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Christmas at Treasurer's House

Woman looking at a decoratively twinkling Christmas tree in a historic room
The decorations help the rooms feel even more decadent | © National Trust Images / Rebecca Hughes

Explore Treasurer's House adorned with festive decorations, many hand crafted. Each room is inspired by the stories of the past residents of Treasurer's House. See what's on the menu including the return of the Christmas pudding scone.

An Inspired Christmas

15 November to 21 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 past residents of the house. 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...

  • An ode to the Snow Queen and Hans Christian Andersen for Queen Alexandra from Denmark
  • A display by York Central’s Women’s Institute for pioneering mathematician Jane Squire
  • Candles in the Tapestry Room marking a typical 17th century Christmas for the Young family
  • MySight York's knitting group decorations honouring novelist Sarah Scott in the Court Room
  • And don’t miss the felted servant mice in the Old Kitchen
Two felted mic dressed as footmen
See the collection of mice servants on your visit | © National Trust Images / Rebecca Hughes

Especially for families

Take on the challenge of the stained glass star spotter trail - perfect for younger visitors as you explore the house together.

The stars have been hand-crafted by local artist Megan from Woodside Stained Glass.

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. 

Music from the Minster Minstrels

Sunday 7 December at 12.30pm and 2pm

Let York's youth early music ensemble bring the festivities to life with group performances in the Great Hall. Listen as you explore the house, or stick around for the two sets by different musicians from the National Centre for Early Music. If you've been a bit bah humbug - this is set to kick start your season of celebration.  

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
Christmas pudding scones at Treasurer's House, York, piled on a wooden board and dusted with icing sugar, with a sprig of holly alongside
Try this clever way to use up leftover Christmas pudding | © William Drury

The Christmas pudding scone is back

Visit the cafe downstairs and escape the hustle and bustle of York city centre.

Make the most of the festive flavours on the menu, including hot turkey baps with all the trimmings, freshly baked festive cookies and mince pies, plus all your favourite hot drinks.

During festive opening, the Christmas pudding scone is back. Did you know it was first created from our very own kitchens following a idea from a visitor? Freshly baked, get one whilst you can and see for yourself why it was voted the Scone Blogger's favourite scone, and why visitors return year after year.

It's free to enter the cafe - 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 the house, where you can find everything you need to decorate your own festive home. Treat yourself to Christmas decorations, cards and calendars or choose gifts inspired by the house’s decor, like a needle felting kit to craft your own Treasurer's House mouse. The shop also offers a fantastic selection of gifts celebrating National Trust locations, along with locally-sourced artisan crafts, food, and drinks.

 

Candle in the foreground and Christmas tree in the background

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.

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Eating at Treasurer’s House 

The café at Treasurer's House is open April - December in line with house opening times and tickets to the house are not needed. Choose from freshly bakes treats and light lunches and browse the secondhand 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 

Discover tales of celebrity parties, workmen who wore slippers to keep the noise down, and the former owner’s threat to haunt the house if anything is changed.

Black and white images of well dressed men and women in front of a grand door

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. Plan ahead and find a Christmas event near you this year.

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.

Dark historic room with gold furniture and frames and twinkly candelabras and Christmas tree

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 across a garden with trees to a large Minster 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