What's on in York: November and December 2026

November 2026

4 to 8 November: Aesthetica Film Festival

Wednesday 4 to Sunday 8 November | Film, games, VR and live events | Venues across York | Festival tickets and individual event arrangements vary; use the programme to plan.

York's independent film festival brings screenings, industry talks, games and VR experiences, workshops and live performances to the city. Check the venue, age guidance and booking requirement for each session you choose.

11 and 25 November, 9 December: Costume Sewing Group

Wednesdays 11 and 25 November and 9 December, 1pm to 4pm | Volunteer sewing sessions | YTR Costume Hire, Unit 3, Birch Court, Osbaldwick Link Road, York YO19 5JA | Free; advance booking required.

Help repair and maintain the theatre's costume collection while learning sewing skills. All skill levels are welcome, with machines and basic kit provided. The group meets in Osbaldwick, with no on-site parking, rather than at the city-centre theatre.

From 12 November: York Christmas Market

Thursday 12 November to Monday 21 December, Wednesday to Monday 10.30am to 7pm; closed Tuesdays. Final day closes at 5pm | Festive shopping | Parliament Street and St Sampson's Square, York.

Browse gifts, food and seasonal produce from the market's alpine chalets. More than 80 per cent of traders are from Yorkshire. Plan around the weekly Tuesday closure, which also applies during the run-up to Christmas.

From 14 November: Christmas at York Castle Museum

Saturday 14 November 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027, during museum opening days and hours | Seasonal museum experience | York Castle Museum, Eye of York | General admission required; some special events are separately booked.

Kirkgate's Victorian street is dressed for Christmas Eve, with new shadows and silhouettes showing residents preparing for the season. Explore festive traditions in the museum's period rooms and look up dated performances and workshops before visiting.

From 28 November: Christmas Tree Festival

Saturday 28 November 2026 to Tuesday 5 January 2027, during general admission times | Community display | York Minster | Included with a sightseeing ticket.

Explore 100 trees decorated by local businesses, schools and charities, and add a message to the prayer trees. The opening is marked by a family Minster Mash-Up service at 10am on 28 November. Some trees may have flashing lights.

28 November: First Advent Procession

Saturday 28 November, 5.30pm; doors 4.30pm, ticket holders seated by 5.15pm | Candlelit worship | York Minster | Free; advance tickets released at 10am on Tuesday 10 November.

The Minster marks the beginning of Advent with choir music, readings and prayers, moving from darkness into candlelight. Book through the Minster when tickets are released; admission without a pre-booked ticket is not guaranteed.

December 2026

3 and 4 December: Christmas Carol Concerts

Thursday 3 and Friday 4 December, 7pm; doors 6.15pm | Choral concerts | York Minster | £15 to £40; children over 2 need their own seat.

The Choir of York Minster performs seasonal music with readings from York-born actor Ian Kelsey and music from the Yorkshire Volunteer Band. The audience has opportunities to join in the carols.

From 4 December: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Selected performances from Friday 4 December 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027 | Family pantomime | York Theatre Royal, St Leonard's Place, York YO1 7HD | Check the dated booking calendar for current prices.

Robin Simpson returns as Dame Dolly in Theatre Royal's festive fairytale. The theatre lists audio-described, BSL, captioned, dementia-friendly and relaxed performances, with its box office offering advice on suitable seats and access rates.

10 to 13 December: The Night Before Christmas

Thursday 10 and Friday 11 December, 7.30pm; Saturday 12 December, 3.30pm and 7.30pm; Sunday 13 December, 4pm | Adult theatre, ages 16+ | Patch York | Ticketed; see Theatre Royal booking details.

Purple Dodo Theatre presents a Christmas play for grown-ups, with a running time of one hour. Expect strong language, sexual references and references to drug taking. This production is at Patch York, with tickets handled by Theatre Royal.

12 December: Grimethorpe Colliery Band

Saturday 12 December, 7.30pm | Brass band Christmas concert | York Minster | £15 to £35, depending on seating area.

The band known for Brassed Off performs festive favourites and solo features in the Minster. Contact the bookings team about accessibility before choosing a ticket.

From 16 December: The Enormous Christmas Pudding

Selected performances from Wednesday 16 to Thursday 31 December | Family theatre, recommended ages 2 to 6 | York Theatre Royal Studio, St Leonard's Place, York | Ticketed; choose a performance for current prices.

Story Craft Theatre combines visual storytelling, puppetry, Makaton and music in a 50-minute adventure about friendship and teamwork. A BSL performance is listed for 19 December at 10.30am, with a relaxed performance on 22 December at 10.30am.