Christmas 2021

Holiday Activities and Food (HAF)

Visit www.yor-ok.org.uk/HAF for a detailed list of providers offering free activities this Christmas.

Family Drop-In Sessions

City of York Council Invites you to Come Along to our Family Drop Ins

The Holiday and Activities programme provides activities and meal provision for families in receipt of free school meals. City of York Council is working with our community partners to provide festive drop in sessions where families can enjoy some activities and pick up activity packs and food for the Christmas holidays. We may need to manage numbers within indoor spaces due to Covid guidance policies within each venue. This may mean a wait for some activities or a pick up service only, but we hope to involve everyone as far as possible. Some venues may provide activities in the outdoor spaces.

• Dec 20th Tang Hall Community Centre 11am - 2.30pm
• Dec 21 Clements Hall 11am - 2.30pm
• Dec 22 Haxby Memorial Hall 11am - 2.30pm (pick up only)
• Dec 23 Sanderson Court Community Centre 10am - 12noon (pick up only)

 

 

 

Future Knights

For children aged 5 - 11years olds.

Location: York St John University Sports Park, YO31 8TA

When: Monday 20 December

Time: 10am - 3pm

Cost: FREE of charge to families eligible for free school meals or £18 to those who aren't eligible.

Book online at https://yorkcityknights.com/future-knights/

Future Knights

For children aged 11 - 16 years olds.

Location: York St John University Sports Park, YO31 8TA

When: Tuesday 21 December

Time: 10am - 3pm

Cost: FREE of charge to families eligible for free school meals or £18 to those who aren't eligible.

Book online at https://yorkcityknights.com/future-knights/

St Nick's Nature Reserve

FREE kids winter activities at St Nick's Nature Reserve!

For children age 12 years and under.

Time: Time: 10:30am - 12:30pm or 1:30pm - 3:30pm

Dates: Saturday December 18th and Saturday December 22nd

We will be making winter crafts, playing games, having a fire (with marshamallows) and food and hot drinks will be provided.

Wrap up warm and wear clothes you don't mind possibly getting muddy!

Children over 8 years may be unaccompanied by adults if they have full parental consent.

Location: Meet at the main building compound at St Nick's Nature Reserve and Environment Centre, Rawdon Avenue, York, YO10 3FW

For more info and to book a place email greenmentor@stnicks.org.uk

York Theatre Royal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

York Theatre Royal are hosting a day of backstage fun, followed by a meal and a chance to see the pantomime performance. This is suitable for young people aged 13-16, who will be accompanied throughout the day. 

Please contact Lydia at Lydia.crosland@yorktheatreroyal.co.uk/01904715468 with any questions and to book a place

Under 5 activities

York Minster

 

Christmas Tree Festival

See around 40 trees decorated to individual themes, vote for your favourite tree in our ‘best dressed tree’ competition and visit our activity marquee to write your own Christmas message on a tag which will be added to a tree at the festival, or inside the cathedral’s East End. The Festival runs until 6th January 2022, 10am -7pm daily (excluding Christmas Day) and is a FREE to visit.

Winter Village 

The Winter Village is situated near South Door of York Minster, The Winter Village comprises several decorative wooden cabins offering food, drinks, gifts and the perfect place to sit and admire the view. The Village is open until 6th January 2022, 10am- 8pm daily (excluding Christmas Day) and is FREE to visit.

Families Get Active 

Families Get Active is a project funded by WEA and Sport England to help support families to get active together.
They can offer you and your family FREE workshops in York. If you would like to try out bushcraft, willow weaving, photography walks, nature walks and beginner runs then drop them a line at rrowan@wea.org.uk.
You can also join their friendly Facebook group, “families get active york” to find out more about what is on offer…including prizes!

Upcoming Events from Families Get Active:

 

 

Explore York

Snow Bear!

Using live music, puppetry and immersive storytelling. Holglets Theatre weave this tale of kindness, magic and love.

Locations: Acomb, Clifton, Tang Hall and York Explore Libraries.

Cost: £2 per child

Booking information visit the Snow Bear on Eventbrite

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

York Castle Museum 

A Christmas Spectacular

 Step foot into a Christmas tale at York Castle Museum this winter and rediscover all the magic of the season!

