christmas-at-york-castle-museum-2024/
2. Christmas Markets
Stretching from St Sampson’s Square right through to Parliament Street and ending on Coppergate, the Christmas Market is great for anyone who wants to buy gifts for their loved ones - or just fancies having a mooch around and trying some of the delicious food and drink on offer. There are over 75 alpine chalets in the market so you can definitely spend a while here browsing the stalls and chatting to some of the locals.
Food and drink wise, they have burgers, hot dogs, brownies, mulled wine, Baileys Hot Chocolate (for any Baileys fans!), Yorkshire Pudding Wraps, Waffles, Churros, just to name a few.
And then shop wise, they have pictures, toys, decorations, cards, Viking horns, cheese, jams, jewellery, the list goes on!
The other day, I came here myself to try some of the yummy-looking Swedish meatballs, topped with some fries, meatball sauce, lingonberry jam, crispy onions and some dill for good measure – and honestly, they were some of the best meatballs I had ever tasted! I remember just devouring the entire thing in just a few minutes – they were that good!
I also had some mouth-watering churros with milk chocolate sauce and sugar frosting afterwards. I won’t lie though, as yummy as they were, I did get that Christmas Dinner feeling pretty quickly afterwards!
Also, if anyone here is nervous or easily overwhelmed by crowds, the market is at its quietest from 10am – 12pm every day, so do make sure you take advantage of this so you can still enjoy the market without the busyness!
Opening hours: 10am – 7pm every day
Location: St Sampson’s Square, Parliament Street and Coppergate
Prices: Free entry
Dates: 14th November to 22nd December
Length: it’s up to you - you can spend just a few minutes or spend the whole day there!
Booking required?: Not at all!
Website: https://visityork.org/events/york-christmas-market-2024
3. Christmas Tree Festival - York Minster
Over 70 Christmas Trees have been put on display around the Minster, like the ones above here in the Chapter House. Combined with the church setting, it really does create a magical atmosphere! (Image credit - Emily Horner from York Press)
Currently in its fourth year running, the York Minster have put on yet another beautiful display of Christmas Trees for everyone to come and see this festive season.
There are over 70 trees on display in the Nave, Chapter House and Lady Chapel, with each one beautifully decorated by local communities from schools, charities and businesses. If you fancy it, you can add your own Christmas card and message to a tree – just get a tag, write your message and pop it onto the tree!
And like the Castle Museum, your tickets are valid for 12 months after the date of your purchase, so you can always come back again throughout the year to see what else the Minster has to offer!
Also, I should carefully note that whilst the Minster is open to the general public, it is still a place of worship and they sometimes do have to close at short notice, so do keep an eye out on their website for the latest opening times.
Another note of warning as well – normally you would be allowed to access the Central Tower for an additional fee. However, opening times are subject to availability due to weather conditions, so do keep an eye out on the website to check for any updates.
It took 250 years to build the Minster, which was constructed between 1220 and 1472! This was mainly because changes kept being made to the building’s design and layout, and also because tragic events like the Black Death kept forcing the builders to stop working. Still, the end result is pretty amazing!
Opening hours: 9:30am – 5pm (Mon – Sat), 12:45pm – 2:45pm (Sun)
Location: Deangate, YO1 7HH
Prices: Adult (18+) - £18.00, Student (with ID) - £16.00, Child (0 – 17) – Free
Discounts: Admission is FREE for York Residents, York Pass holders, and students from University of York and York St John (with ID)
Dates: 30th November – 5th January
Length: The Minster recommends that most visitors spend around 3 – 4 hours to explore the entire cathedral, including a tower trip and guided tour, but again you can spend as long as you wish
Booking required?: It’s not required but again is recommended if you prefer to skip the queue!
Website: https://yorkminster.org/whats-on/event/christmas-tree-festival/
4. Aladdin - York Theatre Royal
If you fancy going to see a panto this Christmas, then look no further than the York Theatre Royal, where the classic story will be brought to live on stage for all the family to see, featuring Evie Pickerill from Cbeebies as the Spirit in the Ring!
There is also Robin Simpson, a favourite in York, as Dame Dolly, as well as Paul Hawkyard as the villainous Ivan Tobebooed, Emily Tang as Princess Jasmine and Tommy Carmichael as Charlie – and let’s not forget Sario Solomon who plays the tituular hero too.
Like all pantos, there is bound to be plenty of fun gags, audience participation and great sets and outrageous costumes, as well as the classic “He’s Behind You!” gag!
They also have access performances available as well like a Dementia Friendly Performance on 17th December at 5:30pm and a Relaxed Performance on 3rd January at 1pm, so do check them out on the theatre’s website.
The theatre stands on what used to be St Leonard’s Hospital, where you can still see some of the hospital’s archways and walls as you go around the building. There’s even a well underneath the theatre that dates back to the Roman period!
