Update cookies preferences

What's on

December events

Events in December taking place in York include:

Come and enjoy shows such as 'The ENORMOUS Christmas Pudding' and 'When Robin's Appear'. There is also interactive storytelling in 'Santa's Dreams Festive Fun'.

Find out more about book your tickets for Christmas at Explore Libraries.

Top of page

Our dreams have come true… The 2025/26 York Theatre Royal pantomime with Evolution Productions will be the enchanting Sleeping Beauty!

Join us for this timeless tale of adventure, magic and festive family fun.

Suitable for all ages.

  • Dates: Tuesday 2 December 2025 to Sunday 4 January 2026. Plus accessible performances on certain dates in December and January including BSL, audio captioned and relaxed performance. Refer to the website for further detail.
  • Times: Various
  • Cost: Refer to the website
  • Location: York Theatre Royal, St Leonard's Place, York, YO1 7HD

For more information and to book tickets visit the York Theatre Royal - Sleeping Beauty page.

Top of page

Free Christmas parties at our Family Hubs.

There will be free mince pies, refreshments, festive crafts and presents from Santa!

No need to book, just come along on the day. The event is aimed at under 5s, however, all families are welcome.

  • Dates, times and locations:
    • Wednesday 3 December at Hob Moor Family Hub, YO24 4RF, 10.00am to 11.30am
    • Tuesday 9 December at The Avenues Family Hub, YO31 0UT, 10.00am to 11.30am
    • Wednesday 17 December at SEND Central, Clifton Family Hub, YO30 6JA, 10.00am to 11.30am

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact York Family Information Service on telephone: 01904 554444 or email: [email protected]

We look forward to seeing you there!

Top of page

Christmas at York Minster

Family events and things to do this December in York Minster.

The Nutcracker in York

Enjoy a festive treat for all the family with a magical performance of The Nutcracker in York Minster’s spectacular Nave. The perfect introduction to classical music.

Children over the age of 2 need their own seat. The performance is recommended for ages 7 and above.

  • Date: Saturday 6 December 2025
  • Time: 7.00pm
  • Cost: between £7 and £30
  • Location: York Minster

For more information and to book tickets visit the York Minster - The Nutcracker webpage.

York Minster Crib Service

Hear the Christmas story in a fun and accessible service for families with carols, musical accompaniment, and blessing of the crib.

Children are encouraged to dress up as characters from the Nativity and there will be a chance to see the crib.

The service is free to attend and no tickets are required.

Doors will open at 10.30am.

For more information and to book visit the York Minster - Crib service webpage.

Top of page

Visit Santa, live entertainment, decorate a tree, community carols, craft fair, raffle and tombola. Christmas lights switch on at 4.00pm!

  • Dates: Saturday 6 December
  • Times: Midday to 4.00pm
  • Location: 108 Boroughbridge Road, York, YO26 6AB

Top of page

Get ready for a magical weekend of festive fun!

Meet Santa and his super excited elves. Enjoy crafts - included in your ticket! Receive a special gift from Santa. Explore the local Christmas market – free entry!

Don’t miss out on this festive family day - it’s going to be snow much fun!

  • Dates: Saturday 6 December and Sunday 7 December
  • Cost: £7.50 per child, includes crafts and gift - free entry to the Christmas market
  • Location: Rawcliffe Recreation Hall

Book your tickets for Santa's Grotto and Christmas Market.

If you have any questions contact us on email: [email protected].

Top of page

There will be lots to see, games to play, a raffle and tombola, and lots to buy from our local businesses who are supporting us this year with an array of lots of lovely gifts and products to buy, for those last minute Christmas presents.

After your shopping, stop by for a hot or cold drink with one of our selections of yummy treats available.

Santa will be also be available in his grotto to visit, so come along and meet him and his cheeky elves and say hello.

