Skip to content

Christmas at Treasurer's House

Treasurer's House Great Hall Christmas Tree 2025
You're invited to an Inspired Christmas at Treasurer's House | © ©National Trust Images/Anthony Chappel Ross

You're invited to an Inspired Christmas at Treasurer's House. Take your place at the most anticipated social event of the season and become a guest at Nancy Lycett-Green's dazzling 1906 debutante ball.

An Inspired Christmas

14 November to 20 December, Saturday to Wednesday, 11am - 4pm (last entry 3.30pm)

Join us for a truly magical Christmas at Treasurer’s House, where history and festivities intertwine.

Every Christmas Treasurer's House is transformed with beautifully crafted festive decor. It's a chance to step further into history with rooms inspired by the house's past residents and events. Expect surprises around every corner, with the unique history of the house reflected through bespoke designs for a seasonal makeover.

You're invited to explore at your own pace, taking in the ambience of each space in turn. Many of the decorations are hand made by the talented team of volunteers and other local groups and organisations.

Look out for...

  • A grand Edwardian ball inspired by Nancy Lycett-Green's coming-of-age celebration at Treasurer's House in 1906
  • Invitations, dance cards and preparations as guests begin to arrive for the evening's festivities
  • Elegant decorations inspired by the glamour, fashion and social traditions of an Edwardian Christmas
  • A celebration of the craftspeople, designers and makers behind the magic 
View over a decorated banister in a grand hallway with a Christmas tree and decorations.
Let us inspire you this Christmas | © National Trust / Anthony Chappel-Ross

A lighter and quieter Christmas

Wednesdays, 2pm - 4pm

If you or your family and friends would benefit from a lighter and quieter experience, but still want to explore the decorated house, visit during the last two hours on Wednesday. It's the same Inspired Christmas but with the lights on, the shutters open and the music turned off. 

Conservation in action

Tuesdays 11am - 1pm

Drop-in to see the conservation team working on key pieces of the collection during your festive visit. A hint of what goes on over winter when the doors are closed. They monitor and clean each piece, often offering a rare glimpse inside these unusual and intricate items. Chat about their work, as they work and any questions you might have about the collection. 

 

Good to know - no booking required and tours are paused during the festive season.

We went for a day trip and visiting this location was a highlight. Just wonderful with Christmas spirit everywhere. Highly recommend... All volunteers very informative

A quote by TripAdvisor review
Two men sat in arm chairs with a pot of tea and a scone with cream and jam
Be sure to head to the cafe for the Christmas pudding scone | © National Trust / Anthony Chappel-Ross

Festive treats in the café

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of York city centre with a visit to the café downstairs. Whether you're warming up after a winter walk or taking a pause from Christmas shopping, it's the perfect place to relax and enjoy a festive treat.

The seasonal menu features festive favourites and a range of warming hot drinks. With plenty of sweet and savoury options to choose from, there's something to tempt everyone throughout the festive season.

It's free to enter the café – house tickets are not required.

 

Christmas shopping in York

Continue your day out by exploring the large National Trust shop just around the corner from Treasurer's House, where you'll find inspiration for your own festive home. Browse Christmas decorations, cards and calendars, plus a carefully curated selection of gifts, festive treats and seasonal favourites.

You'll also discover a fantastic selection of gifts celebrating National Trust places, alongside locally sourced artisan crafts, food and drink, making it easy to find something special for friends, family or yourself this Christmas.

 

Close up of two sandstone statues of Roman Gods

Discover more at Treasurer's House

Find out when Treasurer's House is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.

You might also be interested in

Eating at Treasurer’s House 

The café at Treasurer's House is open April - December and tickets to the house aren't needed. Choose from freshly baked treats and light lunches and browse the second-hand books for a new page turner.

A plate of chocolate biscuits, striped with white chocolate, and a cup of hot chocolate topped with whipped cream

Shopping in York with the National Trust 

One of the last remaining high street shops, find a large range of National Trust goods including home ware, books and locally sourced food. The shop is open all year round and can be found close to York Minster.

Exterior of a large shop saying National Trust with a large timber building and Minster

History of Treasurer’s House 

Treasurer’s House is one of the most prestigious addresses in York. Its foundations are built upon the remains of the ancient Roman city, and it was later the site of the mansion of the medieval Treasurers of York Minster. Unpick its history over time including several notable residents.

Photograph of a painting of a house in the landscape

Christmas in Yorkshire 

From twinkling winter lights and houses dressed for the season, to wreath making, storytelling with Mrs Claus and meeting Father Christmas himself, there's plenty of fun festive things to do across Yorkshire.

The silhouettes of a child and adult in front of three very twinkly Christmas trees filling the side of a room

Things to see and do in the house at Treasurer’s House 

Explore this hidden gem in the heart of York. A unique building filled to the brim with antiques and art and made to one man's exacting standards. Join a tour April - October or meander with the house decorated for Christmas.

Young man looking closely at a large tapestry hanging on a wall

Things to see in the garden at Treasurer’s House 

Escape the city and relax in the award-winning garden next door to York Minster – free to enjoy on open days. Winner of the gold award for Yorkshire in Bloom for six consecutive years and one of the best views in York.

View on a sunny day with a fountain stature in the foreground and lawn, trees and blue sky beyond

Volunteering at Treasurer’s House 

The team of volunteers at Treasurer’s House work together to ensure that visitors have the best experience possible. Learn more about our volunteer opportunities, behind the scenes, outdoors and with visitors at this historic York town house.

Group of people standing around listening to a guide in a large stone hall