What's On At York Designer Outlet This Christmas?

Getting into the Christmas spirit can sometimes feel like a bit of a mission, can’t it? Between planning who’s hosting, what to cook, and the mad dash to find the perfect presents, the fun can get a bit lost. But what if there was a place where you could sort out your shopping and have a brilliant festive day out all at once? Well, it turns out there is. This Christmas, the York Designer Outlet is pulling out all the stops, transforming from a shopper's paradise into a full-blown festive destination packed with things to do, see, and eat. It’s not just about finding gifts; it's about making memories with your loved ones, with a whole line-up of festive activities, charity campaigns, and exclusive offerings designed to bring on that holiday glow.

A proper Yorkshire Winter Wonderland

The famous Yorkshire Winter Wonderland is back at the Designer Outlet, celebrating its 20th year of spreading Christmas cheer. And yes, that means the award-winning ice rink has returned! Imagine gliding across the ice surrounded by a beautiful wintery woodland scene, with glowing baubles and twinkling tinsel everywhere. It’s the kind of magical setting that makes even the wobbliest skater feel graceful. The ice rink is open every single day until January 4th, apart from Christmas Day itself, making it the perfect way to burn off some energy after a serious session of gift-hunting.

The skating sessions are 45 minutes long, which is just enough time to perfect a spin (or at least stay upright!), and they can be booked online. Once the skates are off, the cosy part begins. Right next to the rink is The Chalet, a snug spot with an outdoor terrace. It’s the ideal place for an ‘après-skate’ treat, whether that’s a warming mug of mulled wine for the grown-ups or a hot chocolate for the kids. And of course, there are toasty mince pies. For something a bit different, people can book one of the individual wooden picnic cabins dotted around the Enchanted Woodland. They're a fantastic spot to tuck into a tasty sausage from the outdoor German Grill.

Thrills and spills at the funfair

But the entertainment doesn't stop with a skate and a sausage. The classic funfair is also back, and it’s got something for absolutely everyone. For those who love a bit of a thrill, the Waltzer and Twister are ready and waiting to spin you silly. If a family battle is more your speed, the Dodgems are a must-do. There are also plenty of gentler children's rides for the little helpers in your crew. And what’s a funfair without game stalls? There are loads of chances to win a giant cuddly toy to take home as a souvenir of your brilliant day out. These events really add to the festive atmosphere.

A magical trip to see Santa

It wouldn’t be Christmas without a visit to the main man himself, and Santa has found the perfect spot for his Grotto at the York Designer Outlet. To find him, visitors take a stroll through a shimmering light tunnel that leads into the magical Enchanted Woodland. Tucked away in a cosy log Grotto, Santa and his trusty elves are waiting with a warm welcome and special gifts for the little ones. It’s a truly magical experience, away from the hustle and bustle, where kids can have a proper chat with Santa. Just a heads-up, though – his Grotto is very popular, so advance booking is needed to make sure you get a spot.

Spreading some community cheer with charity campaigns

The festive season is also about giving back, and the York Designer Outlet is making it easy for everyone to spread a little kindness. They've teamed up with York Mix again for the Children’s Toy Appeal 2025. The goal is simple but so important: to make sure no child in the area wakes up on Christmas Day without a present to unwrap. Visitors can head to Santa’s Workshop in the Enchanted Woodland and drop off donations. The centre is collecting new gifts for children up to 16 years old. Things like toys, puzzles, books, and arts and crafts kits are all fantastic donations that will bring a huge amount of community cheer to local families. It’s a wonderful way to take part in thoughtful charity campaigns.

Bagging the perfect Christmas gifts (and deals!)

With all the festive activities going on, it’s easy to forget that the Designer Outlet is one of the best places to get Christmas shopping sorted. There are so many amazing luxury brands like Coach, Clarins, Reiss, and Levi’s, all with up to 60% off the recommended retail price. It’s the perfect place to find those special gifts for loved ones without the hefty price tag. To make things even easier, the centre is running extended opening hours during the Christmas period. And right now, the Black Friday 11-day event is live, which means a whole week of exclusive deals. The Outlet will be open until 9 pm on weekdays, and then even later until 10 pm on Friday and Saturday, giving everyone plenty of time to find what they're looking for.

More than just shopping

It's clear that the centre has put a lot of thought into creating a complete Christmas experience. Paul Tyler, the Centre Manager at McArthurGlen Designer Outlet York, captured the feeling perfectly. “Christmas truly is a special time at the Centre with the return of Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland bringing smiles and festive cheers to all our shoppers," he said. "A visit with us is so much more than just putting gifts under the tree, with a whole range of superb activities, events and wonderful decorations making this the ultimate destination for some quality time with your loved ones.” So, whether it's for the skating, the shopping deals, a visit to Santa, or just to soak up the atmosphere under the festive decorations, the York Designer Outlet seems to have Christmas all wrapped up.