Join a 90-minute festive walking tour in York to explore the history, tales, and traditions of Christmases past. Discover the secrets of England’s most Christmassy city and uncover the origins of Rudolph’s red nose and Boxing Day. Get into the spirit of Christmas in Britain’s original Christmas city!
Join a 90-minute festive walking tour in York to explore the history, tales, and traditions of Christmases past. Discover the secrets of England’s most Christmassy city and uncover the origins of Rudolph’s red nose and Boxing Day. Get into the spirit of Christmas in Britain’s original Christmas city!
- York Minster - Was the inaugural Christmas Festival held here in 521 AD? Discover what adorns the Altar at York Minster. Seek refuge in the shadow of this stunning Gothic Minster and be amazed by the Christmas Festivals this area of York has experienced over the past 1500 years.
- York Theatre Royal - As we pass by the Theatre Royal, we journey…
- York Minster - Was the inaugural Christmas Festival held here in 521 AD? Discover what adorns the Altar at York Minster. Seek refuge in the shadow of this stunning Gothic Minster and be amazed by the Christmas Festivals this area of York has experienced over the past 1500 years.
- York Theatre Royal - As we pass by the Theatre Royal, we journey to another historic cultural site and uncover the importance of a Victorian author who shaped Christmas as we know it.
- York Mansion House - York - The Chocolate City. Christmas wouldn’t be complete without this festive treat originating from York!
- Stonegate - Delight in the beautiful lights and listen to tales of medieval Christmas and the shopping traditions of Christmas past.
- The Roman Bath - What occurred during Saturnalia, the Roman festival in December? What elements have we incorporated into our celebrations today?
- Shambles Market - Should we really kiss under the mistletoe? And why pair fruitcake with cheese?
- Parish of All Saints’ Pavement - Explore the Viking Mid-Winter Solstice and learn what traditions we have adopted for our modern Christmas.

- Guided walking tour
- Professional Blue Badge tourist guide
- Guided walking tour
- Professional Blue Badge tourist guide
Embark on our daily 90-minute Festive Themed Walking Tours, delving into the History, Stories, and Customs of Yuletide periods of yore. The streets of York have been home to joyful celebrations for nearly two millennia. Underneath the twinkling lights, roam through the medieval streets and immerse yourself in the traditions and historic tales of this…
Embark on our daily 90-minute Festive Themed Walking Tours, delving into the History, Stories, and Customs of Yuletide periods of yore. The streets of York have been home to joyful celebrations for nearly two millennia. Underneath the twinkling lights, roam through the medieval streets and immerse yourself in the traditions and historic tales of this Magnificent Wintry City.
Don your favorite Christmas Sweater and participate in a socially distanced journey led by Blue Badge Tourist Guide, Sarah Cowling, capturing the Essence of Yuletide. Ponder whether York is truly England’s premier Christmassy City. Learn the origins of Rudolph’s Red Nose, identify the Grinch who attempted to abolish Christmas, and discover which renowned author shared his tales in York, bequeathing us with the tradition of Boxing Day.
We will narrate tales of Christmases Past, from the lavish festivities of Roman Britain to the winter feasts of the Vikings, all contributing to our current-day Christmas celebration. Join us in Britain’s first-ever Christmas City - we may even stumble upon some takeaway mulled wine!
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.