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 2024, from York Ice Trail to the new Snooks Trail and the return of York Maze. 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 2024 (27th and 28th 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 2024 – It’s one of York’s best events for families and it’s back for 2024: York Ice Trail returns on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th February. Dream big and let your creativity run wild exploring magical, fictional, and spectacular masterpieces which turn York into ‘The City of Dreams’. With live carving, interactive experiences and the chance to win great prizes, it’s an extraordinary day out! Find out more
Dark Skies Festival 2024 – Look to the skies this February half-term with the Dark Skies Festival 2024 in the glorious North York Moors. Taking place from 9th to 25th February 2023, activities include stargazing, nocturnal walks, nighttime trail runs, crafts, trails and more. Here’s the full programme.
JORVIK Viking Festival 2024 (12th to 18th February) (mostly FREE) – The Vikings are back for a real-life JORVIK Viking Festival in 2024! 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 2024 (11th to 17th 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 2024 – 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.
Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out at the Grand Opera House York – Packed full of songs, dance and muddy puddles, Peppa’s Fun Day Out guarantees giggles and snorts for all Peppa fans, and a perfect introduction to theatre. 13th to 14th March – Find out more.
Zog and the Flying Doctors at the Grand Opera House York – Zog, super keen student turned air-ambulance, still lands with a bang-crash-thump. Together with his Flying Doctor crew, Princess Pearl and Sir Gadabout, they tend to a sunburnt mermaid, a unicorn with one too many horns and a lion with the flu. Expect fun and surprises at this live show. 5th to 7th July 2024 – Find out more
King Arthur at York Theatre Royal – The Kings of Comedy, Le Navet Bete, return to the stage with a brand-new comedy for the ages. This hilarious retelling of the Arthurian legends, suitable for the whole family, will have audiences crying with laughter and become part of the legend themselves! 21st to 23rd March – Visit the website
The Gruffalo’s Child at York Theatre Royal – One wild and windy night the Gruffalo’s Child ignores her father’s warnings about the Big Bad Mouse and tiptoes out into the deep dark wood. She follows snowy tracks and encounters mysterious creatures – but the Big Bad Mouse doesn’t really exist… does he? Let your imagination run wild with songs, laughs and scary fun for everyone aged 3 to 103. 1st to 3rd February – Visit the website
Snooks Trail (NEW!) – Brand new for York, The Snooks Trail is an exciting sculpture trail that’s coming to the city from late February to April 2024. Organized by Make It York in collaboration with charity partner St. Leonard’s Hospice, it’s a fun, free event for the whole family. Little Vikings is even sponsoring a Snook – you’ll find it in the grounds of the Marriott Hotel! 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
Colour and Light returns – Colour and Light is a brilliant York Bid initiative to brighten up the city during the darker months and was a massive hit in its first year. Thousands of families enjoyed seeing York Minster illuminated as they’d never seen it before. We’re so pleased that it’s coming back for 2024, and we’ll let you know the details as soon as we have them.
Aladdin (3rd December 2024 to 5th January 2025, York Theatre Royal) – York Theatre Royal’s popular pantomime returns for 2024 with the wonderful Aladdin. Expect stunning sets, lavish costumes, breathtaking special effects and hopefully a flying carpet! Find out more
York Christmas Festival 2024 – 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.
