Jingle bells! Christmas in York 2025 will be here before we know it, and it’s going to be another magical festive season for families. If you’re looking for the best family-friendly Christmas events in York, you’ve come to the right place. From enchanting Santa’s grottos to sparkling Christmas light trails, side-splitting pantomimes to festive days […]

Snow is forecast in York this November, and this time, it’s guaranteed! Running from 10 November 2025 to 22 February 2026, JORVIK Viking Centre has been transformed into a spectacular snowy scene for A Winter Adventure at JORVIK. We stepped back in time to AD 960 to experience how York’s Vikings braved the cold, kept […]

The Little Vikings Awards 2026 shortlists announced! Voting is now open Drumroll, please… We’re thrilled to unveil the Little Vikings Awards 2026 shortlists, proudly sponsored by Indie York! Huge thanks to our sponsors Indie York, The York Proms, Stockeld Park, Mint Sauce Media, The Bloody Tour of York, Stonegate Medical Clinic, Yorkshire Foundry and Caramel […]

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. […]

It’s been a busy week of pantomime-going at Little Vikings HQ, and we’re delighted to say that York’s lucky enough to have two top-class pantos to choose from again this year. Last night we headed to the press night of Sleeping Beauty at York Theatre Royal and it’s spectacular. We’ve been YTR panto regulars for […]

Cinderella at the Grand Opera House York was our first panto of the season, and what a way to kick things off. Pantos are a big part of our family Christmas, and this one reminded us exactly why. It’s glittering, funny and pun-packed, with an excellent script, catchy songs and a good dose of audience […]

About the Santa Express at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway A Brand-New Christmas Experience from the North Yorkshire Moors Railway! This Christmas, get ready for a festive journey like no other. Step into a world of twinkling lights, joyful music, and seasonal cheer as The Santa Express makes its enchanting debut. Start your experience at […]

Your dreams have come true… The 2025/26 York Theatre Royal pantomime with Evolution Productions will be the enchanting Sleeping Beauty! A timeless tale of adventure, magic and festive family fun. Jennie Dale will be bringing more than a sprinkle of magic as Fairy Moonbeam. Jennie is known for playing Captain Captain in the beloved CBeebies TV series Swashbuckle and for presenting […]

The temperature’s falling and the nights are drawing in, but let’s not be gloomy. Not only does that mean it’s easier to get your little ones to bed (in theory, at least), but it’s also the season for lovely light trails near York. From twinkling gardens to illuminated abbey ruins, Yorkshire’s packed with dazzling displays […]

Silent night? Not in York! This festive season, enjoy full-throttle family fun at one of the brilliant Christmas shows and pantomimes in York. From laugh-out-loud performances to heart-warming stories, there’s something to get everyone in the Christmas spirit. For a more traditional start to your celebrations, York Minster’s Crib Service is a magical must-see and […]

Following the success of The Little Vikings I Spy Trail (as recommended by The Sunday Times!), we’re thrilled to launch a brand new family walking adventure: The Snickelways & Silly Street Names Trail. This fun, free, self-guided adventure takes families through York’s maze of magical snickelways – those narrow, winding passages that are easy to […]

York Christmas Market – also known as St Nicholas Fair – is set to return from November 13th to December 21st 2025, with twinkling lights, the scent of mulled wine and lots of unique gift ideas. The famous alpine chalets will return to line Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square, creating a festive wonderland of local traders […]

We had no idea what to expect from Slava’s Snow Show at the Grand Opera House, and now we’ve seen it, we’re still not entirely sure! It’s an experience unlike anything we’ve ever had in the theatre, and almost impossible to sum up. Imagine tumbling into a strange, clown-filled fever dream after an overenthusiastic encounter […]

October half term in York 2026: 24th October to 1st November 2026 (for most York schools). Always check your school’s dates! October half-term in York is glorious, with so many things to do with kids. There’s a wide variety of activities going on, from pumpkin festivals to pumpkin picking and even the odd event NOT […]

You shall go to the ball with this year’s sparkling musical pantomime, Cinderella! York’s most magical festive tradition is back – and it’s bigger, bolder and more star-studded than ever. Cinderella at the Grand Opera House York is set to be the city’s biggest Christmas show, boasting dazzling casting, glittering production values and a laugh-a-minute script. Beloved star of […]

When it comes to autumn days out in York, few things beat the fun of pumpkin picking. Instead of grabbing one from the supermarket, head to one of the brilliant pumpkin patches near York where you can wander the fields, hunt for the perfect pumpkin, and soak up the autumn atmosphere. From family-friendly farms to […]

It’s that time of year again – your chance to show your love and appreciation for the many fantastic family-friendly places in and around York! Now celebrating its 11th year, the Little Vikings Awards – this year sponsored by Indie York – recognises the very best York has to offer for children and families. It’s […]

As part of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway’s Railway 200 celebrations, get ready for an unforgettable journey with a true British legend: the world-famous Flying Scotsman! This October half term, the Flying Scotsman will be steaming through the beautiful North York Moors between Grosmont and Pickering, and you can hop on board. Thanks to the […]

Have you heard the exciting autumn news?! There’s a new pumpkin patch in town! Farmer Ed’s Pumpkin Patch, from the team behind Piglets Adventure Farm, launches on Saturday 27th September and it sounds like a lovely seasonal experience in York that’s definitely not just for kids. Expect pumpkins galore, marshmallow toasting, tasty street food and […]

While we’ll never stop hoping that they’ll one day bring back the massive York bonfire night and firework displays we enjoyed as kids – anyone else remember the sight of fireworks waterfalling down Clifford’s Tower or the massive, free displays on the Knavesmire? – there are still some fun ways to celebrate York’s naughtiest plotter. […]