Experience the Magical York Minster Christmas Tree Festival!

Promotional blog provided by York Minster

Experience the magical York Minster Christmas Tree Festival this December as one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals is illuminated by 60 elaborately decorated trees.

Open from Saturday 2 December – Friday 5 January, the ever-popular festival will adorn York Minster’s awe-inspiring Nave, Lady Chapel and Chapter House, with each tree uniquely themed and decorated by local charities, schools and businesses. Now a much-loved family tradition, York Minster’s Christmas Tree Festival brings seasonal cheer and joy to all, adding a touch of wonder to your visit to this historic landmark. Gather your family and friends for an unforgettable day out and the perfect start to the festive season!

With beautiful Christmas trees around every corner, the Minster’s medieval spaces will be transformed into a winter wonderland, with twinkling lights creating a path through the cathedral and illuminating the historic Gothic architecture.

As you move through the cathedral, marvel as each tree sparks a new festive delight. With two staggering Christmas trees immediately catching the eye, the Nave is beautifully decorated with the much-loved Advent Wreath being the centrepiece. The soaring architecture of the largest and widest Nave in Europe enhances the delicate beauty of the Christmas foliage to create an atmospheric work of art. Prepare to be enchanted by York Minster’s ornate Chapter House with ancient roof beams and glittering stained glass providing the perfect backdrop to the festival. The Lady Chapel provides tranquillity to reflect on the beauty of the Advent and Christmas season surrounded by trees. By day, sunlight streams through the stained glass to cast a kaleidoscope of colour over the trees. As the sun begins to set in the late afternoon, the cathedral glows with the warm welcoming light of the array of Christmas trees.

Take your time to wander past each display and admire the creativity and craftmanship of each individual tree. The trees will dazzle with sparkling lights, ribbon garlands, handmade ornaments and colourful tinsel. From delicate festive ornaments to nostalgic hand-crafted decorations made by local schools, each individual tree has its own story to tell, culminating in a celebration of York’s local community. The creativity poured into each tree will touch the hearts of all who see them and will bring out everyone’s inner child in this magical season. Discover beautiful winter woodland scenes with frosty snowflakes and pinecones, hand-crafted doves which will spread love and peace this Christmas time and a selection of unique novelty decorations to make this a festival you will never forget! The trees highlight the most beautiful parts of the city of York with many decorations coming from recycled materials and promoting sustainability throughout the community.

Don’t forget to vote for your favourite tree in the best dressed tree competition! The winning school and charity will each receive £200 and the winning business will receive £200 to give to a charity of their choice.

Get the whole family involved with the Christmas Quest which takes visitors on a journey around the cathedral, exploring the wonder of the Christmas story whilst spotting treasures hidden within the festival. Create special memories as your young explorer hunts for hidden decorative details within the trees.

Visitors can also take a moment to reflect on the peace and joy of this time of year and add a special tag to the cathedral’s prayer trees.

The festival brings out the best of York’s community whilst supporting the upkeep of this masterpiece in stained glass and stone.

Entry to the York Minster Christmas Tree Festival is free with general admission. Up to four children (aged 17 and under) can visit the Minster for free with one adult in a family group. General admission is free for York residents with a valid York card or proof of address.

Find out more: https://yorkminster.org/whats-on/event/the-york-minster-christmas-tree-festival/

Please note that some trees may feature flashing lights