Christmas 2021 visityork.org/christmas
York Castle Museum Presents
On select dates from
November 2021 – January 2022 Discover more at
yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk York Museums Trust
Pre-booking advised
Give the gift of York this Christmas with a York Pass gift voucher York Pass gives entry to York’s top attractions including JORVIK, York Minster, York Dungeon and many more favourites, plus free pasta or pizza meal at ASK Italian Ideal for family and friends Available to purchase yorkpass.com
Limited Christmas offer includes a FREE copy of A Walk through a Walled City RRP £7.99
visityork.org/christmas York is a winter wonderland at Christmas, and you’ll be greeted with the warmest of welcomes from one of the UK’s most festive cities. Experience a Christmas like no other, where the narrow snickelways and cobbled streets are resplendent with decorative lights and colour.
The sound of church bells, choirs and music fills the air. Warm your bones with a hot cocoa or mulled wine, and enjoy a sweet treat in the company of family and friends. In York, it really is the most wonderful time of the year.
Sometimes things change. Please check our website for additional information, updates and events. visityork.org
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visityork.org/christmas
Contents
Calendar St Nicholas Fair Market Map Family Festivities Shopping Festive Theatrics Eat, Drink & Be Merry Beyond York Twixmas Park & Ride Getting to York
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JORVIK Viking Centre Explore Viking-age York this Yuletide!
Forget the 12 days of Christmas, the Vikings would spend 12 days enjoying the mid-winter festival of Yule drinking mead and eating their way through a fantastic feast featuring a wild boar.
and socks to frying pans and padlocks and even a fossilised Viking poo!
So – celebrate Christmas the Norse way and take a trip to Viking-age York.
Dig deeper into the Viking story of York using the latest in cutting-edge technology located throughout the centre and the opportunity to handle real artefacts.
Travel around 10th-century York, experiencing what it was like living in the city. The sights, sounds and even the smells of the Viking Age are brought vividly back to life as you journey back 1,000 years.
Get the most out of your visit by talking to our friendly Viking hosts who have a wealth of knowledge about Norse culture. Why not ask them about Yuletide traditions or the saga of Odin delivering gifts to children on his eightlegged horse Sleipnir?
Get up-close with some of the most significant Viking-age finds in the UK from delicate earrings
Pre-book your visit to beat the queues at jorvikvikingcentre.co.uk
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jorvikvikingcentre.co.uk
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Barley Hall Enjoy a magical Christmas at Barley Hall.
Barley Hall is a picturesque medieval townhouse tucked away down one of the oldest streets in York. Once home to the Priors of Nostell and a Lord Mayor of York, Barley Hall has now been lovingly restored to its original splendour with stunning high ceilings, beautiful exposed timber frames, and possibly the only horn window in England.
Discover how magic infiltrated this festive time as our special Christmas exhibition: THE THREE KINGS at Magic & Mystery is back for a second year. The Three Kings and their gifts (gold, frankincense and myrrh) were a significant part of the Christmas story in 15th-century England, believed by medieval thinkers to invoke protection, magic and cures for disease.
This winter, explore our beautiful Great Hall and rooms decked out and ready for a medieval Christmas, with flickering candles, garlands of ivy and mistletoe and even a dove or two!
We also have three wonderfully festive events coming up this Yuletide. Discover the history of gingerbread over a glass of spiced ale with food historian Sam Bilton; tuck into a delicious festive banquet hosted by a medieval master of ceremonies or enjoy festive mead tasting with the Lancashire Mead Company.
