Christmas 2026 | 12 November – 3 January
With its medieval streets, snickelways and the magnificent Minster, York is one of the most magical places in the UK to spend a day or two at Christmas. Here are five reasons to plan a festive trip this year.
1. York Christmas Market
The famous market returns from 12 November to 21 December. It’s open Wednesday to Monday and closed on Tuesdays for a weekly rest day. Even on Tuesdays there’s plenty to do, with independent shops, Shambles Market and Shambles Food Court open seven days a week.
2. 100 Christmas trees at York Minster
From 28 November to 5 January, York Minster’s Christmas Tree Festival fills the Nave, Chapter House and Lady Chapel with around 100 individually decorated trees. The Minster also hosts a packed festive programme, including carol concerts, a family Nutcracker on 5 December, the Grimethorpe Colliery Band on 12 December and a candlelit Sankta Lucia procession on 14 December.
3. Santa on the river
From 21 November to 31 December, City Cruises York runs a Santa Cruise on the River Ouse, with Santa, his elves and a North Pole grotto on board. There’s also a festive sightseeing cruise, Christmas On The Water, which shows the city from a different angle.
4. Chocolate, museums and panto
York’s Chocolate Story runs festive masterclasses, truffle rolling and Santa tours from 28 November to 23 December. York Castle Museum takes you through Christmases past from 14 November, and the Grand Opera House panto, The Further Adventures of Peter Pan: The Return of Captain Hook, runs from 5 December to 3 January.
5. Festive food and cosy stays
Warm up with a hot chocolate, a pub lunch or a festive afternoon tea, like the one at Middletons Hotel from 13 November. York is easy to reach by train from London, but staying overnight gives you time to explore at a relaxed pace. The Visit York Pass covers entry to more than 35 attractions.
More info
Christmas in York
York Christmas Market: 12 November – 21 December 2026 (closed Tuesdays)
Visit York Information Centre: 28 Back Swinegate, York