York Christmas Walking Tour｜United Kingdom

Discover the history of Christmas on a walking tour through the Christmas light-bedecked streets of York. Once voted 'the Most Festive' city, the medieval streets echo with the histories of Christmas' past from Roman Saturnalia, Viking Mid-winter Solstice to Victorian Feasts and more recent traditions.

Learn about York's claim to being Britain's most Christmassy city and hear about the first-ever Christmas celebrations held here in 521 AD. Find out where Rudolph got his red nose from, which Grinch tried to cancel Christmas, and which famous author read his stories here in York and made us a present of Boxing Day.

From the bacchanalian celebrations of the Romans, the midwinter partying of the Vikings, sumptuous Georgian feasts, and Victorian traditions, they have left their mark on our festivities today. Get into the spirit of things in the original Christmas City and who knows? You might even find some mulled wine.