Visitors to Barley Hall can make themselves at home, sit on the chairs and experience what it would have been like to live in medieval England. barleyhall.co.uk
For more information, opening times and prices, visit barleyhall.co.uk Promotional 07
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Winter Jungle At Spark: York From Oct into the New Year
Christmas in Narnia at Castle Howard 13 Nov – 03 Jan
St Nicholas Fair 18 Nov – 23 Dec
It’s Time to Glow at RHS Harlow Carr 18 Nov – 29 Dec
A Christmas Kirkgate Tale at York Castle Museum Selected dates Nov - Jan
The Winter Village at York Minster 18 Nov – 06 Jan
Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland 19 Nov – 09 Jan
A Season for Giving at Fairfax House 20 Nov – 09 Jan
Christmas at Treasurer's House 20 Nov - 19 Dec
Christmas at Nunnington Hall 26 Nov - 19 Dec
visityork.org/christmas
Calendar Christmas Festival at Web Adventure Park 27 Nov – 24 Dec
Alistair Griffin presents The Big Christmas Concert 03 & 10 Dec
York Early Music Christmas Festival 03 - 11 Dec
Cinderella at York Theatre Royal 03 Dec – 02 Jan
Carols by Candlelight at Holy Trinity Goodramgate 09 & 16 Dec
York Minster Christmas Carol Concerts 09 & 10 Dec
Belfrey Carol Service 12 Dec
Community Carol Concert at York Barbican 12 Dec visityork.org/christmas
York Ice Trail 05 & 06 Feb
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Christmas at Treasurer’s House 20 November – 19 December 2021 Drop in Saturday to Wednesday between 12 noon and 4pm - no booking required With twinkling lights and glittering decorations, soak up the festive atmosphere of a traditional Christmas. Created as one man’s vision to house his collection of furniture and art, explore this intriguing townhouse at your own pace during this memorable time of year. Find us just behind York Minster on Chapter House Street.
nationaltrust.org.uk/treasurershouse Registered charity. No. 205846.Image © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra
St Nicholas Fair 18 Nov – 23 Dec
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visityork.org/christmas
Stay longer and see more this Christmas... Want to extend your Christmas break and soak up more of the city’s festive magic? Go to visityork.org/stay for more inspiration.
The hugely popular St Nicholas Fair returns in 2021, a Christmas experience that will produce magical memories that you’ll never forget, and will have you returning to the city time and time again. The best way to start your Christmas is with a stroll along Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square where wintry alpine chalets run up the street and around the square. Each chalet is stocked with unique products selling everything from stocking fillers and extra special gifts, to delicious tasty treats. Enjoy a bite to eat or sip on some warming mulled wine in the cheery, buzzing atmosphere.
Laughter and cheers echo around King's Square, home to a vintage carousel, a great place to have some thrills and fun with the family. Head to York Minster to see their first Christmas Tree Festival in the cathedral’s grounds, with trees decorated by local businesses, schools and charities, and the Winter Village, a traditional taste of Christmas. Once you’re all shopped out, rest those tired legs and relax in the cosy setting of THOR’s Tipi, with a hot cocoa in hand, or perhaps something stronger.
Slip through to the historic Shambles Market, home to a wide range of local indie traders selling everything from Yorkshire flat caps to delicious cakes to incredible hand-crafted trinkets. Don’t miss the Shambles Food Court, where you can treat yourself to a scrumptious snack. International street food is on the menu. Take your taste buds on a journey around the world, with everything from Moroccan wraps, to tempting Thai, to brilliant burritos.
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Christmas St Nicholas Fair
2. York Minster Christmas Tree Festival and Winter Village
Experience York Minster’s first Christmas Tree Festival in the cathedral’s grounds, with trees decorated by local businesses, Market schools and charities, and discover festive food, drink and gift stalls in the brand-new Winter Village.
map
2 LO W PE TER GAT E
1. Visit York Information Centre
3. St Sampson’s Square
Make the most of your stay with local advice from our helpful team. Buy your York Pass and check out the wide range of York and festive souvenirs.
Continue shopping and sample festive treats such as hot chestnuts and warming mulled wine.
STO N E GATE
D UN COM BE P LAC E
Browse the festive market online by visiting our Virtual Christmas Market at visityork.org/christmas
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9. St Helen’s Square A great spot for a festive selfie, St Helen’s Square looks delightfully grand in all its Christmassy glory. #YorkChristmas. CONE Y S T RE E T
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Enjoy the festive fun of the fair. Kids will love to whizz round on the traditional carousel fairground ride.
Pick up a bargain at the Shambles Market and tuck into tasty international street food at the popular Shambles Food Court.
C H U R CH S TR EE T
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5. Shambles Market & Food Court
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6. Winter Jungle at Spark: York Delve deep into the Winter Jungle. Gather for communal merriment and immersive events, and indulge in acclaimed street food and drink offerings.
6 PARLIAMENT
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7 8. Parliament Street and THOR’s Tipi Wander along the traditional wooden chalets purchasing gifts for your loved ones before warming yourself beside the roaring fire at THOR’s Tipi, with a delicious drink in your hand.
