Christmas Events for Kids in York (2026)

Christmas Events for Kids
Written by Kelsey Cecil

7 min read

For 2026, we confirmed 12 Christmas events for kids in York. The season opens on 12 November with A Dickens of a Christmas at Castle Howard and runs until 3 January with Yorkshire's Winter Wonderland. Every listing links straight to the host. This page is part of our guide to Christmas events for kids in the UK.

The short version

  • Kids’ Christmas events confirmed for 2026 in York, Castle Howard and Knaresborough: 12
  • First: A Dickens of a Christmas at Castle Howard, Castle Howard, 12 November
  • Free events: None confirmed yet

Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by area, with the date, time, price and the small things parents ask about (booking, ages, what is included).

At a glance: Christmas events for kids in York

Kids’ Christmas events
12 confirmed for 2026
Areas
York, Castle Howard and Knaresborough
Season
12 November to 3 January
Free events
None confirmed yet
Last checked

Christmas events for kids in York

Listed soonest first: 9 confirmed events in York.

Family Christmas event

THOR'S on ICE

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THOR'S on ICE sets up in York Museum Gardens, behind York Art Gallery, from Friday 13 November 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027. Sessions run daily from late morning until late.

The rink offers skate aids and 'penguin helpers' for younger or less confident skaters, and it sells family tickets as well as group and private bookings. Check the booking page for prices and the session you want.

Parent tip: Skate aids and helpers are available for newer skaters.

Host
THOR'S on ICE (opens in a new tab)
Where
York Museum Gardens (behind York Art Gallery), York YO1 7FR (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with THOR'S on ICE (opens in a new tab)

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Rally’s Christmas research

Rally the corgi has 11 more York events researched for you.

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Coming up on this page

  • 8 Santa
  • 4 Lights
  • 2 Shows
  • 2 Crafts

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Meet Santa

Yorkshire's Winter Wonderland

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Yorkshire's Winter Wonderland opens its 21st season at Designer Outlet York on Friday 13 November 2026 and runs to Sunday 3 January 2027. A 45-minute skating session is £16.45 for adults and £15.45 for children and concessions, and family packages are on sale.

Santa visits are booked online at £7 per child plus a booking fee. Children follow a trail of lights to Santa's Cabin and get a gift. The funfair has the Muffin the Mule Autodrome and the Toy Set for younger riders, and game stalls guarantee a prize for every player. Parking at the outlet is free.

Parent tip: Spots with Santa are limited, so book early.

Host
Yorkshire's Winter Wonderland (opens in a new tab)
Where
Designer Outlet York, St Nicholas Avenue, York YO19 4TA (opens in maps)
Booking
Recommended
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Yorkshire's Winter Wonderland (opens in a new tab)

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Christmas lights

A Christmas Tail: The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse

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Fairfax House in Castlegate runs A Christmas Tail from Saturday 14 November 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027. It is a Georgian-era story told through the house, with a Frost Fair, and it suits families. The house is shut from 2 to 13 November while the display goes in.

Opening hours are Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm and Sunday from 11am to 4pm, with last entry at 4.15pm. An adult ticket is £9.50 and children aged 16 and under go free, so a family with two small children pays for one adult.

Parent tip: Check the day's opening hours before you set off, because Sunday hours are shorter.

Host
Fairfax House (opens in a new tab)
Where
Fairfax House, Castlegate, York YO1 9RN (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Fairfax House (opens in a new tab)

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Meet Santa

Santa's Christmas Tour

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York's Chocolate Story runs Santa's Christmas Tour on 28 and 29 November, 5, 6, 12 and 13 December, and 19 to 23 December 2026. The tour lasts about 1 hour 15 minutes, and each child gets an age-appropriate gift.

Tickets are £27.50 for children aged 4 and over and for adults, £5 for ages 2 to 4, and free under 2. Availability and start times vary by date, so check when you book. Booking ahead is required and bookings cannot be changed.

Parent tip: Book ahead, since changes are not possible.

Host
York's Chocolate Story (opens in a new tab)
Where
York's Chocolate Story, 3-4 Kings Square, York YO1 7LD (opens in maps)
Booking
Essential
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with York's Chocolate Story (opens in a new tab)

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Meet Santa

The Father Christmas Experience

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The Web Adventure Park runs its Father Christmas Experience on 28 and 29 November, 5, 6, 12 and 13 December, and 19 to 24 December 2026. Park entry is from 9.30am to 6pm, and the Father Christmas visit is limited to the time slot you book.

