York shines brightly with the return of Winter Lights
York is set to sparkle once again as the Winter Lights return to illuminate the city starting 14th November. Spanning from November through to February, this year’s Winter Lights have been refreshed with new installations.
This dazzling display includes 175,000 LED lights, covering over 50 streets and stretching over an impressive 15 kilometres. The Shambles, one of the most iconic streets in the country, will be adorned with beautifully lit wreaths and small Christmas trees. The giant illuminated Santa’s Postbox will also return, located in York Museums Gardens, will offer children the special opportunity to send their letters directly to the North Pole.
New for 2024, St Helen’s Square will host a captivating snowy projection, bringing a touch of winter wonderland to the heart of the city.
Also returning is the striking 20ft St Leonard’s Hospice tree, a symbol of community spirit and a reminder of the important work supported by York residents. Located centrally, it’s the perfect backdrop for festive photos and a cherished feature of the city’s seasonal decor.
The York Winter Lights scheme is delivered by York BID in partnership with Make It York.
Carl Alsop, Operations Manager at York BID said; “We’re especially proud that, in addition to decorating key central areas, over 50 streets across York’s city centre will aglow with warm, twinkling lights. York is frequently voted as one of the top Christmas destinations. Our city’s exceptional retail and hospitality offerings play a big major role in this, and our vibrant winter lights truly perfect the festive magic.”
This year, residents, businesses, and visitors may notice some updates to the Winter Lights display. Refreshing York’s illuminations and creating the best possible displays for the city is a top priority for York BID. Given the wear and tear on some existing lights and the specialised work required to hang those on the city’s historic bars, we’re focusing on other areas this season to deliver a vibrant, refreshed experience across York.
In keeping with York’s commitment to inclusivity, this year’s Winter Lights will also feature multi-faith symbols, celebrating the city’s diversity and welcoming all to enjoy the season in York.