The weekend is coming!
The seasonal fun continues in the city and beyond with Christmassy shows, carol singing, and festive markets. It’s your last chance to see The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre, there’s free festive community fun in Wilberfoss with a Christmas Sing-Along, York’s Annual Community Carol Concert returns to York Barbican, Anything Goes begins at Theatre@41, and York Zine Fest is back at The Crescent.
Take a look at our full guide below.
What’s on in York this weekend, Friday 12 – Sunday 14 December
Festive fun
The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan
This weekend is your last chance to see Peter Pan at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre. Join Wendy, John and Michael as they fly with Peter Pan to the fantastical world of Neverland. Cling onto your seats as Peter and the Lost Boys do battle with the rather nasty Captain Hook and his even nastier bunch of pirates. But fear not as Nanny McFlea and her ever eager apprentice Barkly, are on hand to assist in the most ridiculous of ways!
Silly jokes, sillier slapstick, song and dance are the order of the day with the obligatory song sheet and lots of audience participation! Read our review here.
- Joseph Rowntree Theatre, Haxby Road, York, YO31 8TA
- Sat 6 – Sun 8 & Tue 9 – Sat 13 Dec
- Various times
- More info
Christmas Sing-Along
Celebrate the festive season with the Wilberfoss Amateur Theatre Society at our joyful Christmas sing-along! Join us for an evening of cheerful tunes, fun for all the family. Free entry – cash donations for refreshments are welcome.
- Wilberfoss Community Centre, Main St, Wilberfoss, York YO41 5NN
- Sun 14 Dec
- 5-6:30pm
- More info
A Christmas Carol
Ring in the Christmas season with this exquisite performance of the Dickens’ festive classic, brought to life in vivid detail by Mat Jones. Mat’s one-man retelling, has been delighting audiences every December, ushering in the Christmas season with warmth and joy. Join us for this classic tale of Victorian Christmas and the redemption of London’s most memorable miser, as we follow Scrooge through his encounters with the spirits of Christmas.
- Friargate Theatre, York, YO1 9SL
- Thu 11 – Sat 13 Dec
- 7:30pm (4pm Sat matinee)
- More info
York’s Annual Community Carol Concert
It just wouldn’t be Christmas without York’s Annual Community Carol Concert returning to York Barbican for yet another seasonal feast of your favourite Christmas carols and songs. Join Shepherd Brass Band, St Paul’s CE Primary School Choir, All Saints RC School Choir and Amber Ford with a special guest appearance of Ken Humphreys for an afternoon of Christmas cheer. Carol Concert regular, the popular Steve Cassidy, will be singing along with the ensemble, whilst the community singing will be led by Musical Director Mike Pratt. The event will be hosted by Rev Andrew Foster and Adam Tomlinson.
- York Barbican, Paragon St, York, YO10 4AH
- Sun 14 Dec
- 2pm
- More info
Fairytale at York Minster: Christmas Hits by Candlelight
In the stunning candlelit setting of York Minster, the mesmerising voice of Alistair Griffin and the elegant Ebor Quartet bring you all the Christmas classics. You’ll hear Fairytale of New York, Last Christmas, Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree and more, reimagined alongside the stirring beauty of O Holy Night and the magical Home Alone theme.
- York Minster, Deangate, York, YO1 7HH
- Wed 17 Dec
- 7:30pm
- More info
Staynor Hall Community Centre Christmas Market
Staynor Hall Community Centre’s 2nd Christmas Fair! It’s beginning to look a lot like… shopping! Come along and browse some brilliant stalls, enjoy festive music, and tuck into seasonal treats in Woodies. From unique handmade gifts to last-minute Christmas saviours, we’ve got you covered (no judgement if it’s for yourself).
- Staynor Hall Community Centre, Selby YO8 8GE
- Sat 13 Dec
- 12-5pm
- More info
York Vegan Christmas Festival 2025
Yorkshire’s biggest Vegan extravaganza is coming to York! The York Vegan Christmas Festival will feature over 50 stalls, with world food caterers, cakes, dairy and meat alternatives, clothing, juice and smoothies, healthy treats and more.
- York Railway Institute, 24 Queen Street, York YO24 1AD
- Sun 14 Dec
- 10:30am – 4:30pm
- More info
Sheriff Hutton Christmas Market
We are celebrating out last community market of the year with our special Christmas version on Sunday, 14th December at Sheriff Hutton Village Hall. Our market raises money for local groups. We have music from Easingwold Town Band and mulled wine and spiced cider available and our popular market café serving tasty butties, homemade cakes and plenty of tea and coffee. We have over 50 stalls so plenty of choice for Christmas shopping and treats for yourself. Discover a vibrant mix of fresh produce, artisan foods, handmade treats and locally crafted drinks. We also have a range of stunning art, crafts, skincare products, cards, clothing, books, pet products, plants and interiors.
- Sheriff Hutton Village Hall, YO60 6RA
- Sun 14 Dec
- 10:30am – 1:30pm
- More info
Bongo’s Bingo’s Christmas Cracker
Be transported back to the time where coloured tree lights and flammable tinsel rained supreme. Prepare yourself for the ultimate nostalgic Christmas experience – all the best Christmas tunes, dodgy Santa Clauses and foil cracker hats. It’ll almost be like you’re back in your gran’s living room, except you’re shouting d*ckhead at strangers, voting on dance offs and raving at a bingo show.