COP P ERGATE CENTRE
7. Coppergate Head to the Coppergate Centre for more shopping and get a pic of their incredible Christmas Tree display.
Late Night Opening Until 8pm Friday & Saturday. Full details at visityork.org/christmas visityork.org/christmas
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festive fun at york designer outlet!
skate play shop dine fri 19 november 2021 – sun 9 january 2022 BOOK NOW
YorkshiresWinterWonderland.com
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All d c in lude ! y r t n in e
Fairground Rides Magic Show s Christmas Shows Indoor Play
ADVENTURE PARK Come meet Father Christmas, Elves and his reindeer in their Winter Wonderland! The place to be at Christmas!
CHRISTMAS
FESTIVAL • 27th Nov - 24th Dec 2021 •
To book visit the website - www.webadventurepark.co.uk
YOUR GATEWAY
TO LIVE MUSIC & COMEDY Get tickets at yorkbarbican.co.uk
DEC
JAN
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Family Festivities
Charlotte Graham
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Christmas is all about magical moments with the people you love the most, and there’s enchanting events to entertain the whole family right up to Christmas Day in and around York. There’s no better way to get in the Christmas spirit than a spin on the Vintage Carousel in King's Square.
Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland at York Designer Outlet is home to not only an ice rink, but also lovely log cabins, and a rink-side café. Alongside this is the great selection of designer stores and food outlets – there’s sure to be something to keep everyone entertained. The Bar Convent, the UK’s oldest living convent, has family friendly activities and you can dedicate a star to a loved one. Fairfax House will be decorated beautifully, celebrating The Season of Giving. At Web Adventure Park, you can meet Santa and his elves, and even his reindeer. Discover what a medieval Christmas would have looked like in the incredible historic townhouse of Barley Hall. Get a different view of the festive city by sailing down the river with City Cruises. 21
THE AGE OF LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS Trusted York-based diamond and fine jewellery specialist, Bradley’s Jewellers, is heralding a new era of laboratory-grown diamonds with its Eco Rocks Collection. Here, we speak to owner Kay Bradley and explore the new creations at her Low Petergate treasure trove. Who better to help us navigate the new world of laboratory-grown diamonds than Bradley’s Jewellers on Low Petergate? Led by owner, Kay Bradley, this bespoke jewellery specialist has a wealth of knowledge about natural diamonds and can talk us through the journey a diamond takes from mine to sparkling jewel. In recent years, though, a new category of diamond has been on everyone’s lips: laboratory-grown diamonds. These stones are physically and chemically the same as mined diamonds, but they are made by mimicking the process that happen deep within the earth over millions of years in just a handful of weeks. The result is a beautiful, sparkling laboratory-grown diamond that is surprisingly affordable and allows you to get a bigger ‘look’ for your money. As Kay shows us pieces from her new Eco Rocks Collection of laboratory-grown diamond jewellery she explains the differences
that often confuse shoppers. “A laboratory-grown diamond is not an imitation or simulant like cubic zirconia. They are created by man to impeccable standards and are only distinguishable from natural diamonds with specialist equipment or by a master diamond grading expert.” When diamonds emerge from the ground after millions of years, they are sometimes imbued with internal fingerprints, known as inclusions, and can be found in a range of qualities. Only those of the finest colour and clarity are chosen for diamond jewellery. As laboratorygrown diamonds are created in controlled conditions, they can achieve these highs of colour and clarity time and time again. “The laboratory-grown diamonds in my Eco Rocks Collection are truly exceptional. I spent a long time researching the credentials of laboratory-grown diamond suppliers and choosing the perfect one with the
right balance of ethics, environmental credentials, integrity, honesty and, of course, brilliant stones. Today, I am proud to offer my customers laboratory-grown diamond jewellery as an excellent and beautiful alternative to mined diamonds. This isn’t about which one is ‘better’. I focus on ensuring my clients can have the design, style and big, bold look they are after at the price that suits them,” Kay explains. It’s true that laboratory-grown diamonds are more cost effective, which is one of the reasons why Kay decided to create Eco Rocks – a collection of best-selling designs and new pieces set with laboratory-grown diamonds of all cuts, shapes and sizes… even fancy coloured laboratory-grown diamonds. Kay says: “When clients come to me looking for that extra special engagement ring, eternity ring or bridal jewellery suite, it is my duty as an independent jeweller to present them with every option. There are many conversations around the ethics and environmental credentials of laboratory-grown diamonds versus natural diamonds, and I encourage those who are making a significant purchase to do their own research. However, at Bradley’s Jewellers, we source laboratorygrown diamonds from a company that has third-party sustainability accreditation, is climate neutral, and has a traceable and
trusted origin. We can pass this confidence and assurance onto all our customers.” As a long-standing member of the National Association of Jewellers and a Finalist in the UK Jewellery Awards 2021, Bradley’s Jewellers on Low Petergate has swiftly become the ‘goto’ source for laboratory-grown diamonds in York. “My Eco Rocks Collection sits proudly alongside our natural diamond jewellery,” Kay explains. “Jewellery is such a personal purchase, and my team is dedicated to ensuring each person gets exactly what they are looking for. Perhaps we will never convince you to choose laboratory-grown diamonds over those formed by nature… and that’s fine! The joy of my job is matching individuals to jewels and now we have an even broader array of sparkling treasures to showcase. It’s a very exciting time to be a jeweller.”
