One of York’s most popular festive attractions will soon reopen.
The Victorian street Kirkgate and the Period Rooms at York Castle Museum will reopen for its magical Christmas experience.
The museum had to close the north side of the building after finding Raac (reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete), and work was undertaken to ensure that the roof supports reflected the most up-to-date structural guidance.
Now York Castle Museum has announced that the much-loved Kirkgate and Period Rooms will reopen on Friday 8 December for its Christmas celebrations.
Christmas will arrive on the Victorian street of Kirkgate with snow on the cobbles, period trimmings adorning the street, and historical decorations and objects to discover.
There will be a variety of family friendly Christmas activities on offer too.
On selected dates throughout the festive season you can see Scrooge on Kirkgate. Included with a general admission ticket, families can enjoy a re-telling of Charles Dickens’ festive novel A Christmas Carol.
After-hours, Scrooge will also return for an adult-only evening performances at an additional cost.
Every weekend throughout December until Christmas, you will be welcomed by a Victorian green clad Father Christmas.
Visitors will be able to join in with his jollity, games, dancing and songs, and to make your own Christmas card. On Sundays, including Christmas Eve, the cobbles will ring to the sound of carol singers singing traditional songs.
As well as experiencing the Christmas cheer on Kirkgate, visitors can step back in time as they stroll through some of the popular Period Rooms, from a 17th century dining room to a Victorian worker’s cottage.
There’s something for younger children too, as the award-winning Story Craft Theatre will bring some cute Museum Mice to life with puppets, games and lots of fun for all the family.
This year’s Christmas offer is part of general admission to York Castle Museum, giving access to the museum for 12 months.
Christmas at York Castle Museum will take place from 8 December 2023 – 7 January 2024.
To find out more, including the dates for each Christmas activity, and to book your tickets, visit the York Castle Museum website.