Last Updated on 13 January 2026 by Colette
[I will continue to update this post with suggestions for festive days out in York in 2026 as information & reviews become available!]
I don’t know about you, but I’m definitely starting to look ahead to Christmas and tentatively make plans to make the most of the festive season. I’m keen to make sure we have something nice to look forward to through the winter months and with the cost of living impacting us all, I think there’s definite value in planning ahead this year so we can choose best where to spend our money (if at all!)
If your children are a little bit past visiting Father Christmas now (sob!) or you just fancy doing something a bit different this holiday season, I thought it would be worth putting together a list of suggestions of other festive activities and days out around York to bring the Christmas magic get you and your family into the Christmas spirit.
Check out these handy links to plan your next adventure …
If you’re looking for Christmas events in York and the surrounding area this festive season, why not take a look at some of the suggestions below:
Contents - Click here to jump to the section you need
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz at Castle Howard – Thursday 13th November 2025 to Sunday 4th January 2026
A technicolour extravaganza awaits at Castle Howard this Christmas.
Experience a festive take on L. Frank Baum’s much-loved story, told in stately surroundings through spectacular installations, soundscapes and projections.
Follow the yellow brick road to enjoy anew the iconic characters and unique locations from the world of Oz, brought to life in rainbow splendour.
Don’t miss the opportunity to meet the big man himself as Father Christmas will be making some very special visits to Castle Howard! (For more details check this post packed with information on the best places to visit Father Christmas in York)
Tickets for this Christmas experience at Castle Howard are available now.
You can read more about visiting Castle Howard at Christmas here:
Christmas at Castle Howard 2023 – Go Everywhere, Do Everything
Christmas in Narnia at Castle Howard 2021 – The Reluctant Explorers
York Christmas Markets – Thursday 13th November to Sunday 21st December 2025
This year, the hugely popular St Nicholas Fair will return to York for it’s 33rd anniversary. The charming alpine chalets will once again line the streets of Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square from Thursday 13th November to Sunday 21st December 2025, with local traders selling everything from handmade gifts to delicious treats.
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.
If you fancy a Christmas Market further afield check out Manchester Christmas Markets or the Leeds Christmas Markets – or Sam has a great list of Christmas Markets in the Yorkshire Dales
York Nutcracker Trail – Thursday 13th November to Sunday 4th January 2026
This festive season there are ten bespoke giant nutcrackers, painted by local artists, hidden around York and, if you find them all and solve the puzzle, there’s a chance of winning a £250 York Gift Card.
You can find further details and a map on the The York Bid website
Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland at York Designer Outlet – Friday 14th November 2025 to Sunday 4th January 2025
This winter sees the return of Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland, offering a wonderful winter experience for all ages. Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland has been a regular Christmas attraction at York Designer Outlet since 2010. This year will mark its 19th season in York; the event made its debut as The Ice Factor on the Eye of York in 2005.
Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland plays host to the North of England’s largest outdoor ice rink – The Ice Factor – with 975 sq m of real ice and a 30ft high sparkling Christmas tree as its centrepiece. Surrounded by illuminated trees, log cabins, the rinkside cafe (offering up a variety of winter food and drinks available from alpine-themed takeaway cabins, including sizzling sausages, mulled wine and hot chocolate) and a viewing platform, this magical setting makes for the perfect festive experience for all ages. There’s also a vintage funfair offering fun for all!
Tickets are available to book now and I recommend keeping an eye on the Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland website for more information. Booking is recommended for skating – Use code: SKATE20 for 20% off all tickets until 30th September 2025
An Inspired Christmas at Treasurer’s House – Selected dates from Saturday 15th November to Saturday 21st December 2025
Christmas is the perfect time to visit Treasurer’s House in York city centre and see the period rooms transformed with decorations throughout, from gifts and garlands, twinkling trees and fruit and floral displays filling the rooms with delicious smells.
Pre-booking is not required, entry is free for National Trust members or normal admission charges apply.
You can find details on more museums in York here.
