What Festive Events and Christmas Activities Are Happening at York Castle Museum This Winter?

Getting into the Christmas spirit is one of the best parts of the winter season, and this year, the York Castle Museum is pulling out all the stops. It's transforming into a festive wonderland, offering a trip through more than 200 years of Christmas history.

Imagine wandering through rooms decked out in period decorations, hearing classic carols, and even smelling traditional festive treats being baked. This isn't just a museum visit; it's a full-on sensory experience. The whole festive programme, called 'A Very Yorkshire Christmas', runs from Saturday 15 November 2025 to Sunday 4 January 2026, giving everyone plenty of time to soak up the magical atmosphere. It's shaping up to be a brilliant collection of festive activities for the whole family this Christmas.

Step back in time on Kirkgate

One of the museum's most famous attractions, Kirkgate, is getting a spectacular Victorian Christmas makeover. This recreated Victorian street is already like stepping into another world, but during the festive period, it's something else entirely. Visitors will find themselves walking on cobbled streets covered in a fresh layer of glistening snow, with beautifully decorated trees and twinkling garlands lighting the way.

The shop windows will be filled with genuine Victorian Christmas objects, showing how people celebrated the season over a century ago. It's the perfect backdrop for some truly memorable snowy scenes. To make it even more authentic, there will be live performances of traditional carols echoing through the street. It's a scene straight out of a Charles Dickens story, offering a proper old-fashioned Yorkshire Christmas experience. The attention to detail is amazing, making it a must-see for anyone wanting to experience a truly traditional winter celebration.

Look who's visiting from Christmases past

Speaking of Dickens, a certain grumpy character is making a return. The famous miser, Scrooge, will be brought to life in captivating one-man performances of 'A Christmas Carol'. These shows are set to run on Fridays from 21 November to 12 December, offering a classic Christmas tale in a perfectly atmospheric setting. But Scrooge isn't the only festive figure wandering the street. The original Green Father Christmas will also be there to greet visitors.

This traditional version of Father Christmas, a figure connected to midwinter feasts and celebrations, will be sharing Victorian games, songs, and tales. He'll be making appearances on Saturdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from Saturday 15 November until Wednesday 24 December. For those hoping for a last-minute sighting, he's even popping in for an extra visit on Tuesday 23 December, right before the big day. Meeting him is a chance to learn about older winter traditions that existed long before the man in the red suit became famous.

Tastes and tales for a winter's night

A proper Christmas celebration involves amazing food, and the York Castle Museum is embracing this with live baking demonstrations. In the Castle Kitchen, visitors can watch historic Tudor and Georgian mince pie recipes being brought to life. These demonstrations take place on Thursdays and Saturdays from 15 November to 20 December. And the best bit? There will often be samples to try, so people can taste a piece of history for themselves.

Recipe cards will also be available, allowing visitors to try these traditional practices at home. But the festive fun doesn't stop there. For those who enjoy a bit of a thrill, a new event is being introduced for 2025: Ghost Stories for Christmas by Edwrydian Tale. This special evening, taking place on Sunday 14 December, harks back to the old tradition of telling spooky stories by the fire on long winter nights. It's a chance to experience the spookier side of the festive season, a popular Victorian pastime. These ghost stories promise a chillingly good time.

Get creative with festive workshops and stories

Throughout November and December, a whole range of creative activities will be running, with something for everyone. For younger visitors, Storycraft Theatre will be at the museum every Tuesday, presenting charming interactive stories. These performances feature the adventures of Ralf the Robin and his puppet friends. The 20-minute shows run three times a day and are a magical experience for little ones, filled with fun and imagination. It's a wonderful way to introduce children to the magic of storytelling this Christmas. For those who fancy getting hands-on, there's a brilliant selection of festive workshops. These sessions are perfect for making personalised decorations or gifts. The workshops offer a chance to learn a new skill and take home something special. Some of the activities planned include:

• Wreath making
• Christmas card making
• Make your own Christmas crackers
• Bauble marbling

These workshops are a fantastic way for visitors to create their own bit of festive cheer. Whether it's crafting a unique decoration with bauble marbling or designing personalised Christmas crackers, these activities provide a lovely way to spend a winter afternoon. It's worth remembering that while some activities are included with general admission, some workshops and events may have an additional cost. The full programme of events at the York Castle Museum offers a truly special way to celebrate the Christmas season in Yorkshire.