20/08/2009

Surrounded by history that stretches back to the first century AD, York's narrow cobbled streets, medieval buildings and towering Minster naturally lend themselves to a traditional Christmas card scene. Not only are the streets lined with exclusive shops, quality high-street stores, great restaurants, café bars, pubs and attractions but the city celebrates Christmas in style with a range of seasonal events, markets and festivities.

Visitors come to York in their thousands over the Christmas period and last year spent in the region of £50 million.  Visit York is preparing early to ensure a successful Christmas period for all tourism businesses in the city.

Gillian Cruddas, Chief Executive of Visit York said, ‘With much talk about the credit crunch and consumers tightening their belts we're confident that more than ever before York is offering the very best Christmas festival, with lots of good value offers for our visitors and residents.  It's vital we do everything we can to ensure a successful festive season.'

The new Christmas in York guide will be available from the Visitor Information Centres  mid September when all the information about the event will also go live on www.visityork.org/christmas  To request your free Guide to Christmas in York telephone the Visitor Information Centre on Tel: 01904 550099 or email info@visityork.org.

Here's a sneak preview:

A YORK CHRISTMAS 2009

A York Christmas 2009 begins in November with open-air ice skating (Sat 14^th November - Sun 3^rd January) beneath the imposing Clifford's Tower and a host of food and craft festivals. St Nicholas Fayre, especially, always draws a cheerful crowd to stalls of Christmas gifts and tasty local farm foods.  

If Christmas is the time when you throw your GI diet to the wind and indulge in some wholesome excesses, then it's worth adding a visit to York to your menu. Not only are its streets lined with restaurants, café bars and gastro-pubs to suit every taste but York also boasts a range of independent food shops to tickle each taste bud with the very best of Yorkshire's local produce.

The city will celebrate the advent of York's Christmas season and the start of late night shopping on the 19th November with a Festive First Night of family fun. Coinciding with the first day of the Children's Christmas Fayre (19-22 November 2009), York city centre will come to life with a magical evening of festivities, choir singing and street entertainment. Carol singers, brass bands, handbell ringers, pantomine characters, street entertainers, and a visit from Santa are being scheduled for the evening.

In the lead up to Christmas, York presents a full season of Christmas markets, with food and drink and festive cheer in abundance. The Children's Christmas Fayre (19-22 November 2009) starts off the season with market traders specalising in items for children of all ages. The weekend promises a visit from Father Christmas and Yuletide characters to start the season off in true festive spirit. The popular St Nicholas Fayre (26-29 Nov) offers an array of markets across the city featuring unique gifts and crafts from across Yorkshire and the UK as well as the very best in local farm produce courtesy of the region's ‘Deliciously Yorkshire' members. Taking place in Parliament Street, St Sampson's Square, The Guildhall, Coppergate Square and St William's College as well as including a distinctive Medieval Market at York's historic Barley Hall, the Fayre offers the chance to clear your Christmas shopping list in one festive weekend.

Some of the participants you will find at the St. Nicholas Food Market include:

• Round Green - Breeders and processors of farm raised venison and sellers of suckling pig, ostrich, kangaroo and wild boar
• Swaledale - Cheese handmade to the traditional recipe
• Rebori - Distinctive dressings made for use with meat, poultry and salads
• The Punch Brew - Herbal punch using traditional recipes
• Yorkshire Country Wines - Producers of country wines including Elderberry, Elderflower, Gooseberry and Blackberry
• Wensleydale Dairy Products - A cheese that needs no introduction to Wallace & Grommit fans
• The Crusty Pie Co - A family company offering over 25 different varieties of pies, including arguably one of the most mouth-watering pork pies in the country.

Not to mention the mulled wine, the brandy-laced hot chocolate and the chestnuts roasting on the street corner of course.

Not content with offering the best food and drink from its own region, York is delighted to greet the returning International Christmas Fayre (1-20 Dec) this year.  With a stylish modern flavour, the Fayre brings with it a sweep of global Christmas traditions, decked out in seasonal livery, with gentle festive music to enjoy as you shop.

Shoppers will also be able to wander with their Christmas treats to enjoy York's other seasonal specialist markets. The ‘Made in Yorkshire' Christmas Market (3-13 Dec) at St Sampson's Square brings together some of the finest arts and crafts from around the North & East Yorkshire region, including ceramics, textiles, paintings, woodwork, pottery and glass.  Just the place to find those unique, high-quality gifts that are sure to impress and delight your loved ones.

York's ‘Quarter' brings us the enchanting Festival of Angels (12-13 Dec). Experience a winter wonderland of ice sculptures, snow, stalls, and food and drink at this true winter festival, bringing the magic and excitement of our childhood Christmases back to us. Take time to wander around the Quarter, a fashionable eating and shopping area, cosy and cobbled with a distinctive bohemian flavour. For an excellent vegetarian meal visit the Spanish-styled El Piano with its global menu and décor. Or if a warming Jägermeister or a Baileys served from a chocolate glass is what you need, relax at Oscars' wine bar or chill out in style at Bar 1331.