The ticket, from £24.95 per person, includes a private family audience with Father Christmas, a golden bell for each child, a Toy Shop exchange, real reindeer, a sleigh photo, a storybook from the Elf Library, unlimited fairground rides, shows with the Silly Elves, indoor and outdoor adventure play, and festive food and drinks. Some slots fill quickly, and you can pay in three instalments.

Parent tip: Book early because popular time slots can fill quickly.

Host
The Web Adventure Park (opens in a new tab)
Where
The Web Adventure Park, York (opens in maps)
Booking
Recommended
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with The Web Adventure Park (opens in a new tab)

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Panto or Christmas show

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

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Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is York Theatre Royal's pantomime for 2026. It runs from 4 December 2026 to 3 January 2027, with shows at times including 10.30am or 11am, 1pm, 2.30pm, 3pm, 5.30pm and 7pm. Times vary by date.

It is a show for the whole family, with an early booking discount and family tickets. Check the theatre's booking page for prices on the date you want. Earlier-in-the-day shows are the easier choice for young children.

Parent tip: Look at the day's showtime before booking; some dates have a morning show.

Host
York Theatre Royal (opens in a new tab)
Where
York Theatre Royal, St Leonard's Place, York YO1 7HD (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with York Theatre Royal (opens in a new tab)

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Meet Santa

Green Father Christmas

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York Castle Museum welcomes Green Father Christmas on Sunday 6 December 2026, from 10am to 5pm. He is there throughout the day and greets visitors on Kirkgate, the museum's Victorian street.

It is suitable for all ages and included in general admission, so check the museum's ticket page for the admission price before you go. This is a single-day date, so it is worth planning around if you want a Father Christmas visit combined with a look round the museum.

Parent tip: Admission prices are on the museum's ticket page.

Host
York Castle Museum (opens in a new tab)
Where
York Castle Museum, Eye of York, York YO1 9RY (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with York Castle Museum (opens in a new tab)

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Meet Santa

Toddle Into Christmas

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Toddle Into Christmas at the Web Adventure Park runs on 7, 11, 15, 17 and 18 December 2026, with junior rides open from 10am to 2.30pm. Tickets start at £16.95.

It is aimed at little ones. The park also runs a separate Baby Meets Santa session on 14 December, from £10.95, for babies too young for the rides. Check the booking page for what each ticket includes.

Parent tip: Baby Meets Santa on 14 December is the option for babies too young for rides.

Host
The Web Adventure Park (opens in a new tab)
Where
The Web Adventure Park, York (opens in maps)
Booking
Recommended
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with The Web Adventure Park (opens in a new tab)

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Breakfast with Santa

Breakfast with Santa

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The Web Adventure Park holds Breakfast with Santa on Thursday 10 December 2026, with tickets from £10.95. Rides, the Toy Shop and the Elf Library are not included in this ticket.

Check the booking page for the start time and menu. If you want the rides and the full Father Christmas visit, the park sells a separate Father Christmas Experience on other dates.

Parent tip: This ticket leaves out the rides and Toy Shop.

Host
The Web Adventure Park (opens in a new tab)
Where
The Web Adventure Park, York (opens in maps)
Booking
Recommended
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with The Web Adventure Park (opens in a new tab)

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Christmas events for kids in Castle Howard

Listed soonest first: 2 confirmed events in Castle Howard.

Christmas lights

A Dickens of a Christmas at Castle Howard

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Castle Howard runs A Dickens of a Christmas in the house and gardens from Thursday 12 November 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027. House entry is in 30-minute time slots, so allow about 40 minutes for the whole experience. It is recommended from age 4.

Prices range from £24 to £40 for adults and £12 to £20 for children, depending on date and time, with a 5.5% online booking fee. Child tickets cover ages 1 to 15. Parking is £7.25 per car. Arrive at least 15 minutes before your slot, since late arrivals may not be admitted.

Parent tip: Arrive 15 minutes before your slot; the Skelf Island Adventure Playground closes after dark.

Host
Castle Howard (opens in a new tab)
Where
Castle Howard, Castle Howard YO60 7DA (opens in maps)
Booking
Essential
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Castle Howard (opens in a new tab)

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Meet Santa

Father Christmas in the Castle (Castle Howard)

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Castle Howard stages Father Christmas in the Castle on selected dates from 21 November to 24 December 2026. The show lasts about 25 minutes and the full visit takes 35 to 55 minutes. It is recommended from age 4, and you should arrive at least 30 minutes before the show.

