Here’s what’s going on in York this week.
Pantomime season starts, oh yes it does, with Sleeping Beauty at York Theatre Royal, there’s several festive carol concerts to enjoy, and CHMS presents Be More Chill at Theatre@41.
Take a look at our full guide below.
What’s on in York this week: Monday 2 – Friday 5 December
All week
Sleeping Beauty
Your dreams have come true… The 2025/26 York Theatre Royal pantomime with Evolution Productions will be the enchanting Sleeping Beauty! Join us for this timeless tale of adventure, magic and festive family fun. 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
- Multiple times
- More info
Christmas Traditions
If you love music that awakens your festive emotions then this is a night not to be missed.
- York Citadel, The Citadel, 69A Gillygate, York YO31 7EA
- Tue 2 – Fri 5 Dec
- 7:30pm
- More info
The Yorkshire Yuletide Village
The Guidhall will be transformed into a beautifully decorated Christmas fair, with festive displays and illuminations. Made in Yorkshire welcomes visitors to discover some unique Christmas gifts from some of the region’s most talented designer makers. Ranging from jewellery, to glassware, art, metalwork, ceramics, textiles, soaps, jams, photography and wood.
- The Guildhall, Coney St, York YO1 9QN
- Tue 2 – Fri 19 Dec
- 10am – 4:30pm
- More info
Tuesday
Ordinary Decent Criminal
Meet recovering addict Frankie, played by renowned political comedian Mark Thomas.
Frankie’s just been sentenced to three and a half years in jail for dealing drugs. When he gets there, none of his fellow convicts are what they seem. And with his typewriter, his activist soul, and his sore lack of a right hook, he somehow finds his way into their troubled hearts, and they into his.
In the unlikeliest of places, he discovers that the revolution is not dead. It’s just sleeping.
A brand new play from the writer of the Fringe First winning England & Son and A Political History of Smack & Crack, Ed Edwards reunites with Mark Thomas to tell a tale of freedom, revolution and messy love. Directed by Paines Plough’s Joint Artistic Director, Charlotte Bennett.
- York Theatre Royal, St. Leonard’s Place, York, YO1 7HD
- Tue 2 – Wed 3 Dec
- 7:30pm
- More info
Thursday
Bedern Storytime: Santa’s Trousers & other Christmas Stories
Join us at historic Bedern Hall for a festive storytelling session with local author, editor, and Cleggs of York shop keeper, Mr. Markes, as he brings his heartwarming children’s book to life! These delightful stories celebrates friendship, community, and the magic of helping others — perfect for children aged 3 and up.
- Bedern Hall, York, YO1 7AL
- Thu 4 Dec
- 11am
- More info
Christmas Carol Concerts
York Minster’s popular Christmas Carol Concerts return offering the perfect start to the festive season. The Choir of York Minster, one of the UK’s leading cathedral choirs, will perform traditional and much-loved Christmas music, with seasonal readings from special guest Garry Cooper and the chance for the audience to join in with carols.
- York Minster, Deangate, York, YO1 7HH
- Thu 4 – Fri 5 Dec
- 7pm
- More info
Be More Chill
Jeremy Heere is just an average teenager. That is, until he finds out about ‘The Squip’, a tiny supercomputer that promises to bring him everything he desires most: a date with his crush Christine, an invite to the coolest party of the year and a chance to make it through life at his suburban high school as a popular kid.
It all seems too good to be true, and it seems only those close to Jeremy can see that. With a zany score and unrelenting humour, Be More Chill is a show that explores what it means to be true to yourself.
- Theatre@41, 41 Monkgate, York, YO31 7PB
- Thu 4 – Sat 6 Dec
- 7:30pm, 2:30pm Sat matinee
- More info
Friday
SASH Christmas Candlelight Concert
On Friday 5th December at Heslington Church, York, join SASH for a heart warming evening filled with festive music and community spirit. Under the soft glow of candlelight, you’ll enjoy live performances from the Acomb Community Choir and the talented Holly May Violin. Audience participation encouraged!
This special evening forms part of SASH’s Winter Appeal which is raising vital money this winter to help young people in our community find safety, support and warmth when they have nowhere else to go. Every ticket sold and every donation made on the night will help us provide a safe place for young people to stay this Christmas.
- Heslington Church, Field Lane Heslington York YO10 5ED
- Fri 5 Dec
- 7pm
- More info
Blackbeard’s Tea Party
Their bold and rioutous modern folk rock is built for late nights and big stages. Hold on to your tri-corn hats and be prepared to stamp your wooden legs – Blackbeard’s Tea Party are in town.
Sea-shanties will be given a bombastic rock edge, and folk instrumentals will become late-night floor-fillers when this raucous bunch of reprobates hit the stage. They have dirt under their fingernails and a twinkle in their eyes, and you can expect fantastic musicianship, playful choreography and an unstoppable urge to move your body.
- The Crescent York, 8 The Crescent, York, YO24 1AW
- Fri 5 Dec
- 7:30pm
- More info
