Giant illuminated dandelions, bubbles floating through the garden and hot chocolate – Glow at RHS Harlow Carr is back for 2026, celebrating its tenth anniversary with new installations and plenty of sparkle!

Running on selected dates from 26 November to 30 December 2026, this popular light trail in Harrogate is a lovely excuse to wrap up warm and head out on a family adventure after dark. Here’s what to look forward to this year.

Explore the garden in a whole new light

With sparkling snowy effects, shimmering columns of light and colourful displays along the route, there’s plenty to entertain you as you explore. For the first time, the trail will take visitors through the illuminated Winter Walk, showing off some of RHS Harlow Carr’s most impressive trees. Look out for a striking neon tree beside the Queen Mother’s Lake, before finishing with views of the glowing Doric Columns from the top of the Main Borders.

Bubbles and interactive art

The Bubble Man is back every evening, sending giant bubbles drifting through the lights. Look out for Common Ground too, a 30-metre sculpture by Yorkshire artists Are You Playing Out? that pulses with colour in response to sound.

Festive treats

Warm up with hot chocolate, bratwurst or jacket potatoes, and toast marshmallows over a crackling fire. Grown-ups can pick up handmade gifts in the historic Bath House or browse decorations and UK-grown Christmas trees in the Garden Centre.

A quieter evening for visitors with sensory needs

A dedicated Glow SEN Night takes place on Sunday 6 December 2026, offering a quieter, less crowded visit with reduced noise and fewer sensory distractions. Up to two accompanying carers can attend free of charge.

Something special for the grown-ups

Planning a festive evening without the children? The new Glow Premium Experience is an adults-only option combining the illuminated trail with hospitality from Bettys Café Tea Rooms. It includes a hot chocolate to enjoy in the garden, followed by a festive meal at Bettys, live music and a gift bag. Places are limited and this is a separate premium experience.

Glow at RHS Harlow Carr 2026 – Useful information

• Where: RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Harrogate
• When: Selected dates from 26 November to 30 December 2026
• RHS member tickets: Adults from £9.50; children from £5
• Non-member tickets: Adults from £15.25; children from £8.75
• Under-fives: Free
• Glow SEN Night: Sunday 6 December 2026
• Booking: All tickets must be booked in advance. Book early for the best choice of dates and times.

Win a family ticket to Glow!

We’ve teamed up with RHS Garden Harlow Carr to give one lucky family the chance to win a ticket to Glow for two adults and up to three children. You can enter in any or all of the following ways:

• Visit our Instagram and follow the instructions
• Visit our Facebook page and follow the instructions
• Email hello@little-vikings.co.uk with your name and postcode

The giveaway closes at midnight on 25 November and the winner will be notified shortly after. Please be aware of scammers on social media. We will never ask you for payment details!

The small print

• The prize is a family ticket (two adults and up to three children) for Glow at RHS Garden Harlow Carr, valid on specific dates only.
• Not transferable and no cash alternative
• One winner will be chosen at random and notified as to how they can redeem their prize

📍 RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Crag Lane, Harrogate HG3 1QB
🗓 Selected evenings, 26 November to 30 December 2026
ℹ️ Adults from £15.25, children from £8.75 (members from £9.50 and £5), under-fives free.

Saturday 14 November 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027

The snow has fallen, the Christmas tree is lit and Christmas Day is just one sleep away. Step back in time at York Castle Museum this festive season and discover a traditional Yorkshire Christmas, from twinkling shopfronts to a familiar face in a green cloak.

Christmas at York Castle Museum: The Night Before Christmas brings festive sights, sounds and stories to one of York’s most atmospheric attractions, with plenty for families to enjoy.

It’s Christmas Eve on Kirkgate

The museum’s famous Victorian street, Kirkgate, will be dressed for the season with twinkling garlands, festive shopfronts and preparations for the big day. Wander along the cobbles and through frosty alleyways to experience Christmas Eve nearly 200 years ago.

New for 2026, look out for shadowy silhouettes of Kirkgate’s residents doing their last-minute shopping, decorating trees and sharing a mistletoe kiss. There’s also an immersive display of snowflakes and icicles down Rowntree Snicket. Elsewhere in the museum, discover festive feasts in the historical dining rooms, toys and winter accessories in the Victorian shop windows, and Christmas traditions that families still enjoy today.

Meet a traditional Father Christmas

Keep an eye out for Father Christmas in his traditional green cloak, greeting visitors on Kirkgate on Sundays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Ebenezer Scrooge returns on Fridays and Christmas Eve with family-friendly performances of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. On selected dates, live music will fill Kirkgate and the Sixties Street with carols, festive tunes and modern Christmas favourites.

NEW relaxed Christmas visits

New for 2026, relaxed Christmas visits will take place on selected days throughout November and December.

These specially adapted sessions offer a more relaxed welcome for visitors who would benefit from a quieter experience or a different pace. This includes neurodivergent visitors, people with sensory processing differences and families who might need a quieter space.

