31/08/2011

Whilst most people are still enjoying the summer, historic York is planning its winter festivities and hoping to attract thousands of visitors for a winter break this year. As the only city in the country to host its very own parade of Christmas angels and something seasonal for visitors to do every day until the big day itself, last year York declared itself the UK's undisputed 'Christmas Capital'.

Tourism Chiefs are now launching a programme of events to rival any other UK city. Gillian Cruddas, Chief Executive of Visit York said, ‘Simply put, York is Christmas. We are confident in staking our claim to be the most Christmassy city in the UK and that no other city in the entire country does Christmas with such aplomb. From Christmas carols at York Minster to fun on the ice at the Ice Factor, we want everyone to know that nowhere in Britain can beat York for throwing itself into the festive spirit.'

Visitors come to York in their thousands over the Christmas period and last year spent in the region of £50 million. Visit York, working with the City of York council, is preparing early to ensure a successful Christmas period for all tourism businesses in the city. The York Christmas guide will be available from the Visit York Information Centre at 1 Museum Street from mid September. This year the Ice Factor, York's award-winning ice rink, brings the Christmas magic back to York Designer Outlet, meanwhile at York Mansion House children can post their letters to Father Christmas and even meet Santa on his very own steam train at the National Railway Museum.

Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu has this year backed the city's claim saying: ‘Nowhere gets into the Christmas spirit quite like York does and there is a real buzz around the entire city as preparations for this very special time of year get underway. The Minster in York is one of the busiest cathedrals in the country at Christmas time and we are looking forward to welcoming thousands of people to our special Christmas services. Whether it's the spiritual or the more festive side of the season you are looking for, taking some time out in York in the run up to Christmas is a wonderful experience'.

To request your free Guide to Christmas in York or find out more information telephone the Visitor Information Centre on Tel: 01904 550099, email info@visityork.org  or visit www.visityork.org/christmas  ENDS

For further information please contact:
Kay Hyde - PR Manager - Visit York
Direct Line: 01904 554451
Mobile: 07961 828092
Email: kh@visityork.org  

Katie Porter - PR Executive - Visit York
Direct Line: 01904 554436
Email: kp@visityork.org  

 

Here's a sneak preview....
A YORK CHRISTMAS 2011

A York Christmas 2011 begins in November with 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. York's streets are lined with top quality restaurants, café bars and gastro-pubs to suit every taste and York also boasts a range of independent food shops to tickle each taste bud with the very best of Yorkshire's local produce.

In the lead up to Christmas, York presents a full season of Christmas markets, with food and drink and festive cheer in abundance. The popular St Nicholas Fayre (24 -27 Nov) offers an array of markets across the city featuring 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, Coppergate Square and Barley Hall, some of the participants you may find 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 introduce York's Christmas Fayre (3 - 18 Dec) this year. With a stylish modern flavour, the Fayre brings with it a sweep of Christmas traditions, decked out in seasonal wooden huts, with gentle festive music to enjoy as you shop. Also, Ye olde Festive Inne will be offering winter pimms amongst other festive drinks. 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 (1 - 18 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.

KEY DATES 2011
Winter Wonderland Lights switch on 17 November
St Nicholas Fayre: 24 - 27 November
Made in Yorkshire Christmas Market: 1 - 18 December
York's Festive Fayre 3 - 18 December
Early Music Christmas Festival: 30 November - 10 December 2011
Festival of Angels: 10 - 11 (TBC) December
Christmas Farmers' Market: 21 December
Monks Cross Christmas Market 9 - 12 December

  

St Nicholas Fayre (24 - 27 November)

St Nicholas Fayre is the 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. 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. York's beautiful Georgian Mansion House will be splendidly decorated for Christmas. From Georgian splendour to medieval grandeur, wander next door to the Guildhall for the ‘Made in Yorkshire' craft market. 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 traditional ale or mulled wine at the Medieval Bar.

  

York Early Music Christmas Festival (30 November - 10 December)

The York Early Music Christmas Festival 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 email: info@ncem.co.uk  or visit the website at www.ncem.co.uk  

  

York Castle Museum

Carols in Kirkgate 2011
6, 7, 8, 9, 10 & 13 December
7.30pm
Don't miss this ever popular Christmas Event. The atmospheric Victorian street Kirkgate is the ideal setting for a magical night of music and festive cheer with the York Philharmonic Male Voice Choir. Tickets can be purchased by telephone from Tuesday 4 October on 01904 650333 or in person from York Castle Museum. Ticket prices: Adult: £16, Concession: £14
York Castle Museum, Eye of York, York YO1 9RY
www.yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk

  

Barley Hall

Thursday 24th - Sunday 27th November
St Nicholas Fayre
10.00 - 17.00, Barley Hall, £2 adult, £1 conc., £5 family of four
Medieval traders gather to sell their wares. Includes living history and unique gifts, plus enjoy traditional wine and ale at the bar.