For a final chance to fill your larder with goodies in time for Christmas, visit the ever-popular Farmers' Market (22 Dec) for a selection of Yorkshire favourites. Specialising in the very best of the region's food produce you'll be able to indulge in venison, ostrich or organic lamb burgers, accompanied by home-grown organic vegetables and a fine bottle of Yorkshire Punch.

Nestled between the visiting markets on Parliament Street and the picturesque Shambles, York's Newgate Market is open 7 days a week and is the ideal place to find all those last minute items needed for Christmas. With a variety of products, you'll find gifts, decorations, food as well as all those home essentials.

Also, hidden in the market place you'll find Henshelwoods Delicatessen, winners of the "Good Egg Award" and an "Observer Food Monthly Award". Specialists in cheese, both continental and home churned, Henshelwoods also stock other deli favourites and offer home-cooked additive-free take home Gourmet Meals.

And after a hard day's shopping, spoil yourself with a slap up meal at one of York's many fine restaurants or bistros. Take yourself down to Fossgate & Walmgate where you'll find a selection of fine eateries offering gourmet dining in restaurants like J Baker's Bistro, and Loch Fyne or a more relaxed bistro-style atmosphere but equally fine food in places like Melton's Too and Frankie C's. If you're worried you'll have late-night munchies, pop into the Hairy Fig deli, ‘purveyors of fine Yorkshire Fodder', on the way, stocking the best in food from far and wide and also offering the best selection of rich balsamic vinegars in the city.

Or, if you really feel the pressure of those treats on your waistline, get your skates on and work out at the Ice Factor (14 Nov - 3 Jan)  open air rink. Set in the stunning historic surroundings of York's Castle Museum and Clifford's Tower this is a Yuletide tradition that will be sure to get your heart racing.

York's venues, museums, theatres and churches come alive throughout the season with a variety of festivities, along with the city's many cafés, pubs and restaurants. Traditional candle-lit carol services take place in majestic York Minster and in the city's smaller churches. Local museums and galleries give a blend of both traditional and modern exhibitions and York's theatres come alive with pantomimes and other Christmas plays. For relaxation, visit the city's stylish café bars, with ‘cool Yule' atmospheres that'll chill out even the most fraught of Christmas shoppers.

For regular updates on what's happening in York over Christmas, or a free guide to Christmas in the City, visit wwwvisityork.org/Christmas  or email info@visityork.org

KEY DATES 2009

Children's Christmas Fayre:                             19-22 November

Ice Factor Ice Rink:                                          14 November - 03 January

St Nicholas Fayre:                                            26-29 November

Made in Yorkshire Christmas Market:               3-13 December

International Christmas Fayre:                          1-20 December

Early Music Christmas Festival:                        2-8 December

Festival of Angels:                                             12-13 December

Christmas Farmers' Market:                              22 December

St Nicholas Fayre (26 - 29 Nov)

St Nicholas Fayre is the busiest and most popular of all York's Christmas markets, offering everything from gifts and crafts to the best of  local produce at this traditional festive weekend.  Visit one of the Victorian costumed traders at Parliament Street or Coppergate Square for gifts, arts and crafts from across the UK. You'll also find roast chestnut sellers and warming hot chocolate drinks laced with brandy there. Move on to St Sampsons Square to find the finest Yorkshire fares for your festive larder with a selection of the very best of the region's producers.  For a spell away from the winter weather, warm up in one of York's historic halls and houses at one of the Fayre's indoor markets. The official residence of the Lord Mayor of York, The Mansion House hosts its first festive Flower Festival on the Friday to Sunday of the Fayre. This beautiful Georgian townhouse will be splendidly decorated for Christmas, with all proceeds from the entry fee going to The Lord Mayor Of York and Sheriff's Charities.

From Georgian splendour to medieval grandeur, wander next door to the Guildhall for the ‘Made In Yorkshire' craft market. A unique setting with unique arts and crafts, you'll be sure to find extra special, hand-crafted Christmas gifts there. For more hand-made crafts you won't find on any high-street, travel down Stonegate to St Williams College, near York Minster. Call in on the way at the historic Barley Hall at Coffee Yard, off Stonegate to experience living history at this medieval townhouse where costumed traders gather to sell their wares. While you're there, be sure to warm yourself with a traditional ale or mulled wine at the Medieval Bar!

York Early Music Christmas Festival -  2- 8  December 2009

The York Early Music Christmas Festival, promoted by the National Centre for Early Music takes place in December each year and is a popular way in which to start the Christmas season. For further information contact The National Centre for Early Music, St Margaret's Church, Walmgate, York, YO1 9TL. Tel (01904) 632220 or visit the website at www.ncem.co.uk

Entertainment At Jorvik

JORVIK and York Archaeological Trust will provide a Viking slant on Christmas with events throughout December. JORVIK is open daily from 10am to 5pm.  For further information telephone the information line on 01904 643211 or visit www.vikingjorvik.com. 