67 Low Petergate, York, YO1 7HY T: 01904 655235 New website coming soon www.ecorocksyork.com www.bradleysjewellersyork.com bradleysjewellersyork
Tis the season of Shopping Looking for a Christmas shopping destination with an enchanting festive backdrop? Then look no further than the city of York. With high street favourites and indie boutiques lining the historic streets, there’s something to suit everyone on your Christmas gift list. 24
Big brands line both Parliament St and Coney St and the Coppergate Centre has a huge choice of stores including Fenwick, Flying Tiger and The Whisky Shop and fabulous footwear from Charles Clinkard. For unique boutiques venture along Gillygate, Fossgate and Goodramgate. If you’re looking for something extra special this Christmas, head to Low Petergate where you’ll find the family-owned Bradley’s Jewellers, and browse their collection of British crafted jewellery. Just down the road is Nomination, whose bracelet links make extra thoughtful gifts. Don’t miss the festive wonderland that is Käthe Wohlfahrt, two floors of stunning German-made decorations. Bag a bargain at the Shambles Market with its diverse selection of traders and unique crafts, and just around the corner is the iconic Shambles itself, which is the perfect place to pick up a York souvenir or some wizarding memorabilia. At the bottom of the street hop over to Pavement and experience the York Gin store with its range of visityork.org/christmas
top gins distilled in the city. Around the corner you’ll find village gallery, featuring stunning works from locals artists that would make outstanding gifts for lovers of York and Yorkshire. If you can’t make it to the Christmas Market, or forgot to pick-up something you saw, the Virtual Christmas Market returns in 2021, so you can browse and buy from local traders online. Alongside their expert insider knowledge, the Visit York Information Centre has a range of locally produced crafts and gifts on offer at 1 Museum Street, or online at the Visit York eShop. For the perfect Christmas gift try a York Pass – the easy way to see all the city’s top attractions. If designer names are your thing, then venture out of the city centre to the McArthurGlen York Designer Outlet, home to high street names and designer shops at affordable prices. While you’re there check out Yorkshire's Winter Wonderland. 25
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Experience the magic of Christmas
Discover exclusive handcrafted Christmas decorations, unique gifts and traditional treasures over two floors. Käthe Wohlfahrt 17-19 Stonegate·York
kaethe-wohlfahrt.com/york
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Some of the world’s best gins - Made sustainably in York Beautiful bottles - Gorgeous gifts - Plastic-free packaging Free tasters - Gin experts on hand to advise Open every day. 12 Pavement, YO1 9UP
EXPLORE OUR WINTER JUNGLE. DELVE DEEP INTO OUR URBAN RAINFOREST TO ENJOY A TROPICAL TAKE ON WINTER. Dates: SPARK* is a covered and heated outdoor community space, home to some of York’s most exciting start-up businesses working in street food, retail, arts and social enterprise. We are family-friendly and dogs are welcome, and we have a lift available to ensure accessibility for all.
Our Winter Season is October 2021-March 2022. From October 2021, throughout the festive season, and into the New Year!
What can people expect?
A buzzing creative community space in the heart of York featuring bars, street food chefs, independent retailers and artists, all situated in unique upcycled shipping containers. We host a wide array of accessible and interactive events, suitable for all ages. Families can come together through communal merriment, boutique retailers and Winter is our favourite time as we transform our normally open-air Summer hotspot, into a booming, covered, tropical paradise. Explore our Winter Jungle and delve deep into the SPARK* festive rainforest for a tropical take on Winter.
A jungle at Winter?
