Things to do in winter: York UK guide

From cobblestone streets to sparkling Christmas lights and classic historic architecture, York is the perfect winter staycation in the UK. It can also be easily travelled to on a Grand Central train.

This guide will feature local experiences and things to do in York to help you beat the winter blues and start feeling festive and cosy. 

1. Wander through the Shambles in York

Probably York's most famous street, the Shambles turns even more magical when winter comes.

Paved with a narrow medieval cobblestone street with overhanging, timber-framed buildings and glittering Christmas lights, this inviting space is suitable for either a relaxing walk around or a busy day of Christmas shopping.

Get some inspiration for your Christmas shopping spree here.

The Shambles market

The Shambles Market, operating throughout the year, is especially festive during December, when its stalls serve up unique gifts, locally made produce, and hot seasonal treats.

If they’re a fan of trains, why not explore our train-inspired Christmas gift guide?

Harry Potter store

For Harry Potter aficionados, this street boasts that it was the inspiration for Diagon Alley, and if you’re looking for a magic souvenir, make sure to pop into The Shop That Must Not Be Named!

2. York's Christmas markets

York is famous for its Christmas markets and the St. Nicholas Fair is often thought of as one of the best in the UK. Set against the picturesque backdrop of medieval architecture, the fair fills the air with festive cheer. Check out our blog on the best Christmas markets to visit this year.

Find out more about other great Christmas markets to explore this festive season.

St Nicholas Fair in York

Browse the wooden chalets filled with handicrafts, local foods, and warming drinks like mulled wines and hot ciders. It is perfect for choosing unique gifts, trying delicacies from Yorkshire, and getting into the mood for Christmas.

York Kings Square & Parliament Street

Adding to York’s charm are Kings Square and Parliament Street, where the stalls stretch out, selling everything from jewellery to cosy winter scarves. 

3. Go ice skating in York

If something more active appeals to you, head to Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland and have a skate on the North of England’s largest outdoor ice rink, with 975 square metres of real ice and a show-stopping 30 foot-high Haribo Christmas tree at its centre. If you'd rather relax and watch all the action, head The Chalet, a cosy rink-side café. 

4. Winter at York Minster

No winter visit to York would be complete without a trip to York Minster, one of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in Europe. 

Christmas activities at York Minster

At this time of the year, York Minster is nicely decorated and you can either take part in one of their Christmas Eve Services or Carols at a Candlelight concerts, both offering serene and breath-taking settings.

The Great East Window, England's largest medieval stained glass, takes on an ethereal glow during winter months when light filters through it softly.

5. Winter walks along York City Walls

The York City Walls are some of the longest medieval walls in England, and during winter months, they boast some of the best views available across the city.

Wondering where to get started when it comes to walking the York city walls? Here is our York City Wall sightseeing article.

York Minster and Clifford's Tower views

A crisp, cold walk along the walls shows a different perspective of the historical treasures such as York Minster and Clifford's Tower, and if it snows, the scenes become even more dramatic as the historic city becomes a blanket of white frost.

6. Experiencing the York Christmas Festival at the York Railway Museum

The National Railway Museum is one of those places to see in York, but during winter, it gets even more interesting because of its Christmas-themed events. 

York North Pole Express train

This year, come and celebrate a festive railway experience at the museum, where families can visit the North Pole Express which serves as a magical Christmas experience.

7. Cosy Up with hot chocolate at York's Best Cafés

York is by no means short of cosy cafes and tearooms. Drop in for afternoon tea at the fireplace in Betty's Tea Room, a York institution. Or, if you have a bit more of a sweet tooth, head to Chocolatl on Gillygate, a local favourite where you're greeted with rich cakes and hot chocolate.

Many of the cafés also offer seasonal options, such as gingerbread lattes and mulled wine, so you won't be at a loss for places to indulge in while you warm up.

8. Take a festive river cruise along the River Ouse in York

A Winter cruise along the River Ouse is one of the most relaxing ways of viewing the city during its colder months.

Often tranquil in winter, the Ouse presents a picture-postcard view of York's historic architecture, illuminated with Clifford's Tower and the York Minster.

On some of them, there is mulled wine, mince pies, and Christmas songs, providing the best ending to a day of wandering about.

9. Catch a Christmas concert or pantomime at the York Theatre Royal

If you’re in York during the festive month, you really shouldn't miss the festive shows at York Theatre Royal.

Winter theatre show

It is famous for excellent pantomimes and fun, family-friendly entertainment throughout the holiday season, including shows such as Cinderella and Aladdin. This place will remind you of warm and jolly old times and will be a good way to fill your life with joy and laughter during the Winter season.

Here are some of our pantomime favourites.

10. Take in York's winter lights

York sparkles during winter, thanks to the city's beautiful light displays.

Take a stroll through historic streets and watch as York is illuminated by thousands of twinkling lights - from the twinkling lights across St. Helen's Square to the beautiful Christmas tree on Parliament Street. 

Winter wonderland in York

York offers something unique and celebratory during the winter months, full of medieval charm, historic attractions, and cosy festive cheer.

From browsing Christmas markets to sipping mulled wine in front of a roaring fire, this picture-postcard city has it all. Book your train tickets now to start planning your winter staycation in York.