Christmas in York

Updated 16/10/2024

Thinking of spending Christmas in York and wondering what there is to see and do?

I spend every Christmas in my home city and think that a York Christmas is a memorable and magical experience. It’s one of my favourite times of the year.

Despite a gloomy northern winter,  York at Christmas is a burst of colour and light. It was voted the U.K’s Most Festive City in 2017.

York comes alive with festive illuminations, concerts, Christmas markets, themed window displays and special events.

All the major attractions in York get into the festive spirit with special events and displays so, even if you’ve previously spent Christmas in York, a return visit will offer something new. 

Christmas in York – shopping

York Christmas Market 

The Christmas Market in York runs for six weeks from mid-November until just before Christmas Eve.  

It’s free to enter and is one of the biggest Christmas markets in Yorkshire. There’s always a fun, festive atmosphere with buskers and brass bands entertaining shoppers browsing the 75+ Alpine chalets.

The market is in one location (Parliament Street) so it’s easily covered on foot. You won’t need to walk long distances or take public transport between market locations as at other U.K Christmas markets.  

I think the Christmas markets in York are a great place to pick up unique, locally made gifts and handicrafts as well as locally produced food and drink. As 80% of the traders are local, it’s a great way to support local independent businesses. 

Opening hours – Daily from 10 am until 7 pm.

Check out my guide to spending Christmas 2024 in York to find out this year’s market dates.

Visit a Christmas shop in York 

I love a Christmas shop at any time of year but they’re extra special at Christmas. There are two must-visit Christmas shops in York. 

The biggest Christmas shop York has to offer is the gorgeous Käthe Wohlfahrt, the only one of its kind in the U.K. It’s housed in a black and white Tudor building, Mulberry Hall, which dates back to the 15th century. 

It has two floors packed with traditional, handmade Christmas decorations made from glass, wood and ceramics. All the decorations are made in the family-owned workshop in Germany.

Another cute York Christmas shop is The Nutcracker on The Shambles. I think it’s one of the best places in York to pick up a York themed decoration.

Opening hours – Käthe Wohlfahrt (17-19 Stonegate, YO1 8ZW) is open everyday from 10 am to 5.30 pm Monday to Saturday and 10.30 am to 5 pm on Sunday. 

The Nutcracker (32 Shambles YO1 7LX) is open from 10 am to 5.00 pm Sunday to Wednesday and from 10 am to 5.30 pm Friday and Saturday.

York city centre Christmas shopping

York is a small, compact city with a pedestrianised city centre. As a result, Christmas shopping in York is easier – and more enjoyable –  than other U.K locations.

You’ll find lots of independent shops, chain stores, thrift stores and quirky themed shops. Plus there are lots of cafes, restaurants and pubs in which to take a well earned break from shopping. 

The Shambles is particularly atmospheric at Christmas. Its decorated medieval shop fronts and street illuminations make the cobbled street look like it has stepped out of a Dickens novel. 

Stonegate is another must-visit on a York Christmas trip. Its attractive Victorian and Georgian buildings are illuminated with festive banners and Christmas trees. I love spending hours browsing the antique shops here.

I also recommend quirky Fossgate and Walmgate which are lined with independent shops and vintage boutiques. 

The Shambles Market

This longstanding local market is an open air and hosts around 70 stalls. You’ll find jewellery, leather products, clothing and crafts as well as fruit, flowers, vegetables and meat. It also has a fantastic street food section with under cover seating.

There’s a lively, festive atmosphere at Christmas and it’s a good place to pick up a unique gift. 

TIP – For a fantastic view of The Shambles Market and York Minster at Christmas, pop up to the third floor of The Market Cat pub. Its large windows have one of the best panoramic views in York city centre.

Opening hours – The Shambles Market is open everyday from around 9 am to dusk.

MacArthur Glen Designer Outlet

This large, fully enclosed designer outlet mall is a great place to escape the chill on a winters day.

It’s packed with designer shops selling clothing, perfume, homeware, accessories and art. I recommend stopping at the Cadburys Outlet to pick up some Christmas stocking bargains.

