Christmas starts this week in York
Our favourite christmmassy stuff to do
York is now well on its way to transforming into a winter wonderland, offering a bucket load of events and activities. Here’s our 2024 Christmas highlights for things you can do in the centre of York, except the last one where you have to get on a train.:
From November 14 to December 22, the award-winning York Christmas Market returns, featuring 75 alpine chalets along Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square. There is a variety of local crafts, artisan products, seasonal treats and a vintage carousel on King’s Square.
Starting November 15 and running through January 5, Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland can be found at York Designer Outlet. It has an outdoor ice rink, a funfair, Santa’s Grotto, and an alpine café.
Alice’s Christmas Wonderland at Castle Howard
From November 15 to January 5, Castle Howard is the place to go for “Alice’s Christmas Wonderland.” This immersive experience transforms the historic house into a fantastical world inspired by Lewis Carroll’s classic tale, featuring theatrical installations and innovative projections.
An Inspired Christmas at Treasurer’s House
Between November 16 and December 18 you can explore a christmassy Treasurer’s House, where each room tells a story with handcrafted decorations and hidden gems.
York Minster Christmas Tree Festival
From November 30 to January 5, York Minster hosts its annual Christmas Tree Festival within the cathedral’s Nave, Chapter House, and Lady Chapel. There will be over 70 trees decorated by local businesses, schools, and charities.
North Yorkshire Moors Railway Santa Specials
On select dates from November 30 to December 24, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway offers a festive journey aboard the Santa Express. Meet Santa on board a heritage steam train and enjoy a unique Christmas adventure through the scenic countryside.
If you are coming to York and need a place to stay then check out our 3 holiday homes at www.houseofyork.org
Want to read more for your next visit to York?
Then download a free copy of our book York Local Knowledge Must-do Top Tens & the vouchers to get them for less where you will discover the historic UK city of York like a local with tips, top tens, and guidance on where to find the best discounts and vouchers, so you can experience it all without breaking the bank!
You can download it for free from the Apple iBooks Store here
You can download it for free from the Google Play Books Store here
This isn’t your average guidebook—it’s a laugh-out-loud, down-to-earth companion, packed with top-ten lists covering everything from essential attractions and hidden gems to entertainment, dining spots, walks, tours, festivals, and shopping, all enriched with a local’s insider knowledge.
With insights, amusing anecdotes, and a sprinkling of puns and dad jokes, Alistair’s love letter to York will help you see the city in a whole new way. Grab a copy and start planning the York adventure you didn’t know you were missing!
With over 240 pages, this guide is ideal for families and groups of friends planning a trip to York and includes:
Up-to-date information on everything in the ever-changing city of York—this is the 2025 edition.
Top ten lists of York’s best tourist attractions, entertainment spots, food and drink, walks, tours, festivals, and independent shops.
Beautiful photography accompanying every recommendation.
Answers to visitors’ top questions, from “Where’s the best place for ice cream?” to “Where can I find a great takeaway curry?”
Recommendations on where locals go for up-to-date information about York.
The best places to stay, from five-star hotels to holiday homes and houseboats.
Details on where to find discounts and vouchers for York restaurants, attractions, and experiences.
Want to hear a great podcast about York?
A fab podcast for tourists and locals looking to find out more about York History, must do York Top 10's and money saving tips to do it all for less.
Just search your podcast app for York Must Do Top 10s or click on this link for the show on apple podcast here
Book one of our Holiday Homes for your next trip to York
Are you looking for a great place to stay for your next trip to York. All 3 of our holiday homes are next door to each other which means you can hire them individually for up to 6 people or together for up to 12 (107 & 109 together) or even 18 people (Spencer House & 107 & 109 together).
To check availability and book just visit www.houseofyork.org
We pride ourselves on being couples and family friendly and we try to take any of the stress out of your stay so you can focus on enjoying yourselves and magnificent York.