On selected dates between 13th November 2021 and January 2022

Tickets to the Christmas experience are included within general admission to York Castle Museum.

Adults: £13, Child: £6.50, concessions available

Pre-book to guarantee entry. Book your tickets here!

Our famous Victorian Street, Kirkgate, will be transformed into a glistening snow-covered ‘stage’ where spectacular large-scale projections present a very special Christmas story full of festive cheer​!

As the theatrical curtain rises, colourful animations of Victorian puppets Annie and Tom will go on an adventure to bring the magic of Christmas back to Kirkgate. 

Merry music will fill the air and lights will adorn shimmering trees to immerse you in a truly unique experience at this most wonderful time of year. 

Christmas at the National Railway Museum

Blow off the cobwebs with a ride on our Miniature Railway, guaranteed to bring cheer to children and grown-ups alike. Warm up with a hot drink and indulgent festive treat in our café, before continuing your adventure through time. You will meet Rocket—the locomotive that sparked the beginning of the railway age—Queen Victoria’s opulent ‘Palace on Wheels’ in our stunning collection of royal carriages and Mallard, the world’s fastest steam locomotive. 

Visit the website to book your tickets for all this fun and much more

 

 

 York Racial Equality Network       

 Festive Virtual Party 

Missing a seasonal trip to the Pantomime and your work's Christmas do?

Come along to our FREE VIRTUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY on 23rd December starting at 3pm.

EVERYONE WELCOME INCLUDING NON MEMBERS. email info@yren.co.uk to book your place 

3pm Introduction, Christmas Game and Quiz

 3.30pm  Performance by the Beat Bantido’s, a unique acoustic London Mariachi band who will be playing Christmas Songs.

4pm  York’s Hoglets Threatre Presents The Snow Bear, an adaptation of a Norwegian Fairy Tale.

4.30pm  Puppet Making Workshop with The Snow Bear

5-11 activities

Future Knights

For children aged 5 - 11years olds.

Location: York St John University Sports Park, YO31 8TA

When: Monday 20 December

Time: 10am - 3pm

Cost: FREE of charge to families eligible for free school meals or £18 to those who aren't eligible.

Book online at https://yorkcityknights.com/future-knights/

St Nick's Nature Reserve Winter Songs at the Dragon Stones with the Barberellas

The Barberellas are one of York’s longest-running  cappella singing groups and they’re delighted to offer a festive celebration to St Nicks’ supporters. You may remember them and their lovely singing from our fantastic Winter Heart Warmer event in 2018. Join the Barberellas for Christmas carols as well as some lively winter favourites at the Dragon Stones.

Meet outside the Environment Centre from 3:30pm for a hot drink, before we head out to the nature reserve for 4pm start. Do wrap up warm!

More information and booking visit St Nick's Nature Reserve Dragon Stones with the Barberellas

 

 

York Minster

Christmas Tree Festival

See around 40 trees decorated to individual themes, vote for your favourite tree in our ‘best dressed tree’ competition and visit our activity marquee to write your own Christmas message on a tag which will be added to a tree at the festival, or inside the cathedral’s East End. The Festival runs until 6th January 2022, 10am -7pm daily (excluding Christmas Day) and is a FREE to visit.

Winter Village 

The Winter Village is situated near South Door of York Minster, The Winter Village comprises several decorative wooden cabins offering food, drinks, gifts and the perfect place to sit and admire the view. The Village is open until 6th January 2022, 10am- 8pm daily (excluding Christmas Day) and is FREE to visit.

Families Get Active 

Families Get Active is a project funded by WEA and Sport England to help support families to get active together.
They can offer you and your family free workshops in York. If you would like to try out bushcraft, willow weaving, photography walks, nature walks and beginner runs then drop them a line at rrowan@wea.org.uk.
You can also join their friendly facebook group, “families get active york” to find out more about what is on offer…including prizes!

Upcoming Events from Families Get Active:

York Castle Museum 

A Christmas Spectacular

Step foot into a Christmas tale at York Castle Museum this winter and rediscover all the magic of the season!

On selected dates between 13th November 2021 and January 2022

Tickets to the Christmas experience are included within general admission to York Castle Museum.

