Jingle bells! Christmas in York will be here before we know it, and it’s looking good for a sparkling festive season. As always, there’s plenty of choice of family-friendly Christmas events in and around York for children of all ages, from meetings with Father Christmas to pantomimes and days out with added twinkle. Here’s our pick of the best things to do this Christmas in York in 2024 with kids – keep checking back as we’ll add more events as we get them. Top tip – book early as the popular events do tend to sell out and we don’t want you being added to the naughty list…
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🎄 Christmas in York 🎄
A Winter Adventure at JORVIK Viking Centre
Discover JORVIK as you’ve never seen it before this winter! 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 the long, dark Yorkshire months. Pre-booking a timeslot is essential. It’s easy to book—head to jorvikvikingcentre.co.uk.
Aladdin at York Theatre Royal
York Theatre Royal’s ever-popular pantomime returns for 2024 with a much-loved classic, Aladdin. CBeebies and CBBC superstar, Evie Pickerill, will bring her sparkle and flare as Spirit of the Ring and York favourite, Robin Simpson, returns too. This fun-filled extravaganza is guaranteed to delight the whole family, but tickets will move like flying carpets so book early for the best seats at the best prices.
3rd December 2024 to 5th January 2025 – Visit the York Theatre Royal website for more info and tickets
Meet Father Christmas on the river with City Cruises’ Santa Experience
Get ready for an extraordinary Christmas adventure aboard a City Cruises boat, where you’ll be joining Santa himself for a magical cruise along the stunning river Ouse! Explore Santa’s North Pole Grotto then step onto the most festively adorned boat in York, accompanied by one of Santa’s treasured elves and St. Nick himself.
Selected dates in November and December 2024 – Visit the City Cruises website for information
Get stuck in at DIG!
At DIG, kids discover the most exciting archaeological artefacts from the 2000 years of history hidden under the streets of York. Four excavation pits are filled with Roman, Viking, medieval and Victorian finds, so you can grab a trowel and dig up the clues that show how people lived in these times. Combine your visit with a trip to JORVIK Viking Centre and Barley Hall by purchasing a PastPort for all four attractions starting at £18 pp. Visit the DIG website.
Beauty and the Beast at the Grand Opera House York
Belle and The Beast will be joined by a host of larger-than-life characters as they’re transported to a cursed castle under the spell of an evil enchantress. Can the arrogant Hugo be defeated? Can Belle see beyond the Beast and fall in love with her captor? And will the Beast’s heart be melted by Belle’s beauty? Suitable for audiences of all ages, the show will run from 7th December 2024 to Sunday 5 January 2025. Book here – atgtickets.com/york
Christmas at York’s Chocolate Story
Whether you’re looking to meet Santa, roll up your sleeves for some hands-on fun, or indulge in a luxurious chocolate experience, York’s Chocolate Story has something for everyone this holiday season. Their immersive Christmas events are the perfect way to celebrate the magic of the season with a sweet twist! 1st to 26th December 2024 – Visit the York’s Chocolate Story website
Alice’s Christmas Wonderland at Castle Howard
This year’s theme at Castle Howard is Alice’s Christmas Wonderland! Alice is planning a huge Christmas party, and she invites you to follow the White Rabbit through Castle Howard’s grand halls and regal rooms with each twist and turn revealing fanciful festive surprises. Don’t be late for this very important date, as you immerse yourself in a psychedelic world that will leave your smile as wide as the Cheshire Cat’s.
15th November 2024 to 5th January 2025 – Visit the Castle Howard website
A Christmas Moustery: The Case of the Missing Ruby at Fairfax House
Enjoy a festive family caper as hundreds of mice return to Fairfax House. It’s Christmouse morning and the famous Fairfax Ruby has been stolen by the dastardly Highway Mouse. Play detective to recover this precious jewel and discover who helped commit the crime. You’ll find over 400 charming whiskered guests causing chaos, swinging from the ceilings, bursting out of drawers and even sneaking a swig of the Viscount’s best Port!