Throughout December
Deck the Halls
10.00 - 16.00, Barley Hall, normal admission prices apply
Visit Barley Hall during the festive season and see the house beautifully decorated to celebrate a medieval Christmas, and then enjoy a warming drink in the Barley Hall tavern.

Saturday 3rd & Sunday 11th December
The Hall Prepares for Seasonal Jollity
10.30 - 16.00, Barley Hall, normal admission prices apply
Join members of the household of William Snawsell, a fifteenth-century Lord Mayor of York, as they dress his home for Christmas celebrations.

Sunday 4th December
Make Do and Mend
10.30, Barley Hall, £20 (includes lunch, tea & biscuits)
A fun, day-long workshop that draws inspiration from the fabulous costumes on display in the ‘From Hamlet to Hollywood' exhibition. Bring your own unloved items or rummage through a selection of clothes to create your own vintage masterpiece, all under the guidance of expert workshop leaders. Suitable for ages 12 and up. Pre-booking essential: 01904 615505.

Sunday 11th December
The Festival of Angels
10.30 - 16.00, Barley Hall, normal admission prices apply
A true Christmas festival, transforming York's most unique streets into a winter wonderland of ice-sculptures, stalls, al fresco dining, street entertainment and guaranteed 'snow' showers. Why not start your trail with the ice sculpture outside Barley Hall in Coffee Yard?

Saturday 17th - Sunday 18th December
Dressing the Christmas Table
11.30, 14.00. Barley Hall, Normal admission prices apply, plus £1 per activity
Fun drop-in workshops for all the family to create unique and historic table decorations. Includes centrepieces, place settings, crackers and other essential details. Plus: don't miss this opportunity to get inspired by costumes from ‘The King's Speech', and make your own mini monarch table decoration ready for the Queen's address on the big day. Pre-booking 01904 615505.

Monday 19th - Friday 23rd December
Salt Dough Decorations for Kids
10.30 - 16.00, Barley Hall, normal admission prices apply
Drop-in activities at the Hall to make historic Yuletide decorations.

Tuesday 20th - Thursday 22nd December
Christmas Tales for Children
11.00, 12.00, 13.00, 14.00, 15.00, Barley Hall, normal admission prices apply.
Christmas cheer? Bah, humbug! Join a storyteller in the atmospheric Great Hall to hear grim tales of yesteryear, all with a festive twist. On Tuesday 20th, thrill to the story of how the Demon Barber of Fleet Street supplied the filling for Mrs Lovett's mince pies. On Wednesday 21st, shudder at the hardships suffered by Victorian urchins at Christmastime. On Thursday 22nd, gasp at the story of how the puritans banned Christmas, until King Charles II came to its rescue. With costumes from Sweeney Todd, David Copperfield and Charles II: The Power and the Passion to enhance your experience.

  

Mansion House

The Mansion House at Christmas
11.00 - 15.00, York Mansion House, £5 adult, £4 conc., under 16s free. Includes a complimentary mulled wine (or soft alternative) and a mince pie. Guided tours of the Mansion House dressed for Christmas. Post a letter to Father Christmas in the Lapland Letterbox. Pre-booking essential: 01904 615505.

Thursday 8th and Friday 9th December
Christmas Crackers
19.30, York Mansion House, £12. Includes a mince pie and a mulled wine. Gather in the glorious setting of the state room for a mixture of seasonal music and carols together with songs from musicals based on the Christmas stories of Dickens, all presented by York Musical Theatre Company. This intimate evening continues a long tradition of Christmas entertainment in the Mansion House by the Musical Theatre Company, which was founded in 1902. The group's performance was a sell-out success in 2010 and these special performances are just the thing to get you in the festive spirit. Pre-booking essential: 01904 615505. SPECIAL OFFER: retain your ticket for complimentary admission for one person to the ‘From Hamlet to Hollywood' exhibition at Barley Hall (redeemable on the door).

Saturday 10th December
Children's Christmas at the Mansion House
14.00, York Mansion House, £12 per child with one accompanying adult. Join this festive afternoon for parlour games, stories, a Christmas tea party and a chance to meet Father Christmas, who has a present for each child to put under their tree. Also includes a cup of tea and a mince pie for parents. Pre-booking essential: 01904 615505.

  

National Railway Museum

Help Santa deliver presents by train
Every weekend from 19 November to 18 December 2011.
Every day between 19 and 23 December 2011.

