Share this tour
Offered languages
- English
90 minute Daily Festive Walking Tours, exploring the History, Tales and Traditions of Christmases Past. The streets of York have been witness to celebrations for nearly 2000 years. Explore the medieval streets beneath the twinkling lights and discover the traditions and history of this Wonderful Winter City.
Put your Christmas Jumper on and join Blue Badge Tourist Guide, Sarah Cowling, for a socially distanced experience to capture the Spirit of Christmas. Discover if York really England's most Christmassy City? Where did Rudolph get his Red Nose from? Which Grinch tried to cancel Christmas? and Which famous author read his stories in York and made us a present of Boxing Day?
We will hear tales of Christmas Past, from the bacchanalian celebrations of Roman Britain to the Midwinter Feasts of the Vikings. They have all left their mark on our festivities today
Come and get into the spirit of things in Britain's original Christmas City - we might even find some takeaway mulled wine!
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Outside the South doors of York Minster
The heart of the Christmas Market
Itinerary
-
York Minster (Pass by)
Did the first Christmas Festival take place here in 521AD? What is on the Altar at York Minster? Shelter in the shadow of this magnificent Gothic Minster and marvel at the Christmas Festivals this part of York has seen over the last 1500 Years.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
We pass by the Theatre Royal as we venture to another historical cultural venue and find out the significance of a Victorian Author who created Christmas as we know it.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
York - The Chocolate City. Christmas wouldn't be complete without this festive York-born treat!
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Enjoy the wonderful lights and hear stories of medieval Christmas and the shopping of Christmas past.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
What happened at Saturnalia, the Roman December festival? What did we take from it for our celebrations today.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Should we really kiss under the mistletoe? and why would you eat fruitcake with cheese?
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
The Viking Mid-Winter Solstice is explored - what did we take from it for our traditional Christmas.
Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Show 1 more
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Show more
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Your guide to the flawless travel experience
Top Searches
Company
Get our app
