Christmas in York

York is a magical city at Christmas time, enchanting visitors with its medieval charm - full of yuletide bonhomie and the mouthwatering aromas of sweet treats and warming tipples.

Enhancing the seasonal charm, historic buildings, trees and lamp posts are adorned with a delightful array of illuminations, including garlands, pendant lights and solar-powered Christmas trees.

Discover the enchantment of the renowned York Christmas Market, where the beloved alpine chalets grace the city centre. Stroll amidst these charming chalets, adorned with twinkling fairy lights, and discover a treasure trove of festive delights.

The York Christmas Market takes great pride in being predominantly local, creating a festive wonderland showcasing Yorkshire's finest artisans, delectable edibles, beverages, and thoughtful gifts, all contributing to an exquisite winter escape.

While people flock from across Europe to enjoy our award-winning Christmas Market, voted the Best Large Speciality Market in Britain (NABMA’s Great British Market Awards), there are many more reasons why York has been called the UK’s most festive city.

York can boast more enchanting experiences per mile than any other city with lots of festive must-see attractions.

Day 1

• York Minster might be a sanctuary of calm from the Christmas crowds with its soaring stained-glass windows, but it’s also a favourite festive attraction during December with its joyous carol concerts, and Christmas Tree Festival featuring over 60 individually decorated trees in the cathedral’s Nave, Chapter House and Lady Chapel.

• Turn back time to a Christmas Past in Victorian Kirkgate, where an entire street beneath York Castle Museum is transformed into a scene from Dicken’s Christmas Carol, with magical shopfronts and period room displays.

• Who needs a reindeer sleigh when you can explore the city by boat? Join Santa on a fun-filled river cruise with City Cruises York.

Day 2

• Don’t miss JORVIK Viking Centre’s world-famous Vikings, including a ‘sleigh’ ride through its reconstructed Viking-Age village. The Vikings invented ‘Yuletide’, with its traditions of feasting and drinking and the Yule Log.

• Wander through the city’s palatial Georgian mansions, dressed for Christmas including; Fairfax House for their annual A Townmouse Christmas which gives the magic of a Georgian Christmas with a special mouse-y twist; discover stories of Frank Green's travels with unique decorations and twinkling lights at Treasurer’s House; or a Georgian Christmas setting at the 14th century medieval, Barley Hall - don’t miss a brew in the Coffee Shop here!

Day 3

• Further afield, Britain’s finest stately home Castle Howard becomes a winter wonderland each Christmas, as the magnificent halls and galleries are taken over by a world of Fairytale. Exquisitely decorated, and highly imaginative, a Christmas at Castle Howard is like no other. It can be a full day’s out exploring the monumental landscape studded with statues, temples, lakes and fountains, plus leaving time to browse the garden centre, farm shop and café.

• Explore York’s vibrant Christmas traditions from the famous, original Christmas Pantomime at York Theatre Royal or Grand Opera House York; to the world-class Early Music Christmas Festival at the National Centre for Early Music, unique in Europe with its yuletide music from the Baroque to the medieval, interspersed with stories and sagas special to the North of England.

Day 4

• Shop til you drop in York’s independent gift stores, many family-owned and selling products you cannot find anywhere else. York's big brand favourites share the streets with unique boutiques, with each distinct area having its own speciality set in characterful buildings. You wander along the city's cobbled streets and discover gifts, clothing, attractions, food, drink and more. Don't miss - the year-round Christmas shop, Käthe Wohlfahrt!

• Not just for Christmas, the historically renowned and Trip Advisor’s Traveller’ Choice 2023, Shambles Market is open throughout the year. You can find something different every day from local York traders including quality gifts, fresh flowers, crafts, handbags, fresh produce and much more. While you’re there, you can’t miss out on the Shambles Food Court where you’ll find street food at its best!

Don’t miss the famous Shambles: believed to be the inspiration behind Harry Potter’s Diagonal Alley, it’s the oldest shopping street in Europe, the ‘most picturesque street in Britain’ and possibly the most magical with its cheerful cafés, quirky boutiques, and magic-themed attractions.

• Beyond the city walls, you’ll find York Designer Outlet, home to designer and premium brands with discounts of up to 60% off RRP. Plus, you can find Monks Cross and Vangarde Shopping Parks for a whole range of high street shops, only a short bus journey from the city centre.

Top tip: Pick up the Winter Guide from the Visitor Information Centre & Gift Shop detailing what’s on and handy maps. Don't forget to ask the knowledgeable team for advice!