York’s annual Chocolate Festival is back this Easter with a five-day celebration of all things sweet and a packed programme of events (see what else is going on this Easter in York for families here). From hands-on chocolate-making workshops to live demonstrations, tasting trails and family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone (unless you’re not keen on chocolate…). So if you’re in York this Easter, immerse yourselves in York’s chocolate heritage and tuck into some of the city’s finest chocolate treats while you’re at it. Here are our highlights for families.
York’s Chocolate Festival 2025
Easter Egg Chocolate Bar Making
Create your very own 30g Easter Egg chocolate bar with the team from York Chocolate Festival, decorated with an array of toppings. This is a fun, hands-on experience for kids and adults alike.
Activity Marquee, Parliament Street – 16th to 20th April 2025 – 10am – 4pm – £5
Chocolate Festival Taste Trail
Embark on a delicious self-guided tour of York’s top chocolatiers and independent cafes, sampling treats at each stop along the way.
Pick up a booklet from the Information Point on Parliament Street – £8.50
Live Chocolate Sculpture by Ashley McCarthy (Free!)
Watch Extreme Chocolate Makers star Ashley McCarthy as he sculpts an intricate chocolate masterpiece live. Visit twice at the beginning and end of the day to see the creation progress over the five days of the Festival.
Parliament Street – 16th to 20th April 2025
Easter Egg and Spring Bunny Chocolate Bar Workshop
Join expert chocolatiers to craft your own chocolate bunny or Easter egg at York Cocoa Works. You will learn how to work with tempered chocolate to decorate, mould and package up your own chocolate Easter creation. Once set, you will gift wrap your creation to be enjoyed at home.
York Cocoa Works – 16th to 20th April 2025 – Book via the York Cocoa Works website
Classic (and Early Bird) Guided Tour at York Chocolate Story
Take a journey through York’s rich chocolate heritage and discover the pioneering families – Rowntree, Terry, and Cravens – who shaped the city’s sweet legacy! You’ll also hands-on and create your own Easter-themed chocolate lolly! For the early risers, enjoy an early bird tour throughout the Easter holidays at 9:30am and 9:45am.
York’s Chocolate Story – Daily – Book via the website
Face Painting
Transform into an Easter bunny, butterfly or something else with professional face painting.
St Crux, Pavement – 11:30am – 3:30pm on 16th, 17th and 20th April – £6.50
Cookery Workshops: Truffle & Scone Making
Learn how to make chocolate truffles or lemonade scones in these fun baking workshops. The activity is available on a first come first serve basis and will include the making of Lemonade Scones and Chocolate Truffles.
St Crux, Pavement – 16th April, 10am to 4pm – £5
