Want to become a Private Hire Driver?
Find Out More
call a taxi Yorkcall a taxi York
Christmas Food

Taste the Season: York’s Best Christmas Food and Drink Experiences

As the festive season envelops York, the city’s historic streets come alive with a tapestry of culinary delights and spirited experiences. From traditional markets to unique dining events, York offers a plethora of opportunities to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit. Here’s a curated guide to the city’s best Christmas food and drink experiences.

1. York Christmas Market (St Nicholas Fair)

Running from 14th November to 22nd December 2024, York’s award-winning Christmas Market transforms Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square into a festive wonderland. With 75 alpine chalets adorned with twinkling lights, the market showcases local crafts, artisan products, and seasonal treats. Notably, 80% of the traders hail from Yorkshire, offering a genuine taste of the region’s produce.

Highlights:

  • Festive Food Stalls: Indulge in Yorkshire pudding wraps, mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and an array of sweet treats.
  • Artisan Gifts: Discover handcrafted jewellery, bespoke decorations, and unique gifts perfect for the holiday season.
  • Vintage Carousel: Located in King’s Square, this charming ride adds a nostalgic touch to the festivities.

2. Yorkshire Yuletide Village at The Guildhall

Situated within the historic Guildhall, the Yorkshire Yuletide Village brings together some of the region’s finest designer-makers. This indoor market offers a curated selection of handcrafted goods, from ceramics to textiles, providing a cozy shopping experience away from the winter chill.

3. Thor’s Tipi

Experience a unique festive pop-up bar set within a giant Scandinavian-style tipi. With locations in York Museum Gardens (25th October to 31st December) and The Principal Hotel (14th November to 24th December), Thor’s Tipi offers a warm retreat with roaring fires, cozy furs, and a selection of festive beverages, including hot chocolate, mulled wine, and local ales.

4. Festive Afternoon Tea at Bettys Café Tea Rooms

A visit to York wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the renowned Bettys Café Tea Rooms. During the Christmas season, they offer a special festive afternoon tea featuring seasonal sandwiches, scones with spiced jam, and an assortment of Christmas-themed pastries. Accompanied by their signature teas, it’s a delightful way to indulge in the holiday spirit.

5. York Minster’s Christmas Events

York Minster hosts a series of festive events that combine culinary delights with cultural experiences:

  • Christmas Carol Concerts: Join the York Minster Choir for an evening of traditional carols and festive music on 11th and 12th December.
  • Festive Performances: Enjoy productions like ‘The Nutcracker’ on 7th December, accompanied by seasonal refreshments.

These events often include mulled wine and mince pies, enhancing the festive atmosphere.

6. Christmas at Fairfax House

From 9th November 2024 to 5th January 2025, Fairfax House presents ‘A Christmas Mousetery: The Case of the Missing Ruby.’ This family-friendly whodunnit invites visitors to solve the mystery of the stolen Fairfax Ruby, with festive decorations and a trail of clues throughout the Georgian house. Afterwards, enjoy seasonal treats in the café.

7. York Gin’s Sparkly Christmas Tasting

For gin enthusiasts, York Gin offers a festive tasting experience on Friday and Saturday evenings throughout November and December. The hour-long session includes:

  • Welcome Cocktail: A festive-themed gin cocktail to start the evening.
  • Gin Sampling: Taste the full range of six gins and learn to appreciate the nuances like a professional.
  • Historical Insights: Discover the rich history of gin, including legends and myths.
  • Full G&T: Conclude with a generous gin and tonic.

Participants also receive a 10% discount on purchases, making it an ideal opportunity to pick up Christmas gifts.

8. Festive Dining Cruises

Experience York from a different perspective with a festive dining cruise along the River Ouse. These cruises offer:

  • Seasonal Menus: Enjoy a multi-course Christmas dinner featuring traditional dishes.
  • Live Entertainment: Festive music and carol singing to enhance the holiday spirit.
  • Scenic Views: Admire York’s illuminated landmarks from the water.

Advance booking is recommended due to high demand during the festive season.

9. Shambles Market Festivities

Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, the Shambles Market is a hub of local vendors offering everything from fresh produce to handcrafted goods. During the Christmas season, the market features:

  • Street Food Stalls: Sample global cuisines and festive treats.
  • Live Performances: Enjoy music and entertainment from local artists.
  • Festive Decorations: The market is adorned with Christmas lights and decorations, creating a merry atmosphere.

10. Christmas Light Displays and Trails

York’s city centre is illuminated with thousands of Christmas lights, creating a magical evening ambiance. Highlights include:

  • St Helen’s Square: Home to a towering Christmas tree next to Bettys Tea Rooms.
  • The Shambles and Stonegate: Historic streets adorned with festive lights and garlands.
  • Tree of Light: An ever-changing light display at the Eye of York in front of York Castle Museum.

Strolling through these illuminated areas with a hot drink in hand is a quintessential York Christmas experience.

11. Ice Skating at The Ice Factor

Located at the York Designer Outlet, The Ice Factor offers a large outdoor ice rink, perfect for a

fun-filled festive activity. Open from mid-November to early January, the rink is surrounded by a charming Christmas village offering seasonal treats and drinks. Warm up with hot chocolate or mulled wine after gliding on the ice, and enjoy browsing the pop-up shops for unique gifts. It’s a fantastic activity for families, couples, or groups of friends. Advance booking is highly recommended. (theicefactor.co.uk)

12. York Cocoa Works Christmas Workshops

York Cocoa Works, known for its artisan chocolates, offers Christmas-themed workshops during the festive season. Create your own chocolate Christmas decorations or festive truffles under the guidance of expert chocolatiers. It’s an enjoyable hands-on activity perfect for families or anyone looking to gift handmade chocolate creations. After the workshop, visit their café for a rich hot chocolate or seasonal dessert. (yorkcocoaworks.com)

13. Spark:York Christmas Pop-Up

Spark:York, a vibrant community hub made of converted shipping containers, hosts special Christmas events and pop-ups throughout December. With a mix of local food vendors, craft beer, and creative cocktails, it’s an excellent spot to explore York’s contemporary side during the holidays. Enjoy live music, themed parties, and festive menus in this unique venue. (sparkyork.com)

Make the Most of Your Festive York Adventure with Drive Taxis

With so many wonderful Christmas experiences to enjoy, navigating York during the holiday season can be both exciting and hectic. That’s where Drive Taxis comes in. As York’s premier taxi service, we provide:

  • Reliable and Timely Transport: Reach all your destinations with ease, whether it’s the bustling Christmas markets or an evening at Thor’s Tipi.
  • Comfort and Convenience: Avoid the stress of parking and traffic during this busy time.
  • Local Expertise: Our drivers know the city inside out and can recommend hidden gems and the best routes.
  • 24/7 Service: Whether it’s a late-night ride after an ice-skating session or an early-morning drop-off for festive dining cruises, we’re here for you.

Let us handle the driving so you can fully immerse yourself in York’s festive magic. Book your ride today via our website Drive Taxis or call us directly for more information.

Enjoy York’s best Christmas food and drink experiences, and let us make your holiday season truly unforgettable!