Have a rotting Christmas

Tue 20 Dec, 10.30am to 12noon at Rowntree Park

Come along and find out how we can reduce what we waste at Christmas and have a go at making some decorations.

To book a free place please contact Rachel Simpson on 07584 205240 or rachel.simpson@york.gov.uk

Click with confidence

Sat 3 Dec, 9.30am to 12noon at York Explore Library Learning Centre

If you’re planning on buying a digital camera for Christmas, this workshop will give you some fool-proof advice on finding the right camera for you - before you make an expensive decision!

You’ll learn to understand the different types available, from simple point and shoot models, to standard compacts and compact cameras.   We’ll also discuss megapixels, zoom, lens, resolution, LCD screens, image stabilisation and ISO range, so that by the end of the sessions, you’ll be able to purchase your camera with confidence.

Cost £15

Book online at www.yortime.org.uk or contact the Adult Education Booking Office on 01904 552806.  Office opening hours are Mon and Fri 10am to 2pm and Wed 12noon to 6pm.

Decorations and drinks come naturally

Sat 17 Dec, 10.30am to 12noon at West Bank Park

Join the Rangers and the Friend of West Bank Park and have ago at making Christmas wreaths and candle holders - all ages and abilities welcome.

Cost - Free!

Please wear appropriate clothing and shoes for the weather and activity.

To Book a place please contact Jenny Cairns on 07833 436832 or jennifer.cairns@york.gov.uk

A child friendly new year's ball

Sat 31 Dec, 7pm to 1am at Bustardthorpe Field, York Knavesmire

York Winter Wonderland’s New Year’s Eve Ball 2011

Guests will be seated cabaret-style, at tables, with food and bubbly at midnight included in the price and bar available as well as party accessories to make sure York sees in the New Year with a bang.

We want to see the whole family dressed up in your gladrags and best party frocks, all ready for the party of a lifetime.

You may stay as long as you like with your children - this is a family event, with entertainment starting from earlier in the evening until 1am - New Year’s Eve in York will never be the same again.

Spend the evening being entertained by:

Max Somerset -  Magician,  best known Sorcerer’s apprentice BBC 1 - Now in it’s third Series, The Sorcerer’s apprentice BBC1, BBC2 and CBBC series has gained legions of young fans and switched a whole new generation onto magic.

And..... its only Glee Club!

With the continued success of the hit show on our UK screens, the Glee Club bring their hits to entertain all the family on this New Year’s Eve.  Featuring high impact choreography and live vocals this show will have you on your feet.

Plus, Top Class Disco, and much, much more.........

Cost: £30 per person

For more information and to book tickets go to www.yorkwinterwonderland.co.uk

Tree planting

Sat 3 Dec, 10.30am to 12noon at Clifton Backies

Get your green fingers out and plant some native hedgerow trees.

Tools and trees provided. Planting will take place around the balancing pond - all ages and abilities welcome.

Please wear appropriate clothing and shoes for the weather and activity.

To Book a place please contact Clair Merrifield on 07769 963127 or clair.merrifield@york.gov.uk

Winter wildlife walk

Sat 3 Dec, 1.30pm to 3pm at Rawcliffe Bar Country Park

Join us on a guided walk around the country park looking at the winter landscape and wildlife, then have ago at some natural art - all ages and abilities welcome.

Please wear appropriate clothing and shoes for the weather and activity.

To Book a place please contact Clair Merrifield on 07769 963127 or clair.merrifield@york.gov.uk

"Working for Mr Rowntree"

Thu 15 Dec, 7pm to 8pm at Explore New Earswick Library Learning Centre

Join Nestle Archivist, Alex Hutchinson, and discover the daily lives and conditions of Joseph Rowntree’s workers.

The talk will  include film footage of ladies working on the production line in the 1930s, Rowntree’s sports day and Rowntree family film footage and will be covering innovations such as reduced working hours, pensions, music in workrooms, sports facilities, schooling, and medical care.

Tickets £3, available from Explore New Earswick, please contact 01904 552629 or NewEarswick.Library@york.gov.uk

Ambling to Acaster Malbis

Thu 15 Dec, 10am start, approx 2pm finish

Join Colin and other Nordic walking enthusiasts for an 8 mile Nordic walk covering a mixture of terrains and taking in some of York most beautiful and interesting sights including the River Ouse, Bishopthorpe Palace and the disused air field. Please come in outdoor clothing and bring a rucksack with a drink and lunch.

Free to attend (Nordic walking poles can be hired for £2 per pair if required)

Walk Starts from Bishopthorpe Library, Main Street, Bishopthorpe.

Waterproofs may be needed. Booking is not required for this walk simply turn up on the day.
For more information contact Fiona Barker on 01904 553377 or e-mail Fiona.barker@york.gov.uk.

Frolics and fun at the Festive Fayre

Sat 3 to Sun 18 Dec, 9.30am to 7.30pm in Parliament Street, York

York’s Festive Fayre brings a sweep of Christmas traditions with music and specially decorated wooden huts.

Open daily from 9.30am until 7.30pm, you are sure to find that extra special Christmas gift at York’s city centre festive markets.

Make sure you find time to escape the hustle and bustle and relax in the twinkling haven of the Festive Inne and enjoy a glass of delicious Winter Pimms and other festive offerings!

"Throwing a festive light on York"

Fri 2 and Sat 3 Dec, 10am to 12pm (Sat) and 1pm to 3pm (Fri & Sat) at the Mansion House, St Helen's Square, York

This is a series of festive workshops looking at the origins of Christmas food and traditions, set in the beautiful Dickensian Mansion House.

“Deck the Hall” with Louise Wheatley – Fri 2 Dec – 1pm to 3pm

“Customs in Medieval York & Yorkshire” – Louise Hampson – Sat 3 Dec – 10am to12pm

“Nativity Christmas Paintings” - Fiona Ftizgerald – Sat 3 Dec – 1pm to 3pm

Cost - £10 per workshop (price includes tea/coffee and mince pies).

Book online at www.yortime.org.uk or contact the Adult Education Booking Office on 01904 552806.  Office opening hours are Mon and Fri 10am to 2pm and Wed 12pm to 6pm.

Festival of Angels

Sat 10 and Sun 11 Dec, 10am to 4pm at The Minster Quarter, York City Centre

The Minster Quarter's Festival of Angels is a true winter festival, bringing York a winter wonderland of ice-sculptures, stalls, outdoor food and drink and street entertainment.

You'll see Santa in the Streets and can follow the Parade of Angels on Sunday, led by the beautiful Golden Angel (time and route to be confirmed).

A true Christmas festival, transforming York's most unique streets into a winter wonderland of ice-sculptures, stalls, al fresco dining, street entertainment and guaranteed 'snow' showers.

Lots of porky pies

Sat 3 Dec at Joseph Rowntree School

This hands-on cookery workshop will show you how to make a traditional festive hand-raised pork pie for your Christmas buffet.

Cost £35

Book online at www.yortime.org.uk or contact the Adult Education Booking office on 01904 552806.  Office opening hours are Mon and Fri 10am to 2pm and  Wednesdays 12 to 6pm.