Looking for things to do in York this Halloween and half term? We’ve got the guide for you.
It’s time to get spooky! There are so many fun things to do in York this Halloween and half term.
- Halloween at Flamingo Land
- Piglets Pumpkin Festival
- Ghosts in the Gardens
- DIG After Dark
- The Rocky Horror Show
Are we missing an event? Let us know by dropping us a line at [email protected]. This guide will be continually updated.
Halloween in York
Don’t miss
Halloween at Flamingo Land
This Halloween, we have a host of spooktacular events, attractions and activities sure to thrill the whole family for a full 18 days of the Holidays!
Evening only tickets (from 3pm) are available on Halloween Extra dates for £10 per person which include access to the last 2 hours of rides (until 5pm), a selection of Twilight Rides for Kids on selected dates, access to our ‘Family Fright Halloween Show’ Live Show on selected dates and our Pyromusical Fireworks or Drone Swarm Display on selected dates.
- Flamingo Land Ltd, Kirby Misperton, Malton, YO17 6UX
- Sat 12 – Sun 20 Oct & Sat 26 Oct – Sun 3 Nov
- 10am – 5pm
- More info
Dark Saga Tours at JORVIK Viking Centre
Step into the shadows this Halloween with our exclusive Dark Saga Tours—a sinister twist on our sold out Lates:Behind the Scenes tours. This time, we’re exploring the darker, more mysterious side of Norse Mythology. Join one of our resident skalds as they guide you through the hauntingly recreated streets of 9th Century York, weaving tales so terrifying they kept even the bravest Vikings awake at night.
Each tour lasts one hour, with small group sizes for an intimate experience. Tickets are £25 per person, with tours departing every 30 minutes between 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm on Wednesday, October 30th, and Thursday, October 31st.
- Jorvik Viking Centre, 19 Coppergate, York, YO1 9WT
- Wed 30 – Thu 31 Oct
- 7-10pm
- More info
DIG after Dark – DIG: An Archaeological Adventure
Gather around the campfire and listen to some spooky ghost stories this half term at DIG after Dark! Enjoy interactive and immersive storytelling sessions about the ghosts of York. Discover more about folklore and the history of the venue, 11th century old St Saviour’s Church. Families can cosy around the campfire with snacks and a hot drink, all included in the price.
- St Saviour Church, St Saviourgate, York Y01 8NN
- Sat 26 Oct – Sun 3 Nov
- 5:30-8pm
- More info
Piglets Pumpkin Festival
The Pumpkin Festival at Piglets Adventure Farm is back! There’s a free homegrown pumpkin for every paying child & pumpkin carving. Come and meet Merlin and his smoke breathing dragon and embark on a quest to find dragon eggs in their mysterious maize maze. Experience spooky family fun with new Petrifying Portraits, a gruesome ghost trail, creepy crafts and so much more!
- Piglets Adventure Farm, Towthorpe Grange, Towthorpe Moor Lane, York YO32 9ST
- 12, 13, 19, 20 Oct & 26-31 Oct
- 10am – 5pm
- More info
Halloween at The Hole in Wand
Join us this Halloween for a magical and Spooktacular time. The Hole In Wand York will be dressed to impressed this Halloween season with additional surprises for all. From only £6.99 per person and every player receives a magical potion to take away!
We also have a range for events including the most magical of magicians, Adrian Salamon on Saturday 19 October, the award-winning Mad Alice on Saturday 12 and 26 October and we will be joined by Owl Adventures on Saturday 2 November.
- Coppergate, York, YO1 9NT
- Sat 12 Oct – Sun 3 Nov
- 10am – 7pm
- More info
The Potions Academy
NEW for Halloween 2024, The Potions Academy contains two core magical elements: The Potions Class and The Broom School. Wizards and Witches are invited to attend this magical academy and graduate in the art of broom flying and alchemy lead by our great masters. The Academy is open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and every day in school holidays.
