York is a city that truly comes alive during the festive season, offering a delightful array of activities and events perfect for families. If you’re planning a Christmas in York, you’re in for a treat! From the charming stalls of the York Christmas Market, where you can browse for unique gifts and savour seasonal treats, to the enchanting Alice’s Christmas Wonderland at Castle Howard, there’s something to capture every imagination.
At The Web Adventure Park, the Christmas Festival promises a day full of festive fun and thrilling attractions for all ages. And, of course, no Christmas in York would be complete without a visit to the local theatres, where you can enjoy classic pantomimes at both York Theatre Royal and the Grand Opera House York, adding a dose of theatrical magic to your Christmas and New Year celebrations.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best things to do in York at Christmas, ensuring your family experiences the full enchantment of the season in this historic city.
Fun Things to Do in York at Christmas for Families
Santa’s Christmas Tour at York’s Chocolate Story
Where: York’s Chocolate Story, King’s Square, York YO1 7LD
When: 30th November – 23rd December 2024
Discover a sweet addition to your list of things to do in York at Christmas with Santa’s Christmas Tour at York’s Chocolate Story! Begin this festive adventure with a guided tour of the captivating chocolate museum, where you’ll explore the history of chocolate and see how it’s made while enjoying delicious fantastic festive treats.
Children will be delighted to meet Santa Claus in his charming grotto and share their Christmas wishes, with each child receiving a special gift to take home. Priced at £23.95 per person, this tour offers a unique and memorable experience, making it a must-visit for families looking to add a touch of chocolatey magic to their Christmas in York.
York Christmas Market
Where: Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square, York
When: 14th November – 22nd December 2024
What better way to kick off the festive season than by visiting one of the UK’s top Christmas markets? York’s award-winning Christmas market will return on 14th November, with 75 rustic chalets across Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square.
The annual event offers the perfect opportunity to pick up a few unique Christmas gifts from an array of crafters and producers, 80% of whom are from Yorkshire. Of course, no Christmas market visit would be complete without tucking into tasty seasonal treats and there’ll be plenty of food vendors offering all kinds of delicious sweet and savoury goodies. The vintage carousel will be returning to King’s Square to add an additional element of festive fun for families.
Alice’s Christmas Wonderland at Castle Howard
Where: Castle Howard, York, YO60 7DA
When: 15th November 2024 – 5th January 2025
Step into a world of festive magic at Alice’s Christmas Wonderland, running at Castle Howard from 15th November. This enchanting event transforms the grand rooms of Castle Howard into a whimsical wonderland with a Christmas twist, bringing Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland to life. Follow Alice down the rabbit hole and explore stunning theatrical installations, from the Mad Hatter’s tea party to the Queen of Hearts’ kingdom, all beautifully decorated for the season.
For an extra dose of Christmas cheer, families can enjoy the Father Christmas at the Castle house show – a heartwarming performance filled with music, storytelling, and seasonal magic. Children can also meet Santa in person as part of an unforgettable grotto experience, making Castle Howard one of the top things to do in York at Christmas. With magical displays, festive activities, and the chance to meet Santa himself, this is an unmissable event for families.
Christmas Festival at The Web Adventure Park
Where: Clifton Gate Business Park, Wigginton Rd, York YO32 2RH
When: November 23rd – December 24th 2024
The Christmas Festival at the Web Adventure Park is the perfect festive day out for families. Step into a winter wonderland where kids can meet Father Christmas and his mischievous elves in their cosy grotto, with a special gift for those on the nice list. The day is packed with unlimited access to sparkling fairground rides, including the Mine Train, Bumper Cars, and the Toyset Carousel—offering fun for all ages.
Alongside the rides, families can enjoy Dazzling Darren’s Christmas shows, featuring magic, music, and even a surprise appearance by the Grinch. With a huge indoor play area for children to explore and festive treats like hot chocolate and mulled wine for parents to relax with, this event is perfect for creating magical Christmas memories together.
Tickets for the Christmas Festival 2024 start at £23 for adults, £30 for children and £15 for babies.
Aladdin at York Theatre Royal
Where: St Leonard’s Place, York YO1 7HD
When: 3rd December 2024 – 5th January 2025
One of the highlights of York at Christmas is the magical pantomime at York Theatre Royal, and this year’s production of Aladdin promises to be truly spectacular. Written by Paul Hendy and directed by Juliet Forster, the show features beloved CBeebies and CBBC star Evie Pickerill as the Spirit of the Ring. With dazzling special effects, captivating performances, and plenty of laughs, Aladdin is set to be one of the most unforgettable festive experiences in York. Families can also take advantage of special savings with York Theatre Royal’s family tickets, offering discounts of up to £49 for families of three and £66 for families of four. Don’t miss out on this enchanting Christmas treat!
Beauty & The Beast at Grand Opera House York
Where: Cumberland Street, York, YO1 9SW
When: 7th December 2024 – 5th January 2025
If Aladdin isn’t quite your style, Beauty & The Beast at the Grand Opera House York might be the perfect alternative! This stunning venue, dating back to 1902, offers an ideal backdrop for a festive afternoon or evening of entertainment. This year’s pantomime features BAFTA award-winning actress Dani Harmer as Fairy Bon Bon, Jen Caldwell as Belle, and panto favourite Leon Craig as the side-splitting Polly La Plonk. With an award-winning script by Jon Monie, you’ll be swept into Belle’s journey as she learns whether she can look beyond the Beast’s fearsome exterior and discover true love. For a magical York Christmas experience, Beauty & The Beast is not to be missed!
Magical Sleigh Rides at Piglets Adventure Farm
Where: Towthorpe Grange, Towthorpe Moor Lane, Towthorpe, York YO32 9ST
When: 22nd November – 24th December 2024
Experience a magical Santa adventure this Christmas in York with Piglets Adventure Farm’s Magical Sleigh Rides. Start your festive journey in the Departure Lounge with delicious pizza and waffles before heading to the Polar Post Office to send wish lists, collect a passport, and enjoy fun Christmas activities. Kids can also join the Elf Academy for an interactive show to test their skills as Santa’s helpers. With their Magic Key, families can explore Santa’s Toy Shop, overflowing with enchanting gifts. The adventure wraps up with a captivating sleigh ride through a winter wonderland to meet Santa himself in his sparkling grotto. Tickets start from just £14.95 for both children and adults, making this experience a wonderful and affordable way to create cherished holiday memories with the whole family.
