Step Into a Victorian Christmas Wonderland at York Castle Museum

The holiday season is fast approaching, and York Castle Museum is the perfect place to get into the Christmas spirit. From 16 November 2024 to 5 January 2025, visitors can step back in time to experience the charm of a Victorian Christmas. With festive activities, immersive experiences, and special performances, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Whether you're looking for traditional holiday fun for the family or just want to explore the magic of Christmas past, York Castle Museum promises to transport you to a world of twinkling lights, carols, and seasonal joy.

Experience the joy of Kirkgate's Victorian Christmas

Kirkgate, York Castle Museum’s famous Victorian street, is set to become a festive wonderland once again. As you walk along the snow-covered cobbles, you'll find period rooms beautifully decorated for the holidays, along with shops adorned in greenery and filled with seasonal treasures from the museum's collection.

There are plenty of activities to keep kids entertained, including a decoration-making workshop and special storytelling sessions from Storycraft Theatre. Adults aren’t left out either, with wreath-making and other craft workshops available (some with additional charges).

Meet green Father Christmas and Ebenezer Scrooge

No Christmas experience would be complete without meeting Father Christmas. At York Castle Museum, you’ll encounter the traditional Green Father Christmas, who will be wandering through Kirkgate on select days, sharing stories of festive feasts, games, and songs.

Meanwhile, if you're a fan of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, you won’t want to miss the live performances of Ebenezer Scrooge. Taking place on various dates in November and December, this holiday classic will be brought to life in the perfect Victorian setting.

Victorian carol singers and The Ran Tanners

Mondays at Kirkgate will feature performances from Victorian Carol Singers, creating an authentic festive atmosphere. In addition, visitors can enjoy the musical talents of The Ran Tanners, a roving duo who play traditional Georgian and Victorian tunes with fiddles, bagpipes, and squeezeboxes.

These lively performances will add an extra layer of festive cheer to your visit, and with dates scattered throughout the season, there are plenty of opportunities to catch them.

Family-friendly activities for all ages

For those with little ones, Storycraft Theatre will be hosting interactive storytelling sessions suitable for children under five. These will take place on select days throughout November and December, offering a fun and engaging way for young visitors to learn about the history of Christmas.

Additionally, there’s a family-friendly decoration-making workshop scheduled for 21 December, where kids (and adults!) can get creative and make their own Christmas decorations to take home.

Special Events: Evening with Ebenezer Scrooge and More

Looking for something a bit different? There are several special events lined up that require advance booking:

• An Evening with Ebenezer Scrooge (17 & 18 December) – A thrilling evening performance of A Christmas Carol, perfect for those aged 16 and over.
• Lino-printing Christmas Cards Workshop (30 November) – A hands-on workshop to create your own festive cards.
• Christmas Wreath Making Workshop (7 December) – Learn how to make a beautiful holiday wreath to display at home.
• Lino-printing Christmas Wrapping Paper Workshop (14 December) – Get creative and design your own Christmas wrapping paper.

These workshops are ideal for anyone looking to add a personal touch to their holiday decorations this year.

Quiet Christmas afternoons

For those who prefer a calmer, less crowded experience, York Castle Museum is offering quiet Christmas afternoons on 19 November and 10 December. These quieter sessions are perfect for visitors who want to soak up the festive atmosphere in a more peaceful setting.

Plan your visit

York Castle Museum’s Christmas programme is packed with events and activities that cater to all ages and interests. Entry to the museum includes access to Kirkgate and its stunning Victorian Christmas display, with tickets priced at £17 for adults and £10.20 for children. Plus, York residents can bring their children for free!

With so much to see and do, York Castle Museum is the ultimate destination for anyone wanting to experience the magic of a Victorian Christmas. Whether you're visiting with family, friends, or going solo, you’re sure to make lasting holiday memories.

So, if you're looking to make the most of the festive season, mark your calendar and head to York Castle Museum this Christmas. Whether it's a cosy workshop, a performance by Scrooge, or a quiet stroll through the twinkling streets of Kirkgate, there's something to make everyone feel the magic of Christmas.