If you’re looking for things to do in York for February half term 2024, we can help out!
YorkMix have put together a guide to all the fun happening in York over the half term, for all the family to get involved in.
There’s the return of the Jorvik Viking Festival, York Bid have another Colour & Light show at York Art Gallery, the York Light Opera Company present Disney’s The Little Mermaid at York Theatre Royal, discover the famous steam locomotive No. 46100 ‘Royal Scot’ at North Yorkshire Moors Railway, and much more.
Are we missing an event? Let us know by dropping us a line at [email protected].
Don’t miss
Jorvik Viking Festival
The Vikings have returned to York with a whole host of events this February. Take part in our brand new Best Dressed Competition (featuring Best Beard) or explore exquisite Viking goods at our 10th Century Traders stalls. Meet the Vikings camped out in the city centre – see their crafts in action and even get a selfie or two! Plus, Family Crafting and Poo Day, expert talks and much more…
- Multiple locations
- Mon 12 – Sun 18 Feb
- Various times
- More info
Colour & Light
York BID is excited to announce the return of Colour & Light! The large-scale visual arts project will be transforming York Art Gallery this year with a vibrant light display to create a magical and memorable experience for visitors and residents alike.
- York Art Gallery, Exhibition Square, York YO1 7EW
- Wed 7 – Sun 25 Feb
- 6-9pm daily – projection plays every 10 minutes
- More info
Family fun
February half term at Harlow Carr
Join the fun this February half term at RHS Garden Harlow Carr, with activities for all to enjoy. Join the Garden Detectives, follow the seasonal garden trail, and create your own herby character. Take part in our Wellbeing Wednesday sessions, with a storytelling yoga session.
- RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Crag Ln, Beckwithshaw, Harrogate HG3 1QB
- Sat 10 – Sun 18 Feb
- 10am – 4:30pm
- More info
Beware of the Basilisk: Half term at Hole in Wand
Join us at the Hole In Wand for 9 holes of magical mini golf this February half-term but beware the presence of the Basilisk. The legendary serpent king; venomous and with a lethal gaze is coming to the Hole In Wand to capture unsuspecting wizards in it’s deathly stare. But don’t fear, we have a fresh supply of our Basilisk Blood potion on hand to combat the threat. One sip will deflect the fatal glare, harness the power of the renowned reptile and turn the meekest of mouse into a fearless lion. The potion provides protection, but remember, be aware, do not look into the eyes and of course, have the most magical time.
- The Hole In Wand, 14-16 Coppergate Walk, York, YO1 9NT
- Sat 10 – Sun 25 Feb
- 10am – 7pm
- More info
February Half Term at Murton Park
Murton Park are celebrating kindness this half term, with kindness prompts around the park, kindness activities to get stuck into and even a party at the end of the week! Activities will include celebrating Chinese New Year, making flower bouquets, decorating cookies, a Wiggles Party, and much more.
- Murton Park, Murton, York, YO19 5UF
- Sat 10 – Sun 18 Feb
- 10am – 4:30pm
- More info
February Half-Term Family Activities with North Yorkshire Moors Railway
This February half-term join us for more than just a train ride as we embark on a week of discovery, learning, and family fun. Unleash your artistic side in craft sessions, there’s free storytelling sessions, experience the fascinating inner workings of a signal box, and discover the majesty of famous steam locomotive No. 46100 ‘Royal Scot’.
- North Yorkshire Moors Railway, Pickering Station, Pickering, YO18 7AJ
- Sat 10 – Sun 18 Feb
- 9am – 6pm
- More info
February half-term at Nunnington
Travel back to 1924 this February half term and see if you possess the skills to gain employment as a servant for the Fife’s here at Nunnington Hall. A house trail in the form of a CV guides visitors through the various roles performed by household servants in 1924 and is the perfect indoor activity for all the family this half-term. There are several activities that form the trail, including ironing, dusting the bannisters, cross stitch and flower arranging.
- Nunnington Hall, Nunnington, York YO62 5UY
- Sat 10 – Sun 18 Feb
- 10am – 4pm
- More info
February Frolics at Piglets Adventure Farm
Ewe are all in for a real treat this February Half Term with lots of baa-rilliant all-weather fun daily from 10th – 18th February. Look out for signs of the new arrivals as our 14 mummy ewes are ready to lamb in Lambing Live, get hands-on in our lamb bottle feeding sessions, watch ‘She’s Lost the Flock…again!’ & discover plenty of play both indoors and out!
