Though Christmas may be over, there’s still time to experience some festive magic in York.
Take a look at our guide below for Christmas events in York and North Yorkshire that are running into the first week of January, to keep that Christmas spirit going a little longer.
From ice-skating to pantomime fun to a trip to Oz – make the most of Christmas for another year.
Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland
Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland is York’s favourite festive event, offering a magical winter experience for all ages, with its glistening outdoor ice rink, thrilling funfair, magical Santa’s Grotto and cosy alpine café The Chalet.
- York Designer Outlet, St Nicholas Ave, York YO19 4TA
- Fri 14 Nov 2025 – Sun 4 Jan 2026
- From 10am
- More info
Sleeping Beauty
Join us for this timeless tale of adventure, magic and festive family fun. Written by Paul Hendy and directed by Juliet Forster – the same fantastic team who brought you the magical Aladdin and the GIANT Jack and the Beanstalk. With stunning costumes, gorgeous sets, dazzling special effects and lots of hilarious jokes, Sleeping Beauty is set to be a festive treat for the whole family.
- York Theatre Royal, St. Leonard’s Place, York, YO1 7HD
- Tue 2 Dec 2025 – Sun 4 Jan 2026
- Various times
- More info
Christmas at Castle Howard with the Wonderful Wizard of Oz
Our most popular Christmas experience! The House is transformed into the magical world of Oz. Experience our festive take on L. Frank Baum’s much-loved story, told through installations, soundscapes and projections, created by CLW Event Design and Imitating the Dog – the same creative team that brought you Alice’s Christmas Wonderland and Christmas in Neverland.
- Castle Howard, York, YO60 7DA
- Thu 13 Nov 2025 – Sun 4 Jan 2026
- 10am – 4pm
- More info
Cinderella
York’s most magical festive tradition is back – and it’s bigger, bolder and more star-studded than ever. Cinderella at the Grand Opera House York is set to be the city’s biggest Christmas show, boasting dazzling casting, glittering production values and a laugh-a-minute script.
Beloved star of stage and screen, Lisa George (Coronation Street) stars as Fairy Godmother, with winner of ITV’s Mamma Mia! I Have A Dream,Tobias Turley (Mamma Mia, Heathers, West Side Story) as Prince Charming, West End star Rachel Grundy (Starlight Express, Legally Blonde, Rocky Horror) as Cinderella, West End drag superstars Luke Attwood & Brandon Nicholson as the Ugly Sisters and Jimmy Bryant as Buttons.
- Grand Opera House, Cumberland Street, York YO1 9SW
- Sat 6 Dec 2025 – Sun 4 Jan 2026
- Various times
- More info
Christmas at York Castle Museum 2025: A Very Yorkshire Christmas
Be immersed in festive atmosphere at York Castle Museum and discover Yorkshire Christmases through the ages. With period decorations, live performances, music and cookery demonstrations in the Castle Kitchen, you’ll embrace the magic of Christmas with all your senses. Our famous Victorian street, Kirkgate will transport you to a Christmas reminiscent of Dickensian England. You’ll be greeted with beautifully decorated pine trees, twinkling garlands, a fresh layer of snow on the cobblestones and live performances of traditional carols and tunes.
There’s a varied programme of festive-themed activities for all ages taking place and the Castle Museum gift shop is filled with seasonal items for those wanting to find the perfect gift for themselves or a loved one, including an exclusive Green Father Christmas tree decoration.
- York Castle Museum, Eye of York, York, YO1 9RY
- Sat 15 Nov – Sun 4 Jan
- 10am – 5pm
- More info
A Christmas Mousequerade
This Christmas the Fairfax family are preparing for a spectacular Ball, and you are their cordially invited guest. Wander into the glittering world of Georgian York, where Ann Fairfax and the Viscount are preparing to host the ultimate Christmas party! Fairfax House will be opulently dressed for the season and brought to life with festive Georgian entertainments. But keep your eyes peeled… the mischievous Townmice are back, determined not to miss out on the celebrations and causing festive mayhem along the way.
- Fairfax House, Castlegate, York YO1 9RN
- Sat 15 Nov – Sun 4 Jan
- 10am – 5pm
- More info
Christmas Tree Festival
Experience York Minster’s popular Christmas Tree Festival, set inside the medieval Minster, with 70 trees on display in the cathedral’s stunning Nave, Chapter House and Lady Chapel. Explore the trees, which will be decorated to individual themes by local businesses, schools and charities, and add your own Christmas message to a tag on the festival’s prayer trees. The festival will open on Saturday 29 November at 10am with a light switch-on at ‘Minster Mash-Up’, York Minster’s special service for children and families.
- York Minster, Deangate, York, YO1 7HH
- Sat 29 Nov – Mon 5 Jan
- 10am – 4pm
- More info
