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

Green Father Christmas
Wednesday 16 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 16 December 2026, 10:30 am-4:30 pm
Venue: York Castle Museum

Castle Kitchen: Mince Pies
Wednesday 16 December 2026 | Demonstrations throughout the day
Included in general admission | Book Tickets

Join us in the Castle Kitchen for mince pie making. Demonstrations of Tudor and Georgian mince pie recipes will run on select days in the run-up to Christmas.

Recipes will also be available to take home so you can have a go yourself over the festive period!

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Date: Wednesday 16 December 2026, 1:30 pm-3:30 pm
Venue: York Art Gallery

Sketchbook Circle
Wednesday  16 December  2026 | 1:30pm – 3:30pm
Suitable for ages 16+ | £5 per person* | Book Now

*General admission to York Art Gallery is included.

Pick up a pencil – draw and discover!

Give yourself time to sharpen and share your drawing skills in this 2-hour sketching workshop with artist Griselda Goldsbrough.

Enjoy working in sketchbooks in a relaxed and friendly group, taking inspiration from the collections at York Art Gallery.

These informal practical art sessions run one Wednesday each month for beginners or those who create regularly. Suitable for ages 16+. Materials are provided. Please book separately for each session.

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