York
York
Discover what’s on in York! From historic tours and art exhibitions to lively markets and green city adventures, there’s always something to explore.
This autumn, the city takes on an extra air of mystery, with ghostly tales lurking around every corner and eerie events waiting to be uncovered. Dive into captivating experiences, create cherished memories, and maybe even encounter a chilling surprise along the way.
Book your unforgettable stay in York today and immerse yourself in all the excitement… if you dare!
Haunted York
Brave Halloween in York and celebrate the spookiest time of the year in the ‘most haunted city in Europe’! Our spooky city has a dark past and offers gruesome stories, tricks, treats and eerie encounters for all. Embark on ghost walks, visit frightening attractions, get the chills at haunted hotspots and experience spine-tingling thrills that will leave you trembling with fear.
Don’t let the fear of parking and traffic haunt your Halloween fun! Explore York with York Park & Ride with free parking and an Adult Return ticket just £3.80. If you like things a little more gruesome, brave The York Dungeon, mixing theatre, special effects and intriguing storytelling with wit, humour, and plenty of edge-of-the-seat surprises for an experience like no other!
York Minster – Phoenix
Experience York Minster in a new light when the cathedral is illuminated with PHOENIX, a brand-new sound and light projection.
On Monday 9 July 1984, a devastating fire destroyed the roof of York Minster’s South Transept and sent shockwaves through York, which reverberated across the world.
Telling the story of that night, the show celebrates bravery and power, and highlights the importance of heritage restoration. See lightning strike the cathedral, lead pour down from the roof and the iconic Rose Window crack, before the clean-up operation begins and the expert restoration work leaves York Minster stood as a symbol of hope in the city once more.
This content is sponsored by York Minster. Tickets priced at just £7.50 are available now via yorkminster.org.
York Christmas Market 2024
York’s award-winning Christmas Market returns, bringing festive cheer to the heart of the city.
With 75 alpine chalets lining Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square, the market offers a magical array of local crafts, artisan products, and delicious seasonal treats.
The vintage carousel on King’s Square adds to the festive atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for families and visitors alike. With 80% of the traders hailing from Yorkshire, this is a fantastic opportunity to support local businesses while enjoying the best of what the region has to offer.
York Ice Trail 2025
Explore York’s historic streets as they come alive for York Ice Trail 2025, and discover secrets of origins long forgotten and tales yet to be told.
As you wander through the city, uncover the theme of “Origins,” with stunning ice sculptures inspired by legends, myths, and York’s rich history. Watch as live ice carving brings these stories to life, and enjoy interactive experiences that will delight visitors of all ages. Plus, take the chance to win exciting prizes along the way.
Green York: A fresh take on city exploration
Step into the historic streets of York, where our commitment to green living blends seamlessly with traditional charm. Enjoy local cafes, restaurants and markets that focus on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients; explore the tranquillity of our lush gardens and green spaces; or visit one of the many peaceful sanctuaries dotted across the city.
Start planning your visit today for a serene and mindful journey through our city, starting with a trip on one of the city’s many York Park & Ride electric buses. Discover Green York and experience a city where relaxation and green living go hand in hand, making every moment of your stay both enjoyable and environmentally conscious.
Visit York Pass
The Visit York Pass is an added value sightseeing card, giving you the flexibility to visit top attractions in the city and beyond!
Pick a pass duration that matches your visit, and simply show your The Visit York Pass at any of the available attractions to enter for free. It’s sightseeing made easy!
Visit York Visitor Information Centre & Gift Shop
The Visit York Visitor Information Centre is your go-to place for information and assistance as you navigate all that York and its surroundings have to offer.
Whether you’re looking for the top places to visit, the finest dining spots, or a bit of local wisdom, our team is ready to provide a warm welcome. We’re also your ticket source for incredible experiences in York, from major attractions to public transportation to attend city events, we’ve got you covered.
You’ll be able to find us situated in the heart of York at 21 Parliament Street. Come in, say hello, and let the adventure begin!
See the latest information on travelling to and in York…………………………………………………………………………
Discover what’s happening in York! Explore a vibrant array of events and activities, from historic tours and art exhibitions to lively markets and green city adventures. Dive into captivating experiences and create cherished memories.
Book your unforgettable stay in York today and immerse yourself in all the excitement the city has to offer!
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Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland 2024-2025
Season Dates: 15 November 2024 – 5 January 2025
Early Bird Offer: 20% Discount Until 30th September!
Enjoy 20% off Adult, Child, Concession, or Family tickets (3, 4, or 5 members) when you book early! Use code SKATE20 at checkout.
Book Skating Tickets Now!
Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland, York’s most beloved festive event, returns for another magical season! A perfect winter escape for all ages, featuring:
- The Ice Factor: The largest outdoor ice rink in the North of England, with 975 sq m of real ice, crowned by a 30-foot sparkling Christmas tree. Glide across the ice surrounded by twinkling lights and beautifully illuminated trees, with cosy log cabins and a rinkside terrace for spectators.
- Thrilling Funfair: Fun for all ages! Tokens for the rides can be purchased onsite for even more festive excitement.
- Santa’s Grotto: Experience the magic of Christmas by visiting Santa in his enchanting grotto.
- The Chalet: A cosy alpine café offering hot drinks and seasonal treats, now featuring a rinkside terrace for even better views of the ice rink.
