What's on in York this Christmas and New Year 2026
The best things to do in York this Christmas and New Year for a grown-up break, from the Christmas Market and skating in Museum Gardens to carols at York Minster, concerts and New Year's Eve parties. Every listing links to the organiser or Visit York, so always check the official page before you book.
Last updated:
Christmas markets and fairs
York Christmas Market
Thu 12 November to Mon 21 December 2026
Chalets on Parliament Street and St Sampson's Square, organised by Make It York. Open Wednesday to Monday, 10.30am to 7pm, and closed every Tuesday for a weekly rest day. The final day, Monday 21 December, closes at 5pm.
Living North Christmas Fair Yorkshire
Thu 19 to Sun 22 November 2026
More than 200 stands of gifts, food, fashion and decorations at York Racecourse. Open 10am to 4pm, and until 5pm on Saturday.
Ice skating
THOR'S on ICE at York Museum Gardens
Fri 13 November 2026 to Sun 3 January 2027
A new covered outdoor ice rink behind York Art Gallery, in the heart of the city. Sessions can be booked online.
York Minster
York Minster Christmas Tree Festival
Sat 28 November 2026 to Tue 5 January 2027
100 themed trees in the Nave, North Transept, Chapter House and Lady Chapel, free with a sightseeing ticket. It opens at 10am on Saturday 28 November. The trees may feature flashing lights.
Christmas Carol Concerts at York Minster
Thu 3 and Fri 4 December 2026, 7pm
The Choir of York Minster sings traditional Christmas music in the Nave, with readings from York-born actor Ian Kelsey. Tickets £15 to £40.
Christmas concerts
York Barbican is on Paragon Street, just inside the city walls, a walk from the apartment.
Tony Hadley: The Christmas Big Band Tour
Sat 21 November 2026, 7.45pm
Swing and crooner classics at York Barbican.
York Early Music Christmas Festival
Fri 4 to Sun 13 December 2026
The National Centre for Early Music's Christmas festival, with performers including the Yorkshire Bach Choir, Spiritato, and Ex Corde with The York Waits.
Kate Rusby at Christmas
Thu 10 December 2026, 7pm
Kate Rusby's annual Christmas concert of carols and originals at York Barbican.
The Big Christmas Sing-A-Long with Aled Jones and Alexander Armstrong
Fri 11 December 2026, doors 7pm
Carols and festive favourites to sing along to at York Barbican.
Love Actually Live in Concert
Sat 12 December 2026, 7.30pm
The film on the big screen with a full live orchestra at York Barbican.
The Bootleg Beatles In Concert
Mon 14 December 2026, 7.30pm
Beatles live performances recreated with an orchestra at York Barbican.
Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra
Wed 16 December 2026, 7.30pm
With special guest Roachford, at York Barbican.
The Unthanks in Winter
Fri 18 December 2026, 8pm
Seasonal songs old and new at York Barbican.
Step Into Christmas
Sun 20 December 2026, 7.30pm
Festive classics with a live band at York Barbican.
Snooker and cycling
UK Championship snooker at York Barbican
Sat 28 November to Sun 6 December 2026
One of snooker's three Triple Crown events, with sessions at 1pm and 7pm.
Festive Sportive York (cycling)
Sun 20 December 2026, 10am start
A Christmas cycling sportive of about 84km on lanes north east of York, past Castle Howard and into the Howardian Hills, from York Auction Centre (YO19 5GF). Costumes are optional. Entries close the Sunday a week before, with no entries on the day.
New Year's Eve in York
Thursday 31 December 2026. These events are ticketed, so book ahead.
York's New Year's Eve Ball at Merchant Adventurers' Hall
Thu 31 December 2026, 7pm to 1am
A black tie party in the medieval guild hall, with a three-course dinner in the Great Hall, a live band and a countdown to midnight.
Peachey's New Year's Eve at The Milner York
Thu 31 December 2026, from 8pm
Prosecco on arrival, a four-course dinner and live acoustic music, with a midnight toast. £99 per person.
New Year's Eve House Party at Middlethorpe Hall
Thu 31 December 2026 to Fri 1 January 2027
A black tie gala dinner, a jazz band and a firework display (weather permitting) at the hotel on Bishopthorpe Road. This is a hotel package.
Good to know
- Christmas Day is Friday 25 December 2026. The Boxing Day bank holiday moves to Monday 28 December, and New Year's Day is Friday 1 January 2027 (GOV.UK).
- THOR'S on ICE carries on until Sunday 3 January 2027, and the Minster's Christmas Tree Festival until Tuesday 5 January, so there is still plenty on between Christmas and New Year.
- On Christmas Market days there are restrictions on vehicles in the city centre footstreets. The apartment is inside the walls with secure dedicated parking, so you can park once and walk.
Sources: GOV.UK: UK bank holidays; Make It York: York Christmas Market 2026 dates announced (footstreet vehicle restrictions)
Stay within the walls this Christmas.
A 1 bedroom apartment for 2 inside York's city walls, near Micklegate and the station, with secure dedicated parking. Tell us your dates and we will come back to you with availability and a direct price, or email info@withinthewallsyork.com. For more dates through 2027, see what's on in York.
Book direct