Spring 2021
Welcome to our page for things to do during Christmas Half-term. We will continually update content, as more venues start to open and activities.
If you know of an activity, or run an activity and we have not listed you here, please get in touch or complete our online Get Listed form.
If you are looking for childcare during the school half-term holidays get in touch with York Family Information Service email fis@york.gov.uk, call 01904 554444 or text 07624 802244
Under 5 activities
A Peter Rabbit Activity Adventure Trail
J
oin Peter and his friends for some winter fun at Beningbrough.
Starts 5th December, while stocks last.
For more information and to book, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/beningbrough
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
York Theatre Royal's The Travelling Pantomime
Festive fun for all the family
This year the Travelling panto is a socially-distanced 70 minute extravaganza, where the audience decide which of three different pantos; Dick Whittington, Jack & the Beanstalk & Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs they want to see performed.
Due to the restrictions on numbers, tickets are limited. However there will be an online broadcast of the panto, so people wont miss out!
Visit https://www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk/show/the-travelling-pantomime/ for more information.
York Music Hub Winter Festival
A streamed concert of recorded performances from students, tutors and partner organisations.
Begins at 7pm on 16th December on the York Music Hub YouTube channel.
Available for 2 weeks until 31st December.
York Castle Museum Presents:
A Christmas Spectacular
Step out of the cold and into a magical snow-covered world where Christmas comes alive at York Castle Museum.
On selected dates until January 3 2021
Adults £10 / Children £8
See website for details and to book at https://www.yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk/christmas2020/
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
Theatre of Science in association with Explore York Libraries presents:
The Little AstronoMermaid
10.30am and 6pm Monday 21st December
FREE & live from the Theatre of Science Facebook page (booking is not required); visit the Theatre of Science Facebook page for details and to be alerted when it goes live.
Bloodaxe Reading Challenge
Are you brave enough to take on the Bloodaxe Reading Challenge?
It runs from Saturday 26 October 2019 to Saturday 11 January 2020 and children are challenged to read 4 books with a history link, though this can include such things as heroes and heroines, mythical animals, and folk tales, as well as more accepted history.
See https://www.exploreyork.org.uk/bloodaxe-challenge-2019-20/ for details
iTravel York's Wildlife Walks
Find details of scenic walks around York, which range from 1-9 miles in length and all start and end near a bus-stop.
Follow the link, download one of the Exploring York booklets, take a scenic walk and explore York!
https://www.itravelyork.info/maps-guides
5-11 activities
A Peter Rabbit Activity Adventure Trail
Join Peter and his friends for some winter fun at Beningbrough.
Starts 5th December, while stocks last.
For more information and to book, visit nationaltrust.org.uk/beningbrough
York Theatre Royal's The Travelling Pantomime
This year the Travelling panto is a socially-distanced 70 minute extravaganza, where the audience decide which of three different pantos; Dick Whittington, Jack & the Beanstalk & Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs they want to see performed.
Due to the restrictions on numbers, tickets are limited. However there will be an online broadcast of the panto, so people wont miss out!
Visit https://www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk/show/the-travelling-pantomime/ for more information.
York Music Hub Winter Festival
A streamed concert of recorded performances from students, tutors and partner organisations.
Begins at 7pm on 16th December on the York Music Hub YouTube channel.
Available for 2 weeks until 31st December.
York Castle Museum Presents:
A Christmas Spectacular
Step out of the cold and into a magical snow-covered world where Christmas comes alive at York Castle Museum.
On selected dates until January 3 2021
Adults £10 / Children £8
See website for details and to book at https://www.yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk/christmas2020/
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
Christmas Wordsearch 2020
Help to keep the little ones occupied this festive season. How about a Christmas Wordsearch to get you feeling festive?
Click on the link to view/print out
You might also want to take a look at our Christmas Crafts if your feeling creative too!
