The JORVIK Viking Festival returns this February! York will be taken over by Viking warriors from Monday 16th February to Sunday 22nd February 2026. The world-renowned festival features living history encampments, workshops, tours, traditional crafts, feasts, family events, evening entertainment, and dramatic combat performances.

This year’s Festival has so much for adults and children alike, and the festival continues to be accessible with many free or low-cost events as well as events with reduced-price tickets for those on low incomes. The full programme is now available, so take a look, secure your tickets, and have a February Half-Term for the history books!

JORVIK Viking Festival 2026 – The highlights for families

Here’s our pick of the very best things for families to see and do at the 2026 JORVIK Viking Festival, all taking place in York city centre from Monday 16th February to Sunday 22nd February 2026. Many of the activities are free – hooray! – and all of them are fun. The Viking encampment, Poo Week and March to Coppergate are our top picks, but here are all of the highlights for families.

– A Winter Adventure at JORVIK Viking Centre (open daily) – This winter, experience AD 960 like never before! JORVIK Viking Centre is embracing the chill with an immersive winter makeover, complete with a time portal! 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. It’s brrrrilliant.

– Viking Encampment (16 to 21 February 2026, 10.30am to 4.30pm, Parliament Street/St Sampson’s Square) – FREE! – 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. Free event.

– Berserker Boot Camp (16th to 21st Feb 2026, 10.30am to 4.30pm) – 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—don’t worry, Norse health and safety keep 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. Click here to learn more and get ready for an unforgettable Viking showdown.

– Kids’ Barbaric Battle (21 February 2026, 10am to 1.30pm) – Every Viking remembers their first battle, and now it’s your little warrior’s turn! In the Kids Battle, up to 150 young fighters will step into the Eye of York to prove themselves worthy of Valhalla (and we’re pretty sure they all are!). This is a practice battle, so safety comes first: foam weapons, shields, and equipment are all provided. Little Vikings under 5 will need an adult by their side on the battlefield.

– Viking Crafting for Kids (16th to 22nd February 2026, 10am to 4pm, Barley Hall, admission charges apply) – Let your little Vikings unleash their creativity with the festival’s 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, so bring your little ones along for a day of creativity and discovery! Visit the website

– Viking Games (21 Feb 2026, 11.30am to 12,30pm) – Returning for 2026, two teams face off in the Viking Games! Contestants battle it out in epic tests of strength, skill and wisdom. Who will rise victorious? With cheers, laughs and impressive feats of endurance along the way, Viking Games is a must-see for JORVIK Viking Festival 2026! Visit the website

– March to Coppergate (21st February 2026, 2.15pm to 2.45pm) – Starting from Deans Park (behind York Minster) to St Helen’s Square, Parliament Street and Coppergate – FREE! – They’ve come from near and far to muster in their fearsome armies – now it’s your chance to see hundreds of Viking warriors march through the city. With their war cries echoing around the streets, the March to Coppergate is a mighty sight to behold. Recommended viewing areas are St Helen’s Square, Parliament Street and The Coppergate Centre. Free entry.

– Poo Week ( 16th to 22nd February 2026, 10am to 4pm), DIG: An Archaeological Adventure – It’s smelly, it’s squelchy, and it’s one of the highlights of the Festival calendar! Believe it or not, poo can tell us a lot about history. Bring the kids to DIG and discover why archaeologists are fascinated by this unexpected treasure. They’ll even get the chance to create their own replica fossilised poo, inspired by the famous Lloyds Bank Turd at JORVIK Viking Centre. While you’re in the area, why not plan a visit to JORVIK and see it for yourself? Please note: This activity involves the use of foodstuffs. If your little Viking has any allergies, please inform a member of staff beforehand.

– The Battle For York (21st February 2026, 3pm to 4pm), Eye of York – Witness The Battle for York – our newest Battle Spectacular! A breathtaking struggle for control of the city, brought to life with epic combat and storytelling. Experience the courage and chaos of Viking combat, as you see history unfold before your eyes…Visit the website.