Dates: Wednesday 14 October 2026–Thursday 24 December 2026, 11:00 am-2:00 pm
Venue: York Castle Museum

Kirkgate Talks
Daily
11.30am and 2pm
Included in general admission 

Learn about the creation of the Victorian street, Kirkgate, one of the oldest recreated indoor streets of its kind in the world in this insightful talk.

Please note, talks are subject to staff availability.

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Dates: Wednesday 14 October 2026–Thursday 24 December 2026, 11:30 am-2:30 pm
Venue: York Castle Museum

Cells Talks 
Daily 
11.30am and 2.30pm 
Included in general admission 

Discover the history of York Castle Prison and some of its notorious inmates. 

Please note, talks are subject to staff availability.

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Dates: Wednesday 21 October 2026–Sunday 3 January 2027, 11:00 am-10:30 pm
Venue: York Museum Gardens

Wednesday 21 October 2026 – Sunday 3 January 2027
11 am – 9 pm Sunday to Thursday | 11 am – 10:30 pm Friday and Saturday | Free

York’s most festive venue returns to York Museum Gardens! Thor’s Tipi is bringing roaring log fires, live music and winter warmers to our historic botanical gardens throughout the festive season.

For more information and the full programme of events, please see Thor’s Tipi’s website.

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Dates: Friday 13 November 2026–Sunday 3 January 2027, All Day
Venue: York Museum Gardens

Friday 13 November 2026 – Sunday 3 January 2027
45-minute sessions throughout the day
Tickets from £12 | Book Tickets
York Museum Gardens, located directly behind York Art Gallery

New for 2026,THOR’S is bringing a covered ice rink to the heart of York Museum Gardens. Get wrapped up and skate on real ice with family and friends, then warm up on the brand-new Alpine Terrace with a mulled wine or hot chocolate or enjoy a festive feast featuring a viral Irish Spice Bag, followed by a Crumble Pot for dessert. There’s no better way to enjoy a winter’s day!

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Date: Wednesday 2 December 2026, 10:00 am-5:00 pm
Venue: York Castle Museum

Green Father Christmas
Wednesday 2 December 2026 | Throughout the day
Included in general admission | Book Tickets
Suitable for all ages

Father Christmas returns to York Castle Museum with an array of performances throughout the day.

A figure the Victorians will have known well, Father Christmas will be dressed in his traditional long green cloak greeting visitors on Kirkgate, the famous Victorian street at York Castle Museum, bringing fun and cheer to all. Come along with friends and family to talk to him about food and feasting, games, dancing and songs, as well as his many different guises, companions and transport across the world!

Please note, this is not a meet Santa experience.

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Date: Wednesday 2 December 2026, 10:30 am-1:30 pm
Venue: York Castle Museum

Letterpress Festive Greeting Cards
Wednesday 2 December 2026 | 10.30am – 1.30pm
Tickets £35 pp* | Buy Tickets
Suitable for ages 16+, under 18’s must be accompanied by an adult

*Materials and tools are provided and no experience is necessary. Refreshments are included. Ticket includes admission to York Castle Museum on the date of the workshop.

Print your own Christmas cards inspired by the Victorian cards in York Castle Museum’s collection during this relaxed, festive workshop. Learn about the history of Christmas cards and create 6 bespoke cards, playing with colour and decorative elements. 

All workshop participants will go away with a set of 6 cards with matching envelopes.

There is an additional Letterpress Festive Greeting Cards Workshop on Saturday 5 December | 10.30am – 1.30pm | £35pp*

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