There’s a large food court plus a generously sized under cover playground for kids. At Christmas, the centre is festooned with Christmas trees and lights and there’s a Santa’s grotto for kids.

There’s lots of free parking at the outlet or catch the No. 7 bus from York city centre which terminates at MacArthur Glen York.  It will take around 15 minutes depending on traffic.

Opening hours – The Designer Outlet York is open everyday from 9.30 am to 8 pm Monday to Saturday and from 10 am to 6 pm on Sunday.

Things to do at Christmas in York 

In addition to all the usual fabulous York attractions, there are several things I particularly recommend doing at Christmas.

York Minster at Christmas 

A Christmas service at York Minster is truly special and most Yorkies try to attend a service over the Christmas period.

The cathedral’s festive season starts with an advent service during which the Minister’s enormous advent wreath is hoisted up into an elevated position above the altar. Other events include a candle lit service for Santa Lucia Day, the festive ‘Nine Lessons and Carols’, Christmas movies in the nave, candle lit carol concerts and the childrens’ Christmas Eve crib service. 

Some events are fee-paying but most are free. Tickets must be booked or reserved online in advance and sell out quickly.

There’s also a free Christmas tree festival in the Minster featuring over 70 trees decorated by local schools and charities.

Check 2024 Minster events here. 

Visit Santa in York

There are several York city centre locations to see Santa and his elves.

Most grottoes require pre-booking though there is a drop-in grotto on Coppergate near Jorvik Viking Centre.

Pre-bookable Santa meet and greets are available at York Castle Museum, the medieval Barley Hall and The Treasurer’s House behind York Minster. The usual admission fees apply to these attractions.    

Alternatively, cruise the Ouse with City Cruise’s Santa Experiences.

Enjoy a Christmas pantomime in York

A raucous, fun-filled Christmas pantomime is a British tradition. If you’re spending Christmas in York from overseas, it’s unmissable. 

A pantomime is a traditional fairy tale (such as Sleeping Beauty or Cinderella) which is given a comic, musical makeover. There’ll be singing, dancing, colourful costumes and fast paced jokes. Plus, audience participation is encouraged so get ready to boo, hiss and shout out classic pantomime one liners such as ‘it’s behind you!’ 

There are three city centre theatres in York – The Grand Opera House, The Theatre Royal and York Barbican. Each theatre offers a Christmas panto every night from early December until the end of January. There are additional matinee performances on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Check this year’s shows and date here. 

Catch a Christmas movie 

There are two city centre cinemas in York which offer Christmas movies during the festive season. I think a movie is a great option for a rainy day in York or for weary feet tired of sightseeing and shopping.

Everyman Cinema near Micklegate Bar has comfy sofas and armchairs. The Picturehouse on Coney Street in the city centre has multiple screens and a great cafe.  

Alternatively, wrap up warm and catch a free open -air movie at Spark:York.  This popular community space and food hub on Piccadilly is created from shipping containers.

Join a carol concert

Christmas isn’t Christmas without a good sing along! If you’re looking for traditional Christmas things to do in York, join a carol concert. 

You can choose between concerts at St. Michael le Belfrey opposite York Minster, York Minster or Holy Trinity Church on Goodramgate. Holy Trinity has rare boxed pews and its peaceful garden is one of York’s hidden gems. 

The Annual Community Concert at York Barbican is a local favourite and has been held every year for over 60 years. You can expect a mix of solo musicians, big bands and local school choirs. Pre-book your tickets in advance on the York Barbican website.

Go ice skating

Looking for romantic things to do in York at Christmas? Visit the pop-up ice rink at York Winter Wonderland at MacArthur Glen outlet. 

It’s the largest rink in the North of England and is centred around a 30 foot high Christmas tree. There’s an enclosed marquee with views of the rink, a cafe and skate hire. First time ice skaters are welcome.

I think the night time sessions are magical when the rink is illuminated but they can get very busy so visit during the day if you prefer quieter skating. There’s also day time parent and toddler sessions with penguin stabilizers for young skaters.

We go ice-skating every year and I think it’s one of the most fun Christmas activities York has to offer families.