Stockeld Park Winter Illuminations – Saturday 22nd November 2025 to Monday 5th January 2026
Stockeld Park has been our favourite place to visit Father Christmas since forever – but there’s more to the Stockeld Park Christmas Experience than a date with the big man.
This winter, Stockeld Park’s award-winning enchanted forest transforms into a dazzling, twinkling wonderland with the Winter Illuminations – one of the country’s largest and most creative light displays covering almost a mile of woodland.
Tickets for the Winter Illuminations are available to book now and are priced from £15.00 per person. There’s a number of ticket options for Stockeld Park depending on what you want to experience but if you book a Winter Illuminations ticket, you can also book to see Father Christmas at Stockeld Park too.
You can read more about visiting Stockeld Park at Christmas here:
11 things we love about the Christmas Adventure at Stockeld Park
The Christmas Adventure at Stockeld Park
Christmas Family Workshop at York’s Chocolate Story – Thursday 29th November to Tuesday 23rd December 2025
Get ready for a sweet and exciting adventure with your loved ones this Christmas at York’s Chocolate Story!
Join a skilled chocolatier for a hands-on festive experience that will leave you with unforgettable memories. Learn the art of making chocolate-based festive treats, such as tree decorations and candy canes, and create unique designs that you can gift or savour yourself.
You’ll even get to indulge in a signature hot chocolate to keep you warm and cosy throughout the 90 minute experience.
Book your tickets for the Christmas Family Workshop at York’s Chocolate Story. Tickets are for this event are priced at £35 per person.
Christmas Truffle Rolling at York’s Chocolate Story – Saturday 29th November to Wednesday 31st December 2025
This Christmas you can add a little festive treat to your tour of York’s Chocolate Story with a Christmas Truffle Rolling experience. You will create your own unique and delicious treats where you will roll, dip and decorate delicious Belgian Chocolate truffles!
Combined with the standard tour, this experience last between 1hr 15 minutes – 1hr 30 minutes.
Book your tickets for the Christmas Truffle Rolling at York’s Chocolate Story. Tickets are for this event are priced from £24.50 for children and £26 for adults.
Christmas Chocolate Masterclass at York’s Chocolate Story – selected dates from Saturday 29th November to Tuesday 23rd December 2025
Get ready to indulge in the ultimate Christmas activity especially for adults at York’s Chocolate Story this December!
The Chocolatier-led Masterclass will have you rolling, dipping, and decorating ganache-filled chocolate truffles in the finest Belgian couverture chocolate. You’ll also get to craft and personalise your very own chocolate lolly with a selection of delicious toppings before creating your own Christmas wreath. Finally, you’ll be treated to a delicious boozy hot choc during your 90-minute session.
Book your tickets for the Christmas Chocolate Masterclass at York’s Chocolate Story. Tickets are for this event are priced at £35 per person and it’s adults only!
Sleeping Beauty at York Theatre Royal – Thursday 2nd December to Sunday 4th January 2025
This Christmas, head to York Theatre Royal to enjoy the much-loved panto classic, Sleeping Beauty.
Prepare to be captivated by dazzling scenery, extravagant outfits, awe-inspiring special effects, and, of course, the enchanting charm of a traditional pantomime.
Book tickets for Sleeping Beauty at York Theatre Royal
The Nutcracker at York Minster – Saturday 6th December 2025
This Christmas enjoy a magical performance of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker recommend for ages 7+. Narration by local children’s actor Gemma Sharp (Artistic Director of local theatre company Hoglets), and music by Benjamin Morris, York Minster’s Assistant Director of Music, who will bring this ever-popular music to life on the cathedral’s spectacular Grand Organ.
Book tickets for The Nutcracker priced from £7.
Where to park near York Minster
Please note that, to the best of my knowledge, all information is correct at time of publishing but do check directly with individual venues to confirm!
For more festive days out why not read one of these posts next:
Christmas days out in Manchester
Where to visit Father Christmas in York
The best places to visit Santa in Leeds
Festive days out in the Leeds area
Visiting Leeds Christmas Markets
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