Spaces are limited, so advance booking is strongly encouraged.

Festive workshops and evening events

Alongside the family-friendly Christmas activities, there’s a programme of seasonal workshops and evening events for adults.

Try festive wreath making or bespoke Christmas card printing, enjoy an evening Scrooge spectacular, or settle in for chilling ghost stories from Edwyrdian Tales, accompanied by mulled wine and mince pies.

A little Christmas shopping

Leave time for a browse in the museum gift shop, where you’ll find gifts and Christmas decorations to suit a range of budgets. Look out for the bespoke Green Father Christmas tree decoration, designed especially for York Castle Museum: a lovely reminder of your festive visit.

Christmas at York Castle Museum: useful information

• Dates: Saturday 14 November 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027.
• Where: York Castle Museum, York.
• Tickets: Tickets last 12 months, so you can pay for a day and return for free throughout the year.
• Family savings: Family saver tickets are available, and York resident children under 16 go free.
• Character appearances: Father Christmas on Sundays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; Scrooge on Fridays and Christmas Eve.
• Relaxed visits: Selected dates in November and December. Advance booking is strongly encouraged.
• Plan your visit: Check the museum’s website for opening times, activity dates and booking details.

Christmas in York is wonderful, but after a busy morning in the shops, a warm seat and a change of scenery can feel like a gift in itself. This year, City Cruises York has two ways to enjoy the festive season on the River Ouse: a Santa Experience for families and a Festive Sightseeing Cruise when you fancy a break from the Christmas chaos.

York’s Award-Winning Santa Experience

Forget standing in a long grotto queue! During this one-hour experience – voted the winner of The Best of York Award 2025 – children can write a letter to Santa on board before meeting the big man himself. Each child receives a personalised present, a Christmas gift bag, a fruit drink and a chocolate bar. Grown-ups get a tea or coffee and a mince pie included with their ticket, with mulled wine and other drinks available to buy at the bar, so there’s something for everyone! We’ve been ourselves and really enjoyed it – it’s a uniquely York experience, and really memorable.

The saloon is enclosed and heated, so there’s somewhere cosy to settle in whatever the weather. If high river levels mean the boat can’t sail, the Santa Experience goes ahead at the dock and you’ll receive a complimentary sightseeing voucher for another visit.

Sailings depart from The Boatyard beneath Lendal Bridge, York YO1 7DP, and pre-booking is essential!

Festive sightseeing on the River Ouse

Need to rest your feet after Christmas shopping? The Festive Sightseeing Cruise offers a gentler hour on the water, with riverside views, live commentary from the captain and Christmas music.

You can stay warm in the heated indoor saloon, and your ticket includes a mince pie plus a choice of mulled wine, tea, coffee or hot chocolate. Cruises depart from King’s Staith Landing throughout November and December. Walk-up tickets may be available, but booking ahead is a good idea if you’re planning your day around it.

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 12th year, the Little Vikings Awards recognises the very best York has to offer for children and families. It’s the only awards scheme that shines a spotlight on the top places to visit, things to do, classes to join and the best spots for shopping, eating and staying in and around York, all chosen by the people who matter most: families themselves.

A huge thank you to all of our sponsors!

Indie York

Indie York is a not-for-profit membership organisation that supports and champions hundreds of York’s independent businesses. These independents are a huge part of what makes the city so special, and we always encourage families to eat, shop, stay and play independently whenever they can. Find out more

Stockeld Park

Stockeld Park is an wonderful family day out, just a short drive from York. Explore the Enchanted Forest, discover the many adventure playgrounds and treat everyone to admission to Playhive, the huge indoor play area. With pretty woodland, a maze and so much to do, it’s a full day out, whatever the weather.

📍 Stockeld Park, Wetherby, North Yorkshire, LS22 4AN
🌐 Visit the website and book tickets

York Leisure Centre

From making a splash in the pools to reaching new heights at Clip ’n Climb, there’s plenty of family fun under one roof at York Leisure Centre. With swimming lessons to Junior Gym and birthday parties, it’s a brilliant place to burn off energy all year.

📍 York Leisure Centre, Kathryn Avenue, Monks Cross, York, YO32 9AF
🌐 Visit the website and book activities

Delta Hotels by Marriott York

With spacious family rooms, an amazing location and a warm welcome, Delta Hotels by Marriott York is a lovely base for exploring the city with children. Overlooking York Racecourse, the hotel has an indoor swimming pool for a splash after sightseeing, gardens to explore and an on-site restaurant.

📍 Delta Hotels by Marriott York, Tadcaster Road, York, YO24 1QQ
🌐 Visit the website and book a stay

The Puzzling World of Professor Kettlestring

From walking up walls to flying like a superhero, nothing is quite as it seems at The Puzzling World of Professor Kettlestring! This indoor attraction in York is packed with optical illusions, hands-on activities and puzzling experiences for curious minds of all ages. Expect plenty of laughs, surprising photo opportunities and a chance to put the whole family’s brains to the test.