Editor's note: JORVIK, Dig and Barley Hall are projects of the York Archaeological Trust, an independent, educational charity that provides and promotes archaeology of the highest possible standards in York, the region and beyond.

The Ice Factor - 14th November - 3^rd January

The Ice Factor ice rinks is a firm favourite in York and can boast the spectacular backdrop of Clifford's Tower, the Castle Museum and the Law Courts, with parking and shopping close at hand. The Ice Factor will be open daily from 14th November until 3rd January.  Ticket prices and special guest appearances on the ice to be announced. Further information is available at www.theicefactor.co.uk or call 01653 619650.

The Quarter - Festival of Angels 12^th &13^th December

The Quarter area of York brings us the unique and magical Festival of Angels and is a pocket of individual shops, bars and restaurants. The place to out-do everyone else with stylish, personal gifts.

Betty's Café Tea Rooms

Take a typical afternoon Yorkshire Tea in Betty's tearooms - a unique Yorkshire experience - or visit a family run traditional tea rooms in the Shambles - The Earl Grey Tea Rooms - selling authentic Christmas gifts.

Designer Shopping

Take a trip out to the York Designer Outlet (a short bus ride from the town) for designer Christmas shopping at discount prices.

Christmas in England would not be complete without a visit to see this years pantomime. Humpty Dumpty, starring panto legend Berwick Kaler, will be playing at York Theatre Royal (10 December 2009 to 30 January 2010) whilst Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs will be playing at the Grand Opera House (11 December 2009 - 3^rd January 2010).

Did you know according to the Guardian, ‘York boasts the most pant-wettingly funny pantomime in the country'? And The Sunday Times consistently rates York's panto as ‘one of the top five attractions to see anywhere in the UK during the winter season.'

York Minster

York Minster is the largest gothic cathedral in Northern Europe and the most visited cathedral in England and holds a dedicated season of services to celebrate the birth of Jesus and a reminder of the true Christmas message. Listings of 2009 services are available at www.yorkminster.org. Christmas carols concerts will take place during December.  Further information from York Visitor Services team on 01904  550099. 

Events at Barley Hall:

St Nicholas Fayre
26-29 November  10am - 5pm
£2 adult, £1 conc. £5 family of 4
Medieval traders gather to sell their wares. Living history and unique gifts. Traditional wine and ale at the bar.

Deck the Halls
1-23 December
Standard admission charges apply
See the Hall dressed for Christmas and full of festive cheer!

Barley Hall by Candlelight
3, 10, 17 December
7pm. £10 / £8 conc. Includes a glass of Mulled wine.
Enjoy a festive atmosphere with Lord and Lady Snawsell, with tales and music to entertain you into the nght.

Christmas Fayre
12-13 December
£2 adult, £1 conc.
Unique Christmas presents and mulled wine in a serene festive setting

Castle Howard - The Family Home at Christmas

18^th century Castle Howard will be decorated for Christmas once again, sparkling with baubles and shining with candlelight.  The Family Home at Christmas is a unique opportunity to peek behind the doors at the Howard family's Christmas. The Hon. Simon and Mrs Rebecca Howard decorate the House personally, with traditional family decorations and new ideas each year.  Beautiful decorations include seasonal floral displays and garlands; yet the real focus of attention is the giant Christmas trees in the Great Hall and Long Gallery - each decorated with over 1,000 baubles - as well as the display of traditional Howard family Christmas ‘twigs', all decorated by the Hon Simon and Mrs Howard.  There will also be music in the House, from festive jazz to violinist, from pianists to carol singers.  If you are visiting with children they can enjoy the Christmas trail in the house or visit Father Christmas in his Lakeside Grotto (weekends only - additional ticket required).

Brief Encounters at the National Railway Museum this Christmas

26^th November to 2^nd December 2009

Make a Brief Encounter this Christmas at the National Railway Museum! Experience the Museums famous Turntable transformed into a spectacular light installation in the Great Hall, enabling you to embark on journeys from cities and time zones around the world. Explore the relationship between time and distance through this amazing display of light, making a series of chance encounters on the way.

There will also be an array of festive family events and educational workshops to enjoy, taking place throughout the Christmas school holidays.

Admission FREE

The keeping of Christmas At Fairfax House (1^st Dec- 31 Dec)

Visit Fairfax House at Christmas and see the spectacular decorations based on evidence from the Georgian period. See columns entwined with evergreens, swags and garlands embellish the hallway and a Kissing Bough in the kitchen. Look out for the famous giant Yorkshire Pie and the new Christmas commission for 2009 from the world-famous flower arranger George Smith.

Lighting

The City of York council is working hard to ensure the city's streets will be lit with more small bracketed trees than last year - so creating a wonderful Christmassy atmosphere, whilst Parliament Street trees will have new ‘pea' lights. There will also be a main Christmas tree in St Helen's Square and the Castle Museum area will retain the decorations it has enjoyed previously. 

ENDS

Press Contact: Kay Hyde, PR Manager, Visit York Tel 01904 554451 email kh@visityork.org