Last updated: 11 November 2024
Celebrate the magic of the season in York with our comprehensive event guide. Whether you've lived in York for years or just for the season, this guide maximizes your festive experience.
Popular Events: Experience the whimsical charm of Alice’s Christmas Wonderland, where enchanting decorations and delightful activities transport visitors into a fairy-tale setting. The Christmas Festival at the Web Adventure Park features a variety of festive attractions and entertainment for families, making it a vibrant hub of holiday spirit. And the Christmas Tree Festival is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing beautifully adorned trees from local organizations. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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York Holiday Light Displays
Christmas Tree Festival
- What to Expect
- Unique blend of community decorations and festive atmosphere.
- Description
- The Christmas Tree Festival at York Minster features 70 trees decorated by local businesses, schools, and charities, displayed in the cathedral's stunning Nave, Chapter House, and Lady Chapel. Visitors can explore the trees, vote for their favorite, and add their own Christmas message to a prayer tree.
- Where
- York | More Info : Christmas Tree Festival
Scarborough Lights
- What to Expect
- Interactive light installations and live performances.
- Description
- Scarborough Lights is a spectacular event featuring a variety of free and affordable light shows, installations, and community activities throughout Scarborough, including both indoor and outdoor works and projections.
- Where
- Scarborough | More Info : Scarborough Lights
York Holiday Markets and Shopping
North York Moors Christmas Craft Fair
- What to Expect
- Unique handmade gifts from local artisans.
- Description
- The North York Moors Christmas Craft Fair offers a variety of handmade gifts and seasonal items, perfect for finding unique presents. The event features local artisans showcasing their crafts, making it an ideal place to discover one-of-a-kind holiday treasures.
- Where
- Danby | More Info : North York Moors Christmas Craft Fair
Knaresborough Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Traditional Yorkshire festive market with live entertainment and local traders.
- Description
- Knaresborough Christmas Market is a traditional Yorkshire festive event held in the historic Market Place. The market features live entertainment, mulled wine, and traders in traditional costume. Independent shops and eateries throughout the town offer a variety of festive delights.
- Where
- Knaresborough | More Info : Knaresborough Christmas Market
York Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- One of the largest Christmas markets in the region, featuring local artisans and tasty cuisine.
- Description
- The York Christmas Market transforms the historic streets into a vibrant hub filled with artisan stalls and local produce. Visitors can explore a variety of unique gifts, handcrafted items, and delicious festive treats while soaking up the spirited atmosphere. Twinkling lights and beautifully decorated stalls add to the local charm, making it a lovely outing for all.
- Where
- York | More Info : York Christmas Market
York Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Alice’s Christmas Wonderland
- What to Expect
- Immersive Alice in Wonderland-themed experience with unique dining and shopping options.
- Description
- Immerse yourself in a psychedelic world inspired by Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland at Castle Howard. Follow the White Rabbit through grand halls and regal rooms, revealing fanciful surprises. Enjoy elegant Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea, special mementos from the Bauble Emporium, and Wonderland-themed cocktails in the secret dining room, The Chess Club.
- Where
- York | More Info : Alice’s Christmas Wonderland
The Nutcracker
- What to Expect
- World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
- Description
- Northern Ballet's The Nutcracker is a timeless ballet featuring Clara's adventures with her Nutcracker Prince, set to Tchaikovsky's enduring score. The production includes dazzling dancing snowflakes, the famous Sugar Plum Fairy, and the notorious Mouse King.
- Where
- York | More Info : The Nutcracker
The Rat Pack at Christmas
- What to Expect
- Live performance of Rat Pack classics with exceptional impersonations.
- Description
- The Definitive Rat Pack brings an evening of classic Christmas songs and timeless favorites, featuring Stephen Triffitt as Frank Sinatra, Mark Adams as Dean Martin, and George Daniel Long as Sammy Davis Jr. The show includes White Christmas, Baby It's Cold Outside, The Christmas Song, Let It Snow, and more, accompanied by the Manhattan Swing Orchestra.
