Shop ‘Til You Drop
What? Late night shopping events.
When? Every Thursday in the city centre and every day at Monks Cross.
With lots of shops open until late you can get the most out of your otherwise packed holiday period! Perhaps you fancy avoiding the city centre chaos altogether, in which case head down to Monks Cross for their late night events every night! They start their 9.00am-9.00pm store openings on Sunday 4th December and they’ll run throughout the month. With all your favourite high street shops, regular buses from town, and free parking it’s the perfect place to shop stress-free.
Sarah Woods
That Festive Feeling
What? Festival of Angels.
Where? York city centre.
When? Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th December.
Described as ‘A winter wonderland of ice-sculptures’, weekend of 10th-11th December will see York host a festive event like no other. Get into the Christmas spirit and enjoy a weekend of amazing ice sculptures, gift stalls, refreshments and street entertainers! And what makes this event even more fantastic? It’s free! There’s no entry fee or tickets – just make your way to the city centre to experience this unique event. Head to www.visityork.org for more details.
Sarah Woods
A Very Vintage Christmas
What? A thoroughly retro vintage fair.
Where? St William’s College, York.
When? Saturday 3rd December.
Much more than your average vintage fair, this is an entire day of live music, luxurious beauty bars, traditional bunting workshops and quintessential tearooms. A very reasonable entry fee of £1 will raise money for local charities – feel that warm glow inside!
Take the opportunity to hunt out some brilliantly original gifts that are guaranteed to impress your friends and family. Spend the day dabbling in shopping, meanderings through the stalls and sharing a moment under mistletoe…
Nicholas Dunn-McAfee
He’s Behind You
What? York Family Robinson Panto.
Where? York Theatre Royal.
When? 15th December onwards.
Winter is full of brilliant British traditions. Some are wonderful, like roast turkey and trimmings, some are strange, like eggnog, and some are downright awful, like mulled wine-fuelled family arguments. And some, like the pantomime, make Christmas the most eclectic, brilliant time of year (Oh no they don’t! Sorry.).
In his remarkable 33rd year, Dame Berwick Kaler will be bringing this year’s York Family Robinson to the Theatre Royal; an unusual blending of the childhood classic Swiss Family Robinson and the first English novel, Robinson Crusoe. It’s the perfect opportunity to let your hair down and have a good belly laugh.
Nicholas Dunn-McAfee
Get Your Skates On
What? Christmas Market & Ice Skating
Where? York Designer Outlet
When? 17th December onwards.
For the festive season the outlet’s designer offerings feature a Christmas market, comprising 20 wooden chalets packed with handmade toys, jewellery, cards and decorations. The award-winning outdoor ice rink returns for its seventh year, creating a veritable winter wonderland in the grounds, complete with lit up forest, 30ft Christmas tree and reindeer.
From 17th December until Christmas Eve Santa’s Grotto will also be open to visitors daily. Tens of thousands of shoppers flock to the transformed grounds of the Designer Outlet each year,
and this Christmas is expected to be the most successful yet. At the sides of the 900 square meter rink shoppers will fine hot food and rinks, including a selection of wines, spirits, beers, and warming mulled wine, sloe gin or hot chocolate.
Maddy Potts