  • Dates: Sunday 7 December
  • Times: 10.00am to 3.00pm
  • Cost: £5, under 1s are free, and a gift is included
  • Location: Burnholme Sports Centre, York

There is parking both at the Burnholme Sports Centre and at Applefields School, 140 Bad Bargain Lane, Tanghall, YO31 0PE, where the gate will be closed at 4.15pm.

Top of page

No need to book, just turn up!

  • Dates: Saturday 6 December, Sunday 7 December, Saturday 13 December, Sunday 14 December
  • Times: 2.00pm to 4.00pm
  • Cost: £7 per child, including a gift
  • Location: Holgate Windmill, Windmill Rise, Holgate, York YO26 4TX

Top of page

The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan

Held at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre. Performed by the Rowntree Players. Silly jokes, sillier slapstick, song and dance are the order of the day with the obligatory song sheet and lots of audience participation!

  • Dates: Saturday 6 December to Sunday 7 December 2025 and Tuesday 9 December 2025 to Saturday 13 December 2025
  • Times: Various
  • Cost: £20.00 to £22.00
  • Location: The Joseph Rowntree Theatre, Haxby Road, York, YO31 8TA

For more information and to book visit the Joseph Rowntree Theatre - The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan webpage.

Top of page

York’s most magical festive tradition is back - and it’s bigger, bolder and more star-studded than ever.

Cinderella at the Grand Opera House York is set to be the city’s biggest Christmas show, boasting dazzling casting, glittering production values and a laugh-a-minute script.

Suitable for ages 3 and above. Please note: there is no interval.

  • Dates: Saturday 6 December to Sunday 4 January, plus a relaxed performance on Friday 2 January
  • Location: The Grand Opera House, Cumberland Street, York YO1 9SW

Book tickets and find more information on the Grand Opera House – Cinderella webpage.

Top of page

Enjoy festive stalls and mulled wine while the kids see Santa.

  • Date and time: Saturday 6 December 2025 between 1.00pm and 4.00pm
  • Location: Naburn Village Hall
  • Cost: free entry including stalls, tombola, mulled wine and festive games. The Santa Grotto is £5 including gift

Top of page

York Opera Chorus and soloists presents Carols at Christmas featuring Saint-Saens Christmas Oratorio.

  • Dates: St Mary’s Church, Haxby on Friday 12 December, Unitarian Chapel, St Saviour gate, York on Saturday 13 December
  • Times: 7.30pm
  • Cost: £12 for adults, £5 for children and anyone in full time education

Tickets available from yorkopera.co.uk, or on the door.

Top of page

We’re bringing the warmth of the islands to New Earswick this December, with a special family film afternoon full of fun, festive magic, and a little mischief!

Get ready for a heart-warming family film that celebrates love, laughter, and togetherness. With a special character visit at the start and a visit from Santa afterwards!

Get your tickets by visiting Folk Hall reception, or book Family Film Afternoon tickets online.

  • Date: Saturday 13 December 2025
  • Times: 12.30pm doors open, 1.00pm film starts
  • Cost: £2.50, food included in ticket price
  • Location: New Earswick Folk Hall, Hawthorn Terrace, YO32 4AQ

Top of page

It's time to don your Christmas jumpers and Santa hats for an afternoon of family festive fun. Join Shepherd Brass Band, St Paul's CE Primary School Choir, All Saints RC School Choir and Amber Ford with a special guest appearance of Ken Humphreys for an afternoon of Christmas cheer.

  • Date: Sunday 14 December 2025
  • Time: 2.00pm
  • Cost: Various
  • Location: York Barbican, Paragon Street, York, YO10 4AH

Please note: under 14s must be accompanied by an adult.

More information and to book visit the York Barbican - York's Annual Community Carol Concert webpage.

Top of page

Free family food hamper, snacks, free toy tombola, music workshop, badge making, arts and crafts. No need to book, just turn up on the day. All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

  • Date and time: Wednesday 17 December 2025, 3.30pm to 5.00pm
  • Location: Clifton Community Hall, Evelyn Crescen

Top of page

Blue arrow pointing upwards