Show Times: There are both matinee and evening performances at varying times depending on the day, so do check out the website for specific times
Location: St Leonard’s Place, YO1 7HD
Prices: Tickets start at £15 each
Dates: 3rd December – 5th January
Length: I couldn’t find the length time anywhere but being a family panto, I’d imagine it’s not too long
Booking required?: You can buy tickets at the door but it is highly recommended that you book in advance to avoid missing out!
5. Beauty and the Beast - Grand Opera House
If you’re still up for seeing a panto but Aladdin isn’t your thing, then no worries!
At the Grand Opera House, Beauty and the Beast will take centre stage, with Dani Harmer from Tracey Beaker taking the lead role as the Fairy Bon Bon – wow!
It also sports a great cast that includes West End alumni like Jen Caldwell as Belle and Samuel Wyn-Morris as the Prince - and, of course, Phil Reid and Leon Craig as Louis La Plonk and his outrageous mother, Polly La Plonk, respectively!
Like the original tale, the panto follows Belle and the Prince as they are transported along with the other characters to a mysterious castle that has been cursed by a magical enchantress. Through a series of twists of turns, can they defeat the wicked Hugo and, most importantly, can Belle help the Prince return to his human form before it is too late?
The theatre used to be a corn exchange in the 1800s but quickly declined due to the Depression of Agriculture. It was later refurbished as a theatre in the early 1900s, with the first performance being Little Red Riding Hood!
Show times: there are both matinee and evening performances, but do check the website for exact show times
Location: Grand Opera House, Cumberland Street, YO1 9SW
Prices: Start from £15 each, with a transaction fee of up to £3.95
Dates: 7th December to 5th January
Length: I can’t find an exact running time for the show, but the site says there is an interval and again being a family show, I can’t imagine it running on for too long!
Booking required?: Again, tickets are available at the door but better safe than sorry!
Website: https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/beauty-and-the-beast/grand-opera-house-york/
6. Winter Adventure - Jorvik Viking Centre
Sadly you won’t be able to play in the snow like these two troublemakers are doing, but at least you get to feel their chill! (Image credit - Charlotte Graham)
Góðan daginn!
This year at Jorvik, you can travel back in time to 960 CE and experience Viking York as it would have looked all covered in snow!
For the first time, you’ll get to experience the street of Coppergate as it would have looked during the winter season, featuring new set decorations and a lighting system that really bring the chilly air of 10th century York to life.
Speaking of chilly air, you’ll even get to learn about how the Vikings survived the Winter – what clothes did they wear to keep warm? how did they heat up their houses? how did they keep their food safe to last them the entire winter when the harvest season was long over? how did they entertain themselves?
Well, you can find out by speaking to one of the resident Vikings – and don’t worry, they are friendly.
They won’t bite!
The name, Coppergate, is believed to come from the Old Norse ‘Koppari-Gata’, which means “Street of the Cup-makers”, like this man here. Many words that we use today come from Old Norse, which goes to show the everlasting impact that the Vikings had on the English language and culture as well. (Image credit - Charlotte Graham)
Alternatively, you can sit by the fireplace in the replica Viking house and listen to a winter-themed story from one of the centre’s resident skalds – they’re the ones who gather and tell stories about heroes and monsters from across the Viking world.
You might hear about Hakon the Good, the first Christian king of Norway who united Christmas with the pagan festival of Yuletide (which is where we get “Yule singing” and “Yule-log” from!). Or you might hear the famous story about the god of thunder, Thor, trying to wrangle in the giant sea serpent, Jormungandr, whilst out on a fishing trip. Yikes!
Either way, there is a lot to see and learn at Jorvik this Christmas and, just like York Castle Museum and York Minster, your tickets are valid for 12 months so you can always come back and revisit as many times as you want. (Not that the smells would encourage repeated visits…ugh!)
Opening hours: 10am – 5pm every day
Location: 19 Coppergate, YO1 9WT
Prices: Adult - £16.50 (17+), Child (5 – 16) - £11.00, Under 5s – Free, Students/Seniors (with ID) - £13.25, Family of 4 (2 adults + 2 children) - £46.00, Family of 5 (2 Adults + 3 children) - £53.00, Carer – Free (with a paying visitor)
Discounts: Blue Light, NHS and York Cards – 20% off all tickets; English Heritage – 15% off all tickets; York Pass, Max Card, Blue Peter Badge Holder – Free
Dates: 11th November – 23rd February
Length: The Jorvik website recommends about 60 minutes to visit the entire attraction, but like other museums, you can spend as much as you wish until close
Booking required?: Yes, all tickets must be booked in advance online!
7. The Snowman Live with Orchestra - The Barbican
For a limited time, the beloved classic returns to the Barbican with a live orchestra. You have the option to either see the original film plus a second short of your choice - between The Snowman and the Snowdog or The Bear, the Piano, the Dog and the Fiddle.
