York Other Christmas Activities 2026

Step into a magical Victorian Christmas at Castle Howard, where Charles Dickens' beloved novels are brought to life. This immersive experience features projections, soundscapes, and theatrical surprises, allowing visitors to encounter characters like Ebenezer Scrooge. It's a nostalgic celebration of...

Experience the magic of Advent and Christmas at York Minster, a truly special time of year. This season features beloved traditions like the annual Christmas Tree Festival, alongside special services such as Nine Lessons and Carols and Sankta Lucia. Families...

A free, 45-minute Minster Mash-Up event at York Minster marks the start of Advent with the switch-on for the York Minster Christmas Tree Festival. The event is suitable for families and attendees can join at any time.

Experience the magic of Christmas at York Minster's Crib Service on December 24th. This family-friendly event brings the Christmas story to life with carols, music, and a special blessing of the crib. Children are encouraged to come dressed as their...

York Minster's Christmas Tree Festival displays over 100 decorated trees by local businesses, schools, and charities throughout the cathedral. Prayer trees are available for messages.

The Choir of York Minster performs Johann Sebastian Bach's Cantata 140, 'Sleepers, wake,' during a special Evensong service for the Sunday next before Advent at York Minster. Entry is free.

York's Annual Community Carol Concert, in its 68th year, takes place at York Barbican. Local school choirs and the York RI Golden Rail Band perform carols, supporting The Lord Mayor and Sheriff of York’s Christmas Cheer Fund and Age UK...

Castle Howard hosts a two-hour wreath-making workshop using natural materials. Tea and coffee are provided.

Santa's Grotto at Castle Howard provides children a one-to-one visit with Santa and a Jellycat toy.

A full-day watercolour workshop at Castle Howard's Arboretum guides participants in creating Christmas cards with tutor Ione Harrison. All materials and lunch are provided.

A guided painting session for creating Christmas decor or gifts is offered, with step-by-step instruction from artist Joyce Buzeman. Following the session, a festive afternoon tea is provided. The event is for individuals, groups, or families.

Step into a magical winter wonderland at Harewood's Elf Village Father Christmas Experience. Families will be welcomed by cheerful elves for festive songs and a sing-along before embarking on a journey through Santa School. Create keepsakes, post wishes to the...

Get ready for the Castleford Light Switch-On! Explore a festive market for early Christmas shopping, enjoy delicious street food, and soak up the cheerful community atmosphere. Kids will love the funfair rides and a giant snowglobe. Don't miss the official...

Get into the festive spirit at the Pontefract Light Switch-On! This free, family-friendly event features a bustling market perfect for kicking off Christmas shopping, exciting funfair rides, and captivating performances from local talent. Don't miss the magical moment the town...

Step into a world of enchantment at Mother Shipton's Magical Christmas Experience. Meet Santa in his cozy grotto, receive a special gift, and send wishes via owl post. Explore the Christmas Village, enjoy festive tales, and discover natural wonders. Warm...

Experience the magic of the Knaresborough Christmas Tree Festival, where over 70 uniquely decorated trees fill the stunning St. John's Church. This beloved event offers free admission, with opportunities to support local charities through donations and programme purchases. Enjoy festive...

Experience the magic of Christmas at William's Den! This popular holiday event promises festive fun and enchanting activities for the whole family. Details for the 2026 season are eagerly anticipated, so check back soon for updates on this beloved winter...

Experience Yorkshire's premier Santa experience at Stockeld Park's magical Grotto. Journey through an enchanting North Pole village, meet Santa's elves, and travel via an enchanted elevator to meet Father Christmas himself. Create cherished family memories with a photo and a...

Learn to craft a Christmas wreath in a cozy, friendly setting. This workshop guides participants step-by-step through creating a natural foliage wreath with seasonal decorations. Mince pies and tea or coffee are included.

A Christmas crochet day for improvers is held at Yarn Etc. Participants will learn new skills and tips to enhance their crafting, creating decorations using Scheepjes materials. Mince pies and refreshments are included.

A Christmas Mystery Workshop in 2026 allows participants who can read a crochet pattern to crochet a surprise festive decoration. All materials are provided; participants should bring 3mm and 3.5mm crochet hooks. Cake will be served.