Santa isn't delivering his presents by reindeer this year - instead he's using a very special steam train at the National Railway Museum. Visitors of all ages are invited to help Santa with his seasonal task by riding on board his special steam train with him. The journey begins in the Station Hall which has been transformed into Santa's depot filled with presents, games and the Museum's toy collection from years gone by. From here Santa's helpers will then climb onboard a beautiful festive carriage pulled by a steam train to take part in a special interactive story telling adventure. Before the magical steam journey is over, children will meet Santa Claus himself and receive a special present to take home. Visit www.nrm.org.uk/christmas  for ticket prices and to plan your special visit.

  

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 services are available at www.yorkminster.org Christmas carols will take place during December. Explore the traditions and stories of the season as they change over the 6 weeks of Christmas, through the raising of the giant Advent wreath in the Central Tower, St. Nicholas Christmas Chapel, and special Christmas exhibitions and trails. Plus, join us in our packed daily programme of services, carol concerts and events. From Advent to Epiphany, explore the masterpiece of stained glass and stone through free guided tours and family trails or climb the Central Tower steps to view the wintery landscapes of York and beyond. Wander through the Minster's three shops to discover that perfect gift-from bespoke gifts, rich tapestries, Christmas music and Minster choir recordings. Or simply visit to be part of an amazing place at a special time of year.

York Minster Carol Concert - 9 December at 7pm
Tickets are £20 Front Nave, £15 Rear Nave and £10 sides aisles and go on sale at 930am on 14 September - Book early as Front Nave tickets sell out in minutes. www.boxofficeyorkminster.co.uk  Tel 0844 939 0015 ext 2081,
Email events@yorkminster.org  

  

Fairfax House

Christmas starts early at Fairfax House with a range of special events and activities throughout November and December.

Exploring Lord Fairfax's Cellar
Wednesday 23 November at 7.00pm
Wine has been a ‘natural' accompaniment ever since Christmas began to be celebrated in a truly festive way. Over the centuries the styles of wine that have accompanied Yuletide food have varied enormously - especially since Victorian times. This final tasting in the series will look at the types of wine that were enjoyed with Christmas meals through the ages and in a more contemporary vein some of the wines that can accompany the 21st century Christmas ‘dinner'.

Tickets: £18.00 / £16.00 Includes wine & nibbles on arrival
Series ticket for 3 sessions: £50.00 / £45.00* (*York Civic Trust members and friends of Fairfax House)

The Keeping of Christmas - Christmas Twilight Tour
Monday 28 November & Tuesday 29 November at 7.00pm
To celebrate the opening of the annual Christmas exhibition, join York Civic Trust Director, Peter Brown, for a special twilight preview tour and talk about festivities in the Georgian era. Tickets: £12.00 / £10.00* includes mulled wine & mince pies

The Keeping of Christmas
Tuesday 29 November - Saturday 31 December
Visit Fairfax House this Christmas and see the elegant decorations, extravagant dining room displays with sugar temples and the Georgians' love of the natural world as they decorated their homes for the festive season. Tickets: Normal admission prices apply

A Christmas Box of Delights
Thursday 8 December at 7.00pm
Get into the festive mood with a beautiful evening of 18th century Christmas music and readings presented by Bellissime, an ensemble specialising in music originally performed in Yorkshire country houses and drawing upon anecdotes and readings from the social life of the time. Tickets: £14.00 / £12.00* includes mulled wine & mince pies

Christmas Decorations
Sunday 11 December at 1.30pm-4.30pm
Join this workshop where you learn to make and take home your own stunning Kissing Bough, an ancient North Country Christmas decoration with crown of candles sitting on top of a hemisphere of evergreens with a ring of apples and bough of mistletoe below. Tickets: £26.00 / £24.00*, includes all materials and afternoon tea.
Venue: Friends Meeting House, Castlegate.

Winter Tales from around the World storytelling with Jenna Drury, Mud Pie Arts
Sunday 18 December & Wednesday 21 December at 4.00pm
Come in from the cold and huddle up for ‘Winter Tales from around the World' performed by Jenna Drury of Mud Pie Arts. Each room reveals an old story from the mighty forests of Russia to the vast prairies of America. Children, come ready to join in and lend a hand to the storyteller. Parents, enjoy a magical afternoon amidst the hurly burly of Christmas. There will be hot chocolate, mulled wine and mince pies - the perfect Christmas treat for all the family. Suitable for age 5yrs+. Tickets: £15.00 Family Ticket (2 Adults and 2 Children). Adult £7.00 Child £5.00 (spaces limited so book early)
Includes refreshments. All tickets for events can be purchased from Fairfax House either in person during House opening hours or by ringing 01904 655 543. Visit www.fairfaxhouse.co.uk,  Tel 01904 655543.