It is very important to us that we strive to make a positive impact on our environment and raise awareness to the most important issues for our planet. Our theme this year embraces nature, and is about highlighting some of the very real and extremely serious challenges we collectively face as a society. There will be a range of events throughout the Winter period that will try and support positive change in helping to heal our environmental charities and groups, through events such as projections, light shows, live music, art festivals, maker markets and more.
Why are we doing this?
SPARK* is only a temporary project and is constantly evolving and changing. Our aim is to provide visitors with an immersive Winter experience unlike any other in the rest of York. Whether you are visiting friends, looking to entertain the little ones, or treating yourself and to help you make memories this Winter. York is rightly famed for its fantastic heritage, history and that gives a platform to some of the new and progressive things happening in our city, and represent its bright and vibrant future.
OPENING TIMES: TUESDAY TO THURSDAY: 12PM 10.30PM FRIDAY AND SATURDAY: 12PM 11PM SUNDAY: 12PM 9PM ENTRY: FREE WHERE TO FIND US? 17 21 PICCADILLY, YORK, YO1 9PB 1 MINUTE WALK FROM PARLIAMENT STREET!
HOW TO CONTACT US? T: 01904 217555 W: WWW.SPARKYORK.ORG E: HELLO SPARKYORK.ORG INSTAGRAM:
SPARKYORK
TREAT
YOURSELF
to a magical day out Festive spirit and designer fashion for up to 60% less
yorkdesigneroutlet.com
A Coppergate Christmas
If you are visiting York city centre as part of your Christmas preparations, make the Coppergate Centre your first stop. It’s a haven of culture, shopping and food and drink to meet every budget – with attractions to keep everyone busy whilst you concentrate on gift buying! Plus onsite covered parking, so you can drop your purchases off and not lug heavy bags around with you. Giftware sections in Fenwick, Flying Tiger, Primark and The Works cater for just about everybody, whether you are looking for designer perfumes, quirky Secret Santa ideas or stocking fillers. Treat the one you love with beautiful jewellery from Warren James or a ‘wee dram’ from The Whisky Shop, and fill the air with fantastic aromas from Home & Fragrance Outlet. coppergateshoppingcentre.co.uk
If you are looking for the perfect Christmas outfit, find affordable fashion in Primark or top-end labels in Fenwick – and complement them with shoes to dance the night away from Charles Clinkard or Pavers. Body Shop has the perfect range of bath soaks and cosmetics to relax and beautify. Make the whole York festive visit a full family experience, with a tour around the world-famous JORVIK Viking Centre, a round of wizard-themed crazy golf in The Hole in Wand, or escape the world to enter the mind and paintings of a grand master, at Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience. For more information, please visit coppergateshoppingcentre.co.uk
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Open 7 Days a week Shamblesmarket.com
www.charlesclinkard.co.uk
Want to know all about Christmas in York..... .....we can help you with that. Looking for York gifts..... .....we can help you with those. Attraction Tickets..... .....we sell a number of tickets. Information & Advice..... .....we are the place to come.
All you need to know about Christmas in York can be found at the Visitor Information Centre, 1 Museum Street
Get York themed gifts online. Shop now! shop.visityork.org
THEATRICS From classic carols, to theatre fun and orchestral masterpieces, there is something for all music and drama lovers in York this Christmas. The internationally renowned York Early Music Christmas Festival begins its packed programme on 3 December, and promises a magical festive music experience with divine melodies that are sure to get you in the Christmas spirit. There’s nothing like a Christmas carol concert to get you feeling all warm inside. Choral music fills the majestic Minster at the York Minster Choir Christmas Carol Concert on 9 and 10 December, which showcases traditional music performed by one of the UK’s leading choirs. The Annual Community Carol Concert at York Barbican is returning on 12 December to raise money for The Lord Mayor and Sheriff of York’s Christmas Cheer Fund and St Leonard’s Hospice.
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Enjoy Carols by Candlelight at the enchanting Holy Trinity Church, Goodramgate on the 9 and 16 of December. Be part of the merriments at York Theatre Royal’s pantomime across December and into January. This year it is the beloved pantomime favourite Cinderella, but will she go to the ball? For a big dose of Christmas cheer, Alistair Griffin presents The Big Christmas Concert, 3 and 10 December, with classic tunes, a brass band and sing-along carols. York Barbican is a great venue for live music and comedy, with a calendar full of superb shows this winter. Discover some of York’s yuletide stories on a festive walking tour, such as The History of Christmas in York Tour and the York Christmas Walking Tour. Or even head to magic school this Christmas with a Very Magical Adventure’s immersive character experience.