Entry to Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland is free—tickets are required for skating at The Ice Factor and Santa’s Grotto.
Why Visit?
- Iconic Ice Skating at the North’s largest outdoor ice rink
- Spectacular Christmas Tree at the heart of the rink
- Funfair Rides for all ages
- Santa’s Grotto to make your holiday magical
- The Chalet Café for a cosy alpine dining experience
- Rinkside Terrace for beautiful views and great photos
- Free Entry with separate tickets for skating and Santa’s Grotto
Don’t miss out on this enchanting festive experience. Book now to secure your spot!
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Click Here to see North Yorkshire – Click Here to see York Races – Click Here to see Great Yorkshire Show – Click Here to see Yorkshire Events Center
We offer FREE advertising for Businesses and Services that cover York and surrounding districts. Email ian.barlow@harrogateuk.co.uk
York, a cathedral city in North Yorkshire, England, boasts Roman origins and is strategically located at the confluence of the rivers Ouse and Foss. It serves as the county town of Yorkshire and is renowned for its wealth of historic buildings and structures, including a magnificent minster, an impressive castle, and well-preserved city walls. Notably, it is the largest settlement and the administrative hub of the broader City of York district.
Established under the name Eboracum in 71 AD, it later became the capital of the Roman province of Britannia Inferior. Over the centuries, it evolved into the seat of power for the kingdoms of Deira, Northumbria, and Scandinavian York. In the Middle Ages, it emerged as the ecclesiastical center for northern England, while simultaneously flourishing as a pivotal wool-trading hub. The 19th century saw York transform into a prominent railway network junction and a center for confectionery manufacturing. During the Second World War, the city endured the Baedeker Blitz, which, though less severe than in other industrialized cities, led to significant damage to historic structures, necessitating restoration efforts that continued into the 1960s.
Remarkably, it is is one of only 15 cities in England to have a lord mayor, and it holds the distinction of being one of just three cities to carry “The Right Honourable” title, alongside London and Bristol. Historically, the city’s governance followed a unique path, characterized by county corporate status rather than inclusion in the county’s riding system. In subsequent years, it transitioned through various administrative structures, evolving into a municipal borough, a county borough, and, since 1996, a non-metropolitan district known as the City of York. This district extends to include surrounding villages, rural areas, and the town of Haxby. The local council of the present district shoulders the responsibility for providing all essential services and facilities throughout this diverse region.
As of the 2021 UK census, York’s city proper area was home to 141,685 residents, while the wider district had a population of 198,100. Notably, the latest census data, compiled in 2021, indicates a population of 202,800 for the broader district, reflecting a 2.4% increase compared to the 2011 census.
York, unlike any other city in northern England, exudes a palpable medieval charm. It remains a city of extraordinary cultural and historical wealth, preserving much of its pre-industrial allure. Encircled by a magnificent circuit of 13th-century walls, its narrow streets form a medieval labyrinth. At the heart of this enchanting city stands the awe-inspiring York Minster, a true gem of Gothic architecture, widely regarded as one of the most exquisite cathedrals in the world. York’s enduring history and rich heritage are entwined in every brick and beam, and the modern city, geared towards tourists, seamlessly carries forward this heritage with its myriad museums, restaurants, cafes, and traditional pubs, meticulously upholding its legacy.
York – a vibrant festival city with Roman roots and a Viking past, offering an adventure for everyone.
A city where ancient walls surround incredible local businesses, attractions, shops, accommodation and eateries, with exciting events every day and inspiring festivals every month of the year.
Perfectly placed half-way between London and Edinburgh and with the glorious Yorkshire Dales, North York Moors and Wolds right on the doorstep, York is unlike any other English city. There’s thirty world-class museums you can explore, the best racecourse in the country and a thriving cultural scene.
Embark on a summer adventure in York, where a world of captivating attractions and thrilling activities awaits!
Enjoy the Christmas cheer on offer in one of the UK’s most festive cities as York’s restaurants, shops and attractions are beautifully decorated and provide a wonderful winter experience, with an incredible range of festive events! For the perfect York Christmas, stay in York hotels, B&Bs or self catering and give yourself a luxurious amount of time to soak up the festive atmosphere.
Christmas is a great time to support local businesses and we’re looking forward to welcoming residents and visitors to safely enjoy the festivities in tyhis lovely city
Further information about St Nicholas Fair ▸ Sustainability Guide ▸ Accessibility Guide ▸ St Nicholas Fair FAQs
▸ Follow Visit York for the latest updates on York Christmas Festival!
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York
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York Theatre Royal – St. Leonard’s Place, York, YO1 7HD – Phone: 01904 623568
If you love the magic of live performance, you are in the right place to find out what’s on in York. We produce our own work, often in collaboration with exceptional companies, as well as welcoming some of the UK’s finest touring productions. Discover an eclectic mix of entertainment, from gripping drama, to big musicals, exquisite dance, to hilarious comedy, sensational music, to our fabulous family pantomime. We also provide a hub for many of York’s wonderful cultural festivals and events.
See what York has to offer by exploring the listings below, and book early to get the best seats at the best prices.
A NIGHT AT THE THEATRE
UK Tour 2023-2024Edward ScissorhandsNow touringBook
UK and International Tour 2023-2024Romeo and JulietTouring internationallyBook
UK Tour 2024-2025Swan LakeTouring from November 2024Book