As the festive season approaches, Explore libraries and reading cafés across York are preparing to welcome visitors with Christmas fairs, live music, seasonal treats and family activities.
This year’s Christmas programme offers plenty of opportunities to shop locally, enjoy festive entertainment and spend time together in welcoming community spaces, while supporting Explore’s work across York.
The season begins with the return of Explore’s popular Christmas fairs, bringing together talented local makers, artists and crafters from across the city. Visitors will be able to browse a wide range of handmade gifts, from jewellery and prints to festive treats and stocking fillers, while discovering some of York’s creative talent.
The fairs also help raise funds for Explore’s work across York. Whether it’s a raffle ticket, a turn on the tombola or a coffee and cake in one of the Reading Cafés, every purchase helps support the libraries, archives and community activities enjoyed by thousands of people throughout the year.
York Explore’s Christmas Fair returns on Saturday 14 November, taking over three rooms of the library with stalls, festive refreshments and a Christmas tombola with amazing prizes.
Further fairs will take place at Clifton Explore, Acomb Explore and Tang Hall Explore throughout the season, creating opportunities for people across the city to join in the festive spirit closer to home.
Jenny Layfield, chief executive of Explore York Libraries and Archives, said: “Christmas is a wonderful opportunity to bring people together and celebrate everything that makes our communities special.
“Our fairs showcase talented local makers and give people the chance to find unique gifts whilst supporting Explore’s work across the city.
“Every purchase and donation helps us continue providing welcoming spaces where people can read, learn, create and connect. It also helps us create more opportunities for people across York to engage with culture, heritage and community life.”
Families can look forward to festive fun with visits from Father Christmas. Acomb Explore and Rowntree Park Reading Café will both welcome Santa at their magical Grottos this December, offering children the chance to enjoy a special Christmas experience in a relaxed and friendly setting. Visitors will be able to meet Santa, receive a small gift and take their own photographs to capture the occasion.
Music returns to Explore libraries this December through the much-loved Baroque Around the Books performances, presented in partnership with the National Centre for Early Music. NCEM has recently received a three-year funding package from The John Feldberg Foundation, allowing the performances to continue for an additional three years.
This year’s programme, The New Lyre, sees The Portrait Players sharing music and poetry by women of the 17th century. The free performances will take place at Acomb, Clifton, Tang Hall and York Explore, bringing live music into library spaces and creating a unique festive atmosphere for visitors.
This year will also see real Christmas trees introduced at Explore centres across the city for the first time. Generously donated by Haxby and Wigginton Christmas Trees, the trees will bring festive sparkle to libraries and reading cafés throughout the season.
Whether visitors are looking for unique gifts, free live music, family activities or simply a welcoming place to pause during the festive season, Explore’s libraries and reading cafés offer something for everyone.