St Nicholas Fair, York & A Christmas Castle

It's the most wonderful time of the year and York will be celebrating the season in style with the St Nicholas Christmas Festival, a series of events and festive fun. Every Christmas, York is transformed into a winter wonderland offering superb shopping, magical festivals and a fantastic programme of events for all the family. Vibrant Street markets from November until Christmas, moving carol concerts at historic venues and the essence of hot mulled wine and roasting chestnuts help create a festive feel! If you want to do your Christmas shopping, York is the city, with a pedestrianised city centre full of boutique shops and markets with wonderful unique gifts. Don't miss Fairfax House and popular attractions like Barley Hall for a Christmas experience from bygone eras.

Added bonus for 2024 - the Christmas Castle - Castle Howard. Make magical memories at Castle Howard this Christmas. Each year the theme of decorations is changed and this website will be updated accordingly.

Departure points to suit you...
Crusader Holidays uses an interchange system, taking place at either Beaconsfield Services (M40), South Mimms Services (M25/A1M) or Thurrock Services (M25).

Here you may have to change to your holiday coach and we are renowned for ensuring that this is smooth and efficient.

The holiday coaches typically depart from Beaconsfield Services at 11.15, Thurrock Services at around 09.30 and South Mimms Services at 10.30. Some customers find it more convenient to join direct at the interchange, please let is know when booking if this is the case.

*Due to increased operational costs, from Monday 16th October 2023 Dover, Folkestone, Canterbury & Ashford joining points will be subject to a £25.00 per person supplement on all 2024 UK Tours.

NOTE: Pick up points are a guide so please refer to your holiday confirmation for specific locations as details are subject to change.- Hotel for 3 nights with breakfast & dinner- Hot drink after dinner- Porterage- Visit & entry to Castle Howard (Sat. morning)- Visit to York (Sat 1/2 day - afternoon)- Transfer into York (Sunday - full day)- OR Visit to Harrogate (Sunday - full day)

Fabulous Castle Visit & Christmas Markets
Day 1 - After joining your holiday coach heading north via the motorway to arrive at your hotel late afternoon.Day 2 - 3 - At leisure with time for sightseeing in York & Christmas Market and 1 included excursionand a visit to HarrogateSaturday - Off to Castle Howard. Each year the theme is changed and as soon as we have the information for 2024 it will be added to the itinerary.The main House is transformed into a Winter Wonderland with beautiful decorations, installations, and projections. Complete your Christmas at Castle Howard with special mementos from theBauble Emporium and enjoy the twinkly Courtyard. Don't forget to take home delicious Christmassy supplies from the farm shop, and a British-grown Christmas tree from their Garden Centre. Early afternoon re-join the coach to York to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere here. St Nicholas Fair, York attracts thousands of visitors each year. The specialist medieval market in Barley Hall and the arts and craft market in St William's College are events not to be missed! Carol singers and buskers flock to the city to perform over the weekend to thousands of festive shoppers. The City of York itself was one of the great cities of the medieval world. It is dominated by the soaring pinnacles of York Minster, the finest Gothic church in northern Europe. Coach transfer to and from your hotel.Sunday - The Coach will drop in York for those who wish to spend a full day there or stay on the coach to Harrogate to enjoy some free time in the heart of Yorkshire. Indulge your curiosity at museums that explore the history of Harrogate and the surrounding area. The museums each tell a unique story such as the origins of the spa town of Harrogate, the story of life in Pateley Bridge and Nidderdale or the experiences of those in the Ripon's law and order system. Harrogate is host to a rich and eclectic arts and culture scene, with many galleries showing a range of works in various mediums and styles. Indulge your passions and your senses and visit Harrogate for a memorable time. At the time of going to print there is no Christmas market planned in Harrogate for this weekend but the town will certainly be starting to feel festive.Coach will return to York to collect before returning to the hotel.Day 4 - Your homeward journey begins this morning pausing for a refreshments opportunity, en route. Onwards to interchange and your home towns mid evening.3 Star Hotel .

Burn Hall Hotel, Huby, York - 3 StarSet in 8 acres of parkland, and surrounded by North Yorkshire countryside, Burn Hall offers 2 stylish restaurants, a modern bar and comfortable bedrooms.. The traditional rooms at Burn Hall each have a private bathroom with free toiletries. Rooms also feature a flat-screen TV, tea and coffee facilities and a work desk. Some rooms have scenic parkland views.

The popular restaurants serve modern British cuisine, using fresh local produce. With quality service and elegant decor, the restaurants also offer a world wine list. Friendly Benson's Bar offers a selection of beverages and snacks, and full English breakfasts are served daily. Burn Hall Hotel is just 20 minutes' drive from York and 13 miles south of Thirsk.

This is the ideal location for a short break in York, close to all the major attractions of the city centre.

Free WiFi & Lift to all floors.

Hotels
• Burn Hall Hotel (York) - View Information