You can park for free in MacArthur Glen outlet or catch the No.7 bus from York city centre.

Opening hours – In 2024, York Winter Wonderland is open from the 15th November to January 5th. I advise pre-booking tickets online for this popular York Christmas attraction.

Walk the City of York walls

If you have the time, I recommend walking at least part of York’s city walls at Christmas.

It may not sound ‘xmassy’ but you’ll get a break from the bustle of Christmas shopping plus see an array of decorations and Christmas lights in York. I think it’s one of the best free things to do in York at any time of the year.

The walls are accessed (or exited) from four medieval gateways called ‘Bars’. Micklegate Bar and Bootham Bar is covered in fairy lights at Christmas and is a must-stop photo opportunity. 

Opening hours – Open all year round from dawn till dusk. Note that the walls are closed in bad weather or icy conditions.

Festive displays in York at Christmas

Historic houses in York

York’s historic houses host special displays and themed events each Christmas.  

I recommend the elaborate displays in the Mansion House, the 18th century home of the Lord Mayor of York or you can discover how Christmas was celebrated in medieval times at Barley Hall.

You can visit the Georgian-era Fairfax House on Coppergate or the quirky Treasurer’s House behind York Minster.  

But the best historic house Christmas event is at Castle Howard near York.

This impressive stately home is professionally decorated each year on a different theme. The lights, decorations and attention to detail is outstanding. We love it and visit every Christmas.

Other activities at Castle Howard at Christmas include Santa’s grotto, wreath making workshops, a bauble emporium and Christmas tree sales.

York Museums

Several museums in York hold special events and festive exhibitions each year.

One of the most popular Christmas events in York takes place at York Castle Museum. There’s carol singing and festive performances of ‘A Christmas Carol’ on Kirkgate, the museum’s full size Victorian street.

York Christmas lights

You can see huge illuminated trees in Coppergate and St Helen’s Square (next to Bettys) or See the curtain of lights at St. Michael Le Belfrey church, Micklegate and Bootham Bar. In addition, Coney Street, Parliament Street and Stonegate have festive light displays and illuminated banners. 

I think the best festive window displays are at Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas shop on Stonegate and Betty’s Tea Rooms. 

Christmas in York – food and drink 

Whether you’re a local or an overseas visitor you’ll find all the traditional British Christmas food and drink available in York.

You can buy spiced mulled wine or deliciously creamy hot chocolate at Thor’s Tipi in Museum Gardens or at York Christmas Market. Pick up some Christmas Cake or a mince pie at any city centre bakery or at Betty’s.

York is famous for its roast dinners so you’re guaranteed a great Christmas dinner in York. And, as you are in Yorkshire, there may be a Yorkshire pudding on the plate as well!

It’s essential to book Christmas Day dinner well in advance of your trip.

Thor’s Tipi

When Yorkies see the tent go up each November, we know Christmas is just around the corner!

You’ll enjoy sheepskin lined benches centred around an open fire and the whole tent is adorned with garlands and fairy lights. There’s a communal, convivial atmosphere and it’s a perfect break from shopping or sightseeing. 

Thor’s is known for its hot chocolate and mulled wine but the bar serves a range of drinks. 

Indulge in a festive afternoon tea

Several city centre hotels and restaurants offer festive themed afternoon teas in the run up to Christmas.

You can expect turkey sandwiches, mince pies and mini-Christmas cakes surrounded by decorations and festive music.

My recommendations include The Milner (formerly The Principal Hotel), The Grand Hotel, The Ivy York or Betty’s Tea Rooms. 

Kids are welcome at all afternoon teas and The Grand Hotel offers themed afternoon teas specially for families. 

I think there are so many festive themed things to do at Christmas in York that you’re guaranteed a magical experience. Whether you visit for just one day, or stay longer at one of the festive hotels in York, you’ll love spending Christmas in York.

Us Yorkies love Christmas and we  welcome you to our city to celebrate with us.

 If you are visiting York as part of a Christmas in Yorkshire, check out this list of 100 things to do with kids in Yorkshire on my family travel site.