What's on
November
The following events are taking place in November:
- Ice Skating
- Big Family Christmas Festival at Brunswick Organic Nursery
- York Explore Libraries Christmas Fairs
- Christmas at York Castle Museum
- A Christmas Tail at Fairfax House
- The Puzzling World of Professor Kettlestring Calm Hour
- Teen Girls and Mums Craft at The Land
- Welcome to Storywood - Writing Workshops for ages 9+
- Christmas Tree Festival
- Christmas Wonderland
- Naburn School Open Afternoon
Ice Skating
- Where: Behind York Art Gallery, York Museum Gardens, YO1 7FR
- When: Friday 13 November 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027
- Price: Concessions from £10, children from £11, adults from £12, family tickets available
THOR’S on ICE is bringing festive magic back to York city centre.
Suitable for ages 3+ (under 13s accompanied by an adult).
45-minute skating sessions are available between 10.15am and 8.15pm.
Visit the THOR’S on ICE website for tickets and more information.
Big Family Christmas Festival at Brunswick Organic Nursery
- Where: Brunswick Organic Nursery, 13 Appleton Road, York, YO23 2RF
- When: Saturday 14 November, 10.00am to 4.00pm
- Price: Free entry
Come along to our Big Christmas Festival at Brunswick Organic Nursery for a fabulous day out!
We've got something for everyone - from cookery demos and bulb planting (pre booked), sustainable woodworking and children's crafts (book on the day) - plus a huge range of hand-made eco-friendly gifts, a delicious range of vegetarian food with hot and cold drinks and home made cakes, a raffle, tombola and live music all day with special guests: 10,000 Pairs of Hands, Leather-O and the Steiner School Folk Band!
York Explore Libraries Christmas Fairs
- Where: Explore libraries across York
- When: Selected dates from Saturday 14 November to Sunday 13 December
Festive Day Out
Looking for unique gifts, local makers and plenty of festive cheer?
Join us at one of our Christmas events this November and December.
- Saturday 14 November, 10.00am to 4.00pm, York Explore Library and Archive
- Saturday 28 November, 10.00am to 3.00pm, Clifton Library
- Saturday 5 December, 10.00am to 2.00pm, Explore: Acomb Library Learning Centre
- Saturday 12 December, 9.00am to 3.00pm, Tang Hall Explore Library
- Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 December, 10.00am to 3.00pm, Santa's Grotto at Rowntree Park Reading Café
Christmas at York Castle Museum
- Where: York Castle Museum, Tower St, York YO1 9RY
- When: Saturday 14 November to Sunday 3 January
- Price: Visit their website for more information
Experience the magic of Christmas at York Castle Museum, where the snow has fallen, the carols have begun and Christmas Day is just one sleep away.
Visit York Castle Museum website for tickets and more information.
A Christmas Tail at Fairfax House
- Where: Fairfax House, Castlegate, York, YO1 9RN
- When: Saturday 14 November to Sunday 3 January
- Price: £9.50 per person
Fairfax House will be transformed for Christmas with lavish Georgian decorations, beautiful greenery and hundreds of tiny mice hidden throughout its historic rooms.
Visit the Fairfax House website for tickets and more information.
The Puzzling World of Professor Kettlestring - Calm Hour
- Where: The Puzzling World of Professor Kettlestring, YO1 9TU
- When: Sunday 15 November, 3.00pm to 5.00pm (last entry 4.00pm)
- Price: Visit their website for more information
Join us for Calm Hour at The Puzzling World of Professor Kettlestring in York!
A magical, inclusive experience specially designed for neurodivergent guests and their families.
Enjoy our curious contraptions in a quieter, gentler setting:
- no music or flashing lights
- sensory backpacks available (ear defenders, fiddle toys & more)
- friendly staff on hand
This is a brilliant opportunity to explore at your own pace in a space that welcomes everyone.
Booking is essential - email [email protected] for any questions.
Visit The Puzzling World of Professor Kettlestring website for more information.
Teen Girls and Mums Craft at The Land
- Where: The Land, Towthorpe Road, Haxby
- When: Tuesday 17 November, 2.00pm to 4.00pm
- Price: £20 for Mum and Daughter together
Hessian Bunting Craft
For girls aged 14 and above and their mums.
Join us for a relaxed afternoon of crafting in the peaceful surroundings of The Land.
Every mum and daughter will receive her own pre-made hessian bunting, ready to decorate with bows, buttons and gems. Create something special to give as a Christmas gift or to brighten up a bedroom or home.
The session will be led by two parents connected to The Land, both of whom have teenage daughters. To help make the session welcoming and accessible, the group will be kept small, with spaces for just four girls and four mums. Drinks and snacks will be available.
All crafting will take place in our wooden cabin, surrounded by nature, offering dedicated time and space for mums and daughters to create alongside one another.
See The Land's website for tickets and more information.
Welcome to Storywood - Writing Workshops for ages 9+
- Where: Grand Opera House York
- When: Monday 23 November, 4.00pm to 5.00pm
- Price: £10 per ticket
Step beyond the pages of a familiar fairytale and into a world where imagination leads the way.
In this writing workshop, young storytellers aged 9+ will explore the magic hidden inside classic tales before creating stories of their own. Guided by the mysterious Thread Keeper and inspired by the world of Storywood, participants will discover that there is never just one version of a story and that their own voice is the most important one of all.
Visit the Grand Opera House website for tickets and more information.
Christmas Tree Festival
- Where: York Minster
- When: Saturday 28 November 2026 to Tuesday 5 January 2027
- Price: York residents free (proof of address required)
The festival will open on Saturday 28 November at 10.00am with a light switch-on at Minster Mash-Up, York Minster’s special service for children and families.
Visit York Minster's website for more information.
Christmas Wonderland
- Where: The Leveson Centre, Community Stadium, Kathryn Ave, Huntington, York YO32 9AF
- When: Sunday 29 November, 10.00am to 4.00pm
- Price: £5 per child for a 90 minute slot
York Against Cancer
Meet Father Christmas and receive a special present from his workshop
Christmas Crafts
Each ticket costs £5 per child for a 90 minute slot, which includes a visit to Father Christmas, a chance to purchase a gift from Elfridges, and some Christmas craft making.
An additional ticket to Elfridges can be purchased for £3 which entitles your child to purchase one extra gift.
Book your tickets for Christmas Wonderland or contact us on 01904 764466 for more information.
Naburn School Open Afternoon
- Where: Naburn School, York Road, Naburn, YO19 4PP
- When: Sunday 29 November, 2.00pm to 5.00pm
For new starters and families.
- meet Santa in his grotto
- gifts for all children
- crafts and bauble making