Theatre of Science in association with Explore York Libraries presents:
The Little AstronoMermaid
10.30am and 6pm Monday 21st December
FREE & live from the Theatre of Science Facebook page (booking is not required); visit the Theatre of Science Facebook page for details and to be alerted when it goes live.
Bloodaxe Reading Challenge
Are you brave enough to take on the Bloodaxe Reading Challenge? Running since the end of October up to Saturday 11 January 2021. Children are challenged to read 4 books with a history link, though this can include such things as heroes and heroines, mythical animals, and folk tales, as well as more accepted history.
See https://www.exploreyork.org.uk/bloodaxe-challenge-2019-20/ for details
York City Football Club Foundation
City Kick About @ venues across the city
Jumpers for Goalposts style football – Have fun and get active!
Age range aimed at: 8-17
Jumpers for Goalposts style football – Have fun and get active
Contact info: 01904 559508 or inclusion@yorkcityfcfoundation.co.uk for details
St Peters Christmas Holiday Course
Christmas themed competitions & challenges
Monday 21st & Tuesday 22nd December 10am-3pm
Ages: 6-13 years
Cost: £32
Spaces limited, bookings must be made in advance & booking closes at 4pm the Thursday before. For more info or to book contact www.officialsoccerschools.co.uk/yorkcity
Christmas Holiday Cricket Coaching
All Out Cricket Coaching @ St Olave's Sports Hall
Monday 21st & Tuesday 22nd December 9am-4pm
Ages: 5-14 years
Cost: £25
to book visit https://alloutcricketcoaching.class4kids.co.uk
Natural History Museum
Feeling Inspired?
Open to all ages and abilities, the fifty-seventh Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition is open for your submissions until 11.30am GMT on 10 December 2020
See the website for more details: https://bit.ly/3lo95Al
iTravel York's Wildlife Walks
Find details of scenic walks around York, which range from 1-9 miles in length and all start and end near a bus-stop.
Follow the link, download one of the Exploring York booklets, take a scenic walk and explore York!
https://www.itravelyork.info/maps-guides
11- 15 activities
Christmas Holiday Cricket Coaching
All Out Cricket Coaching @ St Olave's Sports Hall
Monday 21st & Tuesday 22nd December 9am-4pm
Ages: 5-14 years
Cost: £25
to book visit https://alloutcricketcoaching.class4kids.co.uk
York Theatre Royal's The Travelling Pantomime
This year the Travelling panto is a socially-distanced 70 minute extravaganza, where the audience decide which of three different pantos; Dick Whittington, Jack & the Beanstalk & Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs they want to see performed.
Due to the restrictions on numbers, tickets are limited. However there will be an online broadcast of the panto, so people wont miss out!
Visit https://www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk/show/the-travelling-pantomime/ for more information.
York Music Hub Winter Festival
A streamed concert of recorded performances from students, tutors and partner organisations.
Begins at 7pm on 16th December on the York Music Hub YouTube channel.
Available for 2 weeks until 31st December.
York Castle Museum Presents:
A Christmas Spectacular
Step out of the cold and into a magical snow-covered world where Christmas comes alive at York Castle Museum.
On selected dates until January 3 2021
Adults £10 / Children £8
See website for details and to book at https://www.yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk/christmas2020/
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
Christmas Wordsearch 2020
How about a Christmas Wordsearch to get you feeling festive?
Click on the link to view/print out
Bloodaxe Reading Challenge
Are you brave enough to take on the Bloodaxe Reading Challenge? Running since the end of October up to Saturday 11 January 2021. Children are challenged to read 4 books with a history link, though this can include such things as heroes and heroines, mythical animals, and folk tales, as well as more accepted history.
See https://www.exploreyork.org.uk/bloodaxe-challenge-2019-20/ for details
Natural History Museum
Feeling Inspired?