The Broom School will give witches and wizards the opportunity to fly from Goathland in the North Yorkshire Moors back to Shambles York via key landmarks including Whitby Abbey and Castle Howard where the fiery dragon awaits, with every graduate receiving a Witches Brew potion, graduate badge and souvenir video to take away.
The Potions Class, a magical family experience will be led by the potion master who will impart the wisdom of esteemed alchemist and wizard of the highest order; Phileas Fry. As well as learning the secrets of Fry, every graduating wizard and witch will receive their very own magical potion and graduate badge.
- 1st Floor on 37-38 Shambles, York YO1 7LX, entrance via Newgate Market (Old Sew & Sews Shop)
- Sat 26 Oct – Sun 3 Nov
- 10am – 5pm
- More info
Family fun
Ghosts in the Gardens
York BID has again partnered with local design agency Unconventional Design to create translucent 3D sculptures skillfully formed from narrow gauge wire mesh. This year’s display is set to be bigger and better than ever, with 45 ghosts to discover in some of the city’s beautiful public gardens and green spaces.
- Multiple locations
- Sat 21 Sep – Tue 5 Nov
- All day
- More info
Web’oween 2024
Web’oween is back at Web Adventure Park! Resident magic man Dazzling Darren will be offering Halloween-themed entertainment for the children to enjoy every day, pick your own pumpkins, whiz around our unlimited fairground rides, compete with friends in the Laser Lightyear Game Zone, race down our giant astra slide, meet our furry friends during the animal encounter sessions and more.
- Web Adventure Park, Wigginton Road, York YO32 2RH
- Sat 19 & Sun 20 & Sat 26 Oct – Sun 3 Nov
- 9am – 6pm
- More info
Trick or Treat Street at William’s Den
Trick or Treat Street is a one-of-a-kind, interactive Halloween experience that combines storytelling, problem-solving and the magic of trick-or-treating. Designed to be spooky not scary, families will visit eight magical locations, meeting an array of colourful characters, bagging treats along the way and helping to solve the mystery of ‘who dennit?’ As well as taking a trip down Trick or Treat Street, visitors can pick pumpkins at the Denville Pumpkin Patch and enjoy drinks, street food and music at the Village Square.
- William’s Den, Castle Farm, Wold Hill, North Cave, HU15 2LS
- Fri 25 – Wed 30 Oct
- 1-8pm
- More info
Little Peasants Walking Tours
The Little Peasants City Walking Tour is 60 minutes of walking, laughing and learning and is suitable for all the family. So if your little peasants are too young (or too scared!) to visit us inside the Dungeon, then join us as we bring The York Dungeon’s humour and fun outside onto the streets in York!
- The York Dungeon, 12 Clifford Street, York, YO1 9RD
- Sat 26 – Thu 31 Oct
- Multiple times
- More info
Halloween at Mother Shipton’s
It’s just a bunch of Hocus Pocus! Get ready to be spellbound this Halloween at Mother Shipton’s. Step into a world of enchantment as you explore themed displays featuring witches, mysterious cauldrons and magical spells being cast by our characterful actors.
- Mother Shipton’s Cave, Prophecy Lodge,, High Bridge, Knaresborough, HG5 8DD
- Sat 26 Oct – Sun 3 Nov
- 10am – 4:30pm
- More info
Halloween Fun at North Yorkshire Moors Railway
Join North Yorkshire Moors Railway for a spooktacular half-term packed with magical family activities, where Kids Go Free. Create Halloween memories this October half-term with spooky station stories, wand making, storytelling with Hoglets Theatre, owl crafts, potion class, and more.
- North Yorkshire Moors Railway stations
- Sat 26 Oct – Sun 3 Nov
- Multiple times
- More info
Spooky Saturday at Rowntree Park
Join us for ‘Spooky Saturday in Rowntree Park! Halloween-based fun for the family, all with a nature twist! There’s potion creating, a haunted trail, wand making, and more.
