In search of a Christmas day out in York? There are some lovely festive events for families, in the city and beyond. Whether you’d like to meet the big man himself or would just like a winter day out with a touch of festive sparkle, here’s our selection.
Buy your real Christmas tree from the Courtyard at Dalby Forest this year for a wonderful experience and the highest quality, sustainably-grown British Christmas trees. The expert staff can help you choose between Nordmann fir, or Norway spruce, in a variety of different sizes. Prices start at £16 and you receive a free sapling with
Dalby Forest, Low Dalby, Pickering YO18 7LT
From 30th November 2018, Friday and Saturday 10am to 6pm, Sunday 10am to 4pm
This Christmas, why not visit Fountains Abbey to enjoy the new wooden sculpture trail? Local artist Shane Green has used a chainsaw to create sculptures inspired by the nativity story. Don’t miss the chance to see the abbey aglow in a rainbow of colours and listen to the choir sing. While you’re there, why not
Fountains Abbey, Fountains, Ripon HG4 3DY
Throughout December - visit the website for details
There’s something about Fairfax House that children love, and it’s at its most stunning during the festive season. Visit between 12th November and 30th December and marvel at how the Georgians did Christmas, from the incredible table decorations to the stunning Twelfth Night Cake.
Fairfax House, Castlegate, York YO1 9RN
Tuesday 13th November 2018 to Sunday 30th December 2018
Discover more about Christmas during the middle ages at York’s hidden gem. You’ll find out how charms, potions and magic were used and see how the house is transformed for the festive season. There’ll be Christmas crafting too (small extra charge applies.
2 Coffee Yard, York, YO1 8AR
17th November 2018 to 5th January 2019
Included in admission
Journey back in time to see how Christmas celebrations and decorations have evolved over the centuries at Nunnington. Each weekend from Saturday 1 December, there’ll be an extra special visitor and his elves coming to stay. Children will visit the Elf workshop before meeting Father Christmas in his grotto to receive a gift. £7.50 per
Nunnington Hall, Nunnington, York
Saturday 17 November – Sunday 16 December (weekends only; Father Christmas December weekends only)
A Little Vikings Award-winning Christmas experience, there are lots of reasons to take your family to the Castle Museum. As well as discovering how the Victorians celebrated the festive season and getting involved in some crafting activities, there’s a lovely Father Christmas experience. New for this year, enjoy some extra sparkle with a twilight visit
York Castle Museum, York YO1 9RY
17th November to 24th December 2018 (Visit the website for Father Christmas dates and times)
Enjoy a magical Twelve Days of Christmas Walk through the Captains Wood, make the turtle doves fly and be on of the drummers drumming. Visit Santa in the North Pole if you like (extra charge) and meet the elves helping in the workshop. You can even join the elves making craft activities (small charge may
Lotherton Hall, Off Collier Lane, Aberford, Leeds LS25 3EB
23rd November to 23rd December 2018
From £21 per family (Christmas Experience only); from £7 adult and £10.95 child for Santa at the North Pole
The chance to ice skate in York comes but once a year, so take advantage while you can! Head to York Designer Outlet for The Ice Factor, where you can skate around the enormous Christmas tree and warm up in the lovely cafe afterwards. There’s a funfair and Santa’s grotto too, and you’re right on
17th November 2018 to 6th January 2019