📍 The Puzzling World of Professor Kettlestring, Merchantgate, York, YO1 9TU
🌐 puzzlingworldyork.com

The Bloody Tour of York

Step back in time and uncover the dark, twisted history of one of England’s most haunted cities. Led by the infamous Mad Alice or Lady Peckett, this tour reveals spine-chilling tales and blood-curdling secrets lurking within the city’s ancient walls. It’s great fun for fans of Horrible Histories. Find out more

The Yorkshire Foundry

The Yorkshire Foundry is a family-run artisan workshop based on the edge of the North York Moors, specialising in beautifully crafted metal hardware. They produce door knockers, handles and hooks all cast in Yorkshire, blending traditional craftsmanship with eco-conscious design. Find out more

Caramel Cottage Filey

Caramel Cottage is a lovely, three-bed family-friendly cottage in the holiday village of The Bay, Filey. Perfectly located for exploring the Yorkshire coast, you can even take your dog! Find out more

The businesses with the most nominations will be shortlisted, so it’s up to you who makes it! Nominations are open until 15 November 2026. Winners will be chosen by public vote and announced in the New Year. Nominate in as many, or as few, categories as you like.

The Details

• – How do I nominate? Visit little-vikings.co.uk
• – When do nominations close? 15 November 2026
• – How are finalists chosen? Shortlists will be based on the number of nominations received by our followers – we leave it up to you to tell us what you love. We don’t choose the nominees or winners, and any business or person can be nominated. It doesn’t matter if they have worked with us in the past or not – the awards are a true reflection of what families love in and around York this year.
• – When can we vote for the winners? Once the shortlists are announced, you will have until midnight on New Year’s Eve to vote for your winners. Winners will be announced in the New Year.

Looking for the best places to see Santa in York in 2026? From magical grottos and festive farms to Santa trains, Christmas cruises and chocolate-filled adventures, there are some wonderful ways to meet Father Christmas in York and North Yorkshire. And if you’re looking for more things to do in York this festive season, click here to take a look at our guide to Christmas in York. You’ll find York’s best shows and pantos, festive days out and info on York Christmas market.

Little Vikings is an award-winning York business run by a York family who have been hand-picking (and testing) the best local Christmas experiences since 2013. Below you’ll find our favourite Santa experiences for 2026, including dates, locations, prices and booking information.

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Where to meet Santa in York

Meet Father Christmas at the National Railway Museum

Climb aboard a cosy train carriage in the atmospheric Station Hall to meet Father Christmas and his cheerful elf. Children can share their Christmas wishes and take home a present for under the tree, and grown-ups get a mini loaded hot chocolate voucher too. Make a day of it with 25% off Wonderlab when you book both for the same day.

📍National Railway Museum, Leeman Road, York YO26 4XJ
🗓 Selected dates in December, £15 per child
ℹ️ Book at railwaymuseum.org.uk

Santa’s Christmas Tour at York’s Chocolate Story

Step into the magic of Santa’s Christmas Tour and discover York’s rich chocolate heritage. Journey through time, enjoy festive chocolate samples and stories of the city’s legendary chocolate-making families. The highlight is Santa’s workshop, where children will meet Santa, receive a festive gift and make their very own Christmas-themed chocolate lolly to take home. A delicious and unforgettable festive adventure for the whole family!

📍 York’s Chocolate Story, King’s Square, York YO1 7LD
🗓 Selected dates in November and December 2026
ℹ️ Visit the York’s Chocolate Story website

Santa Express on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway

All aboard the Santa Express for a magical one-hour steam train journey from Pickering to Levisham. Meet Santa and his playful elves, enjoy festive songs and games, and take home a gingerbread plush toy and book. Back at Pickering Station, discover Christmas fete games, singalongs, festive shopping and a special post box for letters to Santa.

📍 North Yorkshire Moors Railway, Pickering Station, Park Street, Pickering YO18 7AJ
🗓 28 and 29 November; 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20 and 22 to 24 December 2026
ℹ️ nymr.co.uk

Father Christmas in the Castle at Castle Howard

Join Father Christmas and WonderPhil for a festive show inside Castle Howard, followed by a special family meeting with Santa and a gift for each child. Tickets also include the spectacular Dickens-themed Christmas house experience and gardens. Recommended for ages 4+.

📍 Castle Howard, York YO60 7DA
🗓 Selected dates in November and December 2026
ℹ️ Visit the Castle Howard website

Christmas at Mother Shipton’s

Step into the magic of Christmas at Mother Shipton’s. Wander through the winter woodland, visit the Christmas Village and meet Santa in his cosy grotto with the help of Chief Elf Chestnut. Children with a Santa Experience Ticket will receive festive activities and a magical pass to explore. Enjoy hot chocolate, gingerbread, mince pies and marshmallow toasting, then discover the Petrifying Well, Cave and Wishing Well for a truly enchanting festive day out. It’s one of the best Santa experiences near York – we’d highly recommend it.

