The sights and sounds of the Middle Ages, in any case, in the imaginary and romantic version, lend themselves beautifully to the festive glow of the Christmas season. Perhaps that is why York, which despite its Roman and Viking origins is still the most medieval city in England, can become such a Christmassy place.
From late November onwards, within the walls of York and with the largest medieval Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe, this is England’s “Christmas Center”.
Yuletide York
If you’re traveling to England during the Christmas season, head to York to see some of England’s best seasonal events, starting with loads of atmospheric Christmas markets. The York Christmas Festival lasts from November 15 to December 23, 2018 and includes:
- San Nicolás Fayre: It begins with a first festive night in which the city’s Christmas lights are turned on amid music, mulled wine and entertainment, and lasts until December 23. The booths are open Monday through Friday from 10 am to 6 pm 8 pm Thursday through Saturday. More than 100 Scandinavian-style stalls line Parliament Street, St Sampson’s Square, and The Judge’s Lodging. At Judge’s Lodging, a small business Christmas Fair features items handcrafted by artisans and artisans. Browse for gifts at Coppergate and food and drink along the Shambles.
- The York Ice Trail – Advance to a new date for the 2018/2019 holiday season, extending the holiday season to February 2, 2019. At least 50 imaginative ice sculptures sparkle throughout downtown and the surrounding streets, competing for prizes and promising lots of surprises AND for 2019, you can follow their Facebook event page to see what’s happening and get sneak peeks. Watch a video of the sizes and fun of 2016.
- York Living Advent Calendar – December 1-25 will feature a new Advent window, a different holiday display, in a different showcase around the city. There are contests for the best.
- Yorkshire Winter Wonderland – From November 17 to January 6, Winter Wonderland at York Designer Outlet has the largest ice rink in the North of England, plus a vintage fun fair and all the usual Christmas food and drinks. Some of the fairground games date back to 1933. And in the 2018-2019 season there will be new foods and drinks to try at Papa Hütte , an alpine-themed alpine café overlooking the ice rink. designer shopping averaging 60% off and then relaxing with views of the skaters’ waltz. Advance booking on their website is a good idea.
- Edwardian Christmas is once again the theme at the historic Treasurer’s House. The National Trust is decorating the house in the style of its last owner, Frank Green, who reimagined and rebuilt the house. It is open from Thursday to Sunday between November 15 and December 16.
- Medieval Christmas Traditions: Lost medieval Christmas traditions are shared at Barley Hall downtown, 10 am to 4 pm from November 17 to January 5. Potions, amulets and magic spells were part of the festivities in the Middle Ages.
In the spirit of the season
- The Christmas Old Music Festival – York is home to the National Center for Early Music, within the city walls. The festival, in early December (December 8-15, 2018), fills several churches and the York Minster Chapter House with medieval and baroque music. Tickets were already on sale in mid-October 2018 and the festival is always sold out. So if you’re going to be in York for Christmas 2018, check the calendar and book.
- The Minster Family Carol Concert – Listening to and Singing Christmas Carols in Sublime York Minster is one of the highlights of York’s Advent season. There is an admission charge for this event. Due to its popularity, there are two concerts: in 2017, on December 13 and 14. Tickets will go on sale at the end of September, so don’t delay. Visit the minster website for exact times and how to purchase tickets.
And much more
Really go all our for Christmas in York. Host even more events, page after page, on event pages Visit York Christmas and visit York at Christmas 2018 for a comprehensive guide to restaurants, special events, performances, parties and music with a Christmas twist.