Open to all ages and abilities, the fifty-seventh Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition is open for your submissions until 11.30am GMT on 10 December 2020
See the website for more details: https://bit.ly/3lo95Al
St Peters Christmas Holiday Course
Christmas themed competitions & challenges
Monday 21st & Tuesday 22nd December 10am-3pm
Ages: 6-13 years
Cost: £32
Spaces limited, bookings must be made in advance & booking closes at 4pm the Thursday before. For more info or to book contact www.officialsoccerschools.co.uk/yorkcity
York City Football Club Foundation
City Kick About @ various venues across the city
Jumpers for Goalposts style football – Have fun and get active!
Age range aimed at: 8-17
Jumpers for Goalposts style football – Have fun and get active
Contact info: 01904 559508 or inclusion@yorkcityfcfoundation.co.uk for details
Tang Hall Youth
Free Autumn activities in Tang Hall for 11 – 18 year olds
A range of activities available in Tang Hall including a film project, sports, dance and arts/craft
Contact Sue to book a place 07398149491 Facebook SueNYY Instagram NYYSue
York Open Duke of Edinburgh's Award Group
Recruiting remotely
If you are aged between 9-24 years & interested in participating in the Open Award Group email yorkopenaward@gmail.com
Cost info: Bronze £230, Silver £320 Gold £450
iTravel York's Wildlife Walks
Find details of scenic walks around York, which range from 1-9 miles in length and all start and end near a bus-stop.
Follow the link, download one of the Exploring York booklets, take a scenic walk and explore York!
https://www.itravelyork.info/maps-guides
15- 25 activities
York Theatre Royal's The Travelling Pantomime
This year the Travelling panto is a socially-distanced 70 minute extravaganza, where the audience decide which of three different pantos; Dick Whittington, Jack & the Beanstalk & Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs they want to see performed.
Due to the restrictions on numbers, tickets are limited. However there will be an online broadcast of the panto, so people wont miss out!
Visit https://www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk/show/the-travelling-pantomime/ for more information.
York Music Hub Winter Festival
A streamed concert of recorded performances from students, tutors and partner organisations.
Begins at 7pm on 16th December on the York Music Hub YouTube channel.
Available for 2 weeks until 31st December.
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
Christmas Wordsearch 2020
How about a Christmas Wordsearch to get you feeling festive?
Click on the link to view/print out
Natural History Museum
Feeling Inspired?
Open to all ages and abilities, the fifty-seventh Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition is open for your submissions until 11.30am GMT on 10 December 2020
See the website for more details: https://bit.ly/3lo95Al
York City Football Club Foundation
City Kick About @ Energise
Jumpers for Goalposts style football – Have fun and get active!
Age range aimed at: 8-17
Jumpers for Goalposts style football – Have fun and get active
Contact info: 01904 559508 or inclusion@yorkcityfcfoundation.co.uk for details
Tang Hall Youth
Free Autumn activities in Tang Hall for 11 – 18 year olds
A range of activities available in Tang Hall including a film project, sports, dance and arts/craft
Contact Sue to book a place 07398149491 Facebook SueNYY Instagram NYYSue
York Open Duke of Edinburgh's Award Group
Recruiting remotely
If you are aged between 9-24 years & interested in participating in the Open Award Group email yorkopenaward@gmail.com
Cost info: Bronze £230, Silver £320 Gold £450
iTravel York's Wildlife Walks
Find details of scenic walks around York, which range from 1-9 miles in length and all start and end near a bus-stop.
Follow the link, download one of the Exploring York booklets, take a scenic walk and explore York!
https://www.itravelyork.info/maps-guides
Children and Young People with special education needs and disabilities
We are regularly updating Shine with new activities. In the meantime, if you are interested in any activities in the above age categories and have questions about how they can be made inclusive for your child; please get in touch directly with the organiser.
Search for Ofsted Registered holiday schemes
York Family Information Service hold a database of all Ofsted registered childcare providers. 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
Page last updated: 08 January 2021
Contact us
York Family Information Service
West Offices
York Y01 6GA
Tel: 01904 554444