York Other Christmas Activities 2026

Visitors can explore 100 themed Christmas trees set inside the cathedral's Nave, North Transept, Chapter House, and Lady Chapel. The trees are decorated with unique themes created by local businesses, schools, and charities. Guests can also participate by writing their...

Visitors gather to sing along to traditional Christmas carols and festive favourites. The concert features performances by local school choirs, soloist Alexandra Mather, regular guest Steve Cassidy, and the York RI Golden Rail Band. The annual community event also supports...

Visitors step into Charles Dickens' classic stories brought to life through immersive projections, soundscapes, and theatrical surprises. Guests can warm themselves by a grand roaring fire while encountering beloved literary characters such as Ebenezer Scrooge and festive ghosts. Admission also...

Participants craft their own festive Christmas wreath using natural materials during a relaxed, guided session. Step-by-step instruction is provided throughout, and no prior experience is necessary. All workshop materials are supplied, and guests can enjoy complimentary tea and coffee.

Guests step into a festive setting for a personal one-to-one visit with Santa in his charming Grotto. Every guest or child with a full-price ticket receives a special Jelly soft toy to keep as a cuddly memento. The experience takes...

Participants spend a full day exploring watercolour painting techniques to create their own handmade Christmas cards in a friendly, supportive environment. Led by North Yorkshire landscape artist and tutor Ione Harrison, the session welcomes complete beginners as well as experienced...

Participants create their own Christmas snow globe painting on a 30 x 40cm canvas with step-by-step guidance from local artist Joyce Buzeman. All paints, brushes, and required art materials are provided for the session. Following the painting class, guests are...

Visitors can wander through a festive market to kickstart holiday shopping and sample food and drinks from street vendors. The event features funfair rides, a giant snowglobe for children, and live performances by local groups on the main stage. The...

Visitors wander through rooms where ceilings come to life, presents tell stories, and portraits share secrets, concluding with a grand finale in the Servants’ Room. The experience transforms the State Floor with whimsical theatrical displays, talking furniture, and choral surprises....

Guests begin their journey in the Grotto dome, exploring a North Pole village featuring whimsical games, interactive play, and Santa's elves. An enchanted elevator whisks families away to a cosy log cabin, where they are greeted by Mrs Claus. Children...

Families step into an enchanting village of themed yurts on the North Lawn, starting at the Elf Cocoa Café with songs and an interactive welcome. Visitors attend Santa School for a festive performance with music and storytelling, craft keepsakes in...

Visitors can browse a festive market offering early Christmas shopping, street food, and drinks while enjoying a community atmosphere. The main stage features live entertainment from local performers, leading up to the official town light switch-on. Children and families can...

Led by artist Megan Dobbyn, this hands-on workshop teaches attendees how to use a lino cutter, carve a design, and pull a clean print. Participants carve an A6 piece of lino to produce their own custom Christmas cards or A5...

Led by Rachael Robson from Wharfedale Soaps, participants use SLS- and SLES-free clear melt and pour soap alongside essential oils and micas to craft eight custom bars. Projects include a winter scene soap scented with peppermint and lemongrass, snowflake soaps...

Transform everyday items into a textured, handcrafted Christmas wreath using Powertex. Participants combine fabric, lace, and a variety of decorative bits and bobs with the water-based textile hardener to create a sustainable seasonal decoration. Everyone finishes with a completed handmade...

Join the Wakefield Museums & Castles team for a hands-on workshop transforming plain candles into seasonal works of art. Participants explore holiday colours, patterns, and Christmas-inspired designs to take home unique decorations or gifts. The session offers a cosy, sociable...

Visitors take part in Christmas-themed arts and crafts activities. The workshop is led by the Groundwork Yorkshire Countryside Rangers.

Participants take part in a two-hour guided wreath crafting session led by Dottie’s Florist to make their own holiday wreath. The event includes a hot drink or mulled wine upon arrival and a hot Christmas buffet.

Participants create a custom rustic holiday wreath using freshly foraged foliage, dried garden flowers, and seasonal natural decorations. Following guided instruction, attendees craft their arrangements while enjoying hot tea, cappuccino, or hot chocolate alongside mince pies and cake. The workshop...

Led by Claire Myers of Cherry Tree Glass Studio, participants create a fused glass wreath by arranging pre-cut decorative pieces like gingerbread men, holly, ivy, and Christmas jumpers. The process requires no glass cutting or grinding, and all tools are...

Participants take part in a guided photo walk through Leeds focused on capturing illuminated shopfronts, seasonal decorations, and candid street scenes. The session begins with a short briefing covering practical techniques for winter and low-light photography. Attendees explore the city...