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Holy Trinity Goodramgate C a ro l s b y C a n d l e l i g h t 9th & 16th December 2021
6.30pm; doors from 6.00pm Holy Trinity Church, Goodramgate Tickets from visitchurches.org.uk/York Adults £8; Concs £6; children free
Festive 90 minute daily Walking Tours through the twinkling streets of York
18th November – 24th December
www.yorkchristmaswalkingtour.co.uk 07956 636 980
TALES OF THE CHRISTMAS CITY
ALISTAIR GRIFFIN presents
DECEMBER 3rd & 10TH at 8pm The biggest Christmas concert in York is back with classic Christmas tunes, a brass band, carols and bags of festive cheer
F o r t i c k et s g o t o w w w .a l i st a i r g r i ffi n .c o m
J E W E L L E R S
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D I A M O N D
E X P E R T S
LET THE GRAND HOST YOU THIS FESTIVE SEASON...
Make your Christmas a time for relaxation and celebration. Join us in The Courtyard, a cosy area to indulge alfresco whilst enjoying warming mulled wine or hot chocolate. Alternatively, opt for indoor dining, festive afternoon tea, our Masquerade Ball or a seasonal staycation. Explore our Grand gift voucher experiences, including spa breaks, cookery classes, afternoon tea and overnight packages, all of which provide the perfect opportunity for visits in the new year. WWW.THEGRANDYORK.CO.UK | 01904 380038 | YOURSTAY@THEGRANDYORK.CO.UK
C A T
C A F É
It’s time to be more cat!
The first Cat Café in York
World street food daily in the heart of york Next to Shambles shamblesmarket.com
Mon 10.45am-6pm Tue CLOSED Wed to Sat 10.45am-6pm Sun 10.45am-5pm
Located in a beautiful Grade II listed building in the heart of York, we serve hot and cold drinks, cakes and snacks.
46 Goodramgate, York YO1 7LF Book Online: www.thecatswhiskersyork.co.uk
FO O D • D R I N K • G I F T S • C R A F T S • C H R I S T M AS T R E E F E S T I VA L
NFEOWR 2021
18TH NOVEMBER - 6TH JANUARY
10am - 7pm daily
THE WINTER VILLAGE AT YO R K M I N S T E R
Visit The Winter Village for a traditional taste of Christmas in the magical setting of York Minster
Eat,Drink & Be Merry ’Tis the season to tuck into turkey, sprouts and sweet treats and you’re sure to find tasty festive fare in the city of York. Enjoy delicious cuisine from across the globe within stunning historic settings, source fresh Yorkshire produce for your Christmas dinner from the Shambles Market and delis, and purchase food-themed gifts from the Christmas Markets.
on offer at the St Nicholas Fair, where you can savour hog roast burgers, sizzling sausages and more. Nearby, the Shambles Food Court adds to the al fresco eating vibe with a world of street food flavours from around the globe. THOR’s Tipi is on hand to warm you up and quench your thirst, where YUZU Street Food will be dishing out their sublime Asian fusion.
If you are exploring the city while Christmas shopping, don’t miss the amazing street food
The Christmas market stalls across the city also offer tasty present ideas from gin to cheese to York’s famous chocolate. Alternatively Shambles Market provides the chance to stock up on those Christmas Dinner essentials - parsnips, sausages and stuffing can all be found on the market stalls. York is the home of chocolate, and you can have a sweet time in the stunning York Mansion
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House, discovering some of the history of confectioners and sampling delicious hot chocolate. For the purr-fect Christmas café, venture to The Cats Whiskers Cat Café. Head to The Grand, York, and discover The Courtyard, a cosy and beautiful outdoor space with warming mulled wine or hot chocolate and plenty of Christmas cheer. Alternatively, exquisite dining options are also available at The Principal, adjacent to York Railway Station. For more incredible street food flavours from around the world, head to the Winter Jungle at Spark: York, a brilliant spot for catching up with friends over the festive season.
York is the ultimate foodie destination; with restaurants and cafés packed within the city walls, you’ll never go hungry. Go to visityork.org/eat for more inspiration.
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Stuck for Christmas gift ideas? Treat your friends and family to a Principal York gift experience – it’s the ultimate Christmas gift! Choose from a selection of dining offers throughout the hotel, or give the gift of a dreamy night’s sleep with an overnight stay. And when your truly stuck, our monetary vouchers range from £25 to £500 so they can choose for themselves. Buy online at principalyork.skchase.com or purchase from hotel reception.