- Piglets Adventure Farm, Towthorpe, York YO32 9ST
- Sat 10 – Sun 18 Feb
- 10am – 5pm
- More info
P is for Pilgrim
Follow a special trail inspired by the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell’s new book P is for Pilgrim and discover York Minster this half-term. Suitable for children of all faiths and none, the trail is designed to help young adventurers spot Christian symbols and concepts as they explore the Minster and learn more about faith. The trail is included as part of a general admission ticket.
- York Minster, Deangate, York, YO1 7HH
- Sat 10 – Sun 18 Feb
- 9:30am – 4pm
- More info
Lambing at Spilmans February Half-Term
Our very special Lambing at Spilman’s event is back this February half-term. Join us for some farming family fun… with lambs born every day, live farmer talks, fun facts, photo opportunities and arts and crafts for all the family. Throughout the experience families are given the chance to spend time with a flock of sheep, observe them close up, see newly born lambs and learn about this special time of year.
- Spilmans, Church Farm, Sessay, Thirsk YO7 3NB
- Sat 10 – Sun 25 Feb
- 10am – 3pm
- More info
Half term fun at Eden Camp
Join us this February half term and explore the sights, sounds and smells of a time gone by! We have lots of things on offer for you this half term including our BRAND NEW quiz, The Great Escape from Eden Camp… Can you solve the riddles and finally escape? We have our traditional war games dotted around the museum all week, and talks with members of the team inside our Heritage Hall! Our newly re-vamped displays will be open for you to explore and immerse yourself into wartime Britain. On Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th, we will be hosting The Great Escape Project where you can see live demonstrations and presentations of The Great Escape from Stalag Luft III in 1944.
- Eden Camp Modern History Museum, Malton, YO17 6RT
- Mon 12 – Sun 18 Feb
- 10am – 5pm
- More info
Half term at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal
This February half term, head to Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal and become a winter explorer. Pick up your spotter sheet from any admission point and head on your adventure. How many winter sights can you spot? And join us for a free family craft every day, from 11am – 2pm, during the February half term. Come along and have a go at creating a lavender pouch to take home with you.
- Fountains Abbey, Ripon HG4 3DY
- Mon 12 – Sun 18 Feb
- 10am – 4pm
- More info
February Half Term at National Railway Museum
Come along for a fun family day out, with special Wonderlab activities and an unforgettable Flying Scotsman experience.
- National Railway Museum, Leeman Road, York YO26 4XJ
- Mon 12 – Sun 25 Feb
- 10am – 5pm
- More info
Nature Adventurers Holiday Club
Join us for some fun winter activities at St Nicks nature reserve. Learn new skills and meet new people. We’ll be based in the woodland – den building, fire lighting, using tools, making nature crafts, playing games, campfire cooking, learning about nature and plenty more.
- St Nicks – Nature Reserve & Environment Centre, Rawdon Avenue, York YO10 3FW
- Tue 13 Feb
- 10am – 12:30pm & 12:30pm – 3pm
- More info
Nature Explorers: Bird box workshop
Discover how the rangers and volunteers look after our bird boxes here at Brimham Rocks. They’ll help you make your own bird box to take home with you and offer a safe place for birds to raise their young in your outside space. The workshop lasts about 45 minutes and costs £10. All materials, tools required and guidance will be provided.
- Brimham Rocks, Harrogate HG3 4DW
- Tue 13 Feb
- From 10:30am
- More info
What a Hoot! Bird of Prey Experience with The Wizard of York
Meet birds of prey in the heart of York, in this 30-minute interactive experience at the medieval St. Crux Church on The Shambles. Learn fascinating facts from the experts from York Bird of Prey Centre, with plenty of time for photos with your new feathered friends too! Designed to be booked alongside The Wizard Walk of York (tour tickets sold separately).
- St Crux, York YO1 8BL
- from Tue 13 Feb
- Various times
- More info
Half term special Family Forest School
Join us for a half term special forest school. We’ll have fire lighting, hammocks, den building as well as some crafts and games before lighting the fire for some hot chocolate, marshmallows and warm snacks.
