Forget New York. The real magic is here!
York is magical at Christmas time with its cobbled streets and snickleways, welcoming inns and restaurants and its candlelit churches. It is the perfect place to visit during the festive period.
Retail therapy, mince pies and Christmas traditions
Christmas events over the festive period are diverse and offer something for everyone. If you're in need of some retail therapy, enjoy an excellent variety of quality shops in York's historic streets and bustling market place, or combine your visit to one of York's three out-of-town shopping parks featuring the best in designer clothing and high street names. Pick up some great Christmas gifts at 2000 York shops or order your FREE York ‘5 routes to Shopping Heaven’ leaflet by calling the York Visitor Information Centre on 01904 621 756.
York brings you the enchanting Festival of Angels 10-11th December, a true winter festival, bringing York a veritable winter wonderland of ice-sculptures, stalls, outdoor food and drink, street entertainment and snow showers! A sight not to be missed! You can see Santa in the Streets and follow the Parade of Angels on Sunday, led by the beautiful Golden Angel.
Try York's Great Value Winter Short Break Campaign "Stay Longer" 3 nights form £69 at 50 York Hotels & Guest Houses, which is valid until March 31st. Visit www.visityork.org or call York Visitor Information Centre on 01904-621756.
While in York, why not explore further and see Santa as you have never seen him before! At the Yorkshire Air Museum, Santa gives Rudolph a rest and arrives in style by plane! His magical airliner grotto flies in during three weekends before Christmas and every child will not only receive a gift and a meeting with Santa they will never forget, but can also enjoy looking around some of the many other planes at this unique museum. Visits must be pre-booked to avoid disappointment, contact details 01904 608595.
At the Embsay and Bolton Steam Railway, there are a number of special Santa trains where children can not only meet Santa and receive a special gift, but everyone can enjoy real coal fires, mince pies and a fabulous festive atmosphere!
Step back in time this Christmas and enjoy the Dickensian festival. Visit Grassington in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales where the village is alight with Christmas trees and shinning lights. For the three Saturdays before Christmas, Grassington is transported back to the time of Dickens. See the village square and streets transformed into a traditional market with people dressed in period costume. Enjoy the musicians, dancers, street entertainers and exhibitions of traditional country crafts. Experience the pleasure of doing your own Christmas shopping in an atmosphere unlike any other! Quaint shops selling handmade local crafts and produce, combined with a picture perfect location make this a must for any nostalgia lovers! Get there early as this event is always busy!
York and Yorkshire – the perfect place for a traditional Christmas!
For further information on Yorkshire visit www.yorkshirevisitor.com
For further information on York visit www.visityork.org