Updated on November 18, 2023
York has been described as England’s most Christmassy city. And, if you’re lucky enough to visit during the festive season, it is easy to see why!
Here are the top 11 things to do in York at Christmas to help you really get into the festive spirit!
Keep reading to discover the top Christmas sights in York, unmissable Christmas tours, and the best places for Christmas shopping in the city centre. You won’t want to miss these fun and festive activities in York!
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Find out more here.
Things to do in York at Christmas
The charming city of York is renowned for its pretty medieval streets, striking cathedral and wide range of independent shops.
And all of these become even more charming when they are adorned with festive decor, festooned with Christmas garlands, and spilling out the cosy glow of Christmas lights.
It is easy to see why York is such a popular Christmas destination!
So, if you are heading to York this December to experience some of the festivities for yourself, I have put together this guide of the absolute best things to do in York at Christmas.
From traditional carol services to Christmas tours and Christmas shopping, York has something for everyone this festive season!
The Best Things to do in York at Christmas
Here is your guide to the best things to do in York at Christmas. Whether you’re visiting York for the first time, or you’re lucky enough to live in the city, there are so many festive activities, you’re certain to experience something new this December!
See a Pantomime at the Theatre
One of the best ways to get into the festive spirit is to watch the annual pantomime at the theatre. These hilarious plays are family-friendly retellings of classic stories.
And, while the panto appeals to a child audience, there are plenty of adult-only jokes dropped in that will leave everyone in the audience crying tears of laughter!
York Theatre Royal is one of the oldest theatres in the UK. It has a history that dates to 1744 and has likely seen many panto performances in its time! This makes it the ideal place to experience the pantomime in York.
In 2023, the pantomime of choice is the magical Jack and the Beanstalk. Experience a fun-packed fairytale family adventure with an extra sprinkling of fairy dust magic. There will be plenty of music and laughter throughout!
Book your pantomime tickets here.
Visit York Christmas Market
York’s hugely popular St Nicholas Fair attracts massive crowds to the city each year. It runs from mid-November until the 23rd of December, so you have plenty of time to experience it in the run up to Christmas.
A visit to York Christmas market is one of the most popular things to do in York at Christmas. Each year Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square are lined with charming alpine chalets. The cosy glow they cast on a dark evening creates a magical festive wonderland feel!
The chalets sell a series of handcraft and food items that make the perfect Christmas gifts. Plus, you can warm up with a mulled wine or hot chocolate as you stroll by the stalls.
Christmas Shopping in the Shambles
The Shambles is always a busy, bustling street as visitors are drawn by the medieval charm. However, a stroll down the Shambles at Christmas is even more enchanting!
Christmas gives visitors to York the opportunity to see the Shambles festooned with Christmas decor and admire the vibrant Christmas window displays in the shops.
The Shambles is also the ideal place to pick up a Christmas gift for that tricky to buy for relative!
The independent shops sell a unique collection of artisan gifts and food items, so you’re sure to find something for everyone! Since you’re passing, why not take a browse and finally get that Christmas shopping wrapped up?
Explore the Christmas Tree Festival
Start a unique new tradition this Christmas by experiencing the York Minster Christmas Tree Festival. The festival is set inside the medieval Minster, with around 60 trees on display in the stunning Chapter House and Lady Chapel.
The trees are decorated to individual themes by local businesses, schools, and charities. Before you leave, make sure you add your own Christmas message to a tag on the festival prayer trees.
The festival starts in early December and runs until early January. This gives you plenty of time to admire the beautiful trees. Entry to the Christmas Tree Festival is included in the general admission ticket for York Minster.
Admire the Christmas Decorations
One of the best things to do in York at Christmas is simply to admire the decorations! Taking a stroll through the streets of York city centre is completely free, and the decorations look incredible.
Many shops around the city go beyond to create vibrant storefronts and magical Christmas scenes. If you really want to get into the festive spirit, a wander around York in December is all you need!
You will find stunning decor and displays across the city. Sights not to be missed include Betty’s Tearoom and The Ivy in St Hele’s Square. Plus, independent jewellers Bradley’s on Low Petergate always has a spectacular storefront, no matter what the season!
Take a Christmas Tour
If you really want to get into the Christmas spirit, you can take a Christmas tour of York!
These experienced tour guides know exactly where to find the best Christmas sights that you might otherwise miss. Your guide will explain more about the festive history of York including traditions you are unlikely to uncover on your own.
Discover why York has been called England’s most Christmassy city and learn fun facts about Viking feasts, Victorian authors, and medieval Christmas rituals along the way! All while admiring York’s most famous sights in the ambient festive setting.
