It’s that time of year again: the nights are getting darker, advent calendars are on the shelves and shops and businesses are starting to trim their windows. If you can’t wait to feel the festive cheer, take a look at these Christmas events happening in and around York.

Christmas Wreath Making Workshop at SPARK*

A fresh wreath is the perfect way to add some festive flair to your front door, and it’s even more special if you’ve made yourself. This Christmas, SPARK* is hosting two wreath making workshops with local florist Blossom & Wild Florals. These are suitable for complete beginners, although seasoned crafters are sure to have plenty of fun, too. You’ll be expertly guided through the process and can look forward to getting in the Christmas spirit with festive music, complimentary prosecco and mince pies to enjoy as you unleash your creativity. You’ll use luxurious foliage, dried fruits and berries to craft your wreath. You can then finish it with a velvet ribbon and take it home to display with pride.
30th November 6pm-8pm / 8th December 2pm-4:30pm
Tickets: £55

York Creatives Christmas Party at SPARK*

If you’re missing out on a work do this year because you’re a freelancer, remote worker or own your own business, never fear. York Creatives are throwing their very own Christmas party and everyone is invited. Meet them at SPARK* for their annual festive get together. There will be fun, games and incredible street food and drinks. You’ll also have a chance to meet and network with other like-minded people working in the creative industries, so, put on your best Christmas jumper and join the celebration!
6th December, 6pm-10pm
Tickets: £10

Alice’s Christmas Wonderland at Castle Howard

Visitors to Castle Howard are invited to tumble down the rabbit hole into an enchanting wonderland inspired by Lewis Carroll’s much-loved book. The house’s impressive interior has become an immersive psychedelic world, filled with fanciful festive surprises. Alice is planning a huge Christmas party and, as you follow the White Rabbit, things will become curiouser and curiouser. Those who wish can complete their day out with a Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea to be taken in the Grecian Hall, or seasonal cakes from the Bettys pop up in Stable Courtyard. Grown ups can also visit the secret Chess Club, which will be serving Wonderland-themed cocktails and sharing platters.
15th November-5th January
Tickets start at £10.50 (child) and £21 (adult)

Festive Wreath Making Workshop at Middlethorpe Hall

This Christmas, Middlethorpe Hall is offering a festive floristry workshop with a tasty twist. On the 3rd December, you can learn how to make your own wreath before indulging in a delicious three-course luncheon with wine and mince pies. Upon your arrival at the hotel, you’ll be greeted with coffee and biscuits. Margot Gill will then show you how to create your wreath using the included materials. Once your masterpiece is complete, a glass of bubbly will be waiting for you to celebrate with ahead of lunch. To make the occasion even more special, you can even stay over afterwards, taking advantage of the Middlethorpe Hall’s Special Event Rate, which includes overnight accommodation with a Yorkshire breakfast in the morning.
3rd December, 10am
Tickets: £67.15 (spa members), £79 (general admission)

Step Into Christmas at York Barbican

If you love Christmas classics such as Last Christmas or Stay Another Day, York Barbican’s festive spectacular is a must. This feel-good, family-friendly show brings the magic of the season to life with all of the songs that you know and love, including All I Want for Christmas Is You, Jingle Bell Rock, Do They Know It’s Christmas, Let it Snow, White Christmas, A Winter’s Tale, Merry Xmas Everybody and many, many more. These are performed by an amazing cast of singers, dancers and speciality acts, so Step Into Christmas and enjoy the ‘most wonderful show of the year’.
19th December, 7:30pm
Tickets range from £35-£41

York Christmas Markets

If you visit the city centre after the 14th November, you’ll find that it’s been transformed into a wintery wonderland with buzzing crowds, glowing lights and irresistible smells. In Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square, York’s award-winning Christmas market has returned with a village of alpine chalet stalls selling everything from crafts and artisan products to street food and mulled hot drinks. There are 75 stalls in total and around 80% belong to Yorkshire-based traders, so you can support local businesses while picking up unique gifts. There will be live music each weekend and a vintage carousel in King’s Square will bring some family fun to the festivities.
November 14th-December 22nd, open daily from 10am-7pm
Free entry

Carols by Candlelight at York Minster

Carols are the traditional soundtrack to Christmas and at York Minster you can experience them in a magnificent historic setting, performed by one of the North of England’s finest chamber choirs. Held in the candlelit Nave, the Minster’s popular carol concert has been taking place annually since 1965. This year’s performance will feature a Christmassy mix of old and new choral pieces, which will be sung by The Chapter House Choir and Youth Choir. There will also be music from the handbell ringers to get you in the mood to celebrate this joyful time of year.
20th December, 7:30pm
Tickets range from £7.50 – £20

Images- @yorkminsterofficial, https://www.sparkyork.org/events/christmas-wreath-making-workshop, https://www.makeityork.com/markets/york-christmas-market/