Festive activities to do in York this Christmas during your winter staycation

There’s no better place to spend Christmas than in the beautiful city of York. With so many festive activities to do and so many magical things to see that will get you into the spirit of Christmas, there is no doubt that you’ll leave your visit well full of cheer.

Take a look at our luxury hotel’s top recommendations for Christmas activities in York.

York Christmas Market

You can’t visit York during Christmas time without strolling through the Christmas market. Soak up the festive atmosphere with charming wooden huts offering handmade souvenirs while enjoying all of the delicious seasonal food and drink.

York Christmas market is said to be one of the best in the country, so you won’t want to miss a trip to Yorkshire’s greatest winter wonderland!

Watch the Pantomime 

You can’t miss out on this British Christmas tradition. Get ready for the return of panto season at York Theatre Royal, it’s fun for all ages so be sure to get stuck in!

 

It’s the perfect addition to any festive agenda in York. Importantly, however, make sure you book your tickets quickly though, it’s sure to be a sell-out. What a wonderful festive activity!

Christmas walking tour

Furthermore, you can fit in a bit of sightseeing, history and Christmas magic with the York Christmas Walking Tour. It’s said to be Britain’s original Christmas city, so there’s plenty of fascinating festive history to discover!

This winter is certainly a fabulous occasion to get your cosy Christmas jumper on and join Blue Badge Tourist Guide Sarah Cowling for a magical stroll back in time. You may even get a cheeky mulled wine thrown into the mix too!

Wander through the city and see the Christmas lights

Moreover, feel the magic as you wander through the city. York has an impressive array of light installations during the festive period. It’s a wonderful setting for an evening walk wherever you are in the city.

You can see all of the memorable sights of York like York Minster and Clifford’s Tower beautifully lit up, as well as specially placed decorations to celebrate Christmas in style.

Make chocolates at York Chocolate Story

Christmas isn’t complete without chocolate! What better place to craft some delicious sweet treats than at the York Chocolate Story? 

There are plenty of different activities to enjoy during the season. Not only are there all the aforementioned seasonal activities on offer, but there are plenty of workshops on offer at the York Chocolate Story. These festive workshops are especially perfect for families as you can partake in activities such as enjoying chocolates with Santa. On the other hand, for adults only, Christmas truffle making is available and during this, you can sip some boozy hot chocolates.

 

So feast your eyes upon festive sweetness – it’s the only way to celebrate!

 

Need a place to stay for your winter staycation? Book your luxury stay with us here.

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Food & Drink in York

Sip on local gin, craft ales, familiar favourites, and creative cocktails at No.88 Walmgate. Pair with one of our delicious Rustic Pizzas.

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Our Neighbourhood

The Shambles

This historic street in the centre of York is a must-see. Step back in time as you wander through the narrow winding cobbled walkways.

York Minster

Marvel at one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals. Take in the full Gothic glory of the building and admire the spectacular architecture.

Clifford’s Tower

Climb the stairs of Clifford’s Tower and experience stunning views over the ancient city of York. Discover York’s fascinating past in this stunning piece of history.

We proudly stand in the historic neighbourhood of Walmgate, just a short walk from all the city has to offer.

At one point Walmgate had 20 pubs on the street, today it is a cool mix of independent restaurants, bars and shops and continues to Fossgate – which boasts even more independent shops, delis, bars and restaurants. Walmgate Bar proudly stands at the end of the road. It is the only existing bar in York with a Barbican and forms part of the York City Walls walk.

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As a Yorkshireman, York is one of my favourite places to visit and I would recommend this hotel to anyone wanting to visit York as it will add to your overall experience. I visit many hotels in the UK and Europe during the course of my job and I can not remember feeling so pleased with my choice of hotel.

Matt, Leeds

Lovely room with an excellent bathroom and a very well stocked bar! Looking forward to staying here again.

Andy, United Kingdom.

Very well decorated and such comfortable beds. We’ll be back!

Angela, United Kingdom.

Breakfast was amazing! Extremely lovely decoration throughout the hotel, very classy. The staff were all really friendly.

Hannah, Leeds.

The decor in the room was amazing, old pictures of York along one wall, lampshades with all the old shops and owners in the city, crazy designed lamp and mirror. Plenty of wardrobe room, a very comfortable bed!

Janet, Bridport.

Beautiful clean rooms, very nice, helpful staff. The breakfasts were amazing with lots of choices. I would definitely stay again and would recommend Indigo York to anyone!

Jeanette, United Kingdom.

Room was lovely – nicely decorated, clean and very comfortable! The staff were extremely friendly and helpful. Great location within walking distance of the centre of York. We’ll definitely stay here again when we visit York.

John, Cumbria.

All the staff we met, from arriving to departing were very helpful, polite and efficient. Our room was serviced to a very good standard and the breakfast was very tasty!

John, Edinburgh.

My partner and I have just spent the most wonderful long weekend in this gem of a hotel. I cannot fault one single aspect of this wonderful hotel, which is bright, has a wonderfully modern decor and is spotlessly clean throughout.

Josh, Nottingham.

This hotel is a gem, comfortable, personal, with delicious food, and non-ostentatious, yet with all the amenities you could ask for.

Marjorie, United Kingdom.

The staff were consistently friendly, helpful and attentive!

Maureen, London.

I will definitely make this my go-to hotel every time I stay in the very beautiful city of York . You won’t be disappointed if you stay here, 10/10 from me – well done!

Mav, Manchester.

The hotel has everything you could want for a stay in York. The staff are friendly, helpful and polite. Would not hesitate to return!

Mick, Preston.

The best part about staying was the breakfast, there were so many choices! We really enjoyed our stay.

Nicola, Lancaster.

On arrival, we were given mini treats in our room due to my birthday. It made the 2 night stay in York most enjoyable. Would definitely stay here again and recommend!

Poppy, Letchworth.

As far as service it’s right up there, from the minute you set foot through the door the staff are brilliant, so caring, efficient and always smiling. We will be returning in February!

Tim, United Kingdom.

We have just had a super stay here celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary. The location was ideal for us only a short walk to the restaurants, bars and shops and the car park only 2 minutes walk away. The rooms are amazing very comfortable and clean. There were some complimentary nibbles in our room when we arrived which were amazing and greatly appreciated and made our stay even more special.

Tracy, United Kingdom.

York Hotel's Chocolate Story

Discover the history of chocolate, how to make it and how to taste it like an expert at the York’s Chocolate Story.

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