Jingle bells! Christmas in York 2025 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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Christmas at York Castle Museum
Wander through the famous Victorian street, Kirkgate, as Christmas arrives with a blanket of festive snow on the historic cobbles. Enjoy the charming period trimmings that adorn the street and take a peek at an exciting range of historical decorations and objects in the stunning shopfronts. There’ll be visits from a green Father Christmas, live performances and much more – find out more here.
15th November 2025 to 4th January 2026 – 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.
JORVIK Viking Centre, 19 Coppergate, York YO1 9WT – Book online at jorvikvikingcentre.co.uk.
Sleeping Beauty at York Theatre Royal
York Theatre Royal pantomime returns for 2025 with Sleeping Beauty, an enchanting tale of adventure, fun and spellbinding magic for the whole family. Running from 2nd December 2025 to 4th January 2026, audiences can expect stunning costumes, gorgeous sets, dazzling special effects and all the spectacular magic of a York Theatre Royal pantomime.
2nd December 2025 to 4th January 2026 – York Theatre Royal, St Leonard’s Place, York YO1 7HD – Visit the York Theatre Royal website for more info and tickets
Meet Father Christmas on the river with City Cruises’ Santa Experience
Get ready for an extraordinary Christmas adventure aboard a City Cruises boat, where you’ll be joining Santa himself for a magical cruise along the stunning river Ouse! Explore Santa’s North Pole Grotto then step onto the most festively adorned boat in York, accompanied by one of Santa’s treasured elves and St. Nick himself.
Selected dates in November and December 2025 – Visit the City Cruises website for information
Meet Father Christmas at Mother Shipton’s
Step into 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.
23rd November to 24th December 2025 –
Mother Shipton’s, Prophecy Lodge, High Bridge, Knaresborough HG5 8DD – Visit the Mother Shiptons website
Cinderella at the Grand Opera House York
Everyone is welcome to the festive ball at the Grand Opera House in York this Christmas. Expect side-splitting comedy, lavish settings and adorable miniature ponies! Cinderella will be more fun than you can shake a pumpkin at. Casting is to be announced, but expect stars from stage and screen. The show will run from 6th December 2025 to 4th January 2026 – Visit the website
Christmas at York’s Chocolate Story
Whether you’re looking to meet Santa, roll up your sleeves for some hands-on fun, or indulge in a luxurious chocolate experience, York’s Chocolate Story has something for everyone this holiday season. Their immersive Christmas events are the perfect way to celebrate the magic of the season with a sweet twist! Dates to be confirmed – Visit the York’s Chocolate Story website
Christmas at Castle Howard
Spend a fantastically festive day at Castle Howard soaking up the festive atmosphere at Yorkshire’s iconic stately home. A Christmas like no other awaits, from Oz-tastic installations to special moments with Father Christmas, late-night tours, Christmas shopping and delectable festive afternoon tea.
13th November 2025 to 4th January 2026 – Visit the Castle Howard website
Christmas at Stockeld Park
Meet Santa, enjoy the Winter Illuminations in the Enchanted Forest, discover the secrets of the Snowflake Maze or whizz around the ice rink at Stockeld Park this Christmas. You can even bring a little bit of the magic of Christmas at Stockeld Park home with you by buying a real Christmas tree, grown on the Stockeld Park Estate, the biggest plantation in Yorkshire! Visit the Stockeld Park website
Piglets Adventure Farm Magical Sleigh Ride
All aboard Santa’s sleigh for an unforgettable Christmas adventure at Piglets Adventure Farm! Check in at Elf Airlines before setting off for Santa’s Woodland Village. You’ll be guided through snowy trees and twinkling lights to arrive at Santa’s village where you’ll be greeted by elves. Meet Santa himself before collecting a magic key which you can use to unlock Santa’s toy shop and choose your favourite gift from a huge selection. Selected dates in November and December – Visit the Piglets website
York Christmas Market 2025
York’s annual Christmas market is back from November 13th to December 21st 2025, with a range of stalls selling gifts, warming food and things to drink. Children will love the twinkling lights and warming up with a hot chocolate if you’re feeling generous.
North Yorkshire Moors Railway Santa Special
Experience the magic of Christmas with the North Yorkshire Moors Railway’s Santa Specials, running on selected dates from 30th November to 24th December. Meet Santa on board a steam train, where each child will receive a unique Edmondson railway ticket, a limited-edition soft toy and more as keepsakes. This lovely new Santa Specials experience offers a unique blend of nostalgia, tradition and festive fun for the whole family, ensuring you’ll leave with memories to treasure forever.
Ice skating at Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland
Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland returns to York Designer Outlet for 2024 with 975 sq m of real ice to glide, slide and wobble around. Presented by HARIBO, it runs from November 2025 to January 2026 with a glistening outdoor ice rink, thrilling funfair, magical Santa’s Grotto and cosy alpine cafe.
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 29th November 2025 to 6th January 2026, with 60 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.
29th November 2025 to 6th January 2026 – Click here to find out more about what’s going on at York Minster
York Nutcracker Trail
It was one of the most popular free activities in York last Christmas, and it’s returning for 2025! The York Bid’s giant nutcrackers are returning to the city this festive season and it’s even better than before. Ten unique bespoke nutcrackers, painted by a local artist, will be hidden in locations in York just waiting to be spotted. There will be ten to find, and you’ll be in with a chance of winning a £250 York Gift Card if you find them all. 13th November 2025 to 4th January 2026 – Visit the website
Christmas at Barley Hall
Embrace the festive spirit with a touch of history at Barley Hall this December! Step out of the winter chill, take a break from the bustle of holiday crowds, and soak up the cosy atmosphere at this beautifully decorated medieval hall. Combine your visit with a trip to JORVIK Viking Centre and DIG: An archaeological Adventure by purchasing a PastPort for all the attractions, starting at
£18 pp. Visit the Barley Hall website
Get stuck in at DIG!
At DIG, kids discover the most exciting archaeological artefacts from the 2000 years of history hidden under the streets of York. Four excavation pits are filled with Roman, Viking, medieval and Victorian finds, so you can grab a trowel and dig up the clues that show how people lived in these times. Combine your visit with a trip to JORVIK Viking Centre and Barley Hall by purchasing a PastPort for all four attractions starting at £18 pp. Visit the DIG website.