📍 Mother Shipton’s Cave, Prophecy Lodge, High Bridge, Knaresborough HG5 8DD
🗓 28 November to 24 December 2026
ℹ️ Visit the Mother Shipton’s website

The Santa Experience with City Cruises York – A Magical Meet-and-Greet on the River Ouse

Trade the traditional sleigh for a boat this Christmas and set sail on a magical Santa Cruise! Your family’s adventure begins in Santa’s North Pole Grotto before stepping aboard a festively decorated boat on the River Ouse.

Joined by Santa’s elves, you will enjoy festive cheer, fun activities, and a special gift delivered by Santa himself. Because every present is prepared in advance, this unforgettable York experience is strictly pre-book only (no walk-ups available). It’s a wonderfully unique way to celebrate the season with the added excitement of being out on the water!

📍 City Cruises York, King’s Staith, York YO1 9SN
🗓 Selected dates from late November to 24 December 2026
ℹ️ Visit the City Cruises website

Get your skates on and meet Santa at Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland

Make Father Christmas part of your trip to York Designer Outlet this festive season! At Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland, follow the enchanted woodland path to Santa’s cosy log cabin, where every child will receive a special gift. It’s the perfect addition to a festive day out, with plenty of Christmas shopping, skating, rides and tasty winter treats to enjoy too. Parking’s free.

📍 Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland, York Designer Outlet, St Nicholas Ave, York YO19 4TA
🗓 November 2026 to January 2027, exact dates to be confirmed
ℹ️ yorkshireswinterwonderland.com

Looking for things to do in York with kids this weekend? Here’s our handpicked selection of the best family-friendly events and activities in and around York, from free fun to brilliant days out. Updated for 14 & 15 November 2026.

The best things to do in York this weekend

A Dickens of a Christmas at Castle Howard

Christmas has arrived at Castle Howard! Step into a world inspired by Charles Dickens’s best-loved stories, with spectacular decorations, theatrical displays and festive surprises around the house. Make time for a stroll through the gardens and a visit to the shops too. Father Christmas experiences must be booked separately

📍 Castle Howard, York, YO60 7DA
📅 12 November 2026 to 3 January 2027
👉 Find out more and book

York Christmas Market is back!

The chalets are open and the countdown to Christmas has begun! Browse for gifts, pick up something tasty and soak up the festive atmosphere. We’d suggest heading in early with kids before the afternoon crowds, and making time for York’s lovely independent shops too.

📍 Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square
📅 12 November to 21 December 2026, closed Tuesdays
🎟️ Free entry
👉 Find out more

Get your skates on at Thor’s on Ice

Ice skating is back in York city centre! THOR’S on ICE opens this weekend in Museum Gardens, with a covered rink for family fun whatever the weather. Glide past the abbey ruins, then warm up by the log fires with something tasty.

📍 York Museum Gardens, behind York Art Gallery
📅 13 November 2026 to 3 January 2027
🎟️ Children from £11, adults from £12; family tickets from £31.50
👉 Find out more and book

Christmas Eve comes to York Castle Museum

Why wait until December for that Christmas Eve feeling? York Castle Museum’s festive celebrations begin this Saturday, with snow-dusted cobbles, twinkling decorations and Victorian shop windows to explore. New for this year, shadows and silhouettes bring the preparations behind Kirkgate’s doors to life.

📍 York Castle Museum, Eye of York
📅 14 November 2026 to 3 January 2027
👉 Find out more and book

Plan your York Christmas with us!

From Santa visits to festive shows and days out, our Christmas guides are full of ideas for making memories together.

ℹ️ Read our Christmas guide

Plan ahead: Book now

Glow at RHS Harlow Carr

Fancy a gorgeous family adventure? Glow celebrates its tenth anniversary this year, with giant illuminated dandelions, interactive installations and sparkling discoveries around the garden after dark.

📍 RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Harrogate
📅 Selected dates from 26 November to 30 December 2026
👉 Find out more about Glow

More weekend inspiration

💰 Free and cheap things to do in York
☔ Things to do in York when it rains
🎟 Little Vikings Family Card offers

For more inspiration for family days out, trails, events and places to eat, visit little-vikings.co.uk or follow us on Instagram @littlevikingsyork.

About Little Vikings – York for Kids
Little Vikings is York’s award-winning family guide, run by a local family who know the city inside-out. We explore, review and recommend the best things to do, see, eat and experience with kids in York and beyond.

