Eat, Drink and Be Merry: York's Christmas Foodie Experiences

‘Tis the season to tuck into turkey, sprouts and sweet treats and you’re sure to find tasty festive fare all around the city of York. Discover delicious cuisine from all around the world within York’s stunning and historic, wonderful winter setting.

For more inspiration, go to our Eat & Drink pages.

If you are in need of a quick bite to eat on your Christmas shopping marathon, then you are spoiled for choice in York. Don’t miss the amazing street food on offer at the St Nicholas Fair, where you can savour hog roast burgers, sizzling sausages and more. Nearby, the Shambles Food Court adds to the al fresco eating scene with a world of street food flavours from around the globe. Back on Parliament Street, THOR’s Tipi is on hand to warm you up and quench your thirst, where YUZU Street Food will be dishing out their sublime Asian fusion. Spark: York is home to the Winter Jungle, a unique vibe with toasty heat lamps, a sheltered canopy, and even more incredible world flavours.

Once the home of Rowntree’s and Terry’s, York is famous as a confectionery centre, and what better time to indulge your sweet tooth than at Christmas. York Mansion House have teamed up with York Cocoa House to deliver a Georgian inspired, chocolate event. Create your own edible Christmas tree decoration before setting off on a festive chocolate trail through the Mansion House. Then unwind like a Georgian Lord Mayor with a luxurious hot chocolate, hand crafted by the team at York Cocoa Works. For more chocolatey, festive fun, take the little ones to York’s Chocolate Story where they can meet Santa, who will show them how to make their own festive chocolate lollies. For grown-ups, they are hosting Christmas Chocolate Masterclasses.

Christmas is the perfect time to catch up with friends and family. For a festive fiesta, head to Ambiente Tapas on Goodramgate or Fossgate, where parties of eight or more can enjoy their specially created menu for the season. If you want to relax al fresco, The Courtyard at The Grand, York, is a cosy area for you to stop off after a busy day at York Christmas Markets, with a warming mulled wine or hot chocolate. Gather colleagues, family and friends at the Principal, delicious food, fine wines and sparkling entertainment, from a festive party for up to 230 guests, to a table for two.

Christmas and food have gone hand in hand for centuries, and with so much heritage on offer in York, it’s the perfect place to learn more about the Christmas feasting traditions of times gone by. Learn about the cultural and historical significance of mead, a honey-based drink beloved in the Middle Ages and now the 21st century at Barley Hall where the Lancashire Mead Company will be leading the tasting of several delicious award-winning meads. Barley Hall will also be hosting an incredible medieval Christmas feast, a truly unique opportunity to find out more about the Christmas food enjoyed by our forebears.

Christmas is the perfect time to sit back, relax and enjoy the luxury of a proper afternoon tea. At Chez Mal, Malmaison, indulge in an exquisite Festive Afternoon Tea, where the delicious classics have been spruced up for the season and come with a gorgeous glass of prosecco. For something a little stronger, the Sparkly York Gin Christmas Tastings are on hand. A festive, fun, fascinating and sparkly treat in the beautiful home of York Gin. As well as a Christmas gin cocktail (with edible gold), you’ll taste the whole York Gin range, learn lots and laugh lots.