There is a relaxed performance on Sunday 22 November at 4.45pm and a BSL-interpreted one on Sunday 13 December at 11am. Tickets start at £60 per child. Castle Howard also offers a shorter Santa's Grotto visit of about 10 minutes, from £37.50, on selected dates between 28 November and 24 December. Check the booking page for every show date.

Parent tip: Late arrivals may not be admitted, so aim to arrive 30 minutes early.

Host
Castle Howard (opens in a new tab)
Where
Castle Howard, Castle Howard YO60 7DA (opens in maps)
Booking
Essential
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Castle Howard (opens in a new tab)

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Christmas events for kids in Knaresborough

Listed soonest first: 1 confirmed event in Knaresborough.

Meet Santa

Magical Christmas Experience at Mother Shipton's Cave (Knaresborough)

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Mother Shipton's Cave in Knaresborough holds its Magical Christmas Experience from Saturday 28 November to Thursday 24 December 2026. Entry is by booked time slot, and you should arrive 15 minutes before it. Some late sessions in December close at 8.30pm.

Children aged 0 to 12 with a Santa Experience ticket get a wristband for a festive activity pack, a private family visit with Santa in his grotto, a soft toy, a bag of reindeer food and the option to send a letter by owl mail. Tickets are a family ticket of £44 to £46 for up to five people, plus £18 to £19 for each child's Santa Experience, with a £1.50 booking fee per order.

Parent tip: Children 13 and over can join a younger sibling to see Santa but get no gift or activity pack.

Host
Mother Shipton's Cave (opens in a new tab)
Where
Mother Shipton's Cave, Prophecy Lodge, High Bridge, Knaresborough HG5 8DD (opens in maps)
Booking
Essential
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Mother Shipton's Cave (opens in a new tab)

New events in York every week

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More Christmas events for kids in the UK

A story for the trip home

Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents. It is a cosy story to share on the way home after a big day out.

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolour corgi peeking from a red train

A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolour. Ages 0 to 8.

Buy on Amazon.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in York: questions parents ask

What are the 2026 Christmas events for kids in York?

For 2026, we confirmed 12 Christmas events for kids in York, each on its host’s own page: Magical Christmas Experience at Mother Shipton's Cave (Knaresborough), The Father Christmas Experience, Father Christmas in the Castle (Castle Howard) and 9 more. Each one is listed above with times, cost and a link to the host.

Where can kids see Santa this year in York?

Where to see Santa: Magical Christmas Experience at Mother Shipton's Cave (Knaresborough), The Father Christmas Experience, Father Christmas in the Castle (Castle Howard) and 5 more. Check the listings above for times and booking.

How do you confirm these events?

We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city, library or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on 5 November 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.

The story of Christmas in York

York was the Viking city of Jorvik from 866, and its Christmas story begins with Yule feasts and a parade with a leg of lamb. Today the Minster, a Georgian house and a Victorian street all dress up for December.

Yule feasts, a leg of lamb and a ban in the 1570s

The Vikings took York in 866 and called it Jorvik. They are credited with the Yule log, a feast timed around the winter solstice on 21 December that could last until the log burnt out. Later, townsfolk chose one person to play Yule and another to play his wife, then paraded through the streets with a leg of lamb and a cake, throwing nuts and treats to the crowds. The Yule Riding carried on in various forms until the 1570s, when Archbishop Grindal, a puritan, banned it as too boisterous and pagan.

Seventy Minster trees and a free 10am switch-on

York Minster's Christmas Tree Festival was in its fifth year in 2025, with 70 trees decorated by local schools, charities and businesses in the Nave, Chapter House and Lady Chapel. It ran from Saturday 29 November to 5 January and was included with general admission. The free Minster Mash-Up lights switch-on was at 10am on 29 November, and the free Crib Service was on Wednesday 24 December at 11.30am, with children encouraged to dress as Nativity characters. In 2026, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs opens at York Theatre Royal on 4 December.

Dickens at the Assembly Rooms and a turkey claim

Charles Dickens visited the York Assembly Rooms in 1858 and read parts of A Christmas Carol aloud. William Strickland, a Yorkshireman from near Bridlington, is said to have first brought turkeys to England in the 1500s. A drawing of the royal family around a Christmas tree in 1848 started a tree craze. York's big market was once called St Nicholas Fair, after the patron saint of children, and a Dickens-style street called Kirkgate sits beneath York Castle Museum.