Participants learn knotting techniques to create at least three different handmade festive Christmas decorations to take home. Led by artist Hannah of Dear Prudence Macramé, the session provides full guidance suitable for absolute beginners as well as people with previous...

Multidisciplinary artist Gemma Barnett guides participants through hand embossing techniques to produce a series of tree decorations. Stencils and design examples are provided for figures including robins, owls, stars, bows, and holly wreaths. Finished ornaments are strung with a choice...

Participants craft custom holiday decorations by creating relief patterns and images using coloured clays on white clay slabs. Letter stamps are available to personalise each piece, with attendees able to follow provided sample designs or develop their own concepts. Finished...

Participants learn foundational hand embroidery techniques to design and stitch a personalized Christmas table runner, such as adding winter botanicals, seasonal phrases, or subtle sparkle. All materials are supplied for beginners, and attendees take home a complete embroidery kit that...

Participants paint bespoke mini postcards using wet-on-wet watercolour methods, soft colour washes, and fine brushwork. An instructor guides attendees step-by-step to paint designs like winter stags, holly berries, and rustic foliage, using provided templates or freehand drawing. All art materials...

Participants design and craft a hanging angel using the traditional Tiffany copper-foil technique. Working with a selection of coloured and textured glass, attendees learn how to cut, shape, foil, and solder individual pieces under guidance from tutor Kerry Burgoyne. The...

Participants create a natural foliage wreath using mossed bases, seasonal greenery, and decorative elements. Step-by-step guidance is provided throughout the session, making it suitable for beginners as well as experienced crafters. Tea, coffee, and mince pies are served during the...

Participants craft holiday decorations while learning skills and techniques for improvers. All materials to make the featured Scheepjes decorations are provided, along with complimentary mince pies and refreshments.

Participants create a surprise festive crochet decoration during a guided session accompanied by cake. The activity is designed for individuals capable of reading a crochet pattern, with supplies provided apart from hooks.

Participants learn to create crochet Christmas baubles, suitable for using up leftover yarn scraps. The workshop builds upon granny squares, chains, and trebles, introducing new stitch techniques. Refreshments include hot drinks and mince pies.

Groundwork Yorkshire Countryside Rangers hosts outdoor sensory play sessions with a festive theme. The woodland activities are suited for children aged up to six years.

Led by Emma and Lynn from North Print Collective, this workshop teaches participants how to safely carve a custom holiday design into a linoleum block. Attendees produce a collection of bespoke printed Christmas cards and have the option to print...

Participants learn to craft at least three different festive Christmas macramé decorations to take home under the guidance of artist Hannah Sibai. Full instruction is provided, making the session suitable for absolute beginners as well as people with previous macramé...

Participants craft a handmade Christmas wreath ready to take home and hang for the holiday season. The workshop takes place in the Regency Dining Room inside the hall, with all necessary materials provided. Attendees also enjoy complimentary tea, coffee, and...

Experience the magic of Advent and Christmas at York Minster, a truly special time of year. This season features beloved traditions like the annual Christmas Tree Festival, alongside special services such as Nine Lessons and Carols and Sankta Lucia. Families...

Experience the profound joy of Christmas Day at the historic York Minster. This free, ticketless event invites visitors to immerse themselves in the spirit of the season with special services featuring the acclaimed Choir of York Minster. Attend Choral Matins,...

Sleigh rides are offered through the Woodland Village. Activities include visiting Santa Claus in his grotto, choosing a gift from his Toy Shop, and attending the Elf Academy. Festive treats and reindeer food making are also available.

Experience the magic of Christmas at York Minster's Crib Service on December 24th. This family-friendly event brings the Christmas story to life with carols, music, and a special blessing of the crib. Children are encouraged to come dressed as their...

A free, 45-minute Minster Mash-Up event at York Minster marks the start of Advent with the switch-on for the York Minster Christmas Tree Festival. The event is suitable for families and attendees can join at any time.

The Choir of York Minster performs Johann Sebastian Bach's Cantata 140, 'Sleepers, wake,' during a special Evensong service for the Sunday next before Advent at York Minster. Entry is free.

Experience the magic of Christmas at William's Den! This popular holiday event promises festive fun and enchanting activities for the whole family. Details for the 2026 season are eagerly anticipated, so check back soon for updates on this beloved winter...

Experience the magic of Christmas as Santa Claus arrives at Wetherells in Selby. Children can book a special visit to his fabulous winter grotto, located in the newly relocated toy department. Each child receives a hand-picked gift from Santa himself,...

Bring the little ones to meet Santa Claus for a magical breakfast experience. This festive event offers a delightful start to the holiday season, filled with cheer and seasonal fun for the whole family.