Adults: £13, Child: £6.50, concessions available

Pre-book to guarantee entry. Book your tickets here!

Our famous Victorian Street, Kirkgate, will be transformed into a glistening snow-covered ‘stage’ where spectacular large-scale projections present a very special Christmas story full of festive cheer​!

As the theatrical curtain rises, colourful animations of Victorian puppets Annie and Tom will go on an adventure to bring the magic of Christmas back to Kirkgate. 

Merry music will fill the air and lights will adorn shimmering trees to immerse you in a truly unique experience at this most wonderful time of year. 

Explore York

Snow Bear!

Using live music, puppetry and immersive storytelling. Holglets Theatre weave this tale of kindness, magic and love.

Locations: Acomb, Clifton, Tang Hall and York Explore Libraries.

Cost: £2 per child

Booking information visit the Snow Bear on Eventbrite

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christmas at the National Railway Museum

Blow off the cobwebs with a ride on our Miniature Railway, guaranteed to bring cheer to children and grown-ups alike. Warm up with a hot drink and indulgent festive treat in our café, before continuing your adventure through time. You will meet Rocket—the locomotive that sparked the beginning of the railway age—Queen Victoria’s opulent ‘Palace on Wheels’ in our stunning collection of royal carriages and Mallard, the world’s fastest steam locomotive. 

Visit the website to book your tickets for all this fun and much more

 

 

 

York Racial Equality Network       

Festive Virtual Party 

Missing a seasonal trip to the Pantomime and your work's Christmas do?

Come along to our FREE VIRTUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY on 23rd December starting at 3pm.

EVERYONE WELCOME INCLUDING NON MEMBERS. email info@yren.co.uk to book your place 

3pm Introduction, Christmas Game and Quiz

 3.30pm  Performance by the Beat Bantido’s, a unique acoustic London Mariachi band who will be playing Christmas Songs.

4pm  York’s Hoglets Threatre Presents The Snow Bear, an adaptation of a Norwegian Fairy Tale.

4.30pm  Puppet Making Workshop with The Snow Bear

11- 15 activities

Future Knights

For children aged 11 - 16 years olds.

Location: York St John University Sports Park, YO31 8TA

When: Tuesday 21 December

Time: 10am - 3pm

Cost: FREE of charge to families eligible for free school meals or £18 to those who aren't eligible.

Book online at https://yorkcityknights.com/future-knights/

St Nick's Nature Reserve Winter Songs at the Dragon Stones with the Barberellas

The Barberellas are one of York’s longest-running  cappella singing groups and they’re delighted to offer a festive celebration to St Nicks’ supporters. You may remember them and their lovely singing from our fantastic Winter Heart Warmer event in 2018. Join the Barberellas for Christmas carols as well as some lively winter favourites at the Dragon Stones.

Meet outside the Environment Centre from 3:30pm for a hot drink, before we head out to the nature reserve for 4pm start. Do wrap up warm!

More information and booking visit St Nick's Nature Reserve Dragon Stones with the Barberellas

 

 

York Minster

Christmas Tree Festival

See around 40 trees decorated to individual themes, vote for your favourite tree in our ‘best dressed tree’ competition and visit our activity marquee to write your own Christmas message on a tag which will be added to a tree at the festival, or inside the cathedral’s East End. The Festival runs until 6th January 2022, 10am -7pm daily (excluding Christmas Day) and is a FREE to visit.

Winter Village 

The Winter Village is situated near South Door of York Minster, The Winter Village comprises several decorative wooden cabins offering food, drinks, gifts and the perfect place to sit and admire the view. The Village is open until 6th January 2022, 10am- 8pm daily (excluding Christmas Day) and is FREE to visit.

Families Get Active 

Families Get Active is a project funded by WEA and Sport England to help support families to get active together.
They can offer you and your family free workshops in York. If you would like to try out bushcraft, willow weaving, photography walks, nature walks and beginner runs then drop them a line at rrowan@wea.org.uk.
You can also join their friendly facebook group, “families get active york” to find out more about what is on offer…including prizes!