Traditions today

  • York Christmas Market: The market runs from 12 November to 21 December 2026 on Parliament Street and St Sampson's Square, closed on Tuesdays as a trial. It was once called St Nicholas Fair.
  • Minster Christmas Tree Festival: In 2025 York Minster showed 70 decorated trees for the fifth year, in the Nave, Chapter House and Lady Chapel, with a free lights switch-on.
  • Victorian Kirkgate: A Dickens-style street sits beneath York Castle Museum, where Father Christmas greets visitors on Sunday 6 December 2026.
  • Viking Yuletide: Visit York says the Vikings introduced Yuletide, with feasting and the Yule log, and JORVIK Viking Centre tells that story.
  • Georgian Christmas at Fairfax House: Fairfax House runs a mouse-themed Georgian trail from 14 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, with children aged 16 and under free.
  • The family pantomime: York Theatre Royal stages Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs from 4 December 2026 to 3 January 2027.

A fact for kids

In York's old Yule Riding, townsfolk paraded through the streets with a leg of lamb and a cake and threw nuts and treats to the crowds.

Questions about Christmas in York

When did the Vikings take York and what did they bring at Christmas?

The Vikings took York in 866 and called it Jorvik. They are credited with Yule, the midwinter feast with its Yule log, which was timed around the winter solstice on 21 December. Visit York says the Vikings introduced Yuletide, with its feasting, drinking and Yule Log traditions, and JORVIK Viking Centre ties its Viking Yule story to that.

What was the Yule Riding in York?

The Yule Riding was a street parade. Townsfolk chose one person to play Yule and another to play his wife, and they paraded through York with a leg of lamb and a cake, throwing nuts and treats to the crowds. It carried on in various forms until the 1570s, which makes a good story for children.

Why was the Yule Riding banned in York?

Archbishop Grindal, a puritan, banned the Yule Riding in York in the 1570s. He objected to how boisterous it was and to its pagan-influenced roots. For parents explaining it to young children, the simple version is that a noisy winter parade with food and nuts thrown to the crowd was stopped by a strict church leader.

Why is York's Christmas market called St Nicholas Fair?

The market was once called St Nicholas Fair, after St Nicholas, the patron saint of children and toymakers, and locals still use the name. It fills Parliament Street and St Sampson's Square in the city centre. That link to children and toys is a nice thing to point out to little ones while you walk round.

When is York Christmas Market in 2026 and which day is it closed?

York Christmas Market runs from 12 November to 21 December 2026, open Wednesday to Monday from 10.30am to 7pm. It is closed on Tuesdays, and on 21 December it runs 10.30am to 5pm. It is also closed on Christmas Day. The Tuesday closure is new for 2026 and is a trial, with a review due early in 2027.

Why is York Christmas Market closed on Tuesdays in 2026?

The council approved a six-day market as a trial for 2026, so the market closes every Tuesday for a rest day. A review is due early in 2027. If you are planning a family outing, aim for Wednesday to Monday between 10.30am and 7pm, remembering that the final day, 21 December, closes at 5pm.

Where do families see lots of Christmas trees in York?

The Minster's Christmas Tree Festival is where families see the most trees. In 2025 it was the fifth year, with 70 trees decorated by local schools, charities and businesses in the Nave, Chapter House and Lady Chapel, and it was included with general admission. Check the Minster's own site for the 2026 dates, since the 2025 festival ran from 29 November to 5 January.

Is there a children's Christmas service at York Minster?

York Minster held a free Crib Service on Wednesday 24 December 2025 at 11.30am, with no tickets needed and children encouraged to dress as Nativity characters. Visit York's calendar also shows a Crib Service at the Minster on 24 December 2026. Ask the Minster for the 2026 time and ticket rules.

Did Charles Dickens visit York?

Yes. Charles Dickens visited the York Assembly Rooms in 1858 and recited sections of A Christmas Carol. The building is now an Italian restaurant. If you want a Dickens-style Christmas with kids, Castle Howard runs A Dickens of a Christmas from 12 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, and it recommends the experience from age 4.

Who first brought turkeys to England, and is there a York link?

William Strickland, a Yorkshireman from near Bridlington, is said to have first brought turkeys to England in the 1500s. That makes turkey on the Christmas table a Yorkshire story, which can be a fun fact at dinner. It is best told as something he is said to have done.

