Make Christmas special at The Waterfront with festive dining, seasonal treats and celebrations overlooking York Marina. From breakfast and light lunches to afternoon tea and our festive set menu, there’s something for everyone to enjoy from 29th November to 22nd December 2026.
Christmas at The Waterfront
Make This Christmas One to Remember
Festive Breakfast
Start Your Day with a Little Christmas Cheer
Start the celebrations with a festive breakfast overlooking York Marina. Enjoy seasonal twists on breakfast favourites, from our Festive Waterfront Breakfast and pigs in blanket breakfast bap to hot orange and maple pancakes.
Served daily, 9am–11.30am
29th November – 22nd December
Festive Light Lunch
A Relaxed Festive Lunch at the Waterfront
Take a break from the Christmas rush and enjoy a relaxed festive lunch at The Waterfront. Choose from seasonal open sandwiches and warming hot sandwiches, including roast turkey with homemade cranberry stuffing and British beef.
Perfect for a festive catch-up with friends, family or colleagues.
Served daily, 12pm–3.45pm
29th November – 22nd December
Festive Set Menu
Gather, Dine & Celebrate
Celebrate Christmas around the table with our festive set menu. Enjoy a choice of seasonal starters, traditional and contemporary mains, followed by indulgent Christmas desserts and a selection of Yorkshire cheeses.
Ideal for family celebrations, Christmas get-togethers and festive meals with colleagues.
Two Courses – £33.00
Three Courses – £39.50
Served daily, 12pm–3pm
29th November – 22nd December
Christmas Tribute Evenings
Dinner, Live Entertainment & Dancing
Get ready for a Christmas party night to remember at The Waterfront. Our Christmas Tribute Evenings combine a delicious three-course festive menu with live tribute entertainment, followed by a DJ and dancing until midnight.
Choose from three fantastic evenings:
Whitney Houston Tribute
Saturday 28th November
Robbie Williams Tribute
Saturday 5th December
Celine Dion Tribute
Friday 18th December
£69 per person
Doors open 6pm | Carriages 12am
A £29.50 non-refundable entertainment deposit per person is required when booking.
Festive Afternoon Tea
A Festive Treat by the Waterfront
Add a little sparkle to your afternoon with our Festive Afternoon Tea. Enjoy seasonal sandwiches, savoury treats, an orange and cinnamon scone with marmalade and clotted cream, followed by a selection of Christmas-inspired sweet treats.
Includes your choice of tea or coffee.
£30 per person
Served Monday to Saturday, 2pm–3.30pm
30th November – 22nd December
24 hours’ notice and a 50% non-refundable deposit are required when booking.
Give the Gift of The Waterfront
Looking for a Christmas gift? Treat someone special to a Waterfront gift voucher and let them enjoy great food, drinks and views across York Marina at a time that suits them.
Gift vouchers are available to purchase online.
Festive Opening Hours
Christmas & New Year at The Waterfront
We’ll be taking a short Christmas break before welcoming you back for the final few days of 2026 and the start of the New Year.
23rd–28th December – Closed for Christmas
29th December – 12pm–4.30pm
30th December – 10am–4.30pm
31st December – 10am–4.30pm
1st January – 10am–4.30pm
2nd January – Normal opening hours resume
From 29th December, our regular daily menu will return, including on New Year’s Day
Welcome
Welcome to The Waterfront Cafe at York Marina, where every visit promises a slice of riverside paradise. Nestled along the picturesque River Ouse, our cafe offers more than just a meal. It’s an experience. From the serene views of passing boats to the inviting aroma of freshly brewed coffee, immerse yourself in the beauty of our surroundings.
Our Opening Hours
Sunday to Thursday – Open for drink 9am to 4:30pm
Friday & Saturday – Open for drinks 9am to 9:30pm
Breakfast – Everyday – 9am to 11:30am
Lunch – Everyday – 12pm to 3:45pm
Dinner – Friday & Saturday – 5:30pm to 7:30pm (Dinner not served between 25th Dec and Valentine’s)
Afternoon Tea – Monday to Saturday – 2pm to 3:30pm (24 hours’ notice & 50% deposit required for afternoon tea)
The Press
Contact us today
Got a question or simply want to say hello? Reach out to The Waterfront Cafe team today. We’re here to assist you in every way possible, ensuring your visit is nothing short of perfection.
01904 621021 (opt 2)
Operated during opening hours
The Waterfront Café, York, YO19 4RW
Check our opening hours
Check out our sister venue,
The Plum & Partridge in Husthwaite!
Why not explore our sister venue, Plum & Partridge, nestled in the picturesque village of Husthwaite? With its charming ambience and delightful offerings, it’s the perfect alternative for your next outing. We look forward to welcoming you there!