- Rowntree Park, Terry Avenue, York, YO23 1JQ
- Wed 14 Feb
- 10am – 12pm
- More info
Fab shows
Disney’s The Little Mermaid
In a magical underwater kingdom, the beautiful mermaid Ariel dreams of living in the world above and falls in love with a human, Prince Eric. To make her dreams come true, she makes a deal with the wicked sea witch, Ursula. But the bargain is not what it seems…This enchanting musical tale features unforgettable songs like ‘Under the Sea’, ‘Kiss the Girl’, and ‘Part of Your World’. Join York Light Opera Company for singing, dancing, and adventure as they bring this timeless Disney classic to life!
- York Theatre Royal, St. Leonard’s Place, York, YO1 7HD
- Wed 7 – Sat 17 Feb
- Various times
- More info
Peter and the Wolf
Join brave young Peter as he overcomes his fear of a big bad wolf in Sergei Prokofiev’s classic Peter and the Wolf played on York Minster’s recently-refurbished Grand Organ. Using special stops on the organ, Ben Morris, assistant director of music at York Minster, will guide young listeners through the sounds of this magnificent instrument. The performance will be narrated by Stuart Perry, the Silly History Boys’ silliest boy. Prokofiev’s familiar and accessible composition is the perfect introduction to classical music.
- York Minster, Deangate, York, YO1 7HH
- Tue 13 Feb
- 7pm
- More info
Rapunzel
York Panto Crew is back with a truly tangled show. Heroes to cheer, villains to boo, jokes to keep you groaning and songs to sing along to.
- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, West Bank, Acomb, York, YO24 4ES
- Thu 15 – Sat 17 Feb
- 7pm, 2pm Saturday matinee
- More info
Jurassic Live
Jurassic Live takes you on a musical journey as you join little Amber, Ranger Joe, Ranger Nora & the rest of the Jurassic Live rangers to help save the day from an evil man who is trying to shut down the Jurassic facility. With lots of audience participation and fun with your favourite comedic rangers on stage alongside dinosaur favourites such as Trixie the Triceratops, Herbie the Stegosaurus, Nessie the Apatosaurus, Rocky the Velociraptor, Bash the Stigimoloch and Suzie.. the world’s largest Tyrannosaurus Rex and many more!
- York Barbican, Paragon St, York, YO10 4AH
- Fri 16 Feb
- 5pm
- More info
More half term entertainment
Dark Skies Festival
This two week long festival has an events programme jam packed full of exciting after dark adventures for the full family to explore. Tis the season to look up and marvel at the thousands of sparkles in the sky. There’s stay and gaze packages to spend a night under the stars, all manners of night walks, stargazing aplenty, daytime adventures and craft activities, bat-box making, mindful experiences and much more.
- Various locations
- Fri 9 – Sun 25 Feb
- Various times
- More info
Love is in the Air at Mother Shipton’s Cave
For the first time in a long time, we will be opening for February Half Term. So why not join us for a romantic riverside walk through our beautiful ancient woodland? Make a Valentines wish in our magical Wishing Well and snuggle up with a loved one in our cosy log gazebos whilst enjoying a hot drink or delicious treat from our catering hut!
- Mother Shipton’s Cave, Knaresborough HG5 8DD
- Sat 10 – Sun 18 Feb
- 10am – 4:30pm
- More info
Monster Mash Craft Workshop
Unleash your inner monster with Little Pickle Creatives this half term and craft your very own monstrous wonders! Create fuzzy friends using everything from pom poms to pegs to pens, as the wonderful Emily and Rosie join as at SPARK once again to deliver a fantastically crafty workshop.
- Spark:York, 17—21 Piccadilly, York, YO1 9PB
- Tue 13 Feb
- 2pm
- More info
Wizard Afternoon Teas
Step into a world of enchantment and magic with our Wizard Afternoon Teas at the medieval Bedern Hall. A truly spellbinding experience set in the heart of a mystical realm. This enchanting hall has secrets waiting to be uncovered…Includes a short exclusive pre-tour meet and greet with The Wizard of York! Designed to be booked prior to The Wizard Walk of York, to make a magical afternoon.
- Bedern Hall, Bartle Garth, St Andrewgate, York YO1 7AL
- from Tue 13 Feb
- Various times
- More info
Half-term Chocolate Masterclasses
Join our fun-filled chocolate masterclasses on the 13th and 15th of February. Led by our expert chocolatier, this activity promises a delightful experience for the entire family where you can unleash your creativity and craft delicious chocolates together!
- York’s Chocolate Story, King’s Square, York YO1 7LD
- Tue 13 & Thu 15 Feb
- 10:45am – 12:15pm & 2:15pm – 3:45pm
- More info