- Book your Christmas Guided Walking Tour here
- Or treat your family and friends to a Private York Christmas Walking Tour here
Tuck into a Self-Guided Food Tour with Tastings
New for 2023, York invites you to unwrap a unique experience with a self-guided Christmas food tour with tastings. Begin your journey at Exhibition Square, armed with your phone and a sense of adventure. Navigate through historic streets, solving festive challenges suitable for all ages.
At three secret venues, you will be treated to seasonal surprises. From traditional Christmas baked goods to Yuletide sweets, mulled beverages, and deluxe festive deli options.
This tour seamlessly blends fun, holiday spirit, and York’s rich history. It’s an opportunity to explore hidden gems while immersing yourself in a festive feast for the senses.
More than just a tour, this experience is an invitation to discover the city’s festive magic, savour new tastes, and celebrate the season uniquely. It is the perfect way to discover the very best of York at Christmas!
Warm up at Betty’s
Once you’ve explored the streets of York, soaked up the pretty decor, the charming stalls and the mulled wine, Betty’s Tea Rooms is the place to warm up.
Betty’s Tea Rooms in York first opened in 1936 and its beautiful interiors were inspired by the Queen Mary ocean liner. Extraordinarily little has changed since then, and the experience of dining at Betty’s is just as grand as ever.
The menu features a range of cooked breakfasts and main meals, with a unique mix of continental classics and British favourites. If you want an authentic taste of Betty’s though, no trip to York is complete without sampling their traditional afternoon tea.
Indulging in a delicious meal at Betty’s is the ideal way to pass a wintery afternoon and warm up after exploring the city.
See the menu and book your table here.
Listen to Christmas Carols at York Minster
Singing Christmas carols is a much-loved festive tradition. And the tradition is very much alive in York! Seeing a carol concert at York Minster is one of the best things to do in York at Christmas.
Throughout December, York Mister hosts several Christmas carols concerts. These include regular carols concerts, plus, Christmas carols by candlelight, which is an annual tradition the choir commenced in 1965.
York Minster choir is one of the North of England’s finest chamber choirs, under the leadership of Musical Director Benjamin Morris. So, you can be sure you are in for a spectacular treat! Not to mention the incredible setting of the Nave of York Minster.
Find out more about the Carol Concerts at York Minster and get tickets here.
Visit Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland at York Designer Outlet
Just a short drive or bus ride from York city centre, you will find York Designer Outlet. In winter, the grounds of the outlet are transformed into Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland. The event offers a magical winter experience for all ages, with an outdoor ice rink, vintage funfair, Santa’s Grotto, and The Chalet alpine cafe.
Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland is free to enter, with separate tickets required for skating at The Ice Factor and visiting Santa’s Grotto. If you want a go on the funfair rides, tokens can be purchased on site during your visit.
The Ice Factor is the North of England’s largest outdoor ice rink, with 975 square metres of real ice and a 30-foot-high sparkling Christmas tree as its centrepiece. Surrounded by illuminated trees, log cabins, the rink side cafe, and a viewing platform, this magical setting makes for the perfect festive experience for all ages.
And obviously, York Designer Outlet is the go-to place to pick up a bargain. So, where better to do a spot of Christmas shopping while you are there?
Book your tickets for Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland here.
Experience Christmas at Fairfax House
Fairfax House is a remarkable Georgian townhouse in York. It is considered one of the finest Georgian townhouses in England and is a museum dedicated to displaying its grandeur.
For Christmas 2023, Fairfax House has gained over four hundred new residents!
Hundreds of adorable, felted mice have chosen Fairfax House as the location of their festive celebrations. And they’re getting up to plenty of naughty tricks while they are there!
Walking through the display you follow the mousey party from Christmas Day breakfast to Twelfth Night.
You will learn about a traditional Georgian Christmas, while making a game of spotting the many mice hidden away in each room!
This fun and interactive display is guaranteed to get you in the festive spirit!
Find out more about A TownMouse Christmas at Fairfax House here.
Christmas Events Near York
If you have the means to venture slightly further from York city centre, there are some enchanting Christmas events near York that you don’t want to miss!
Glow at RHS Harlow Carr
Christmas is a truly magical time to visit RHS Harlow Carr. For the festive season, the garden is magically transformed into a colourful, illuminated wonderland. This pretty light trail guides you through the gardens, giving you the unique opportunity to see them like never before.
Glow is a magical event for all ages at Christmas. A garden is an unlikely place to visit in the winter months, but RHS has done an amazing job of transforming it into the most enchanting festive experience.
It is a breath of fresh air when it comes to a season filled with flashing lights and cheery music. A stroll through the gardens by night is a rare opportunity to slow down during the festive chaos and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.
Read a full review of RHS Harlow Carr Glow here.