Upcoming Events from Families Get Active:

York Castle Museum Presents:

A Christmas Spectacular

Step foot into a Christmas tale at York Castle Museum this winter and rediscover all the magic of the season!

On selected dates between 13th November 2021 and January 2022

Tickets to the Christmas experience are included within general admission to York Castle Museum.

Adults: £13, Child: £6.50, concessions available

Pre-book to guarantee entry. Book your tickets here!

Our famous Victorian Street, Kirkgate, will be transformed into a glistening snow-covered ‘stage’ where spectacular large-scale projections present a very special Christmas story full of festive cheer​!

As the theatrical curtain rises, colourful animations of Victorian puppets Annie and Tom will go on an adventure to bring the magic of Christmas back to Kirkgate. 

Merry music will fill the air and lights will adorn shimmering trees to immerse you in a truly unique experience at this most wonderful time of year. 

Christmas at the National Railway Museum

Blow off the cobwebs with a ride on our Miniature Railway, guaranteed to bring cheer to children and grown-ups alike. Warm up with a hot drink and indulgent festive treat in our café, before continuing your adventure through time. You will meet Rocket—the locomotive that sparked the beginning of the railway age—Queen Victoria’s opulent ‘Palace on Wheels’ in our stunning collection of royal carriages and Mallard, the world’s fastest steam locomotive. 

Visit the website to book your tickets for all this fun and much more

 

 

 

York Racial Equality Network       

Festive Virtual Party 

Missing a seasonal trip to the Pantomime and your work's Christmas do?

Come along to our FREE VIRTUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY on 23rd December starting at 3pm.

EVERYONE WELCOME INCLUDING NON MEMBERS. email info@yren.co.uk to book your place 

3pm Introduction, Christmas Game and Quiz

 3.30pm  Performance by the Beat Bantido’s, a unique acoustic London Mariachi band who will be playing Christmas Songs.

4pm  York’s Hoglets Threatre Presents The Snow Bear, an adaptation of a Norwegian Fairy Tale.

4.30pm  Puppet Making Workshop with The Snow Bear

15- 25 activities

 

The Barberellas are one of York’s longest-running  cappella singing groups and they’re delighted to offer a festive celebration to St Nicks’ supporters. You may remember them and their lovely singing from our fantastic Winter Heart Warmer event in 2018. Join the Barberellas for Christmas carols as well as some lively winter favourites at the Dragon Stones.

Meet outside the Environment Centre from 3:30pm for a hot drink, before we head out to the nature reserve for 4pm start. Do wrap up warm!

More information and booking visit St Nick's Nature Reserve Dragon Stones with the Barberellas

 

 

York Minster

Christmas Tree Festival

See around 40 trees decorated to individual themes, vote for your favourite tree in our ‘best dressed tree’ competition and visit our activity marquee to write your own Christmas message on a tag which will be added to a tree at the festival, or inside the cathedral’s East End. The Festival runs until 6th January 2022, 10am -7pm daily (excluding Christmas Day) and is a FREE to visit.

Winter Village 

The Winter Village is situated near South Door of York Minster, The Winter Village comprises several decorative wooden cabins offering food, drinks, gifts and the perfect place to sit and admire the view. The Village is open until 6th January 2022, 10am- 8pm daily (excluding Christmas Day) and is FREE to visit.

Families Get Active 

Families Get Active is a project funded by WEA and Sport England to help support families to get active together.
They can offer you and your family free workshops in York. If you would like to try out bushcraft, willow weaving, photography walks, nature walks and beginner runs then drop them a line at rrowan@wea.org.uk.
You can also join their friendly facebook group, “families get active york” to find out more about what is on offer…including prizes!

Upcoming Events from Families Get Active:

York Castle Museum 

A Christmas Spectacular

Step foot into a Christmas tale at York Castle Museum this winter and rediscover all the magic of the season!

On selected dates between 13th November 2021 and January 2022

Tickets to the Christmas experience are included within general admission to York Castle Museum.

Adults: £13, Child: £6.50, concessions available

Pre-book to guarantee entry. Book your tickets here!

Our famous Victorian Street, Kirkgate, will be transformed into a glistening snow-covered ‘stage’ where spectacular large-scale projections present a very special Christmas story full of festive cheer​!

