We might be biased, but we think York is one of the most festive cities in the UK! The snickelways and cobbled streets, like Stonegate and the Shambles, really lend themselves to twinkling lights and Christmas trees!
Find out where to enjoy a brilliant festive experience and soak up all the Christmas lights in York in 2021!
Visit York also has lots more information on the Christmas events happening in York this year.
Take a walk along Parliament Street and onto St Sampsons Square to look at the alpine chalets selling gifts and treats. With sparkling lights, festive music and the aromas of mulled wine and chestnuts, you can’t help but start to feel Christmassy!
In Kings Square, there is a vintage carousel for the kids to enjoy. Plus don’t forget a wander through the Shambles Market, which has lots of local, independent traders selling everything from cakes to handmade crafts.
Located in the Principal Hotel’s Gardens and on Parliament Street, at THOR’s Tipi you can warm up around the fire pit whilst enjoying a festive drink or two or some delicious food from YUZU.
When you wander through the Copppergate Centre, don’t forget to look up to see their fantastic Christmas lights and decorations!
The Tree of Light is a single tree wrapped with 10,000 LED lights. It really is worth a visit when it’s dark to see it change colour before your eyes! It’s located just behind Clifford’s Tower.
Enjoy the Christmas lights in St Sampson Square. Why not take a family selfie next to the huge Christmas Tree in the centre of the square?
There are always some amazing festive window displays to see in York. Some of our favourites include Bettys, The Ivy and The Yorkshire Soap company!
York Minster is holding its first Christmas Tree Festival on its grounds. Enjoy looking at the Christmas lights and trees decorated by local schools, businesses and charities.
Post your letter to Santa in the Museum GardensRemember to take your letter to Santa into town so you can pop it in the sparkling, illuminated postbox in the Museum Gardens!
The post box is just inside the Museum Street entrance to the gardens – please note letters posted do not receive a response from the man in red!
Positioned just inside the Museum Street entrance to the gardens, and provided by the York
Each of the four city wall bars – Micklegate Bar, Walmgate Bar, Monk Bar and Bootham Bar – are decorated in a striking cascade of shimmering lights. They form part of more than 160,000 lights, that if stretched end-to-end would reach nearly 10 miles!
Heading outside of the city centre, don’t forget to visit Twinkle Pike Way Christmas lights this year. Plus if you want to see even more Christmas lights or enjoy a festive walk or trail in and around York, then don’t miss our blog on festive walks, trails & lights in and around York this year.
🎄 We hope you enjoy the Christmas lights in York in 2021 and that you are feeling very festive! 🎄
