York's New Year's Eve Ball

York's New Year's Eve Ball takes over the Merchant Adventurers' Hall on 31 December, running from 19:00 until 01:00. The hall itself dates back to 1357, and the night is built around it: you start at 19:00 with an open bonfire and a glass of sparkling wine, then move into the undercroft for a pre-dinner reception and entertainment. At 20:00, you head up to the Great Hall, lit by candlelight, for a three-course banquet. The band starts warming up at 21:45 and kicks off at 22:00, which is when the 'Love Cheese' tasting table opens. At 23:45, the Master of Ceremonies and the band lead the countdown, followed by a midnight toast to 2025 with Auld Lang Syne and one final set. The whole thing wraps up at 01:00.

The menu is a three-course affair. The starter is beetroot-cured smoked salmon gravlax with fennel shavings, celeriac remoulade and dill dressing; the main is Yorkshire beef with potato terrine, artichoke puree, winter root vegetables and port wine jus; and for dessert, a deconstructed mango and passionfruit cheesecake with vanilla syrup. There's a vegan alternative too: heritage beetroot salad with vegan feta and sourdough crisp, heritage tomato with basil, and a parsnip tarte tatin with BBQ hispi cabbage and winter roots. The 'Love Cheese' table features five cheeses, meats, crackers and fruit, and there's a full bar on site, with table wine available to pre-order.

It's a black-tie and ball gown night, so you'll want to dress up. Tickets are on sale now, with limited Super Early Bird entries available. VIP tickets get you in early at 18:30 with an exclusive reception. For something more private, the Governor's Parlour offers tables for two to six people with a butler, champagne on arrival and a cheeseboard with port. The evening runs from 19:00 to 01:00 at the Merchant Adventurers' Hall.