+44 (0) 1904 653 681 theprincipalyork.ihg.com Station Road, York YO24 1AA
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Moor
MAGIC THIS CHRISTMAS
Join our festive events at Sutton Bank National Park Centre and The Moors National Park Centre • Lantern Lit Christmas Adventure with Merry Mouse and friends • Merry Mouse and the Lost Parcels Trail
• Virtual Santa’s Grotto • Christmas shopping weekend • Christmas Craft Exhibition
northyorkmoors.org.uk
RHS Registered Charity No. 222879/SC038262
See the garden sparkle at our festive celebration of lights Book your tickets now 18 November – 29 December (Selected dates) Your visit supports our work as a charity
Image by Charlotte Graham
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With festivities spreading across the region there’s so much more to enjoy outside of the city.
York’s Christmas spirit spreads far and wide, and there is so much more to experience beyond the city. Christmas at Castle Howard is truly enchanting, with this year’s theme of Christmas in Narnia. Venture into the wardrobe and discover a magical adventure. The house will be lavishly decorated, and a series of dramatic installations, lighting, projection and soundscapes will evoke all there is to love about this special time of year. The National Park Centres at Sutton Bank and Danby on the North York Moors are hosting the Merry Mouse this Christmas, with a Lantern Lit Christmas adventure and a Lost Parcels Trail, as visityork.org/christmas
well as a Virtual Santa’s Grotto and a Christmas Craft exhibition. At Nunnington Hall, discover Christmas through the ages and book ahead to meet Santa. To the west of York, Mother Shipton’s Cave has a spectacular Christmas in the wonderous winter woodland. At RHS Harlow Carr, the gardens will be glowing in their festive celebration of lights. For a Christmas getaway in the countryside, Sandburn Hall is a luxurious destination with 1000s of acres in which you can stretch your legs for bracing winter walks.
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CHRISTMAS 2021
Enjoy a relaxing 3 night festive break in the beautiful Yorkshire countryside. Sandburn Hall is set amongst 1000 acres of woodland & lakes, just 8 miles from York. 3 night Christmas Residential Package from £465 per person
Christmas Memories made Nunnington Hall 26 November–19 December, Friday–Sunday. Experience Christmas through the ages in the house, visit the art exhibition and book to meet Father Christmas. nationaltrust.org.uk/nunnington
View full details and book www.sandburnhall.co.uk call 01904 469922 or email stay@sandburnhall.co.uk
For everyone, for ever
FREE ENTRY, BOOK NOW NATIONAL RAILWAY MUSEUM, YORK
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© National Trust 2021. Registered charity no. 205846. Photography © National Trust Images/James Dobson.
Celebrate with us..
Escape the everyday within the works of Van Gogh
Christmas shopping can be quite a tiring chore, with many of us finding the whole experience completely exhausting. And that is why a winter visit to Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience is just what the doctor ordered! Located in York St Mary’s, a former church adjacent to JORVIK Viking Centre, Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience offers visitors a calming Zen-like opportunity to explore the world of the master artist through his paintings. Animated and set to an emotive soundtrack, with occasional spoken lines taken from the artist’s correspondence, the works are projected onto walls of the nave and the floor, where visitors recline in comfortable deckchairs. Let the music and light wash over you, and savour the peace and tranquillity away from the outside world as you sit in a wheat field, and when dusk falls, vangoghexpo.co.uk/york
watch boats bobbing on the Rhone and the lights from the waterside reflecting on the water whilst stars fill the sky above. Once in a calm state, engage with your own mindfulness by colouring one of Van Gogh’s pictures, then project it onto the wall in our digital gallery. Not to be missed is the optional virtual reality experience, which transports viewers on a remarkable tour of Arles, the town where Van Gogh’s work was at its most prolific. See the places that inspired some of his most famous works without even leaving your seat! For more information, and to prebook, visit vangoghexpo.co.uk/york
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Twixmas Many of the Christmas attractions and events across the city continue until the New Year. Get your skates on and burn some of the Christmas calories by having fun on the ice rink at Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland. Or be wowed at Van Gogh - The Immersive Experience where you can sit back and relax as the artist’s paintings are brought vividly to life. Explore one of the many iconic city attractions, by marvelling at the legends of the railway at the National Railway Museum, or experiencing Viking-age York at JORVIK Viking Centre. 48
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If you need to walk off the Christmas excess, stretch your legs with one of the many festive walks around the city. The Museum Gardens provide the setting for a delightful stroll and the city walls provide a bird’s eye view of York and are only closed on Christmas Day. For a more ambitious ramble, the North York Moors National Park is criss-crossed with footpaths and trails through stunning landscapes.