  

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 and fantastic family fun at the Winter Festival including The Ice Factor. Choose from over 120 high street and designer stores including Tag Heuer, Ted Baker, Osprey, LK Bennett, Perfume Point, Coast, Jaeger, French Connection and Hugo Boss to find that perfect gift and also enjoy skating on the award winning real ice rink open from 25th November until 8th January. For those who want a bit more help with their gift buying or picking a Christmas party outfit can book a free two hour personal shopping session, from the customer information desk. A Christmas launch will be taking place on 25th November and late night shopping will also commence at the end of November. Visit www.yorkdesigneroutlet.co.uk  for further information.

  

The Ice Factor

The Ice Factor, York's award-winning real ice rink, brings the Christmas magic back this season at York Designer Outlet. The Ice Factor is better than ever this year as it becomes the centrepiece for Yorkshire's Winter Wonderland encompassing an authentic British fun fair, traditional Christmas market and a Santa's grotto. With a public viewing area, skate hire marquee and the heated Ice Bar & Café surrounding the 900sqm ice rink, the fun doesn't stop there. The Ice Factor at York Designer Outlet offers free parking and with over 120 leading designer and high street brands at up to 60 per cent less right next door why go anywhere else this Christmas? Visit www.theicefactor.co.uk  or www.yorkshireswinterwonderland.co.uk  Saturday 26th November 2011 to Sunday 8th January 2012. For tickets call Ticketweb on 0844 847 1523 or 01653 619169.

  

Santa & His Reindeer Visit - Monks Cross Shopping

Sunday 4th December Midday to 4pm
Location Monks Cross Shopping (off the A1237 ring road YO32 9GX)
Santa will arrive at Monks Cross Shopping on his sleigh pulled by real reindeer. Meet Santa and his real reindeer whilst shopping for your Christmas presents. Santa's reindeer are very friendly and do like to have their fur patted and photo taken with children. They will be at Monks Cross until mid afternoon on 4th December so don't miss your chance to meet them. You can also get involved with the Charity Give A Gift Campaign again this year which is running throughout December. All stores at Monks Cross will open from 9am to 9pm from Monday 28th November every Monday to Friday through to Christmas Eve.

  

Castle Howard

It's a Beautiful Christmas 26 November - 18 December
18th 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 pre-book to include an ‘Audience with Father Christmas and the Festive Wizard' by the fireside in the Grecian Hall. Press Contact: Rachel Underwood, Marketing Manager 01653 648624 or email runderwood@castlehoward.co.uk

  

Make Merry at Middlethorpe this Christmas

Enjoy a traditional Christmas in the setting of this elegant ‘William & Mary' country house. With roaring fires, fine antiques and beautiful paintings, the house stands in its own manicured grounds on the outskirts of the City of York. Explore the countryside, or relax in the Spa or in a quiet corner of the hotel. Spend Christmas Eve, Christmas Day or Boxing Day at Middlethorpe Hall and enjoy the festive celebrations or come to unwind in a beautiful country house setting. Details of Christmas packages are available at www.middlethorpe.com

Pantomimes

Christmas in Britain isn't complete without a visit to the traditional pantomime:

York Theatre Royal - The York Family Robinson Thu 15 Dec 2011 - Sat 4 Feb 2012
From York to Whitby and then on to Australia, but will the comically dysfunctional ‘York Family Robinson' ever reach their final destination? Join them as they challenge the world's most treacherous waters in a desperate attempt to find the only living link with the beginning of time. The Sunday Times consistently rates Berwick Kaler's York Theatre Royal panto as ‘one of the top five attractions to see anywhere in the UK during the winter season', and this year 'The York Family Robinson' promises to be no different! Laugh yourself silly as another classic panto story gets the fully block buster treatment as only York Theatre Royal knows how! For more information visit www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk  or call 01904 623568. Press Contact: Abbigail Wright, Head of Communications, 01904 550148, Abbigail@yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

Grand Opera House York - Aladdin -Friday 9 December - Sunday 1 January
Panto time again? Oh yes it is! York's beloved family pantomime returns with Aladdin, a magic carpet ride of fun, thrills and festive cheer with Steven Arnold (Corrie's own Ashley Peacock) taking the title role. If you ask your genie for songs, laughs and a sprinkling of stardust this Christmas he'll be sure to grant all your three wishes in one with an unforgettable night out at the Opera House. Evenings at 7pm (6.30pm on Sundays), matinees at 1pm or 2.30pm. To book call Box Office on 0844 871 3024 or book online at www.grandoperahouseyork.org.uk

Lighting

Winter Wonderland
On Thursday 17 November Parliament Street will be transformed into a festive and fun-filled ‘Winter Wonderland'. From 3pm-8pm there will be children's entertainment and events, a Santa's Grotto, festive music, street sellers and live music on a stage. The pea lights on Parliament Street and St Sampson's Square will be switched on. Contact
Penny Chaplin, 01904 552270, Location: York City Centre.

ENDS