If you’re lucky enough to be in York at Christmas, there’s one place you really must follow the twinkling lights to: York Minster. A joy at any time of year, York Minster is even more magical at Christmas, with lots of reasons to visit, from the fabulous Christmas Tree Festival to carol concerts and a special children’s performance. Here are our best bits for families at York Minster this Christmas (and you’ll find ALL of the Minster’s Christmas events here)

Explore the Christmas Tree Festival

One tree is lovely, but how about a whole cathedral full? York Minster’s popular Christmas Tree Festival returns for its sixth year, with more trees than ever before, each decorated by a local school, charity or business, including Little Vikings!

Pick up a Christmas Quest trail sheet and see what you can spot as you explore. Choose your favourite tree, cast your vote and leave your own Christmas message on one of the festive prayer trees. The festival begins with a special family service and lights switch-on on Saturday 28 November at 10am.

Useful information

• When: Saturday 28 November 2026 to Tuesday 5 January 2027, during sightseeing hours
• Where: York Minster, Deangate, York, YO1 7HH
• Tickets: Included with a sightseeing ticket. Up to four children aged 17 and under go free with each adult sightseeing ticket
• Good to know: York residents enjoy free sightseeing admission with proof of address. Some trees may have flashing lights
• Find out more: York Minster Christmas Tree Festival

Enjoy a magical performance of The Nutcracker

Handmade puppets, wonderful storytelling and the sound of York Minster’s Grand Organ: this family performance of The Nutcracker promises a festive evening to remember.

Join Gemma Sharp from Hoglets Theatre and organist Ben Morris for a journey into Tchaikovsky’s world of the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Mouse King and the land of sweets. Children can come in their pyjamas and bring a favourite toy too. Just wrap up warmly for an evening in the Minster!

Useful information

• When: Saturday 5 December 2026, 7pm
• Where: York Minster’s Nave
• Tickets: Adults £12; children £6
• Recommended age: 7+
• Good to know: Children over two need their own seat. A buggy park will be available
• Booking: Book The Nutcracker tickets or call 01904 557200

Celebrate Christmas Eve at the family Crib Service

Have a little shepherd, angel or wise person at home? They’re invited to dress up and join York Minster’s special Christmas Eve service for families.

With carols, music and imaginative storytelling, it’s a lovely opportunity to hear the Christmas story together and celebrate the blessing of the crib before the excitement of Christmas morning. It’s free to attend, too, with no booking required.

Useful information

• When: Thursday 24 December 2026, 11.30am
• Where: York Minster
• Admission: Free, with no tickets or pre-booking required
• Good to know: Doors open at 10.30am. Children are encouraged to dress as characters from the Nativity
• Find out more: York Minster Crib Service

York Christmas Market – also known as St Nicholas Fair – is set to return from Thursday 12 November to Monday 21 December 2026, 10.30am to 5pm (closed on Tuesdays).

The famous alpine chalets will return to line Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square, creating a festive wonderland of local traders and artisan products. Organised by Make It York, the market is a celebration of all things local, with an impressive 85% of traders coming from Yorkshire and every single food stall proudly representing the region. It’s the perfect place to shop small, support local makers and soak up the festive atmosphere(read our guide here).

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What to expect at York Christmas Market 2026

✨ Alpine chalets – Dozens of wooden chalets packed with unique gifts, festive food and drink.
🌿 Local focus – Almost all traders are Yorkshire-based, so you’ll be supporting local businesses.
🤫 Quiet time – Every day from 10am to 12pm, the market runs music-free for a more sensory-friendly experience.
🌟 Quiet Oasis – St Sampson’s Centre (Church Street, YO1 8BE) will be open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm, offering an accessible, calm space just a few metres from the market and next to Changing Places facilities.

Just around the corner, don’t miss Shambles Market, home to a wide range of local independent traders selling everything from Yorkshire flat caps to delicious cakes to hand-crafted products. All that browsing is hungry work, so follow your nose to Shambles Food Court where there’s a range of street food: we love Krep, which serves tasty filled crepes and galettes, and The Dark Horse Espresso where you can enjoy some of the best coffee in York. You might notice that the bar on Parliament Street has gone, but there are lots of other options in the city centre.

Top tips for visiting York Christmas Market with kids

🎄 Avoid peak times – It can get very busy, so go early, late or during the quiet period (10am to 12pm).
🎄 Evenings are magical – We love visiting after dark for the extra sparkle
🎄 Combine with the lights – Take a wander around York city centre to see the festive illuminations
🎄 Do the Snickelways & Silly Street Names Trail – Escape the hustle and bustle of the market and do the new Little Vikings walking trail for kids. You’ll discover lots of secret streets and see York’s icons along the way. Pick up your FREE map from the Visit York Information Centre.

Getting to York Christmas Market

🚍 Public transport is best – York Station is a major hub, and buses drop you right into the city centre.
🅿️ Use Park & Ride – Six sites around the city make it easy to avoid the scramble (and cost) of parking. Zero-emission buses take you straight in.
🚲 By bike – There are plenty of bike racks and even supervised cycle parking at Minster Refectory (2 Deangate, YO1 7JA) on selected November dates.

