Festive Fun in the City Centre starts now!

The magic of Christmas in York officially starts today when the stunning Christmas lights illuminate the city to coincide with the start of St Nicholas Fair. The wonderful display gives a special back drop to the year-round beauty on offer in the city and adds a magical atmosphere with York’s historic bars illuminated with thousands of twinkling lights.

This year young people can post their Christmas Wishes and Thank you letters to Santa in a sparkling illuminated Santa’s Postbox in Museum Gardens.

Positioned just inside the Museum Street entrance to the gardens, and provided by the York BID, the postbox will make sending a letter to Santa this year an extra special experience. (Please note letters will not receive a response).

Another spectacular additional to the winter lights is the magical ‘Tree of Light’ at the Eye of York. With a staggering 1km of lights adorning a 40-year-old oak tree, it is the first installation of this type in the UK, with an ever-changing display to mark important dates and festivals. There is also a ‘meadow’ of Christmas Trees in Exhibition Square.

The York BID is also encouraging people to ‘Support Local This Christmas’ by offering the York Gift Card as the perfect Christmas present for those who want to support local businesses. The card can be used at over 300 local shops, restaurants and attractions and can be bought online at yorkgiftcard.com

Bringing more festive fun into the city for families to enjoy is the latest ‘York Quest’ AR (augmented reality) App trail featuring a festive ‘Santa Search’ to encourage players to find a series of seven Christmas characters who have taken up residence on York’s historic streets. Take a fun photo and share on social media! The app is called York Quest, and is available on Google Play Store or App Store.