The JORVIK Viking Festival will be taking place this February! From Monday, the 17th of February to Sunday, the 23rd, York will be taken over by Viking warriors. The world-renowned festival features living history encampments, workshops, tours, traditional crafts, feasts, family events, evening entertainment and dramatic combat performances.

Kids’ Crafting

Little Vikings can unleash their creativity with Kids Crafting activities! From crafting their own beard to brooch making and pottery, there’s plenty to keep them busy. These activities are free with admission to Barley Hall.

Date: 17th to 23rd February 2025, 10am to 4pm

Visit the website: https://jorvikvikingfestival.co.uk/events/kids-crafting/

Berserker Bootcamp

Get your little Vikings ready for battle at the Berserker Bootcamp! Led by seasoned warriors, kids will learn the art of combat with foam swords and shields—Norse health and safety keeps it all safe and fun! Perfect for ages 5-12, these workshops are a great way to let young warriors experience the thrill of Viking training. No need to book ahead—simply pay at the door and dive into the action at the Berserker Bootcamp!

Date: 17th to 23rd February 2025, 10.30am to 4.30pm

Visit the website: https://jorvikvikingfestival.co.uk/events/berserker-bootcamp/

Tryggvi Treehammer’s Top Trumps Trail

Tryggvi Treehammer has set up a Viking Trail, across the city of York! Follow in his footsteps by visiting the JORVIK Viking Centre, Barley Hall, DIG, the Midgard Marquee, Museum Gardens, Merchant Adventurers Hall and the information point on Parliament Street. Follow the instructions on your activity sheet along the way, and earn an exclusive Top Trumps card that’s a perfect addition to the brand-new JORVIK Top Trumps set—making its debut at the Festival. Completing the trail is completely free!

Date: 17th to 23rd February 2025, 10.30 to 4.30pm

Visit the website: https://jorvikvikingfestival.co.uk/events/tryggvi-treehammers-top-trumps-trail/

Poo Week

Poo Week is a highlight of the Festival calendar! Bring the kids to DIG and discover why archaeologists are fascinated by this unexpected treasure. They’ll even have the chance to create their own replica fossilised poo, inspired by the famous Lloyds Bank Turd at JORVIK Viking Centre.

Date: 17th to 23rd February 2025, 11am to 4pm

Visit the website: https://jorvikvikingfestival.co.uk/events/poo-week/

Evening Spectacular: Tyrfing. The Cursed Sword

Experience the Evening Spectacular! Be guided into a world with a chance encounter between a king and two dwarves that leads to the forging of a magical sword – but all is not as it seems. Join ‘Time Will Tell Theatre’, as they journey into the heart of a Viking myth with trickery, beauty, death and curses in the Tale of Tyrfing; The Cursed Sword!

Date: 21st and 22nd February, 7.30pm to 8.30pm

Visit the website: https://jorvikvikingfestival.co.uk/events/evening-spectacular-tyrfing-the-cursed-sword/

Viking Games

Back by popular demand, this family-friendly event returns for 2025! Watch as experienced reenactors battle it out in a test of strength, skill, cunning and wisdom with Odin as the referee. Expect combat, impressive feats of endurance and plenty of laughs along the way.

Date: 22nd February 2025

Time: 1.30pm to 2.30pm

Visit the website: https://jorvikvikingfestival.co.uk/events/viking-games/

March to Coppergate

The Viking March is a Festival tradition like no other! It simply wouldn’t be the JORVIK Viking Festival without the sight of Viking warriors parading through the city. Experience their thunderous war cries echoing through the streets of York!

Date: 22nd February 2025

Time: 1.30pm to 2pm

Visit the website: https://jorvikvikingfestival.co.uk/events/march-to-coppergate/

The Art of Illustration Workshop with Katie Smith – Viking Top Trumps illustrator

Join talented illustrator Katie Smith for an exclusive event where she will share insights into her creative process, discussing how she designed the artwork for the new Vikings Top Trumps cards. The event will begin with an introductory talk, followed by a 45-minute drawing workshop, where Katie will guide participants in creating their own Top Trumps character using simple drawing techniques.

Date: 20th February 2025

Time: 11am to 12pm

Visit the website: https://jorvikvikingfestival.co.uk/events/the-art-of-illustration-workshop/

Encampment

The Vikings have taken over York city centre! Snap some selfies as you watch them in action, from woodworking to making traditional leatherwork and even get your face painted to look like a true Norse warrior! Visit Parliament Street to experience the excitement up close and catch a glimpse of Viking life right in the heart of the city in the encampment.

Date: 17th to 23rd February 2025

Time: 10.30am to 4.30pm

Website – https://jorvikvikingfestival.co.uk/events/encampment/

Read our guide to the best bits of the JORVIK Viking Festival for kids here.

JORVIK Viking Festival 2025 – Monday 17th February to Sunday 23rd February 2025 – Visit the JORVIK Viking Festival website