York Christmas Market is just one of many festive things to do in York with kids. From panto season to light trails and family attractions, there’s so much to do. Take a look at our Christmas in York guide for inspiration.

Thursday 12 November to Monday 21 December 2026 – Visit the Visit York website for details

Twinkling woodland lights, busy elves and a cosy grotto: there’s plenty to get little ones excited about Christmas at Mother Shipton’s. With storytelling, reindeer food and even owl mail, this festive adventure has lots to enjoy alongside meeting the man in red.

A warm welcome from Santa’s elves

Follow the lights into the Christmas Village, where Santa’s elves will be waiting to welcome you. Every child with a Santa Experience Ticket receives a festive activity pack, and Chief Elf Chestnut will help build the excitement before your family’s visit to Santa.

Meet Santa in his cosy grotto

Time to share those Christmas wishes! Families will enjoy a personal meeting with Santa in his cosy grotto, with a soft toy gift for each child with a Santa Experience Ticket to take home.

There’s more to explore in the woodland, too. Settle down for festive tales with storyteller Holly Berry in the beautifully lit tipi, fill a bag with reindeer food ready for Christmas Eve and send your wishes to Santa by owl mail at the Snowy Owl Sorting Office.

Christmas wishes and hot chocolate

Look out for the Christmas wishing trees, filled with handwritten hopes and dreams, and explore the Cave, Petrifying Well and Wishing Well, weather permitting. Need to refuel? Head back to the Christmas Village for hot chocolate, toasted marshmallows, mince pies and other seasonal treats. With seating in a heated tipi and rustic log gazebos, there are plenty of cosy places to stop and warm up before heading home.

Tickets and useful information

• Family admission by car or on foot: £44 to £46 for up to five people.
• Santa Experience Ticket: £18 to £19 per child aged 0 to 12, payable in addition to the family admission ticket.
• Peak dates: 28 and 29 November and 18 December.
• Super peak dates: 5, 6, 12, 13 and 19 to 24 December.

Prices vary by date. Dogs are not permitted during the Christmas event.

Jingle bells! Christmas in York 2026 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 out, there’s something for kids of all ages to enjoy this December.

Whether you live in York or you’re planning a Christmas visit (it’s a brilliant time of year to come and see us), we’ve rounded up the top things to do in York with kids this Christmas, and we’ll keep updating our guide as more events are announced. Top tip: many of York’s most popular Christmas events sell out quickly, so book early to avoid disappointment (and make sure you stay off the naughty list!).

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🎄 Where to see Santa in York

From magical boat trips and steam-train journeys to festive farms and historic houses, there are plenty of memorable places to meet Father Christmas in and around York. Many sell out early, so advance booking is recommended.

The Santa Experience with City Cruises York – A Magical Meet-and-Greet on the River Ouse

Trade the traditional sleigh for a boat this Christmas and set sail on a magical Santa Cruise! Your family’s adventure begins in Santa’s North Pole Grotto before stepping aboard a festively decorated boat on the River Ouse.

Joined by Santa’s elves, you will enjoy holiday cheer, fun activities, and a special gift delivered by Santa himself. Because every present is prepared in advance, this unforgettable York experience is strictly pre-book only (no walk-ups available). It is a wonderfully unique way to celebrate the season with the added excitement of being out on the water!

📍 City Cruises York, King’s Staith, York YO1 9SN
🗓 Selected dates from late November to 24 December 2026
ℹ️ Visit the City Cruises website

Magical Christmas Experience at Mother Shipton’s

Enter a world of festive magic at Mother Shipton’s Christmas Experience. Wander through the winter woodland, meet Santa in his cosy grotto and enjoy the cheerful elves, festive displays and Christmas Village. Each child with a Santa Experience Ticket receives a festive activity pack and a magical pass. Warm up with hot chocolate, gingerbread and toasted marshmallows, then explore the famous Petrifying Well and Cave.

📅 28 November to 24 December 2026
📍 Mother Shipton’s, Prophecy Lodge, High Bridge, Knaresborough HG5 8DD
🔗 Visit the Mother Shipton’s website

Santa’s Christmas Tour at York’s Chocolate Story

Santa needs help finding some missing Christmas chocolate before he returns to the North Pole! Join Santa and his elf for an interactive festive tour, discover how chocolate is made and enjoy plenty of delicious samples along the way.

Children can decorate a chocolate lolly, meet Santa and receive an age-appropriate gift and sweet treats. Grown-ups receive a hot chocolate and festive gift too! Christmas truffle-rolling tours and family chocolate masterclasses are also available on selected dates.

📅 28 November to 23 December 2026
📍 York’s Chocolate Story, 3-4 Kings Square, York YO1 7LD
🔗 Visit the York’s Chocolate Story website

Piglets Adventure Farm Magical Sleigh Ride

Check in at Elf Airlines before boarding a magical sleigh ride through the trees to Santa’s Woodland Village.