- Where
- York | More Info : The Rat Pack at Christmas
Big Christmas Concert 2024
- What to Expect
- Brass band performances and soul-stirring acoustic versions of Christmas classics.
- Description
- Join Big Christmas Concert 2024 in York for a spectacular evening of brass bands, soul-stirring acoustic versions of Christmas classics, and festive cheer. Enjoy mulled wine, sing along to your favorite carols, and embrace the fairytale ambiance of old York.
- Where
- York | More Info : Big Christmas Concert 2024
Kate Rusby Christmas Tour
- What to Expect
- Traditional Yorkshire carols and unique storytelling by British folk royalty Kate Rusby.
- Description
- Kate Rusby's Christmas Tour is a celebration of festive music featuring her latest and previous Christmas albums, showcasing her mastery of traditional Yorkshire carols and unique storytelling.
- Where
- York | More Info : Kate Rusby Christmas Tour
Step Into Christmas
- What to Expect
- Heartwarming family concert with a diverse setlist of beloved Christmas songs.
- Description
- Step Into Christmas is a heartwarming family spectacular featuring all your favorite Christmas songs, including "All I Want for Christmas Is You," "Last Christmas," and "Jingle Bell Rock." The show brings the magic of the season to life with an amazing cast performing with their hearts.
- Where
- York | More Info : Step Into Christmas
Christmas at Harewood: Mischief at the Mansion
- What to Expect
- Immersive digital art and storytelling with interactive festive elements.
- Description
- Step into a world where history and imagination intertwine at Harewood House. A troop of not-so-angelic cherubs have escaped from the Christmas tree, bringing Harewood House to life with singing baubles, swirling ceilings, and gossiping statues. Marvel as the House tells you festive tales of bygone times in an unforgettable experience that delights visitors of all ages.
- Where
- Harewood | More Info : Christmas at Harewood: Mischief at the Mansion
Santa’s Grotto at Stockeld Park
- What to Expect
- Unique Santa meet-and-greet experience with a rustic wooden cabin.
- Description
- Meet Father Christmas in a cozy log cabin at Stockeld Park, surrounded by twinkling lights and festive cheer. This is a special experience for both adults and children, offering a memorable encounter with Santa.
- Where
- Wetherby | More Info : Santa’s Grotto at Stockeld Park
The TinkerBall
- What to Expect
- Interactive performance with singing, dancing, and storytelling.
- Description
- Join The TinkerBall for an interactive performance featuring singing, dancing, storytelling, and activities with beloved characters like the Tinker Fairy, Grinch, and various princesses. Enjoy lots of laughter and fun.
- Where
- York | More Info : The TinkerBall
York Other Holiday Activities
Christmas Festival at the Web Adventure Park
- What to Expect
- Interactive Christmas experience with Father Christmas and festive rides.
- Description
- The Christmas Festival at Web Adventure Park offers a day filled with Christmas magic, including meeting Father Christmas, his reindeer, and mischievous elves. Enjoy unlimited rides, festive shows, and an indoor play area. Children can choose their own storybook from the Elf Library and visit the Toy Shop to pick a present.
- Where
- York | More Info : Christmas Festival at the Web Adventure Park
Santa's Christmas Chocolate Tour
- What to Expect
- Interactive chocolate-making sessions with professional chocolatiers.
- Description
- Explore the rich history of chocolate at York's Chocolate Story, where you can learn about iconic treats like Kit Kat and Chocolate Orange, create your own chocolate lolly, and enjoy exclusive chocolate experiences.
- Where
- York | More Info : Santa's Christmas Chocolate Tour
Malton Sculpture Trail
- What to Expect
- Immersive art experience in a natural setting.
- Description
- The Malton Sculpture Trail is a showcase of modern art and sculpture in a beautiful forest setting, featuring a varied selection of sculptures by local and emerging artists.
- Where
- Malton | More Info : Malton Sculpture Trail