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Enjoy the Christmas cheer on offer in one of the UK's most festive cities!
York Christmas Festival
York Christmas Festival - 2021
Enjoy the Christmas cheer on offer in one of the UK's most festive cities as York's restaurants, shops and attractions are beautifully decorated and provide a wonderful winter experience, with an incredible range of festive events! For the perfect York Christmas, stay longer and give yourself a luxurious amount of time to soak up the festive atmosphere.
This year, the hugely popular St Nicholas Fair will return to York. The charming alpine chalets will once again line the streets from 18 November to 23 December, with local businesses selling everything from handmade gifts to delicious treats. Preview the traders that will be at the York Christmas market and browse through the assortment of unique and local festive York produce and gifts that await you. Can't make it to York this year? Check out the Virtual Christmas Market!
Read our brand new guide to all things Christmas in York and beyond, follow Visit York (Facebook | Twitter | Instagram) for updates, sign up to the Visit York newsletters and keep checking back for more events and details as they are added!
Health & Safety Information
After the cancellation of many of the city's festivities last year due to the pandemic, it was important to bring back the much-loved Christmas Market safely for 2021. With this in mind, St Nicholas Fair will be operating in line with all national COVID guidelines and restrictions and will be closely monitoring these in the run up to and during the event. The safety of the traders, residents and visitors is of the utmost importance, which is why a new layout to reduce crowding and decreased the number of alpine chalets has been implemented to encourage social distancing and a better flow of visitors to the market. Visitors and traders are also encouraged to wear masks, with stewards on hand to help keep shoppers and traders safe. Read our Christmas Market FAQs for further details and our COVID-19 information page for further health and safety guidance for your visit.
Christmas is a great time to support local businesses and we're looking forward to welcoming residents and visitors to safely enjoy the festivities in York!
Christmas Events
See all Christmas EventsFun events for all the family and the festive!
Christmas Event at Northwood Trail, England's Fairy Sanctuary
Meet St Nicholas and Lady Winter in their Yuletide grottos this Christmas. Our St Nicholas mirrors the Father Christmas…
A Kirkgate Christmas Tale
Step foot into a Christmas tale at York Castle Museum this winter and rediscover all the magic of the season! On select…
Advent Procession
Join York Minster’s worship to mark the start of Advent at the cathedral or from the comfort of your home. An atmospher…
Cinderella
York Theatre Royal presents the most magical pantomime of all, Cinderella! In this timeless rags to riches story, reloc…
York School Of Magic Christmas Adventure & Festive Fun Themed Café
A Very Magical Adventure Presents… York School Of Magic Christmas Adventure & Festive Fun Themed Café The most wond…
York Minster Christmas Day Services
Join York Minster’s worship for Christmas Day at the cathedral or from the comfort of your home. Please note that to he…
Christmas in Narnia
Step through the wardrobe into an enchanting adventure this festive season. An icy spell has been cast on this mystical…
Christmas Festival at the Web Adventure Park
A full day of fun - all rides unlimited, indoor play, two different Christmas magic shows, one Christmas games show and…
Nine Lessons and Carols
Two services consisting of nine special readings, carols sung by the Choir of York Minster and hymns for everyone to jo…
Christmas Masterclass
A Christmas chocolate treat that’s great for the grown-ups! Join our expert chocolatier for hands-on festive fun as you…
The York Minster Christmas Tree Festival
Experience our first Christmas Tree Festival set in the cathedral’s grounds with the medieval Minster as its backdrop. …
Chocolate Making with Santa
Guests will be able to meet Santa on our special themed tours, in which they will join him in making festive chocolate …
Experience Christmas Trail
Discover more about the Christmas story by exploring six activity stops hidden around the Minster. Families can follow …
Family Christmas Workshop
The perfect Christmas treat for all the family! Join our chocolatier for hands on festive fun and learn how to make cho…
Experience Christmas in York
York Christmas Market
The hugely popular St Nicholas Fair returns in 2021, a Christmas experience that will produce magical memories that you’ll never forget!
Christmas Events in York
Santa sightings? Festive Afternoon Tea? Plan your perfect Christmas adventure by browsing all of the Christmas events in York.
York Christmas Market - Trader List
Preview the traders that will be at the York Christmas market and browse through the assortment of unique and local festive York produce and gifts that await you!
Virtual Christmas Market
18 Nov - 23 Dec. Due to its popularity last year, and so that people who are unable to visit us this year can still participate in the Christmas festivities, we are running our virtual Christmas Market again in 2021! Keep your eyes peeled for more details to come.
Visit York Christmas Guide 2021
York is a winter wonderland at Christmas, and you’ll be greeted with the warmest of welcomes from one of the UK’s most festive cities.
Santa Spotting
Santa has been spotted across the city! Don't miss the chance to tell him what's on the top of your Christmas list this year.
Pantos, Theatre and Music
From classic carols, to theatre fun and orchestral masterpieces, there is something for all music and drama lovers in York this Christmas.
Book Your Festive Stay
Extend your Christmas break and soak up more of the city’s festive magic by booking a stay.
#VisitYorkAdvent
Festive Advent giveaway! 🌟 Enter a daily giveaway prize draw from the 1st of December on the Visit York social media channels for the chance to win some incredible prizes!
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