The city centre will be transformed into a winter wonderland on Thursday (9 December), thanks to City of York Council.

Davygate (off St Helen's Square) will be closed to vehicles for a special day of Christmas celebrations between 3pm and 8pm.

There will be an selection of Christmas stalls, mulled wine and roasted chestnuts, as well as a sparkling Santa's grotto with elves and live music from local bands.

To celebrate the festive season the council has also installed hundreds of new pea-lights, 250 four-foot real trees and 32 large trees illuminating the city centre.

The following events are also taking place in December:

International Christmas Fayre: 1 - 19 December - Parliament Street
The Fayre has a stylish, modern flavour which brings with it a sweep of global Christmas traditions and stalls decked out in seasonal livery, backed and gentle festive music.

Winter Wonderland: 9 December
There will be guaranteed mulled wine, roasted chestnuts and a Santa's grotto between 3pm and 8pm, for what is certain to be a fun-filled festive event on Davygate.
Plus live music from local bands and tasting sessions from Waitrose, will also see Davygate transformed into a 'winter wonderland'.

Early Music Christmas Festival: 2 - 11 December
Promoted by the National Centre for Early Music, the popular event is a tuneful way to start the Christmas season. For further information contact The National Centre for Early Music on 01904 632220 or visit www.ncem.co.uk

A Mansion House Christmas: 2 - 11 December
Thursdays - Saturdays at 11am, 12.30pm and 2pm
£5 adult, £4 conc. Children and York residents visit for free.
Guided tours of the Mansion House dressed for Christmas. Post a letter to Father Christmas in the Lapland Letterbox.

Made in Yorkshire Christmas Market: 2 - 12 December - St Sampson's Square
Bringing together some of the finest arts and crafts from around the North and East Yorkshire region, including ceramics, textiles, paintings, woodwork, pottery and glass. 

Festival of Angels: 11 - 12 December
The heart of the city centre will be transformed into a winter wonderland of ice-sculptures, stalls, al fresco dining, street entertainment, live ice-carving and guaranteed 'snow' showers. Saturday 11 December from 11am until 6pm and Sunday 12 from 11am until 5pm, across the streets of Swinegate.

What the Dickens? 16 -17 December
York Mansion House 7.30pm
Tickets £12 which includes a mince pie and mulled wine.
Gather in the glorious setting of the state room to hear about the life of the great novelist, together with songs from musicals based on his stories, all presented by York Musical Theatre Company. Just the thing to get you in the festive spirit. Pre-booking required by calling the York Archaeological Trust: 01904 615505.

A Right Merrie Christmas - Mansion House: 18 December
York Mansion House 2pm - 4pm
Traditional carols and readings by the York Wassilers in the elegant setting of the Stateroom. Mince pies and mulled wine will be served in the dining room after the concert.
Tickets can be pre booked through the Mansion House 01904 552036, or are available on the door.

Christmas Farmers' Market: 21 December
Enjoy a selection of Yorkshire favourites. Specialising in the very best of the region's food produce such as venison, ostrich or organic lamb burgers, accompanied by home-grown organic vegetables and a fine bottle of Yorkshire Punch.

VisitYork recenetly declared York the most 'Christmassy' city in the UK, with a wide-range of festive sights and sounds for visitors to enjoy during the holiday season.

For a free guide to Christmas events in York call in at the Visit York Information Centre, Exhibition Square or log on to www.visityork.org/christmas