Posted on November 1, 2025

Christmas is coming whether we’re ready or not. And if you’re after something a bit different this year – something that doesn’t involve another pub quiz or the usual festive routine – you might want to give Treasure Hunt York a go. The Christmas markets are setting up, the lights are going on, and York is looking rather festive. Perfect timing for a treasure hunt, really. Plus, if you’re stuck for gift ideas (and let’s face it, who isn’t?), we’ve sorted that too.
Forget the three Christmas spirits – Captain Bess is your guide this year. She’ll show you York through fresh eyes, mixing a bit of history with some proper mystery-solving.
You’ll be wandering around York with all the Christmas decorations up, following clues on your phone and discovering things you’ve probably walked past a hundred times before. It’s part treasure hunt, part city tour, and Bess keeps things entertaining with messages that actually make you smile rather than cringe.
Go at your own pace – stop for mulled wine, grab a bite at the Christmas market, take as many photos as you like. It’s your adventure. Ready to get started? Book your spot here!
York is magical at any time of the year, but Christmas is extra special. Our game runs parallel to the market lining Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square so you can pause your adventure for a festive browse before continuing your quest toward Merchant Adventurers hall.
Still haven’t sorted the Christmas do? This could be exactly what you need. Keep everyone together or split into teams for a bit of friendly competition. Last team to the pub gets the round in!.
Been one of those years that’s flown by? If you’re stuck for gifts for people who already have everything (or claim they don’t want anything), our vouchers might just save you.

We’ve got treasure hunts in 16 cities across the UK, so chances are there’s one near whoever you’re buying for.
They look proper smart tucked in a stocking or under the tree, and if you’re the last-minute type, you can print them at home or send them digitally. No judgment here – we’ve all been there.
“We thought the clues were pitched at the correct level, not too easy and made you look very closely at your surroundings, without being impossible to solve.
We had a fun day exploring York with a few pit stops for refreshement between clues.”
—Grendel46, Tripadvisor
ahoy@treasurehuntyork.com
Telephone: 01904 500 868
Text us: 07380 309380
Gardens and Guildhalls
starts from:
York Observatory, Museum Gardens, York, YO30 7BH
Play our second game in York: Walk the Walls