- Rowntree Park, Terry Avenue, York, YO23 1JQ
- Sat 26 Oct
- 10am & 10:30am
- More info
Spooky shows, film and music
The Rocky Horror Show
Australian superstar Jason Donovan comes to York in Richard O’Brien’s legendary rock ‘n’ roll musical, The Rocky Horror Show, as part of a new world tour. The Rocky Horror Show features timeless classics, including Sweet Transvestite, Dammit Janet, and of course, the pelvic thrusting show-stopping Time Warp.
- Grand Opera House, Cumberland Street, York YO1 9SW
- Mon 21 – Sat 26 Oct
- Multiple times
- More info
Twilight in Concert
See the legendary romance fantasy film Twilight in an in concert format, live to film. It promises to be an impressive live cinematic experience that will transport audiences deep into the heart of this romantic story, more than fifteen years after the film’s original release.
- York Barbican, Paragon St, York, YO10 4AH
- Fri 25 Oct
- 7:30pm
- More info
Outdoor Cinema at Castle Howard
There’s a triple bill of spooky cinema at Castle Howard – with the vampire classic The Lost Boys, Disney’s Hocus Pocus, and Roald Dahl’s The Witches. Bring a blanket or camping chair, wrap up warm, and watch on a giant cinema screen under the stars! Fancy dress is highly encouraged.
- Castle Howard, York, YO60 7DA
- Fri 25 – Sun 27 Oct
- Multiple times
- More info
Hotel Halloween
There’s a triple bill of spooky cinema at Castle Howard – with the vampire classic The Lost Boys, Disney’s Hocus Pocus, and Roald Dahl’s The Witches. Bring a blanket or camping chair, wrap up warm, and watch on a giant cinema screen under the stars! Fancy dress is highly encouraged.
- Joseph Rowntree Theatre, Haxby Road, York YO31 8TA
- Sat 26 – Sun 27 Oct
- 2pm & 7pm
- More info
The Great Pumpkin Adventure with the Skelves
The pesky Skelves of Skelf Island are performing a brand-new play this half term! Join them on a pumpkin-tastic adventure full of magic and mischief. Watch the show at the Skelf Island Adventure Playground.
- Castle Howard, York, YO60 7DA
- Wed 30 Oct – Sun 3 Nov
- TBC
- More info
Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in York. Get your tickets now to discover music inspired by Halloween at The National Centre for Early Music under the gentle glow of candlelight.
- National Centre For Early Music, Saint Margarets Church, Walmgate, York, YO1 9TL
- Thu 31 Oct
- 6:30pm
- More info
Food and drink
Trick-or-Treat Singalong Afternoon Tea at Mama Doreen’s
Bring your family and friends to enjoy a spooky Afternoon Tea, then sing and dance along to the haunted Disney songs!
- Mama Doreen’s, Vangarde Retail Park, Huntington, York YO32 9AE
- Wed 30 Oct
- 6pm
- More info
More frightening fun
The Black Widow
This Halloween, discover the chilling truth behind Britain’s most notorious female serial Killer, Mary. Are you brave enough to step into the shadows of Victorian England and come face to face with the Black Widow herself? Alongside The Black Widow, which is included with ticket entry, guests will be immersed in the York Dungeon’s (in)famous tales including Guy Fawkes, the Plague, Vengeance of the Vikings, the York witch Isabella Billington and the grand finale Dick Turpin carriage ride.
- The York Dungeon, 12 Clifford Street, York, YO1 9RD
- Sat 12 Oct – Sun 3 Nov
- 10:30am – 4pm
- More info
The Haunting of Hudson
the haunted happenings are on the rise,
and guests cannot beLieve their eyes.
fear fills geOrge leeman’s hearT,
The spIrit of hudson must dEpart.
Soon the doors will open to our finest detectives to uncover the Haunting of Hudson, and much fun will be had as you sip a welcome cocktail and perhaps learn a Waltz or two! There will be a prize for the best dressed!
