York at Christmas – York is a truly enchanting place at Christmas. With our lovely cobbled medieval streets providing a backdrop to the festive lights festooning every tree it really is a magical place to visit at Christmas.
Have a look below for lots of information of what’s happening this Christmas from festive markets, to pantomimes, visiting Father Christmas and where to stay.
If you like Christmas events (and who doesn’t?) then you will love York at Christmas!
Big Christmas Concert with Alistair Griffin
The 8th, 9th, 15th and 16th of December 2023 – 7.30-10.30pm
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.
We have done this before and loved it!
Buy Tickets for the Big Christmas Concert here.
The Big Winter Lights Switch On
The city-wide Christmas lights are also set to be bigger and better than ever.
The National Centre for Early Music will be holding their popular York Early Music Christmas Festival. The 2023 Festival will run from Saturday 2nd – Saturday 9th December opening with Gesualdo Six and Fretwork presenting their ‘Secret Byrd’ and closing with YBS performing Bach’s Christmas Oratorio. Guests scheduled to join us include Fiddlesticks with violinists Kati Debretzeni, Huw Daniels and Debbie Diamond, harpsichordist Steven Devine and Kinga Gaborjani cello; the Marian Consort directed by Rory McCleery; The Harmonious Society of Tickle-Fiddle Gentlemen directed by Robert Rawson; Ceruleo and Flutes & Frets.
Indeed, York BID – which organises York’s annual display of Christmas lights throughout the city centre – has commissioned even more lights for Duncombe Place, including sympathetic lighting that will highlight well known landmarks such as the Boer War Memorial, St Michael Le Belfry and the Minster.
“Creating a welcoming winter lights scheme for the city – including the historic Bar gateways themselves – has been one of the most visible parts of York BID’s work over the last few years, funded by city centre businesses to give the city even wider appeal during the darker, winter months,” comments Andrew Lowson, executive director of York BID. “We try to extend the displays slightly each year, and with the move of the light switch-on to Duncombe Place, we’ve added a number of new elements here, which will no doubt delight hundreds of thousands of visitors who come to the city centre to stay, shop and socialise at this special time of year.”
Lights and projections will also adorn the magnificent West Front of York Minster for the event, with plans to use the lights periodically in the run-up to Christmas when there are not services or events taking place inside.
York Minster’s Canon Chancellor, The Revd Canon Dr Christopher Collingwood said:
“York in winter is an absolute gem, full of light, energy and excitement and people preparing for the festive season. York BID and Make It York have worked wonders in extending the lighting show to Duncombe Place and in designing the Minster into the scheme. We hope that the lights will not only draw people to view the Minster but also encourage them to come inside. They will find a warm welcome and quiet spaces to rest and reflect upon the real meaning of Advent and Christmas.”
To add to the atmosphere the York Christmas Market runs from the 16th November – 22nd December 2023. Do have a look at my York Christmas Market post as there is a great video of what to expect taken just last year. In Parliament Street. There are stalls to buy all manner of Christmas gifts, from wooden toys to handmade candles and soaps, as well as artisan food trucks sending enticingly savoury scents into the crisp winter air. Or you could warm your hands by holding a cup of Gluhwein or hot chocolate, laced with Bailey’s and topped with marshmallows!
Looking for somewhere to stay in York?
We have some lovely luxury hotels in the centre of York like The Principal and The Grand. We also have a list of some lovely family friendly hotels too. This post contains affiliate links, please see my disclosure page for more info.
Booking.com
Pantomimes in York
We have a rich tradition of pantomimes in York. People travel from far and wide to see the famous panto triumvirate of Berwick Kaler (the Dame), Martin Barrass (lovable village idiot (sorry Martin!) and Suzy Cooper (lead girl). This year sees Berwick back in action at The Grand Opera House.
York at Christmas
Alternatively you could head over to The York Theatre Royal to see a different style but equally fabulous pantomime. This year they are staging Jack and the Beanstalk and they will star different TV celebrities and pop stars every year. This year the baddie will be James Mackenzie.
Alternatively, for a truly special thing to do at Christmas in York why not take in a Carol Service in the magnificent York Minster?
On the outskirts of York – if you would like to visit Santa then consider taking the kids on the magical sleigh ride at Piglets. Or you can also see Father Christmas at Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland. While you are there you could also ice skate or visit the vintage funfair.
A bit further afield (half an hour’s drive) is the lovely Castle Howard and it is always a treat to visit to see the house decorated for Christmas. This year Castle Howard will welcome back theatrical designers Charlotte Lloyd Webber, Bretta Gereke and team who have worked their magic on Castle Howard at Christmas for the past four seasons.
Christmas in York
There are many medieval buildings in York that will captivate you at Christmas. Have a look at the festive events at Barley Hall, the Merchant Adventurer’ Hall or The Treasurer’s House for example. Oh and don’t miss the York Castle Museum – it’s so Christmassy!
If you would like a decadent relaxed couple of hours in the day, in York at Christmas treat yourself to a elegant afternoon tea in York.
There are so many great restaurants and places to eat in York, it’s hard to decide what to go for. Have a look at some of my the family friendly restaurants we have reviewed.
For The Best Christmas in York
There is lots to do in York all year round, but for a lovely Christmas weekend away I don’t think you can find a more wonderful city!
Also check out our posts on Christmas events in Yorkshire.
I love York and visit a few times a year, I have never been at Christmas time though. I think I will have to visit this year as sounds like there is so much to do xx