York’s ghosts will gather in York Museum Gardens this November for five nights of captivating storytelling and after-dark adventure.

Running from Wednesday 4 to Sunday 8 November 2026, Ghosts After Dark will see all 70 sculptures from York BID’s Ghosts in the Gardens trail brought together in one spectacular setting, giving visitors the chance to see the ghosts, and the gardens, in a completely different light.

Ghosts After Dark is delivered in partnership by York BID and York Museums Trust.

Dynamically lit among the trees, ruins and hidden corners of the gardens, the ghosts will be joined by six live storytellers, a new interactive experience and the event’s first night market.

For 2026, the event is expanding beyond the main Museum Gardens and into new historic spaces, including King’s Manor courtyard and Library Lawn, with the experience also taking in the Anglian Tower, Edible Wood, Artists’ Garden, St Olave’s Churchyard and the area beside York Art Gallery.

Ghosts After Dark first came to York Museum Gardens in 2024, bringing together 46 sculptures from the city-wide trail. For 2026, the experience is growing significantly, with 70 ghosts, and more to see, hear and discover along the way.

Carl Alsop, from York BID said: “There’s something really special about experiencing York Museum Gardens after dark and this year, visitors will have more to discover than ever. We’ve taken everything people loved about the first Ghosts After Dark and made it bigger. All 70 ghosts will be gathered together across an expanded route, with atmospheric lighting, fog, live storytelling, interactive artwork and plenty of surprises hiding in the darkness.

“The event will bring this year’s free Ghosts in the Gardens trail to a brilliant crescendo, giving people the chance to see the sculptures all together in some of York’s most historic spaces. We want people to make an evening of it – explore the ghosts, visit the night market and enjoy the city’s shops, restaurants, cafés and bars while they’re here.”

Jocelyn Palmer, Senior Events Manager at York Museums Trust, said: “We are delighted to be working with York BID to bring back Ghosts After Dark to York Museums Gardens. The ghosts are a well-loved part of the city’s autumnal calendar, and we’re delighted to be hosting them all together again for this series of evening events. It is wonderful to have a rich seasonal programme across York, and particularly in the Gardens, to bring a little light, and perhaps some spooky sights, to the autumn evenings.”

Ghosts After Dark will run from 5.30pm until 9.30pm each evening, with timed entry slots available until 8pm. Visitors should allow approximately 90 minutes to uncover the full experience.

Tickets go on sale on Tuesday 25 August 2026, priced at £10 for adults and £2 for children.

Find out more and book via the York BID website: www.theyorkbid.com/ghosts-after-dark/