9th November 2024 to 5th January 2025 – Visit the Fairfax House website
Get into the Christmas spirit at the Yorkshire Air Museum at Elvington
Climb aboard Santa’s Airlines 2024 – a grotto in the Dakota aircraft – running December 14th, 15th, 21st, 22nd and 23rd. Children can enjoy activities with Santa’s elves in the Departure Lounge before boarding a ‘flight’ to the North Pole. In the museum, you can learn about what Christmas was like at RAF Elvington in 1944 and in Café 77 tuck into a range of festive fayre, from warming hot chocolate to a full Christmas dinner. There are also plenty of Christmas gifts with an aviation theme on sale in the museum shop. Visit the website
Christmas at Stockeld Park
Meet Santa, enjoy the Winter Illuminations in the Enchanted Forest, discover the secrets of the Snowflake Maze or whizz around the ice rink at Stockeld Park this Christmas. You can even bring a little bit of the magic of Christmas at Stockeld Park home with you by buying a real Christmas tree, grown on the Stockeld Park Estate, the biggest plantation in Yorkshire! Visit the Stockeld Park website
Christmas at York Castle Museum
Wander through the famous Victorian street, Kirkgate, as Christmas arrives with a blanket of festive snow on the historic cobbles. Enjoy the charming period trimmings that adorn the street and take a peek at an exciting range of historical decorations and objects in the stunning shopfronts. There’ll be visits from a green Father Christmas, live performances and much more – find out more here.
2024 dates to be confirmed – Included in general admission – Visit the York Castle Museum website
Piglets Adventure Farm Magical Sleigh Ride
All aboard Santa’s sleigh for an unforgettable Christmas adventure at Piglets Adventure Farm! Check in at Elf Airlines before setting off for Santa’s Woodland Village. You’ll be guided through snowy trees and twinkling lights to arrive at Santa’s village where you’ll be greeted by elves. Meet Santa himself before collecting a magic key which you can use to unlock Santa’s toy shop and choose your favourite gift from a huge selection. Selected dates in November and December – Visit the Piglets website
York Christmas Market 2024
York’s annual Christmas market is back in 2024 from 14th November to 22nd December, with a range of stalls selling gifts, warming food and things to drink. Children will love the twinkling lights and warming up with a hot chocolate if you’re feeling generous.
North Yorkshire Moors Railway Santa Special
Experience the magic of Christmas with the North Yorkshire Moors Railway’s Santa Specials, running on selected dates from 30th November to 24th December. Meet Santa on board a steam train, where each child will receive a unique Edmondson railway ticket, a limited-edition soft toy and more as keepsakes. This lovely new Santa Specials experience offers a unique blend of nostalgia, tradition and festive fun for the whole family, ensuring you’ll leave with memories to treasure forever.
Ice skating at Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland
Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland returns to York Designer Outlet for 2024 with 975 sq m of real ice to glide, slide and wobble around. Presented by HARIBO, it runs from Friday 15th November 2024 to Sunday 5th January 2024 with a glistening outdoor ice rink, thrilling funfair, magical Santa’s Grotto and cosy alpine cafe.
Meet Santa at Murton Park
This year, Santa’s making a grand return to Murton Park, and oh boy, has he got some surprises up his red velvet sleeves! Christmas at Murton Park (Weekends in December) – Your little ones can meet Santa, take a train ride with some cheeky elves and enjoy some story time with Mother Christmas. Tea with Santa (Selected evenings in December) –
A Christmas experience in the Yorkshire Barn Café which includes a one-to-one with Santa and a meal with your family. You’ll also get to meet Mother Christmas and one of Santa’s elves. Selected dates in December – Visit the Murton Park website
Christmas at Raby Castle
Embrace the magic this Christmas at Raby Castle. From meeting Father Christmas in the grand Entrance Hall to discovering the enchanted trail through Raby Castle’s very own Christmas tree plantation, to shopping and a deer park, Raby Castle has it all. Visit the Raby Castle website.