It’s a great introduction for families with little ones who have never seen a live orchestra before but it’s sure to be a magical experience for everyone. You might even get to meet the Snowman himself if you’re lucky!
Show Times: 1pm (‘The Snowman’ and ‘The Snowman and the Snowdog’) and 4pm (‘The Snowman’ and ‘The Bear, the Piano, the Dog and the Fiddle)
Location: The Barbican, Paragon Street, YO10 4AH
Prices: £19 - £31 each
Dates: 22nd December
Length: 60 minutes + 20 minute interval
Booking required?: Highly recommended as tickets are selling quickly!
Website: https://www.yorkbarbican.co.uk/whats-on/the-snowman-film-with-live-orchestra-2024/
8. York Christmas Walking Tour
If you fancy learning more about the origins of Christmas and having a good stroll around the city, then the Christmas Walking Tour will be right up your street! It’s led by Sarah Cowling, who will take you on a tour around the city whilst sharing stories of how some of Christmas’ famous traditions came about.
For example, some of our gift-sharing traditions can be traced as far back as the Roman era, when the Romans would exchange gifts to each other in honour of their god, Saturn. You will also learn about where Father Christmas really came from (it’s not what you think!), how Rudolph got his red nose, whether mince pies really did contain red meat and which author played a key role in reviving Christmas just as it seemed to be falling out of popularity!
Overall, it’s a relaxed, chill (no pun intended, I promise) way to enjoy the medieval streets of York and is great for all the family. You never know, you might be surprised at what you learn!
Tour Time: 4pm every day
Start location: Statue of Constantine outside York Minster
Finish location: Parliament Street
Prices: Adult - £12.00, Child (6 – 16) - £5.00, Under 6 - Free
Dates: 21st November – 24th December
Length: 90 minutes
Booking required?: Yes, you do need to book online
9. Pictuehouse Christmas Cinema - St Saviourgate
A Muppet Christmas Carol is showing on the 12th and 18th December at the Central Methodist Church. (Image credit - Disney)
In addition to panto and live performances, Picturehouse are also returning this year with their pop-up cinema at the Central Methodist Church.
This year, they are showing many festive classics like The Muppet Christmas Carol, Love Actually, Home Alone and It’s a Wonderful Life – plus your ticket includes £5 credit for getting yourself a hot drink and snack which is a nice little deal.
It’s a nice way to cool down from the day and enjoy a film with family and friends, especially if you’re not too keen on pantos or if you just want something a bit more laid back.
That being said, I do want to stress that this event DOES NOT take place at the City Screen on Coney Street – the venue is at the Methodist Church on St Saviourgate which is a 5 – 10 minute walk away, so do make sure you don’t get the two mixed up!
Aside from being a place of worship, the church also hosts Carecent, a project that focuses on supporting and providing for the homeless, vulnerable and disadvantaged in the local area.
Show times: There are various showing times, doors open 45 minutes before each showing
Location: Central Methodist Church, St Saviourgate, YO1 8NQ
Prices: Adult - £15.00, Child – £12.00
Dates: 12th – 20th December
Booking required?: no, but it is better safe than sorry!
Website: https://www.picturehouses.com/ChristmasCinemaStSaviourgate
10. The Nutcracker Trail
This Nutcracker stands outside of the CIty Screen on Coney Street - can you guess which country it represents?
Finally, if you need to wind down or would prefer to do something less stimulating, the Nutcracker Trail is a chill and easy-going activity. Scattered around the city, there are 10 different nutcracker statues to find, all of them beautifully hand-carved and decorated to represent a different country from all over the world.
To make it more fun, you can pick up a map with all the statue locations on it. You can pick one up from the tourist information centre on Parliament Street.
Once you’ve found a statue, you can tick it off your list and have a guess at what country it represents. Then, once you’ve finished, you can either hand the map back into the tourist information centre or pop it in the Post Box at Museums Gardens for a chance to be entered into a prize draw for a £250 gift voucher!
It is challenging and might be more appealing to older audiences but it’s still a lot of fun!
Opening hours: n/a
Location: all over the city centre!
Prices: Free
Dates: 14th November – 1st January
Length: depends on how long it takes for you to find them all!
Booking required?: n/a
Website: https://www.theyorkbid.com/york-nutcracker-trail/
So there you have it folks! Those are some of my top 10 things to do in York this Christmas. Obviously they are not the only things you can do as you do have Alice’s Christmas in Wonderland at Castle Howard and The Christmas Festival at Web Adventure Park as well.
But I hope these suggestions give you some ideas for your visit this season and that it is a fun - and stress-free - experience for you all!
In the mean-time, here are some cute little gnomes I found on Coney Street! :)