As the theatrical curtain rises, colourful animations of Victorian puppets Annie and Tom will go on an adventure to bring the magic of Christmas back to Kirkgate. 

Merry music will fill the air and lights will adorn shimmering trees to immerse you in a truly unique experience at this most wonderful time of year. 

Christmas at the National Railway Museum

Blow off the cobwebs with a ride on our Miniature Railway, guaranteed to bring cheer to children and grown-ups alike. Warm up with a hot drink and indulgent festive treat in our café, before continuing your adventure through time. You will meet Rocket—the locomotive that sparked the beginning of the railway age—Queen Victoria’s opulent ‘Palace on Wheels’ in our stunning collection of royal carriages and Mallard, the world’s fastest steam locomotive. 

Visit the website to book your tickets for all this fun and much more

 

 

 

York Racial Equality Network       

 Festive Virtual Party 

Missing a seasonal trip to the Pantomime and your work's Christmas do?

Come along to our FREE VIRTUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY on 23rd December starting at 3pm.

EVERYONE WELCOME INCLUDING NON MEMBERS. email info@yren.co.uk to book your place 

3pm Introduction, Christmas Game and Quiz

 3.30pm  Performance by the Beat Bantido’s, a unique acoustic London Mariachi band who will be playing Christmas Songs.

4pm  York’s Hoglets Threatre Presents The Snow Bear, an adaptation of a Norwegian Fairy Tale.

4.30pm  Puppet Making Workshop with The Snow Bear

Children and Young People with special education needs and disabilities

We will update this section with specific activities for children and young people with special educational needs as soon as we receive the information.

Search for Ofsted Registered Childcare and Holiday Schemes

York Family Information Service hold a database of all Ofsted registered childcare providers in York. You can search for a childcare provider via our online search facility choose Holiday Scheme from the drop down list, or contact York FIS directly for a tailored list. 01904 554444 fis@york.gov.uk

Activities just outside of York

National Trust 

Brimham Rocks - Interactive Story telling. 

This Christmas, a brand new experience awaits our younger visitors with: Sticks, Stones & Christmas Tones, an interactive storytelling adventure with actor, Richard Kay. 

Join in the fun on a journey around Brimham Rocks as you listen and take part in a mythical and enchanting new story based on the nature all around you. 

This event takes place each day at 10am, 11am, 12pm, 2pm and 3pm and lasts approximately 40 minutes. You'll need to pre-book a ticket to attend. Tickets for 1 adult and 1 child are £10 and this includes a small gift for each child. Tickets can be booked here: https://bit.ly/3ohvumq

 

 

Nunnington Hall - Percy Park Keeper Winter Wander

Winter is a busy time for Percy, so step into his wellies and help him with his daily tasks.

The trail will take place between Saturday 4 December and Sunday 19 December, Friday - Sunday, so come along and explore the beautiful gardens at Nunnington Hall.

Available 10:30am-3.15pm, trail sheets are £2 per child and include a prize, payable at the Welcome Hut

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beningborough Hall - Undercover Discover

On open days throughout winter, 10am - 3.30pm November - February

Pick up a free nature trail for your time exploring in the garden. Bring your pencil to make the most of the activity sheet helping you get closer to the shapes, sizes and fascinating facts behind the trees around the garden. There are two to choose from, one for younger children and another for older teenagers and adults so everybody can take part.

 

 

 

 

 

Grue - Scarborough

Pay as you feel, cardboard magical winter wonderland!

A new interactive and immersive art adventure called Grue is coming to the Old Parcels Office in Scarborough this Christmas. The magical experience is aimed at families and will explore ideas
around sustainability and community - unlocking the imaginations of young people from around the Yorkshire Coast.

Dates Opening Sat 4 Dec - until Christmas.

Each slot will take approximately 15-20 minutes, with the option to stay, have a drink and create your craft at the end. The installation is quite intimate, so
groups of up to six will be admitted every five minutes. Booking is essential and can be done via www.hello-arcade.com/grue  

 

 

Looking where to see Father Christmas?

Visit the below for information where to see Father Christmas this year!

Visit Little Vikings Where to see Santa in York 2021

Visit York MUMbler Places to see Santa in York