- York Mansion House, St Helen’s Square, York, YO1 9QL
- Sat 26 Oct, Fri 1 Nov & Sat 2 Nov
- 7:30pm
- More info
A Truly York Halloween Spectacular
Celebrate Halloween at an exclusive and exciting event at York’s Mansion House. Guests will be welcomed with a Spooky cocktail created by award winning The Potions Cauldron Group and will enjoy a Pie and Pea Supper then a chance to search for the houses hidden souls. Mad Alice will take guests on a private tour of York and to end the evening local singing star Alistair Griffin will perform a 45 minute spooky set including the hit ‘Monster Mash’.
- York Mansion House, St. Helen’s Square, York YO1 9QL
- Sun 20 Oct
- 7-10pm
- More info
Yorkshire Halloween Festival
Hosted by Made in Yorkshire, The Yorkshire Halloween Festival is a celebration of creativity and interactivity suitable for all the family. Browse through local artisans and take part in a unique series of workshops from local makers – all with a Halloween/autumnal theme.
- Parliament Street, York
- Thu 24 Oct – Fri 1 Nov
- 10am – 5pm
- More info
The Night Falls Fast – A True Crime Walk in York
The Polite Tourist presents a special evening walk for Halloween. Throughout the final week of October to the long night of All Hallows Eve and the celebration of The Day of the Dead – The Polite Tourist will take to the old, unquiet streets in a quest to awaken the most notorious of the dead who once lay claim to the City of York.
- Meet at Kings Square, York YO1 8BH
- Sat 26 Oct – Fri 1 Nov
- 7-9pm
- More info
Day Club Halloween Special
Love nothing more than a good old boogie with your mates but can’t face the exhaustion of a late night? Your prayers have been answered! With Day Club York on Saturday the 26th October for a Halloween special. Especially for the over 30’s who love music, dancing and being social.
- Kuda, 12 Clifford St, York YO1 9RD
- Sat 26 Oct
- 4-8pm
- More info
Bongo’s Bingo Halloween
The award-winning night out combines the original and much-loved quaint past time with a mesmeric live show, packed full of plenty of bizarre and hilarious moments no-one experiences twice. With dance offs, rave rounds, and weird and wonderful prizes – Bongo’s Bingo is a night full of madness, mayhem and sheer joy that will keep you coming back for more.
- York Barbican, Paragon St, York, YO10 4AH
- Sat 26 Oct
- 7:30pm
- More info
Outraegeous – Halloween 2024
Celebrate Halloween with Crystal and Queenie and special guest York Pride Drag Race 2024 Winner Miss Diagnosis for a night of tricks and treats. Fancy dress is encouraged!
- BlueBox, in The Drawing Board, 12 New St, York YO1 7LA
- Sat 26 Oct
- 10pm – 4am
- More info
Retro Games Night – Halloween Edition
Sore Thumb & Spark* are back to bring a night of Retro Gaming fun for all ages!
- Spark York, 17-21 Piccadilly, York YO1 9PB
- Tue 29 Oct
- 7-10pm
- More info
Half term in York
PHOENIX: Lightshow
Experience York Minster in a new light this autumn when the cathedral is illuminated with PHOENIX, a brand-new sound and light projection commemorating the 40th anniversary of the 1984 fire.
- York Minster, Deangate, York, YO1 7HH
- Sat 19 Oct – Sat 2 Nov
- Multiple times
- More info
Harvest Heroes at Beningbrough
Embark on an epic adventure through the walled garden! Seek out the eight hidden Harvest Heroes, mark them off on your spotter sheet and gather the secret letters. Once you’ve discovered them all, rearrange the letters to reveal the mystery harvest word.
- Beningbrough Hall, Gallery and Gardens, York YO30 1DD
- Sat 26 Oct – Sun 3 Nov
- 10am – 3:30pm
- More info
The Little Mermaid
Dive into a world of enchantment this November with The Little Mermaid… Join Ariel and her fishy friends in this whimsical underwater adventure filled with dazzling costumes, catchy tunes and endless laughter. From the depths of the sea to the shores of the Prince’s kingdom, embark on a journey packed with special moments of magic and excitement for the whole family.
- Joseph Rowntree Theatre, Haxby Road, York YO31 8TA
- Sat 2 Nov
- 12:30 pm & 4:30pm
- More info