Illustration of Santa in a red suit sitting in an armchair as a small child shows him a paper list beside a lit fireplace (Crib Service)

Crib Service

2026 dates not announced yet. Details are from 2025.

Experience the magic of Christmas at York Minster's Crib Service on December 24th. This family-friendly event brings the Christmas story to life with carols, music, and a special blessing of the crib. Children are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite Nativity characters, adding to the festive atmosphere. Doors open at 10:30 am for this free, ticketless service.

Details Tickets

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Plan Your Visit

Website / Tickets

bit.ly

Tickets

FREE

Ages

All ages

Food & Drink

Food is not permitted inside the Minster. Only cold bottled drinks are allowed; hot drinks are not permitted. The York Minster Refectory is located nearby.

Parking

There is no parking available at the cathedral. Visitors are encouraged to use public transport or park at one of the six Park and Ride sites around the city. The nearest pay and display car parks are Monk Bar, Union Terrace, and Bootham Row.

Accessibility

Ramped access is available at the main entrance. Most of the cathedral has level, ramped, or lift access. Accessible toilets and baby changing facilities are available. Service animals are permitted.

Going?

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families

Vibe

Festive, traditional, community

Energy Level

Low

Photo Friendly

📷 📷 📷 📷 📷 (4/5)

Tips & Advice

  • Arrive early, as doors open at 10:30 am for the 11:30 am service, and capacity can be reached.
  • Encourage children to dress up as Nativity characters to fully participate in the festive spirit.
  • Check the York Minster website for any last-minute updates or specific service information before attending.
  • Consider public transport or walking to reach York Minster, as parking in the city centre can be limited.
  • While the service is free, consider making a donation to support the ongoing preservation of this historic site.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Children encouraged to dress as Nativity characters
  • Blessing of the crib
  • Doors open at 10:30 am

Links & Contact

Website / Tickets Contact

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time do doors open for the Crib Service?

Doors will open at 10:30 am for the 11:30 am Crib Service.

Is there an admission fee for the Crib Service?

No, the service is free to attend and no tickets are required.

Can children dress up for the service?

Yes, children are encouraged to dress up as characters from the Nativity.

What should I do if I'm running late for the service?

While the service is free, arriving on time is recommended as capacity can be reached. Check the opening hours for the day.

Are there any restrictions on food or drink during the service?

Food is not permitted inside the Minster, and only cold bottled drinks are allowed. Hot drinks are not permitted.

View More FAQs

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

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