Christmas in York: Hidden Treasures
It goes without saying that York is a lively and exciting city, with so much historic charm, and Christmas is no exception! The hidden treasures of York’s historic streets, make York a special place to be this festive season!
Christmas Market!
Where to begin? Christmas in York leaves you no excuses to not get your loved ones the best Christmas present this year! We have our Christmas market, lining streets with unique handmade gifts, festive food and of course loads of testers. (I love taste testing shortbread on my shopping trips!)
Exploring this wonderful Christmas market has been a highlight of my weekends. The atmosphere is great, with Christmas music from buskers on the streets, twinkling fairy lights and crowds of shoppers. It really gets you in the festive spirit. This is a great opportunity for meeting with friends, over a cosy hot chocolate and delicious, sweet treat. (I highly recommend the Stacked Hot Chocolate from the Chocolate Circus!)
Hidden Treasures outside the City Centre
Don’t worry, it isn’t all just the hustle and bustle of the main city streets! There are loads of opportunities to take a break from the busy city and still enjoy Christmas in York!
Throughout this festive season there are loads of trails and walks to try, including the Nutcracker Trail. This trail sends you on a magical journey through the city, searching for Nutcracker statues in York’s best spots.
Don’t forget about the city walls too, a nice way to explore the gorgeous city lights from afar, taking in the beautiful city on a calm, winter walk. Perfect after a busy week at university.
Or perhaps an escape into nature is just what you need to experience this lovely winter season!
Joseph Roundtree Park is a natural wonderland within walking distance of the university. This park is great to explore with a nice hot drink from the café on site – a location especially pretty with a little bit of snow!
Mini Trips in York
Only a short bus ride from the city centre are some more must-see Christmas destinations!
You can hop on the bus and head over to Castle Howard. This is a historic house with gardens to explore outside of the city!
This lovely location hosts several seasonal events throughout the year, including this year’s Alice Christmas Wonderland event! Castle Howard really gets into the festive spirit with its beautiful Christmas light shows, wreath making workshops and Christmas shopping experience. (Perfect to bring back some sweet treats for your flat!)
Speaking of treats! You can’t have a Christmas day out without some delicious food too! Castle Howard has some lovely cafe’s on site, serving handmade pizzas, delicious desserts and if you’re feeling really fancy, it has Afternoon Tea too!
The York Designer Outlet is also only a short bus ride away!
This shopping spot is home to the Winter Wonderland event that runs throughout the festive season. Featuring an adorable outdoor Christmas market and a massive ice ring, this is a great weekend trip to put your ice-skating skills to the test. With loads of your favourite brands in the outlet, a Christmas market and ice skating too, this is a great way to celebrate Christmas with your friends. Top Tip! Bring your student ID as you just might get a discount in the Outlet!
Advice from Me and More Hidden Treasures!
My experience of York at Christmas has honestly been fab! York goes big in all seasons and Christmas is no exception. When exploring York in this festive season, just remember that everyone wants to be here, and our city is always extremely busy this time of year.
I recommend planning your city trips during the week or in the evening, so you can really enjoy the city. This tends to be a quieter time, whilst still providing a bustling, cheerful and festive atmosphere. On weekends, this is your opportunity to explore the quieter festive events hidden around the city. In fact, just a few minutes from York St John, is an adorable painting studio (Rainbows Ceramic Painting Studio). What better way to wind down then a festive afternoon of Christmas pottery painting?
Perhaps a trip to our Minister would be a great way to get into the Christmas spirit too. Our York Minister hosts a Christmas Tree Festival, which is FREE for York St John students!!
Don’t forget that York is also extremely lucky to have several theatres. In fact York Theatre Royal is just a 6-minute walk away from the university! The theatre makes a great Christmas treat, to enjoy your favourite musicals, comedy shows and even join in acting workshops throughout the year.
It’s Your Turn!
York’s Christmas atmosphere is truly one of a kind, with so many beautiful, historic locations on your doorstep. On my festive adventures, I discover new hidden treasures every day from unique cafés to huge nature parks! You can too!
When you’re exploring York, don’t forget to look beyond the city centre and explore! Find your own hidden treasures to share with friends and family! Treat yourself to those handmade lunches from the tiny cafes on the cobblestone streets!
York is a safe and lively place to be, so explore and adventure with your new friends and discover your own hidden treasures.
To find out more on how to manage your studies during Christmas break, read Amy-Louise’s blog.