Children can meet Santa in his cosy grotto, use a magic key to enter the Toy Shop and choose a special gift. There’s also an interactive Elf Academy show, festive activities at the Polar Post Office, reindeer-food making, Mrs Claus’s Sweet Shoppe and plenty of seasonal food and drink.

📅 Selected dates in November and December 2026
📍 Piglets Adventure Farm, Towthorpe Grange, Towthorpe Moor Lane, York YO32 9ST
🔗 Visit the Piglets Adventure Farm website

Christmas at Stockeld Park

Make a full festive day of it at Stockeld Park, with Santa’s Grotto, sparkling Winter Illuminations, six outdoor playgrounds and the giant Snowflake Maze.

Families with Gold tickets can also enjoy the Jack and the Beanstalk Christmas pantomime, while ice skating and Playhive sessions can be added to selected tickets. Santa meets one family at a time in his cosy log cabin, reached through an interactive North Pole village and enchanted elevator.

📅 21 November to 24 December 2026
📍 Stockeld Park, Wetherby Road, Wetherby LS22 4AN
🔗 Visit the Stockeld Park website

All Aboard The Santa Express on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway

All aboard the Santa Express for an hour-long steam train journey between Pickering and Levisham. Santa and his mischievous elves will visit families on board, with songs, games and entertainment inspired by this year’s Gingerbread Man theme. Every child will receive a gingerbread man soft toy and festive book to take home.

Allow extra time at Pickering Station for the Naughty or Nice Scanner, Christmas games, Santa’s letterbox, festive sing-alongs and Christmas Emporium.

📅 28 and 29 November; 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20 and 22 to 24 December 2026
📍 North Yorkshire Moors Railway, Pickering Station, Park Street, Pickering YO18 7AJ
🔗 Visit the North Yorkshire Moors Railway website

⭐️ Christmas shows and pantomimes

Nothing marks the start of Christmas quite like a family trip to the theatre. York’s festive programme includes big traditional pantomimes, gorgeous family shows, concerts and plenty of seasonal silliness.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at York Theatre Royal

Mirror, mirror on the wall, York Theatre Royal’s 2026 pantomime promises to be one of the most magical of all.

Expect lavish costumes, stunning sets, dazzling special effects and plenty of family-friendly jokes. Children’s TV favourite Richard David-Caine joins York panto favourites Robin Simpson and Tommy Carmichael, with Jenny Gayner starring as the Wicked Queen.

Family tickets are available for every performance, with savings of up to £61.

📅 4 December 2026 to 3 January 2027
📍 York Theatre Royal, St Leonard’s Place, York YO1 7HD
🔗 Visit the York Theatre Royal website

The Further Adventures of Peter Pan at Grand Opera House York

Fly back to Neverland for The Further Adventures of Peter Pan: The Return of Captain Hook, York’s swashbuckling musical pantomime. Join Peter Pan, Tinkerbell and Smee for a brand-new adventure packed with songs, spectacular choreography, gravity-defying flying, special effects and plenty of laugh-out-loud comedy. Musical theatre and TV star Tom Lister stars as Captain Hook, with audience favourite Jimmy Bryant returning as Smee.

📅 5 December 2026 to 3 January 2027
📍 Grand Opera House York, Cumberland Street, York YO1 9SW
🔗 Visit the Grand Opera House York website

✨ Festive days out in and around York

Christmas at York Castle Museum

Travel through Christmases past at York Castle Museum, where the famous Victorian street of Kirkgate will be decorated with twinkling garlands, Christmas trees and snow-covered cobbles.

Families can encounter Green Father Christmas and Ebenezer Scrooge, listen to festive music and carols and enjoy storytelling and Christmas crafts. The museum will also host special evening performances for adults, including An Evening with Ebenezer Scrooge and seasonal ghost stories, with dates to be announced.

📅 14 November 2026 to 4 January 2027
📍 York Castle Museum, Tower St, York YO1 9RY
🔗 Visit the York Castle Museum website

A Winter Adventure at JORVIK Viking Centre

Discover JORVIK as you’ve never seen it before this winter! 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.

📅 Open throughout the Christmas period except 24 to 26 December 2026
📍 JORVIK Viking Centre, 19 Coppergate, York YO1 9WT
🔗 Book online at jorvikvikingcentre.co.uk

THOR’S on ICE

Ice skating is back in York city centre for the first time in 16 years! THOR’S on ICE is a brand new covered rink in Museum Gardens, so little skaters can glide past the abbey ruins come rain or shine. Afterwards, refuel with a Spice Bag or Crumble Pot and warm up by the log fires. Get your skates on!

📍 York Museum Gardens (behind York Art Gallery), YO1 7FR
🗓 13 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, open daily
ℹ️ From £11 per child, £12 per adult, family tickets from £31.50.
🔗 Book online

A Christmas Tail at Fairfax House

Fairfax House will be transformed for Christmas with lavish Georgian decorations, beautiful greenery and hundreds of tiny mice hidden throughout its historic rooms.