What is Kirkgate at York Castle Museum and when does Father Christmas visit?

Kirkgate is a Victorian street recreated beneath York Castle Museum, with a Dickens-style Christmas look. Father Christmas greets visitors on Kirkgate on Sunday 6 December 2026, throughout the day from 10am to 5pm. The visit is included in general admission and is suitable for all ages.

When is the York pantomime in 2026?

York Theatre Royal's pantomime for 2026 is Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, running from 4 December 2026 to 3 January 2027. Shows are at various times, including 10.30am or 11am, 1pm, 2.30pm, 3pm, 5.30pm and 7pm, depending on the date.

Can children see Father Christmas at Castle Howard in 2026?

Yes. Castle Howard runs Father Christmas in the Castle on selected dates from 21 November to 24 December 2026, recommended from age 4, with tickets from £60 per child. It also lists a shorter Santa's Grotto visit of about 10 minutes from 28 November to 24 December, from £37.50. Every date is not given, so check the booking page.

What does a Santa visit at Mother Shipton's Cave include?

Mother Shipton's Cave in Knaresborough runs its Christmas experience from 28 November to 24 December 2026. Children aged 0 to 12 with a Santa Experience ticket get a festive activity pack, a private family visit with Santa, a soft toy, reindeer food and the chance to send an owl mail letter. The Santa ticket costs £18 to £19 on top of a family ticket.

Where can toddlers meet Father Christmas in York in 2026?

The Web Adventure Park has Toddle Into Christmas on 7, 11, 15, 17 and 18 December 2026, with junior rides from 10am to 2.30pm and tickets from £16.95. It also has Baby Meets Santa on 14 December, from £10.95, for babies too young for the rides.

Which York Christmas outings for kids fit into an hour or two?

Fairfax House runs A Christmas Tail, a mouse-themed Georgian trail, from 14 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, and children aged 16 and under go free with an adult paying £9.50. Santa's Christmas Tour at York's Chocolate Story lasts about an hour and a quarter.

Is there ice skating for families in York in 2026?

Yes, there are two rinks. Yorkshire's Winter Wonderland at Designer Outlet York runs from 13 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, with a 45-minute skate at £15.45 for children. THOR'S on ICE in York Museum Gardens, behind York Art Gallery, runs daily over the same dates, with skate aids and helpers for younger skaters.

How does Santa work at Yorkshire's Winter Wonderland?

Santa visits are booked online at £7 per child plus a family booking fee, and spots are limited. Children follow a trail of lights to Santa's Cabin and get a special gift. The funfair has the Muffin the Mule Autodrome and the Toy Set for younger riders, and game stalls guarantee a prize for every player. It runs from 13 November 2026 to 3 January 2027.

Is anything open for families in York on Christmas Day?

York Christmas Market is closed on Christmas Day, and most of the family Christmas visits around York end by 24 December, including Mother Shipton's Cave and Castle Howard's Father Christmas shows. THOR'S on ICE lists daily sessions to 3 January 2027, so check its Christmas Day hours before you plan around it.

What is on in York for Christmas in 2026 besides the market?

Besides the market, York has Fairfax House's mouse trail, Green Father Christmas at York Castle Museum on 6 December, the panto at York Theatre Royal, and two ice rinks. Castle Howard and Mother Shipton's Cave have Father Christmas visits outside the city.

Sources

  1. The Yorkshire's festive celebrations through the ages, Real Yorkshire Blog
  2. York Christmas market 2026 dates, location & fun facts, Trainline
  3. York Christmas Market 2026: Closed Every Tuesday, Ultimate Christmas Markets
  4. Traditional services, festive workshops, candlelit carols, York Minster
  5. Christmas in York, Visit York
  6. A Christmas Tail: The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse, Fairfax House
  7. Green Father Christmas, York Museums Trust
  8. Christmas at Castle Howard, Castle Howard
  9. Magical Christmas Experience at Mother Shipton's Cave, Mother Shipton's Cave
  10. Yorkshire's Winter Wonderland opens 21st season, Welcome to Yorkshire
  11. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Visit York
  12. Christmas 2026 at the Web Adventure Park, The Web Adventure Park
  13. THOR'S on ICE York, THOR'S on ICE
  14. Santa's Christmas Tour (2026), York's Chocolate Story
Kelsey Cecil
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