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Christmas at York Museum Gardens: experience the magic after dark
From now until Monday 1 January 2018, the City's historic gardens will be transformed into a magical illuminated trail, filled with seasonal colour and music. From the modern display of mesmerising musical LED trees to the projection of a traditional Christmas scene onto the ruins of the beautiful medieval St. Mary's Abbey, there is something to capture the heart and imagination of each visitor that steps through the historic gates.
Home to over 10 acres of stunning botanical gardens in the heart of the city, York Museum Gardens are famed for their fantastic collection of trees and plants set against the stunning backdrop of the medieval ruins of St. Mary's Abbey and the city's prized Yorkshire Museum. The fantastic scenery of the gardens has been utilised to its full extent, making every twist and turn of the hour-long illuminated route a Christmas experience like no other.
As visitors arrive, they will step into a Christmas village with the familiar sights and smells of Christmas, including a vintage funfair ride* and games stall*, festive face painting* and delicious warming pies from the Yorkshire Pudding Pie Company*.
From here, visitors will enter the 'edible garden' to discover the delightful '12 Frames of Christmas' - based on the traditional song but with a special York-inspired twist - before stepping through the gateway to be captivated by musical LED trees and a mesmerising sea of ever-changing coloured globes adorning the lawn opposite. The dramatic St Mary's Abbey ruins provide the backdrop for a series of Christmas scenes, spectacularly projected onto the walls of the Grade I listed building.
This leads to an electrifying display of neon as a specially-commissioned art installation 'Beautiful Hazards' by local Yorkshire artist Richard Wheater makes a unique and majestic statement on the lawn outside the Yorkshire Museum. Visitors then have a chance to get creative at the musical tree stumps before reaching the 14th century Hospitium. From here, the trail passes Father Christmas in his secret bothy, tucked away within the trees, and through a shimmering 20m tunnel of lights before reaching a dazzling display of glittering mirror balls.
The enchanting walk ends with the Finale of Fire on the Library lawn where visitors can warm themselves with mulled wine, spiced cider and hot chocolate, along with a toasted marshmallow or two*.
Christmas at York Museum Gardens is set to captivate young and old alike, locals as well as visitors, with its immersive Christmas spectacle.
*optional activities at additional cost
The walk is fully accessible and child friendly. Visitors should allow at least an hour for the visit.
Visit our website for further information
www.christmasatyorkmuseumgardens.co.uk