Inspired by Aesop’s fable The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse, this year’s festive trail follows a group of curious country mice as they experience grand city celebrations, fabulous fashions, tempting bargains and an extravagant Georgian ball. Each mouse has a unique outfit hand-stitched by Fairfax House volunteers, so keep your eyes peeled as you explore.

📅 14 November 2026 to 3 January 2027
📍 Fairfax House, Castlegate, York, YO1 9RN
🎟️ Adults £9.50, children aged 16 and under go free
🔗 Visit the Fairfax House website

A Dickens of a Christmas at Castle Howard

Charles Dickens’s best-loved stories will take over Castle Howard for a spectacular Victorian Christmas. Follow an immersive journey through the house as Ebenezer Scrooge, mysterious ghosts and other familiar characters are brought to life through theatrical installations, atmospheric soundscapes, projections and festive surprises.

Families can also book Father Christmas in the Castle, featuring a live show and individual family visit, or Santa’s Grotto in the Jellycat Shop. Christmas afternoon teas, winter walks and seasonal shopping complete the experience.

📅 12 November 2026 to 3 January 2027
🎅 Father Christmas experiences run on selected dates from 21 November to 24 December
📍 Castle Howard, York YO60 7DA
🔗 Visit the Castle Howard website

Christmas at the Convent: Angels of Hope

Step inside the UK’s oldest living convent this Christmas for a festive day out with a gentle glow of hope. From 25 November to 23 December, families can follow the Angels of Hope trail through the historic house, with hands-on activities along the way. Then pause in the chapel to admire a beautiful installation made by young artists from across York. Round things off with a warming Christmas lunch in the café. Admission to the exhibition applies.

📍 The Bar Convent, 17 Blossom Street, York YO24 1AQ
🗓 25 November to 23 December, Monday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm (last admission 4pm)
ℹ️ barconvent.co.uk

York Christmas Market 2026

York Christmas Market returns to Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square, bringing alpine chalets, seasonal food and plenty of festive atmosphere to the city centre.

Browse locally made gifts, crafts and treats, with more than 80% of traders coming from Yorkshire. It’s free to visit, but we recommend avoiding weekend afternoons if you’re exploring with children and would prefer a quieter experience.

The market will close every Tuesday in 2026, giving traders a weekly rest day, although York’s shops, attractions and restaurants will remain open.

📅 12 November to 21 December 2026
🕥 10.30am to 7pm, Wednesday to Monday
🎄 Closed on Tuesdays; closes at 5pm on 21 December
📍 Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square, York
🎟️ Free entry
🔗 Visit the York Christmas Market website

Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland

Get your skates on for the return of Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland at York Designer Outlet. Celebrating its 21st year, this popular festive attraction features the North of England’s largest outdoor ice rink, complete with a 30-foot Christmas tree at its centre.

Families can also enjoy fairground rides, festive food and warming drinks at The Chalet. Santa will be welcoming children to his cosy log cabin in the Enchanted Woodland, with visits available to book separately.

📅 13 November 2026 to 3 January 2027.
📍 Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland, McArthurGlen Designer Outlet, St Nicholas Ave, York YO19 4TA🎟️ Free entry; skating and Santa tickets sold separately. Funfair tokens available on site
🔗 Visit the Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland 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 28th November 2026 to 5th January 2027 with over 70 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.

📅 28th November 2026 to 5th January 2027
📍 York Minster, Deangate, York YO1 7HH
🔗 What’s on at York Minster

Christmas at Barley Hall

This medieval hall will, once again, be beautifully decorated for Christmas, making it the perfect place to get into the festive spirit. Plus, this year there are two wonderful events taking place in December: Broadside Ballads with Henry Bird on 10th and A Medieval Christmas Feast at Barley Hall on the 12th.

📅 Check Christmas opening times
📍 Barley Hall, 2 Coffee Yard, York YO1 8AR
🔗 Visit the Barley Hall website

Get stuck in at DIG!

In need of a break from Christmas mayhem? Then venture into the world of Cressida Cowell’s How to Train Your Dragon School at DIG! This fab exhibition brings the book to life with plenty of interactive elements to keep your little Vikings entertained. It’s included with your ticket to DIG, so your family can go from archaeologists to dragon trainers!

📅 Open daily
📍 DIG: An Archaeological Adventure, St Saviourgate, York YO1 8NN
🔗 Visit the DIG York website

✨ Free and cheap Christmas activities in York

Christmas can be expensive, but enjoying York’s festive atmosphere doesn’t need to cost a fortune. Wander through York Christmas Market, see the city’s Christmas lights, walk the walls, follow a free Little Vikings walking trail or visit the National Railway Museum. Take a look at our guide to free and cheap things to do in York for even more inspiration.

FAQs – York at Christmas