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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Date: Saturday 5 December 2026, 12:00 am
Venue: York Castle Museum

Letterpress Festive Greeting Cards
Saturday 5 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.

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Date: Saturday 5 December 2026, 9:00 am-11:00 am
Venue: York Castle Museum

Relaxed Christmas Visits
Saturday 5 December 2026 | 9am–11am* 
Included in general admission | Book Tickets
Suitable for all ages 

Experience York Castle Museum’s The Night Before Christmas in a relaxed visiting session, offering an adapted environment specially for those who would prefer to visit the museum without the usual levels of noise and activity.  

These sessions are designed for anyone who would benefit from a more relaxed setting, or an adapted welcome or experience this festive season, including neurodivergent visitors, those with sensory processing differences, families who might need a quieter space, or anyone that may need a different pace to their visit.  

Experience the snow-covered street, decorated shops and festive atmosphere with additional support designed to make your visit more comfortable. 

We would advise booking a 9am or 9.30am arrival slot for those who may benefit from a calm, quiet entry. Please respect the relaxed sessions and do not book during these limited entry slots unless you need to. 

*You are welcome to stay as long as you like after entry, but please note, at 11am the full experience including projections, a more contrasting lighting mode, and louder audio in some spaces will be turned on.  

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

Victorian Carol Singers
Saturday 5 December 2026 | Performances throughout the day
Included in general admission | Book Tickets

Victorian Carol Singers will perform every Saturday from 14 November until 19 December, with performances throughout the day.

Get in the festive spirit and experience Christmas tradition with Same Difference Arts with their atmospheric live performances on Kirkgate. Inspired by traditional Christmas carols, performances will feature classic ditties from the period including ‘O, Christmas Tree’, ‘God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen’ and ‘Hark the Herald’, certain to get everyone in in the mood.

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Date: Saturday 5 December 2026, 2:00 pm-3:00 pm
Venue: York Castle Musuem

Join us for a talk by Dr Alice Brumby as part of York Disability Week.

Every year we remember the thousands of men who died in the horrible conditions of the First World War. However, we often forget to think about those who came back from the war with lasting disabilities.

This talk will discuss the experiences of people who lived through the war, came back with disabilities, and found that they had to fight the state for what they were owed.

We’ll explore the legacy of the First World War on men’s bodies and minds. What happened to the men who came back from the war alive but with permanent injuries and disabilities? Did the state live up to its promise of a ‘Land fit for Heroes’? How did the government and society seek to readjust men back to their civilian lives, and how successful were these attempts?

The talk will include time to reflect and share your thoughts, including space to consider activities that you might like to do around this research or other areas of disability history in the future.

Dr Alice Brumby is a Senior Lecturer in Health History at York St John University.

If you have any questions, please get in touch by emailing participation@ymt.org.uk

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Date: Saturday 5 December 2026, 2:00 pm-4:00 pm
Venue: York Art Gallery

Life Studies: Line, Form & Figure
Saturday 5 December 2026
2pm – 4pm
£15 per person* | Book Now
Adult only (18+)

*Ticket price includes general admission to York Art Gallery, including our exhibition Turner, Wedgwood & Beyond: Inspired by Flaxman.

Join us at York Art Gallery for a special life drawing class, set in our latest exhibition Turner, Wedgwood and Beyond: Inspired by Flaxman.

Led by York based artist and tutor, Rob Oldfield, you’ll draw from a live model, exploring contour, proportion, rhythm and gesture, inspired by Flaxman’s distinctive linear drawings and his fascination with classical form.

Whether you’re an experienced artist or simply curious to try life drawing, this session is suitable for all abilities, offering a supportive and friendly environment within the beautiful surroundings of the gallery.

Important information:

Sessions are suitable for ages 18+. By booking, you are confirming that you are over 18. Proof of age may be required.

Basic drawing materials will be supplied, but please feel free to bring your own too.

Sessions will take place on gallery which will continue to be open to the public throughout.  If you’re more than 15 minutes late for your workshop, unfortunately we may not be able to guarantee entry. This is to ensure that participants have the best experience.

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