York is a superb spot for Christmas markets and events running from mid-November right through till Christmas week. Come and enjoy the magic of Christmas in our shops, restaurants and bars, and of course in the wonderful historic streets of York.

We have most of the 2009 dates but a few are still to be confirmed.

26 Nov - 29 November 2009: St Nicholas Fayre. A very well-known and popular Christmas Market. with gifts, crafts, and the very best in local farm produce. Enjoy  bustling stalls with pottery and crafts, collectables, wooden crafted models, farm raised venison, hand made cheeses, punch, beer, wine, & mulled wine,  pies & pastries plus of course carol singers and roasted chestnuts and buskers and more. (can't wait!!)
Visit Parliament Street, St Sampson’s Square, Kings Square, and Coppergate Square for a range of open air stalls selling a variety of products.

26 Nov - 29 November 2009: St Nicholas Medieval Market. In the medieval townhouse, Barley Hall. - living history giving pots of Yuletide atmosphere - traditional crafts and costumed traders. 10am-9pm. To book 01904 615505

02 Dec 2008 to 20 Dec 2009  Deck the Hall – A Medieval Christmas. Experience the Hall beautifully decorated for Yuletide. Hear about the festive traditions of the period that brought cheer during the long winter.

Wed 2 - Sun 6 Dec 2009 10:00 to 15:00
Wed 9 - Sun 13 Dec 2009 10:00 to 15:00
Wed 16 - Sun 20 Dec 2009 10:00 to 15:00

 

Thu 3 - Sun 13 Dec 2009  Made in Yorkshire Craft Market - if it's made in Yorkshire then it must be good. Great for picking up local made presents that are unique at St Sampson's Square.

2-20 Dec 2009: German Christmas Market - ‘Christkindlesmarkt’, traditionally selling arts and crafts,along with seasonal food and drink. Stop for a Glühwein and wursts, stollen and Lebkuchen and take in the atmosphere.

19 & 21 Dec 2009: Christmas Farmers Market - should be lots of yummy stuff, home-grown veg, dairy produce, crafts, gifts and much more.

York’s open-air ice rink. Enjoy the thrills, and spills, of ice skating, and the party atmosphere. Set against the spectacular backdrop of Clifford’s Tower in the centre of York, a unique Christmas attraction. It encompasses a picturesque 600 square metre ice rink centred round the illuminated oak tree in the Eye of York, a viewing area, and heated café and skate hire marquees.

in 2008/09 it was held 15th November 08 to 4th January 09. Check web site for 2009/2010 dates.

More details of the Ice Factor at York

Christmas Pantomime: What is Christmas without the Christmas Pantomime. This is not just for the young, in fact, it's for the parents and grandparents!

This year the York Grand Opera House is showing Snowhite & the Seven Dwarfs from 11th December all the way through to the new year on 3rd January 2010.

The show stars Lynne McGranger (Irene from Home & Away) as The Wicked Queen, Michelle Hardwick (Lizzie from The Royal) as Snow White and Mark Griffin (Gladiators Trojan) as The Prince
Times: matinees and  evenings (Sundays 6.30pm)
Box Office 0844 847 2322
Groups 10+ freephone 0800 587 5007

Check out the Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs panto

Hint: give yourself an extra treat and spend the night in York so you can enjoy the hustle and bustle in the daytime in the streets then the glitzy zany fun of the pantomime at night. Your kids will love it too!

Carols in York 

Some 2009 dates to be confirmed. York's many churches and other venues in the city present a number of Carol services and concerts throughout the Christmas period. Carols at Kirkgate (York Castle Museum), York Minster's Family Carol Concert and the candle-lit service at Holy Trinity, Goodramgate are among the city's favourites.

18 Dec 2008. 19.30. Ding Dong Merrily. York Music Theatre Company. Annual event of readings, songs and carols. Book on 01904 658338. Info on 01904 658338 - 2009 dates not available yet - please phone for information.

1,2,3,4,5,8 December 2009  - Carols at Kirkgate
York Philharmonic Male Voice Choir, Kirkgate Singers. The atmospheric Victorian street of Kirkgate is the ideal setting for a night of festive music with the York Philharmonic Male Voice Choir.