In need of a quiet breather during the Christmas break after all the excitement of the festivities? Or are you looking for activities to keep you and the family busy until the New Year's Eve celebrations? York is the perfect place to get yourself through the Chrimbo Limbo.
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& If you are travelling by car, York’s Park & Ride service offers the simplest solution to getting into the city.
There are currently five sites operating which are located around the ring road, at Rawcliffe Bar, Monks Cross, Grimston Bar, York Designer Outlet, and Askham Bar. Each site offers hundreds of free and secure parking spaces. Once you’re parked up, just hop on one of the modern, electric buses, which are all equipped with free WiFi and are adapted for wheelchairs and pushchairs. For the perfect family day out, up to three children can travel absolutely free when accompanied by a fare paying adult.
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Buses run every 10-15 minutes from early morning and throughout the day. The buses can get in and out of the city quickly, with prioritised traffic lights and dedicated bus lanes, making it much faster than driving into York at peak times. You can easily pay for your bus travel via the First Bus app, and get your mTickets on your phone. You can also pay using a contactless card, Apple Pay, with your Apple watch and via Google Pay or the Samsung Pay app.
By Bus
Regular bus services run to York from many nearby towns and cities, including Leeds, Selby and Scarborough. Call Bus Info on 01904 551400 or visit itravelyork.info/buses.
By Train
York Train Station is a short 10-minute walk from the city centre. For more information on services please visit nationalrail.co.uk.
By Taxi
Check the travel section on visityork.org for reputable taxi services.
Left Luggage
Park & Ride
Parking in York
Access All Areas
Shopmobility
Store your luggage on Queen Street, adjacent to the long stay car park at York Railway Station, you will see the left luggage office on the right next to Europcar, YO24 1AD. Alternatively you can use Yorbag Left Luggage located at 20 High Petergate, only 90 metres from York Minster. Visitors travelling by car are encouraged to use York’s Park & Ride service for ease. Find out more about services at the five sites by visiting itravelyork.info/park-and-ride. There are a number of convenient and secure car parks in York city centre. For details, visit itravelyork.info/driving/parking. During your Christmas visit we want to make sure you are able to get around safely. Visit accessable.co.uk to check for easily accessible venues. Call 01904 679222 to hire a scooter or wheelchair from the second floor of Piccadilly car park (YO1 9NX). Visit yorkshopmobility. wixsite.com/mysite to find out more. Please check online for the most up-to-date information.
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MISSION BUSES:
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USB ports onboard A64 to Scarborough, Malton and Pickering O A ut 12 er 37 Ring Rd .
A6 4
Huntington
A64 to Scarborough, Malton and Pickering To Castle Howard 8 miles Piglets Adventure Farm 8 miles Yorkshire Lavender 13 miles Flamingo Land 20 miles Dalby Forest and Sutton Bank 25 miles North Yorkshire Moors Railway 26 miles Scarborough SEA LIFE Sanctuary 38 miles
Monks Cross and Vangarde Shopping Centres and MotorSports Village
Monks Cross Park & Ride
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WC
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N
ork Bypass A64 Y
6 03 A1
o alt M
Heworth
Murton A166 to Driffield and Bridlington To Breezy Knees 6 miles
Morrisons es St. Jam s Rd. Foss Island
Walm ga te Castle useum St. Paragon Barbican Centre
A19 Fulford Ro ad
A16 6
Osbaldwick
e lm ho as s Pe r Fos Rive
A1079
Hull
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A1079 to Beverley and Hull The Deep 40 miles
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Grimston Bar Park & Ride
Heslington
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WC
B1288 to Air Museum and York Maze 6 miles
University of York
Fulford
City Centre Stops 4 A6
Visitor information centre Toilets
A19 to Selby Summit Indoor Adventure 14 miles Selby Abbey 14 miles
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Spectacular Sculptures Across the City 5 – 6 February 2022 VisitYork.org/Ice 54
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INTRODUCING
67 Low Petergate, York, YO1 7HY T: 01904 655235 New website coming soon www.ecorocksyork.com www.bradleysjewellersyork.com bradleysjewellersyork
EMILY SUTTON
www.castlehoward.co.uk
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