This winter, experience AD 975 like never before! For the first time in 40 years, JORVIK Viking Centre is embracing the chill with an immersive winter makeover. Step into the icy world of the Vikings and discover how they braved the cold, kept themselves and their animals warm, what they ate and how they entertained themselves during […]

Did you know that York has its very own Paddington Bear bench? Yep, to celebrate the release of Paddington in Peru, a trail of Paddington benches has popped up across the UK and Ireland, and York has been lucky enough to get one! It’s the perfect excuse – as if you needed one – to […]

Kick off the holiday season with York’s 2024 Nutcracker Trail! It’s one of the best things to do in York at Christmas with kids, and it’s totally free. This year’s theme, Christmas Around the World, showcases ten uniquely designed nutcrackers, each inspired by a different country and adorned with colours and landmarks reflecting its national […]

Read on if you’re planning a trip to York this weekend! The organisers of the York Christmas Market are sorry to announce that, due to Storm Darragh, the market will not take place on Saturday 7th December 2024. RECOMMENDED ???? The best free and cheap things to do in York ☔️ Rainy days in York ????‍♂️The best […]

We’ve been lucky enough to try many of York’s Santa experiences over the years, but somehow we’d never hopped on board to check out the only one that takes place on water: the City Cruises Santa Cruise. So when we were invited to try it this Christmas, we jumped at the chance, and we’re pleased […]

The Little Vikings Awards 2025 shortlists announced! Voting is now open Drumroll, please… We’re thrilled to unveil the Little Vikings Awards 2025 shortlists, proudly presented by The Mount School! A huge shoutout to our other amazing sponsors, En Pointe Dance School, York’s Chocolate Story, and Middletons Hotel, for their support. Celebrating its 10th year, the […]

The most enchanting pantomime of all time, Beauty & The Beast, comes to the Grand Opera House York this Christmas! Join Belle, The Beast, Fairy Bon Bon, the exuberant Polly La Plonk and her cheeky chappy son, Louis La Plonk, as they are transported to a cursed castle, under the spell of an evil enchantress. Can […]

Head to York Theatre Royal this Christmas for a spectacular family pantomime! Cbeebies and CBBC superstar, Evie Pickerill, will bring her sparkle as Spirit of the Ring! York favourite, Robin Simpson (Dame Trott in Jack and the Beanstalk) is returning for another sensational show. Paul Hawkyard (Captain Hook in All New Adventures of Peter) will be back for his third pantomime […]

Castle Howard’s award-winning Christmas experience is back, and this year’s theme is Alice’s Christmas Wonderland! Alice is planning a huge Christmas party, and you’re invited. In fact, you can enter our competition and might just win a family ticket! Read on for details. We went along to the preview of this year’s Christmas at Castle […]

The hugely popular Sewerby Winter Woodland is back again this year, running from Friday 6th to Sunday 22nd December 2024! An all-new spectacular display of lights, sounds and special effects will bring the grounds to life for a great evening out this festive season. This year’s Sewerby Winter Woodland will include new light installations including […]

Breakfast is a parent’s dream, isn’t it? It’s the one mealtime that’s usually stress-free, especially when you’re out and about. After all, who can be grumpy when there are pancakes on the menu? Start your day in York right by heading to one of these fantastic breakfast and brunch spots. York’s food scene is booming, […]

Experience the magic of Christmas with the North Yorkshire Moors Railway’s Santa Special, running on selected dates from 30th November to 24th December 2024. Start your festive adventure at Pickering Station, beautifully adorned with twinkling lights, real Christmas trees, and the sounds of Christmas music. Capture the moment with a Christmas selfie, enjoy a treat […]

Get ready to step into a world where reality twists and turns! Launching in January 2025, York’s newest attraction, The Puzzling World of Professor Kettlestring, will open its doors to families, school groups, and curious explorers of all ages. Right in the heart of York city centre (Merchantgate), this immersive experience promises a journey through […]

Excellent festive news for those of you who love a spin around the rink at Christmas: Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland is back at York Designer Outlet for 2024 with 975 sq m of real ice to glide, slide and wobble around.  Presented by HARIBO, Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland, with its glistening outdoor ice rink, thrilling funfair, magical […]

While we might disagree on what constitutes a sensible meal, a nice outfit or a reasonable bedtime, there’s one thing parents and kids can generally agree on: freshly baked goods make life a little bit brighter. York’s bakery scene is booming, so whether you fancy a tasty local breakfast, trying a local delicacy or need […]

It’s that time of year again when many schools open their doors to welcome prospective parents to have a look around. Details of all the open events for state schools in York can be found here (primary schools) and here (secondary schools) – there are too many for us to list! As for the independent […]

Piglets’ Adventure Farm’s Magical Sleigh Ride Experience is one of the best Santa experiences in York, and we’re giving away a ticket on one of the most sought-after dates to one lucky family! We went along last year and absolutely loved it – take a look at our review to find out what to expect. […]

This brand new event is part of Ghosts in the Gardens, one of York’s best-loved events. Explore York Museum Gardens after dark and discover 45 ghostly sculptures inspired by York’s past, illuminated with dramatic lighting, smoke, and sound. Uncover the history behind the ghosts at six storytelling areas, featuring York’s top storytellers sharing both classic […]

Nurturing and supporting new talent is at the heart of York’s Aesthetica 2024. The dynamic film festival spotlights rising stars in the New Wave initiative and has a vibrant family friendly programme. We believe in the power of film to inspire the next generation by encouraging creativity. It is an important mechanism to develop media […]

Whether it’s York’s ancient history or its recent connections with the world of Harry Potter, the city has become a popular destination for families in search of magic. The most magical spot in our already enchanting city is the Shambles, a quirky, cobbled medieval street that feels like stepping into a fairytale. Now there’s even […]