Christmas at Castle Howard
Castle Howard is known for its ornate and extravagant Christmas events. Each year is carefully themed so you can follow a story as you explore the rooms. Castle Howard has earned the reputation of hosting some of the best Christmas events in Yorkshire.
Recent themes have included a wintery adventure through the wardrobe into Narnia, plus, a magical Christmas full of fairy tales with Into The Woods.
This Christmas event near York is one the whole family will love and shouldn’t be missed!
Read a full review of Christmas at Castle Howard here.
Where to stay in York at Christmas
Since there are so many things to do in York at Christmas, you may want to extend your trip to a few days so you can experience it all. If you’re looking for the perfect hotels in York at Christmas, here are some of my favourites, plus a handy map to help you locate one in the most convenient location for you.
The Grand is a hotel that lives up to its name. This 5-star luxury hotel and spa offers a relaxing stay in a beautiful Grade II listed building. Ideal for an indulgent escape. Book your stay here.
If you’re looking for a sophisticated escape with just a touch of history, Judge’s Court is for you. This modern take on a historic Georgian building is splendidly done. Book your stay here.
Middletons is the ideal hotel for couples looking for a quiet retreat. It is located close to the city centre, just a short, romantic walk away along the city walls past Clifford’s Tower. Book your stay here.
Hotel Indigo York is in the heart of York and is renowned for its beautiful boutique rooms and comfortable beds! It’s the ideal spot for a good night’s sleep after a day exploring! Book your stay here.
Find more hotels in York here.
Booking.comWhat are your favourite things to do in York at Christmas?
What are some of your favourite things to do in York at Christmas? If you’re looking for more things to do in York on your visit, check out these helpful guides:
- Things to do in York when it rains
- The best places for afternoon tea in York
- Romantic things to do in York for couples
- York Ghost Bus Tour review
- York Ice Trail
- York Cat Trail
- 13 top things to do in York
- The complete York City Guide
And if you’re looking for more festive activities throughout the region, find the best Christmas events in Yorkshire here.
Things to do in York at Christmas
So, here’s a roundup of the best things to do in York at Christmas. Have I missed one off the list? Be sure to let me know in the comments and I will be sure to get it added!
And if you want more York inspiration ahead of your visit, download your free York Quick Start Planning Guide for a list of the top 10 attractions in York, plus a guide to where to stay, when to visit and more!
Plus, you’ll get four bonus travel planning printables you can use when it comes to planning and packing for any trip!
Until our next adventure,
Related Articles
P.S. Love it? Pin it!
If you like this guide to the best things to do in York at Christmas be sure to follow Get Lost on Pinterest. That’s where I’ll be sharing all my great North Yorkshire travel guides.
Hello, I’m Hannah! I’m a writer and photographer who loves experiencing the wonders of Yorkshire. My guides will help you escape from your daily routine by showing you that you don’t have to go far to find an adventure.
It must be a pleasure to roam around these streets, and look around for the charming Christmas decorations.
The Christmas decorations in York are beautiful! Taking a stroll around and admiring them always gets me in the Christmas spirit!
What a nice read! Sounds magical! Thank you!
York is wonderful at Christmas – I hope you get an opportunity to visit!
York looks beautiful during Christmas with plenty of activities to do. I haven’t actually been to the city but Christmas looks like a great opportunity to visit and even do a Christmas walking tour!
York Christmas market it incredible! I hope you get an opportunity to visit! Christmas is a great time to visit York – I love the idea of a Christmas tour! It sounds like so much fun!
I am all about Christmas markets so that sounds like the best thing up me. I already love York but have never been at Christmas and can only imagine how magical it is. Listening to carols in the Minster would be amazing
York Christmas market it incredible! I hope you get an opportunity to visit! York is such a beautiful city to visit at Christmas!
I can’t believe that I have never visited York. It is truly magical at Christmas.
I hope you have the opportunity to visit York soon! Especially around Christmas time! It is my favourite time to visit!
A traditional English Christmas in York sounds just lovely & I think the carols at York Minster Cathedral would be a highlight along with the Christmas decorations. Thanks so much for sharing this guide!
York is a magical place to visit at Christmas! I’d love to see the carols at the Minster one year! I agree that would be a fantastic experience! Thanks for reading!
I have been to York a few times but never at Xmas. I live in South Africa so am planning to visit the UK and York in particular at Xmas. Where would you suggest having a traditional Xmas dinner or lunch? I think some hotels offer Xmas packages.
Be still my heart! I want to take a Christmas walking tour in York! I love when the guide tells about the history of the holiday especially in Victorian times.
Christmas in York is so magical and a walking tour is the perfect way to experience it! Isn’t it a wonderful idea? 🥰