Christmas Tree Festival at York Minster
York Minster has a selection of fabulously festive activities that children will enjoy, from a Christmas Tree Festival to the York Minster crib service. The Christmas Tree Festival runs from 30th November 2024 to 5th January 2025, with 60 trees on display in the stunning Nave, Chapter House and Lady Chapel. We’re really excited that Little Vikings is dressing a tree once again, and our theme is a celebration of family-friendly York. Many of our partners are joining us in creating a tree that shows how amazing York is for kids.
30th November 2024 to 5th January 2025 – Click here to find out more about what’s going on at York Minster
Meet Santa at Askham Bryan Wildlife Park
Head to York’s own wildlife park on selected days this November/December for your chance to meet Santa! Book one of the slots with your admission tickets and have a chance to give him your Christmas list and receive a gift from the big fella. There are multiple 10-minute slots available, with a maximum of 3 children per slot. Meet Santa tickets will include the child’s entrance ticket.
Visit the Askham Bryan Wildlife Park website for details and to book
York Nutcracker Trail
It was one of the most popular free activities in York last Christmas, and it’s returning for 2024! The York Bid’s giant nutcrackers are returning to the city this festive season and it’s even better than before. Ten unique bespoke nutcrackers, painted by a local artist, will be hidden in locations in York just waiting to be spotted. There will be ten to find, and you’ll be in with a chance of winning a £250 York Gift Card if you find them all. Until 1st January 2025 – Visit the website
Christmas at The Bar Convent
Gather your loved ones for a visit to the Bar Convent as the historic house glows with a twinkling tree and dazzling decorations. Discover The Bar Convent’s Georgian parlour historically dressed to reflect Christmas past and enjoy festive treats in the cafe. Visit The Bar Convent website
The Plotters’ Forest Enchanted Christmas Trail at Raby Castle
Embark on an enchanting journey through The Plotters’ Forest and create cherished memories with your loved ones this holiday season. Immerse yourself in the magic of Raby Castle’s Enchanted Christmas Trail, where twinkling lights and festive music guide your path through a captivating winter wonderland. As the sun sets and the night sky emerges, watch in awe as the trail comes to life under the blanket of darkness, each corner illuminated with a warm and inviting glow. Choose from day and evening tickets.
From 16th November 2024 – Visit the website
Meet Father Christmas at Mother Shipton’s
Step into a world of magic at Mother Shipton’s Christmas experience for 2024. Meet Santa in his cosy grotto, receive a luxurious soft toy, and pose in his magic sleigh. Enjoy enchanting stories from Holly Berry in a tipi adorned with shimmering lights and collect a bag of reindeer food to guide Santa’s reindeer on Christmas Eve. Visit the Snowy Owl Sorting Office to send your letter to Santa, and hang your wish on the Christmas Wishing Trees. Choose between the Magical Christmas Experience for families or the Winter Woodland Walk for a quieter exploration for older kids/adults.
Selected dates in November and December 2024 – Visit the Mother Shiptons website
Christmas at Barley Hall
Embrace the festive spirit with a touch of history at Barley Hall this December! Step out of the winter chill, take a break from the bustle of holiday crowds, and soak up the cosy atmosphere at this beautifully decorated medieval hall. Combine your visit with a trip to JORVIK Viking Centre and DIG: An archeological Adventure by purchasing a PastPort for all the attractions starting at
£18 pp. Visit the Barley Hall website
Winter Woodland at Sewerby Hall
This year’s theme at Sewerby Hall’s Winter Wonderland is the legend of the Golden Goose, who has used her magic to light the woodland, while fairytale villagers hold a festive celebration with music and dance. But the celebrations awaken the selfish Old King Troll who wants to take over the woodland for himself and kidnaps the Golden Goose. With the help of Puss in Boots and pals, visitors must rescue the Golden Goose and defeat the Old King Troll with the biggest and brightest magic light show yet.
Friday 6 to Sunday 22 December 2024 – Visit the Sewerby Hall website
