What’s there to look forward to in York in 2025?
The answer – plenty!
Here’s a run down of all the big events and festivals that are happening in York in 2025 — including returning favourites Jorvik Viking Festival, York Ice Trail, York Pride, York Food and Drink Festival, and our very own YorkMix Family Raceday.
At YorkMix, we are wishing all our readers and listeners a safe and happy 2025.
What’s on in 2025
York Residents Festival
25-26 Jan
York Residents Festival is back! A whole weekend to say thank you to the residents of the city – complete with attractions offers, experiences and food, drink and retail discounts.
York Ice Trail
1-2 Feb
York city centre will once again get an icy makeover. Uncover the theme of ‘Origins’, with stunning ice sculptures inspired by legends, myths, and York’s rich history, in this much-loved returning family festival.
A Night at the Darts
14 Feb
Join York Barbican on Valentines Day 2025, as MODUS Sports Management, MDA Events and JF Sports present A Night at the Darts.
Three-time PDC World Champion Michael van Gerwen will be among a star-studded cast assembled for the event, joined by 2024 PDC World Champion Luke Humphries, who is also ranked as World Number one in the sport. 2011 and 2012 PDC World Champion Adrian Lewis, fan favourite, ‘Rapid’ Ricky Evans, and 2022 Masters Champion Joe Cullen completes a stellar line-up.
Dark Skies Festival 10th Anniversary
14 Feb – 2 Mar
Dark Skies Festival is celebrating its 10th anniversary! This festival will be full of activities and opportunities for you to appreciate the wonders of the night sky. Join us to celebrate this fantastic anniversary by attending a stargazing event in the North York Moors.
Jorvik Viking Festival
17-23 Feb
Get ready for the Vikings to return this February! Expect living history encampments, workshops, tours, traditional crafts, feasts, family events, evening entertainment and dramatic combat performances.
York Literature Festival
TBC
York Literature Festival is set to return in 2025! The line-up is yet to be announced, but you can expect a fantastic series of author events, workshops, live panels, and more.
York Restaurant Week
10-16 March
York Restaurant Week is a great opportunity to enjoy some of York’s best dining – on a budget! For seven whole days, diners can access a huge variety of food and drink offers, all deliciously priced between £5 and £30. From snacks and brunch to afternoon tea and gourmet meals, make the most of affordable offers with friends and family.
York International Shakespeare Festival
22 Apr – 4 May
Back for its seventh year in 2025, the York International Shakespeare Festival is 10 days of exciting Shakespeare productions and productions and events derived from Shakespeare, and celebrating Shakespeare as an International writer.
York Pride
7 Jun
Join us for North Yorkshire’s biggest LGBT+ celebration! Join the parade to the Knavesmire and celebrate love, inclusivity and diversity. There will be entertainment, live music and a whole lot of fun.
York Maze
TBC
The theme for 2025’s maze is yet to be revealed, but previous creations have included The Gruffalo, Star Wars, The Lion King, and Mr Men Little Miss.
Vanlove 2025
18-20 Jul
The UK’s most inclusive vanlife festival for those who love to escape, adventure and party. From micro campers to overlanders, whether you’re full time or just curious, Vanlove is the perfect opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and celebrate the freedom of life on the road.
York Georgian Festival
TBC
York Georgian Festival is returning in 2025! Look forward to more historical celebrations with dancing and dining and more to come.
Yorkshire Ebor Festival
20-23 Aug
The week to visit featuring the oldest, richest, fastest and most famous races. Sporting excellence combined with fashion and fun over four fabulous days.
York Unleashed Comic-Con
31 Aug
Nerdy fun at York Racecourse as the main Comic Con event returns for another year. With special guests, merchandise, stage talks, cosplay masquerade, and more.
YorkMix Family Raceday
7 Sep
There’s fun for all on our YorkMix Family Raceday, including record prize money for a seven-race card. The additional fun is focused on the younger generation with both visits from a popular character and the “Entertainment Marquee” which has been home to giant inflatables, diggerland, a children’s zoo, zorb football, face painting, and lots more.
York Book Fair
12-13 Sep
With over 100,000 books to browse through, this is any readers dream. There will be rare, antiquarian and secondhand books, as well as prints, maps and more.
York Food Festival
19-28 Sep
The tastiest festival in York! The York Food and Drink Festival aims to celebrate local and regional food and drink complete with live demos, tastings and stalls.
Yorkshire Marathon
19 Oct
Get out those running shoes as the Yorkshire Marathon is back. For runners of all abilities – it’s time to smash your PB.
Hallowscream
TBC
Hallowscream at York Maze is a terrifyingly entertaining night of fear and fun with five separate live-action haunted house attractions and over 100 actors. Do you dare to enter?
Aesthetica Short Film Festival
5-9 Nov
Aesthetica is the destination for independent cinema. Both in-person in York and online, film lovers can explore a world of incredible films, immersive VR and thrilling games. With masterclasses, workshops and networking sessions too.
UK Championship Snooker 2025
29 Nov – 7 Dec
After record sales for the 2024 edition, the demand for 2025 event is expected to reach unprecedented levels. Don’t miss the chance to witness the exploits of a strong field expected to include the likes of Ronnie O’Sullivan, Judd Trump, Kyren Wilson, Ding Junhui, Mark Allen and more.
York Christmas Festival
TBC
There’s no better time to be in York than at Christmas. Lets hope the Christmas Markets and other festivities make a welcome return in 2025.