From A to Z, here is a definitive guide of the cosiest things to do in York this winter

Days go by quicker, the sun makes fewer appearances, and all your assessment deadlines are coming up… but rest assured, York has a variety of cosy activities to help you release your stress in this difficult period.

In this ultimate cosy guide, I’m sharing the best activities you can do at home or outside to counter the seasonal sadness that inevitably comes around. From A (a visit to the York Art Gallery) to Z (enjoying some Zwetschkenknödels, don’t ask just yet), York is serving winter vibes all round. Picture fairy lights, mulled wine, and Insta worthy brunches filling up your next couple weeks.

So, here is the ultimate A to Z guide of cosy things to do this winter in York!

A – Art Gallery 

Where is the best place to spend your afternoon other than the York Art Gallery? It’s a warm, nice environment to fight the cold weather and they have a typewriter! Very old school. If you’re interested, why not have a go and showcase your talents? 

If you do, make sure to drop by before February 23rd to avoid missing The Art of Wallpaper: Morris & Co exhibition!

B – Brunch 

There are so many amazing brunch places to visit in York, meaning that you at least need to try one of them (or one a day if we’re following Advent). If you’re wondering, this pumpkin spice latte is from Nice To See You!

C – Christmas markets

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Mariah has (finally) defrosted and where better than browsing around York Christmas Market to feel the Christmas magic? With food, drinks and a variety of displayed artisan works, it’s the certified cosy place in York! Just ignore the huge crowd. We’ve got your much-needed student guide to the markets and trying every single food stall. You’re welcome. 

D – Day trip

Getting sick of York? Why not do a day trip? Depending on your mood you could always jump on a train or bus to Leeds, Durham or even Manchester and have a look at their Christmas markets. You could escape the York crowd and discover a new city (probably with another Christmas crowd).

E – Earl Grey

Drinking tea only makes me feel better and during this season, and I think we all need to feel the warmth of a well-deserved Earl Grey tea. Or of course, a classic Yorkshire tea.

F – Food tasting

Go food tasting! With the Shambles Market open seven days a week, you don’t have a reason not to try some local or not-so-local options. It’s also a great alternative to (hopefully) counter the business of the Christmas market.

G – Gnocchi

Rather than buying already-made gnocchis from Tesco, you should try and make some yourself! All you need is eggs, mashed potatoes, flour and spices. You can also get your flatmates and friends involved and create a lifelong memory while also enjoying homemade yummy food at the end.

H – Hot chocolate

An absolute classic during winter. York students can barely leave the house without ending up with a hot chocolate. Plus, after attending all of your classes, you more than deserve to enjoy a homemade hot chocolate in the comfort of your own home. So get in your pjs, make yourself cosy, pop on your favourite TV show, and get sipping.

I – Ice skating

With Winter Wonderland back at the York Designer Outlet, it’s the best and approved (by my friends and me) spot to go ice skating. Whether you are a pro or a beginner, get some skates on and try your best not to fall. At least if you do, there’s a funny video to show everyone.

J – Jumpers 

Knitting is a quite relaxing activity and being at home allows you to try something new. It’s also rewarding as you get to wear a jumper that you’ve made all by yourself! Or with the help of some YouTube videos…

K – Karaoke

All you need is a mic and some song lyrics on your phone and I bet that you can become a pop star lookalike. Move over Sabrina Carpenter. Get on with your favorite song or go for a Christmas song – ’tis the season!

L – A lie in

Who doesn’t look forward to a lie in bed? Especially when the weather is cloudy, rainy, and the day feels already over at 4pm.

M – Minster Christmas Tree Festival

From November 30th, 70 mini Christmas trees will be displayed in the Minster! As amazing as it looks normally, I can’t imagine how wonderful it will be with the trees decorating it. Remember that students can get in for free…

N – Paint your nails

What’s more cosy and therapeutic than staying at home and painting your nails while watching TV on your laptop? If you’ve got an answer to that, then stay quiet. The girlies know that painting each other’s nails is a true housemate bonding experience.

O – York Designer Outlet

The York Designer Outlet is located outside of York city centre, perfect for a nice day out with plenty of discounted clothes and stationery. It has everything you would look for in a shopping centre and is accessible by several buses. One even runs from the uni campuses on weekends!

P – Pottery painting

After painting your nails, why not go ahead and paint some Pottery? Bish Bash Pot is a well-known York cosy spot to relax and paint pottery. I’m sure you will be able to chill and enjoy before coming home with what I’m sure will be a masterpiece!

Q – Quince pie

Everyone knows about the famous mince pie but what about quince pie (let’s roll with it)! It’s a South American pie made with quince, apple and pear – it will for sure make you drool!

R – Recipes for baking

I recently made a courgette, lemon and blueberry cake for a friend’s birthday, a combination I would have never thought to try before but it turned out amazing – trust yourself and try baking or cooking a new recipe!

S – Sunday roast

The Sunday roast, a staple of British cuisine, is not to be missed. To feel the real warmth and cosiness of a York winter, you should go to one of the many pubs in the city and order their special Sunday roast.

T – Thor’s

Visit at least one of the two York Thor’s locations. You won’t regret going into this pop-up bar, where you will feel the cosiness and warmth that a York Christmas has to offer. Don’t forget to grab a drink…

U – Unwind yourself 

This is the perfect period to unwind yourself! Fix yourself a hot bath or lay under a cosy blanket with your favourite book and simply take some time to rest. Ahead of the busy exam season, it’s also important to take a step back and unwind yourself – your future self could only thank you for that.

V – Vintage shops 

Visit York’s best vintage shops and hopefully come home with the gem you always hoped to acquire. From unique pieces of clothing to decorations to pimp your uni house, shops such as Dog and Bone Vintage have a lot to offer. Have a little wander and I’m sure that you will find the perfect match.

W – Walking around the city

Day or night (preferably with friends) walking around the city is the best way to discover all the decorations. They do look extra magical and special at night.

X – Xperiment

Yes, I know it’s not a proper word but, if there is something you want to try and experiment with, now is the time! No one is judging and some of the activities mentioned earlier might be a great start to things you should try. Christmas is the perfect time for it.

Y – Yoga

Doing yoga is a pretty physically demanding activity but once you start, you won’t want to stop! If you can’t be bothered to go out of the house, buy a mat and try it at home. Have a look here at when one of our writers went to a different York workout class every single day for a week (yoga included)!

Z – Zwetschkenknödel 

Yes, this word seems pretty hard to pronounce, but best believe that we can translate it to Plum Dumpling! A speciality from Austria and Hungary, this is the perfect winter sweet treat. Sadly they don’t sell these at the York markets, but it’s so easy to make and could be the perfect end to a homemade roast dinner!

I truly hope that this alphabetical guide of cosy things to do in York was helpful! Try to soak it all in and make the most of the rays of sunshine we’re seeing (ignoring the storm) and enjoy the rest of the winter season. Make it as cosy as it already is.