York is a superb spot for Christmas markets and events running from mid-November right through till Christmas week. Come an enjoy the magic of Christmas in our shops, restaurants and bars.

Hotels in York

We have most of the 2008 dates but a few are still to be confirmed.

.23 - 25 Nov 2007: Christmas markets starts with the Children’s Christmas Fayre with market stalls and entertainment especially for children.

27 Nov - 30 November 2008: St Nicholas Fayre. A very well-known and popular Christmas Market. with gifts, crafts, and the very best in local farm produce. Enjoy  bustling stalls with pottery and crafts, collectables, wooden crafted models, farm raised venison, hand made cheeses, punch, beer, wine, & mulled wine,  pies & pastries plus of course carol singers and roasted chestnuts and buskers and more. (can't wait!!)
Visit Parliament Street, St Sampson’s Square, Kings Square, and Coppergate Square for a range of open air stalls selling a variety of products.

27 Nov - 30 November 2008: St Nicholas Medieval Market. In the medieval townhouse - living history giving pots of Yuletide atmosphere - traditional crafts and costumed traders,

03 Dec 2008 to 31 Dec 2008  Deck the Hall – A Medieval Christmas. Experience the Hall beautifully decorated for Yuletide. Hear about the festive traditions of the period that brought cheer during the long winter at 11am and 2.30pm.
 

06 Dec 2008 to 14 Dec 2008  Christmas Fayre at Barley Hall. Soak up the atmosphere of our festive setting. Stalls selling unique Christmas presents and warming mulled wine.

Date to be confirmed for 2008 - was 06 - 16 Dec 2007: Made in Yorkshire Craft Market - if it's made in Yorkshire then it must be good. Great for picking up local made presents that are unique.

Date to be confirmed for 2008 -was 06 - 22 Dec 2007: German Christmas Market - ‘Christkindlesmarkt’, traditionally selling arts and crafts,along with seasonal food and drink. Stop for a Glühwein and wursts, stollen and Lebkuchen and take in the atmosphere.

6, 20, 22 Dec 2008: Christmas Farmers Market - should be lots of yummy stuff, home-grown veg, dairy produce, crafts, gifts and much more.

York’s open-air ice rink. Enjoy the thrills, and spills, of ice skating, and the party atmosphere. Set against the spectacular backdrop of Clifford’s Tower in the centre of York, a unique Christmas attraction. It encompasses a picturesque 600 square metre ice rink centred round the illuminated oak tree in the Eye of York, a viewing area, and heated café and skate hire marquees.

Dates for 2008 to be confirmed but 2007 was 7th November 2007 to 6 January 2008

More details

2008 dates to be confirmed. York's many churches and other venues in the city present a number of Carol services and concerts throughout the Christmas period. Carols at Kirkgate (York Castle Museum), York Minster's Family Carol Concert and the candle-lit service at Holy Trinity, Goodramgate are among the city's favourites.

18 Dec 2008. 19.30. Ding Dong Merrily. York Music Theatre Company. Annual event of readings, songs and carols. Book on 01904 658338. Info on 01904 658338

2008 dates to be confirmed was 4 - 11 Dec 07: Carols at Kirkgate. The atmospheric Victorian street of Kirkgate is the ideal setting for a night of festive music with the York Philharmonic Male Voice Choir. (4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th and 11th December 2007)

Doors Open at 7.30pm. Tickets on sale from the York Castle Museum. Early booking is advised!

At York Minster:

The season begins with the Advent Procession, a service which is held in the darkened Nave of the Cathedral, illuminated at first only by a few candles. As the services progresses, more and more candles are lit, as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, who brought true light into the world. Please see the Minster web for date for 2008 (2 Dec on 2007)

04 Dec 2008 - 19.30 - York Early Music Festival Christmas Concert

06 Dec 2008 - 19:30 - Come and Sing 'Messiah' with the York Musical Society

12 Dec 2008 - 19:00 - York Minster Family Carol Concert (There will be a charge for this event)

18, 19, 20 Dec 2008 20:00 - 'Carols by Candlelight' by the Chapter House Choir There will be a charge for this event. Chapter House. Tickets go on sale on Saturday, 29 November 2008 at the west end of the Minster.

22 Dec 2008 19.00  - Service of Nine Lessons and Carols

24 Dec 2008 16.00 - Service of Nine Lessons and Carols

24 Dec 2008 12.00 - Crib Service
 

24 Dec 2008 23:30 - Midnight Mass
 

For more information and check above times see York Minster Web or call 01904 557200

Don't forget you can support the Minster by shopping in the Minster Shop at the Minster and York Minster Gifts at 9 Minster Gates

Festival of Angels:

13th – 14th December 2008: 12.00 to 6pm Due to its popularity it has become an annual event -  enjoy a festival of snow, ice sculptures, stalls, food and drink, bring back the wonder and excitement of your childhood.

The area of The Quarter is closed off to traffic and a series of ice sculptures are placed along the streets, along with outdoors food and drink stalls, some street entertainment, and everything is dusted with snowflakes which fall from the upper storeys of the buildings.

8 and 9 Dec 07. The Parade of Angels walks through the city centre during the festival and all children, big or small, are invited to join (with or without angel wings!).
 

York is the prettiest of cities to visit in winter - see what else there is to do in York

Yuletide York