This beginner-plus workshop teaches participants to crochet Christmas baubles using stitches like granny squares, trebles, and chains. Mince pies and hot drinks are provided.

Children under 16 with a guardian can participate in Christmas-themed arts and crafts activities at Santa's Crafty Workshop.

Children up to 6 years old can enjoy outdoor fun at Winter Wonderland Woodland Play. These sessions offer sensory play in a natural woodland setting.

A 2-hour wreath making workshop at Thorpe Park Hotel & Spa, guided by Dottie's Florist, includes a hot drink or mulled wine on arrival and a festive buffet. This workshop is for adults aged 18 and over.

A Christmas wreath using foraged foliage and dried flowers can be crafted in this workshop. Participants will create a rustic decoration, with options for year-round display. Guidance and equipment are provided. Hot drinks and cake are included.

Lino Printing Christmas Cards Workshop teaches participants to carve and print their own holiday cards. Artist Megan Dobbyn leads the session, providing all materials for beginners. Sweet treats and refreshments are offered.

Harewood House presents 'Magic at the Mansion,' transforming the historic house with Studio McGuire installations where furniture talks, presents share secrets, and portraits come alive.

Festive Soap Making Workshops guide participants in crafting eight unique, handcrafted soaps. Ingredients are high-quality and free from SLS and SLES. Designs feature winter scenes, snowflakes, and candy canes with festive scents.

Pontefract Castle offers a Christmas wreath workshop using Powertex, fabric, lace, and decorative elements.

A Christmas candle painting workshop at Pontefract Castle allows participants to decorate candles with festive designs.

A fused glass Christmas wreath can be created at this workshop guided by Claire Myers from Cherry Tree Glass Studio. Participants will arrange colorful glass pieces, including gingerbread men and Christmas jumpers. No prior experience is needed, and all materials...

A lino printing workshop guides participants in creating handmade holiday cards and wrapping paper. Printmakers will teach attendees to carve designs into linoleum blocks for custom stationery. Matching wrapping paper can be printed for an additional cost. All materials are...

Leeds' festive atmosphere will be captured on a two-hour Fujifilm photo walk on December 4, 2026, with free camera loans and low-light photography instruction.

Artist Hannah of Dear Prudence Macramé leads a workshop for beginners and experienced crafters to create macramé Christmas trees and snowflakes. Participants will leave with at least three handmade decorations.

Artist Hannah Sibai guides participants in a macramé workshop to create at least three festive decorations, including stars and a wreath. This workshop is suitable for beginners and those with experience.

Artist Gemma Barnett leads a tin embossing workshop in 2026. Participants will learn hand embossing techniques to create Christmas-themed decorations like robins, owls, and holly wreaths. All materials are included for beginners, and finished pieces will be strung with ribbon.

Create personalized Christmas decorations at a hands-on workshop using colored clays and letter stamps. Suitable for all skill levels, the finished pieces are professionally fired and glazed.

A morning workshop on hand embroidery to craft a personalized Christmas table runner.

A watercolour workshop invites attendees to paint mini postcards for Christmas. An expert tutor will guide participants in creating seasonal artwork using watercolour techniques. Templates are provided, or guests can draw their own designs.

Create a stained glass hanging angel using the Tiffany copper-foil method. Participants will select colored and textured glasses to design their angel, learning to cut, shape, foil, and solder. All materials are provided.

Discover a dynamic array of events in York, from energetic club nights and live music gigs to captivating theatre performances and hilarious comedy shows. Explore unique experiences like themed quizzes and historical attractions, ensuring there's something for every taste. York's...

Experience the profound joy of Christmas Day at the historic York Minster. This free, ticketless event invites visitors to immerse themselves in the spirit of the season with special services featuring the acclaimed Choir of York Minster. Attend Choral Matins,...

Sleigh rides are offered through the Woodland Village. Activities include visiting Santa Claus in his grotto, choosing a gift from his Toy Shop, and attending the Elf Academy. Festive treats and reindeer food making are also available.

Experience the magic of Christmas as Santa Claus arrives at Wetherells in Selby. Children can book a special visit to his fabulous winter grotto, located in the newly relocated toy department. Each child receives a hand-picked gift from Santa himself,...

Bring the little ones to meet Santa Claus for a magical breakfast experience. This festive event offers a delightful start to the holiday season, filled with cheer and seasonal fun for the whole family.