- York Barbican, Paragon St, York, YO10 4AH
- Fri 12 Dec
- 9pm
- More info
Chanticleer Candlelit Carols
For many, the popular Chanticleer Singers carol concerts mark the beginning of the Christmas season. This wonderfully atmospheric candlelit carol concert will feature traditional carols and Christmas music, including arrangements by modern composers such as Ola Gjeilo, Bob Chilcott, Ann Burgess, Andrew Carter and others. The concert will also include uplifting Christmas readings and audiences will have the chance to join the choir in singing well-loved carols. Drinks and mince pies will be available during the interval.
- St Michael’s Church, Market Place, Malton, YO17 7LX
- Fri 12 Dec
- 7:30pm
- More info
Chanticleer Christmas Carols
For many, the popular Chanticleer Singers carol concerts mark the beginning of the Christmas season. This wonderfully festive concert will feature traditional carols and Christmas music, including arrangements by modern composers such as Ola Gjeilo, Bob Chilcott, Ann Burgess, Andrew Carter and others. The concert will also include uplifting Christmas readings and audiences will have the chance to join the choir in singing well-loved carols. Drinks and mince pies will be available during the interval.
- St Peter’s & St Paul’s Church, Hall Garth, Pickering, YO18 7AW
- Sat 13 Dec
- 4pm
- More info
Big Christmas Concert 2025
Step into Christmas with York’s biggest festive musical spectacular the Big Christmas Concert. You’ll be greeted by a brass band, then taken on a journey through the Christmas classics. From soul stirring acoustic versions of your favourite carols to the old Christmas bangers from the Pogues and Slade. Treat yourself to a mulled wine, sing along, and embrace the magical fairytale ambiance of old York. As always there’ll be a Christmas game or two and festive jumpers and Christmas attire is optional but encouraged. With a fabulous PRIZE for the most outstanding costume!
- Q Church, 9 Priory Street, York YO1 6ET
- Fri 12 & Sat 13 Dec
- 7:45pm
- More info
Jingle All The Way
Reindeer siblings Rex and Rosie aren’t keen on starting a new school just before Christmas, especially when that school is the East Riding Reindeer Academy, home of some of the best athletes in the country!
And whilst Rosie fits in pretty quickly, Rex is struggling to make friends and find where he belongs. But a school-wide competition might just change all of that, Santa has a free position on his sleigh-squad, and he is looking for the fastest reindeer in the school in time for Christmas Eve, could this be Rex’s big chance?
Full of classic Christmas tunes and original songs, humour, local references and a whole load of festive fun, don’t miss this brand new show this winter!
- Pocklington Arts Centre, Market Place, Pocklington, York YO42 2AR
- Thu 11 – Tue 23 Dec
- Multiple times
- More info
Belfrey Carol Service
On Sunday 14th December we’ll be at York Minster at 7.30pm for our much-loved annual Carol Service. With both classic carols and contemporary music, a warm welcome to all and the sharing of the gospel message, it’ll be a wonderful, joyful evening.
- York Minster, Deangate, York, YO1 7HH
- Sun 14 Dec
- 7:30pm
- More info
When Robins Appear. A Festive Show
When Robins Appear is a heart-warming, high-energy show packed with catchy songs, an enchanting design and plenty of audience interaction – it’s a festive celebration that gently explores big feelings around change, friendship and what really makes unforgettable moments!
Co-created with children and young people from across our community – including young carers, those in care, youth theatres, and disability and mental health support services – this show is as inclusive and meaningful as it is magical. Perfect for 7-11 year olds and their families.
- York Explore Library and Archive, Library Square, York, YO1 7DS
- Sat 13 – Sun 14 Dec
- 11am & 2pm
- More info
Craft Cinema Club & Market: Die Hard
Join us for a special crafting screening of Die Hard (1988), where you’re free to practice your crafts and share the cinema experience with your fellow guests. Lights will be left on throughout the show so that you can craft in comfort.
On Sunday 14th December we will be starting the screening at 11:30am and the Maker’s Market will be running during, and after, the film, until around 4pm. Perfect chance to get those last minute pressies (or make them!).
- SPARK:York, 17-21 Piccadilly, York YO1 9PB
- Sun 14 Dec
- From 11:30am
- More info
More things to do
Anything Goes
Anything Goes is Cole Porter’s iconic joyful musical. Featuring heart-warming romance, show-stopping dance routines and the most joyful, uplifting score, including the iconic ‘I Get A Kick Out of You’, ‘You’re the Top’, ‘Blow, Gabriel, Blow’ and of course, the breath-taking spectacle that is ‘Anything Goes’.
- Theatre@41, 41 Monkgate, York, YO31 7PB
- Fri 12 – Tue 30 Dec
- 7:30pm, 2:30pm weekend matinees
- More info
York Zine Fest
Absolutely freakin’ awesome and also absolutely free is the amazing York Zine Fest. Hosted within these walls for years and a huge pleasure of ours. Saturday 13th December, 11-3pm, loads of stalls and loads of very cool stuff!
- The Crescent York, 8 The Crescent, York, YO24 1AW
- Sat 13 Dec
- 11am – 3pm
- More info
Cock Sparrer plus Special Guests
Cock Sparrer will end 2025 with a one-of UK headline show at York Barbican on Saturday 13th December. This year will see the band promote the album worldwide, with shows in USA, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, Spain and more. The York show is the only chance to see the band on home soil this year at their own headline show.
Cock Sparrer are a band that have had their career in reverse. They’re the biggest punk band most people have never heard of – and are more popular now than at any time in their career or at the ‘height’ of punk.
- York Barbican, Paragon St, York, YO10 4AH
- Sat 13 Dec
- 7pm
- More info
