Beat the New Year blues by planning some things to look forward to. We’re happy to say that there are lots of things to do in York with kids during 2023, from York Ice Trail to the return of York Maze and much more. For the latest news throughout the year, sign up to the Little Vikings newsletter so you never miss a thing (and why not follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, too)? Oh, and to save money while you’re in York this year, make sure you collect a FREE Little Vikings Family Card from the Visit York Information Centre on Parliament Street for discounts and perks.
FREE! York Residents’ Festival 2023 (28th and 29th January) – York Residents Festival is the annual opportunity for York residents to explore their city for free (or a lot less) and it’s back for 2023! There’s plenty for families to enjoy, with over 100 attractions, events and offers to take advantage of. Find out more
FREE! York Ice Trail 2023- It’s one of York’s best events for families and it’s back for 2023: York Ice Trail returns! This year’s theme is A journey through time, with over 30 ice sculptures to discover. The grounds of Middletons Hotel will be transformed into a mystical world of mythology, including four show-stopping ice sculptures, crafts, competitions and surprise creatures. Find out more
Dark Skies Festival 2023 – Look to the skies this February half-term with the Dark Skies Festival 2023 in the glorious North York Moors. Taking place from 10th to 26th February 2023, activities include stargazing, nocturnal walks, nighttime trail runs, crafts, trails and more. Here’s the full programme.
JORVIK Viking Festival 2023 (11th to 19th February) (mostly FREE) – The Vikings are back for a real-life JORVIK Viking Festival in 2023! They will once again be pitching their tents in central York in February for five days of living history, hands-on fun, craft workshops and many other activities. Find out more.
York Restaurant Week 2023 (6th to 12th March) – Discover some of York’s best places to eat for less with York Restaurant week. There are always plenty of family-friendly options – keep an eye out as the vouchers are released close to the event. Find out more.
Easter in York 2023 – Easter is a big deal in York, with lots of Easter egg trails and spring activities for the whole family to enjoy. It’s a great time of year to get out into the Yorkshire countryside or out to the coast for a day trip too. Keep an eye on our digital channels and pick up our Easter magazine for all our recommendations.
Zog Live! (31st March to 1st April, York Theatre Royal) – The smash-hit stage adaptation from Freckle Productions (the team behind Zog and the Flying Doctors, Stick Man and Tiddler and Other Terrific Tales) is back and promises to be bigger, brighter and more roar-some than ever before! Find out more.
Fireman Sam Saves the Circus (4th April, York Theatre Royal) – When all of his friends go away, Norman Price decides to find adventure in Pontypandy and become the star of a visiting circus. But with a tiger on the loose and faulty lights, the adventure soon turns to danger. Can Fireman Sam come to the rescue and save the circus? Find out more
Amazing Bubble Man (15th April, York Theatre Royal) – From square bubbles, bubbles inside bubbles, fog-filled bubbles, giant bubbles, bubble volcanoes, tornados and trampolines to people inside bubbles, the Amazing Bubble Man conjures shrieks of laughter and gasps of amazement from all ages. Find out more
Hey Duggee (29th June to 2nd July, York Theatre Royal) – Everyone’s big lovable dog Hey Duggee is touring for the first time ever and here’s your chance to see him in York! Hey Duggee The Live Theatre Show is going to be huge and will feature Duggee, the Squirrels plus many more of your favourite characters! Find out more
Demon Dentist (15th to 17th June, Grand Opera House York) – Join Alfie and Gabz on this fabulous adventure, as they investigate the strange events happening in their home town! Children are leaving their teeth for the tooth fairy and waking up to find odd things under their pillows! Alfie and Gabz are determined to get to the bottom of the mystery – but no one could have dreamed what they’ll discover when they come face to face with the demon dentist herself. Find out more.
York Maze returns (from 15th July) – One of York’s best summer days out, York Maze is a family day out that’s great fun for all ages. Make the most of the summer opening by booking ahead as it can get busy and sell out. Top tips: arrive early, take snacks and don’t get lost in the maze! Find out more
Winnie the Pooh Live! (1st and 2nd August, Grand Opera House York) – Disney’s iconic Winnie the Pooh, Christopher Robin and their best friends Piglet, Eeyore, Kanga, Roo, Rabbit, and Owl (oh… and don’t forget Tigger too!) have come to life in a beautifully crafted musical stage adaptation. Find out more
Jack and the Beanstalk (8th December 2023 to 7th January 2024, York Theatre Royal) – York Theatre Royal’s popular pantomime returns for 2023 with a fairytale classic. Expect stunning sets, lavish costumes, breathtaking special effects and hopefully a massive beanstalk! Find out more
York Christmas Festival 2023 – From York Christmas market to Santa experiences and twinkling lights, Christmas is a wonderful time in York. Keep an eye out for all the details as they’re released.
