If your new year’s resolution is to meet a polar bear (and let’s face it, whose isn’t?), we’ve got great news for you: Inka the Polar Bear is coming to York this January! No need to keep your distance, as this life-sized puppet is sweet rather than scary, and will be accompanied by her adorable […]

Planning a magical Christmas break with your family? A veritable winter wonderland, York is the perfect place to stay with kids, whether you’re planning a weekend break or holiday. Not only is it a city that looks incredible when it’s decked out in festive finery, but it’s brimming with family-friendly things to do, places to […]

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 […]

If you’re looking for afternoon tea in York with a twist, The Potions Academy has brewed up something special. Tucked away at the back of the iconic Shambles, this new Wizard Afternoon Tea is set to become a must-visit experience for families seeking delicious treats and magical memories. Here’s why this quirky afternoon tea sounds […]

Experience the magic of a Victorian Christmas at York Castle Museum! There’s nowhere quite like it in York, and it really is a unique experience where a warm, festive feeling is guaranteed. From November 16th 2024 to January 5th 2025, immerse yourselves in the joy of a beautifully decorated Christmas on Kirkgate, the recreated Victorian […]

When it comes to creating festive family memories, Mother Shipton’s Christmas Experience over in Knaresborough is in a league of its own. After a few years away, we returned this year with our youngest and her friend and we were all enchanted. This much-loved outdoor attraction has mastered Christmas magic, offering a joyful, high-quality experience […]

Silent night? Not likely. Head along to one of these Christmas shows for full-throttle festive entertainment for the whole family, or head to York Minster for a lovely traditional start to your celebrations. Keep checking back here for our pick of the best pantomimes in York, as well as the best Christmas shows, and the […]

Nothing gets the magic flowing quite like meeting Santa himself, and he’s going to be popping up all over York this Christmas. Whether you’d like to meet him on a boat with City Cruises York, in the Christmas Village at Mother Shipton’s or in the woods at Northwood Trail, find out where to meet Santa […]

Calling all musical lovers! With the highly anticipated releases of Wicked and Moana 2, we’ve got a fabulous competition for you, courtesy of PQA York. You could win a family voucher to Cineworld and experience the magic of these amazing musicals on the big screen! As a proud home of PQA York’s cinema screenings, Cineworld is where our talented students get to […]

Did you know that York has its very own wildlife park? Askham Bryan Wildlife & Conservation Park is bursting with amazing animals to discover. In fact, over 100 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates call it home! From playful otters and cheeky goats to colourful parrots and slithery snakes, bats, meerkats and […]

If you’re planning to visit York this Christmas with your kids, we’ve got an idea that will put you at the top of the Nice List for a lifetime: booking the Santa’s Grotto bedroom at Moxy York, arguably the most fun hotel in the city. We were invited along with two of our elves (aged […]

Jingle Jump Pass – 5 Holiday bounces for only £30 saving you over 53% Get ready to bounce your way through the Christmas holidays with Oxygen’s Jingle Jump Pass! For just £30, (an epic saving of 53%*), you’ll unlock 5 epic jump sessions. That’s loads of high-flying fun, festive flips, and laughter to be had […]

This winter, experience AD 975 like never before! 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 […]

Did you know that there’s a Paddington Bear bench in York? Yep, to celebrate the release of Paddington in Peru, a trail of Paddington benches has popped up across the UK and Ireland, and York has been lucky enough to get one! It’s the perfect excuse – as if you needed one – to plan […]

Kick off the holiday season with York’s 2024 Nutcracker Trail! It’s one of the best things to do in York at Christmas with kids, and it’s totally free. This year’s theme, Christmas Around the World, showcases ten uniquely designed nutcrackers, each inspired by a different country and adorned with colours and landmarks reflecting its national […]

Read on if you’re planning a trip to York this weekend! The organisers of the York Christmas Market are sorry to announce that, due to Storm Darragh, the market will not take place on Saturday 7th December 2024. RECOMMENDED ???? The best free and cheap things to do in York ☔️ Rainy days in York ????‍♂️The best […]

We’ve been lucky enough to try many of York’s Santa experiences over the years, but somehow we’d never hopped on board to check out the only one that takes place on water: the City Cruises Santa Cruise. So when we were invited to try it this Christmas, we jumped at the chance, and we’re pleased […]

The Little Vikings Awards 2025 shortlists announced! Voting is now open Drumroll, please… We’re thrilled to unveil the Little Vikings Awards 2025 shortlists, proudly presented by The Mount School! A huge shoutout to our other amazing sponsors, En Pointe Dance School, York’s Chocolate Story, and Middletons Hotel, for their support. Celebrating its 10th year, the […]

The most enchanting pantomime of all time, Beauty & The Beast, comes to the Grand Opera House York this Christmas! Join Belle, The Beast, Fairy Bon Bon, the exuberant Polly La Plonk and her cheeky chappy son, Louis La Plonk, as they are transported to a cursed castle, under the spell of an evil enchantress. Can […]

Head to York Theatre Royal this Christmas for a spectacular family pantomime! Cbeebies and CBBC superstar, Evie Pickerill, will bring her sparkle as Spirit of the Ring! York favourite, Robin Simpson (Dame Trott in Jack and the Beanstalk) is returning for another sensational show. Paul Hawkyard (Captain Hook in All New Adventures of Peter) will be back for his third pantomime […]