Last year’s Carols were yet another sell out and those wanting to attend this year are advised to book early. Tickets for this year’s event go on sale from Mon 12th October from the Castle Museum’s admission desk and Tues 13th October by phoning 01904 650333.
The performances will take place on Tuesday 1, Wednesday 2, Thursday 3, Friday 4, Saturday 5 and Tuesday 8 December 2009 at 8pm

At York Minster:

The season begins with the Advent Procession, a service which is held in the darkened Nave of the Cathedral, illuminated at first only by a few candles. As the services progresses, more and more candles are lit, as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, who brought true light into the world. Please see the York Minster Web for date for 2009 dates

2 - 8 Dec 2009 - 19.30 - York Early Music Festival Christmas Concert. Please see the web site for more details since tickets sell quickly.

11 Dec 2009 - 19:00 -  York Minster Christmas Carol Concert (There will be a charge for this event) Sell out quickly.

17 Dec 2009 20:00 - 'Carols by Candlelight' by the Chapter House Choir There will be a charge for this event. Chapter House.

22  Dec 2009 19.00  - Service of Nine Lessons and Carols

24  Dec 2009 16.00  - Service of Nine Lessons and Carols

24 Dec 2009 12.00 - Crib Service - no ticket required
 

24 Dec 2009 23:30 - Midnight Mass
 

For more information and check above times see York Minster Web or call 01904 557200

Don't forget you can support the Minster by shopping in the Minster Shop at the Minster and York Minster Gifts at 9 Minster Gates
 

Festival of Angels:

12th – 13th December 2009: 12.00 to 6pm Due to its popularity it has become an annual event -  enjoy a festival of snow, ice sculptures, stalls, food and drink, bring back the wonder and excitement of your childhood.

The area of The Quarter is closed off to traffic and a series of ice sculptures are placed along the streets, along with outdoors food and drink stalls, some street entertainment, and everything is dusted with snowflakes which fall from the upper storeys of the buildings.

The Parade of Angels walks through the city centre during the festival and all children, big or small, are invited to join (with or without angel wings!).
 

York is the prettiest of cities to visit in winter - see what else there is

to do in York

Christmas Markets in other parts of the UK

Christmas Ice Skating in other parts of the UK

Close by is The NSPCC Castle Howard Christmas Fair is taking place on Friday 6 November 2009 from 9.30am to 3.30pm with over 50 stalls selling a range of goods for adults and children alike.

and stay overnight, take a short

break; relax & have fun in York

before Xmas:

Lady Anne Middletons Hotel

**

Situated on Skeldergate, the ancient Roman waterfront which now leads from the city walls across the river to the - city centre hotel. Part dates from 1659. In a courtyard setting, located close to major attractions.

The Blue Bridge

**

Fishergate. A pretty riverside walk and only 5 minutes walk into the city centre. A full English breakfast is served in our bright and comfortable dining room

Minster Hotel

***

An elegant hotel situated just 200 yds away from the city centre and York Minster itself. Free private residents parking.

Novotel York Centre

***

Located in York city centre, on the banks of the river Foss, close to the ramparts and business centre. The hotel features a restaurant, bar, heated swimming pool, video games for children and a car park. For children there is the Dolfi corner, including console games, the internet, children's channels and a Lego table and toys.

Dean Court Hotel
***

Duncombe Place. Standing in the shadow of York Minster, the Dean Court has, without doubt, the finest location in York. All major attractions and leading shops are but a short walk away.

Middlethorpe Hall & Spa
****

York's Middlethorpe Hall is a William iii (1699) country house, set in 20 acres of its own gardens and parkland. Middlethorpe Hall's estate provides an exclusive environment in which privacy and confidentiality are assured.

Marmadukes Hotel

****

Originally a classic Victorian gentleman's residence, now combining 19th century elegance with the contemporary style.

Hilton York
****

The only 4-star hotel within the city walls, the Hilton York is a 10 minute walk from the York Minster and other York attractions. This attractive hotel sits beautifully in the heart of the historic City, opposite Cliffords Tower

More Hotels in York