Little Vikings Magazine (Issue 43) - Christmas 2021

York for kids Issue 43

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Christmas 2021

The Best of York for Families this Christmas

AVIATION. YORKSHIRE’S GREATEST INVENTION.

DISCOVER 150 YEARS OF FLIGHT AT YORKSHIRE’S MUST-SEE MUSEUM. WOODLANDS WALK

PICNIC AREA

FREE PARKING

DOGS WELCOME

yorkshireairmuseum.org TO HONOUR, EDUCATE, INSPIRE. HOME OF THE ALLIED AIR FORCES MEMORIAL. Halifax Way, Elvington, York YO41 4AU. Telephone: 01904 608595 Accredited museum No 66 . Registered Charity 516766

Hello!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and we’re ready to celebrate! Whether you’re busy bringing up a baby, have a Santa-obsessed pre-schooler in the house or an older child or two to keep the magic alive for, there’s loads coming up in and around York this Christmas. Catch a festive show, meet Father Christmas, twirl around an ice rink and even step through the wardrobe and into Narnia! If you’ve still got some Christmas shopping to do, don’t panic - our popular gift guide has a few ideas from lovely independent shops (don’t forget to shop local as much as you can!).

And here’s one gift that will cost you nothing but will mean the world - please could you take a couple of minutes to vote for your favourite people, places and businesses in this year’s Little Vikings Awards? We’re very excited to announce this year’s shortlists and can’t wait to see who you choose as your winners. It’s really important to us that the winners are chosen by the people who really care - families living in and visiting York - so do have your say.

Have a wonderful Christmas and enjoy the time with your family and friends.

Catch you in 2022! Let’s hope it’s a good one.

Big festive love,

All at Little Vikings HQ x

Since last issue, we've….

• Visited the two new bakeries in York - Flori on Nunnery Lane and The Bluebird Bakery on Acomb’s Front Street - and they’re both deeeelicous.

• Enjoyed a date night at Spark:York, York’s most vibrant place for street food and good vibes • Watched No Time to Die at Everyman York - an amazing film in a really gorgeous cinema • Been planning some walks for that weird bit between Christmas and New Year. Take a look at the selection of family walks on the Little Vikings website Little Vikings was founded and is run by a York family. Contact us at hello@little-vikings.co.uk.

Content © Little Vikings 2021. Little Vikings is a registered trade mark. Every effort has been made to ensure that this guide is up-to-date and accurate, but some things are liable to change.

Always check details before you travel. www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK

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Calling all

o l a ff Gru Sp tters

to Dalby Forest Follow the trail, spot the signs and see what creatures you can find

Download the NEW Gruffalo Spotter 2 app before you visit! ©1999 & TM Julia Donaldson/ Axel Scheffler. Licensed by Magic Light Pictures Ltd

forestryengland.uk/ gruffalospotters Forestry England

The best festive experiences and days out around York

It’s not all about the big man in red, you know. If your children are too young, too old or too cynical for a Father Christmas experience, don’t worry there are plenty of other lovely things to do together as a family this festive season. www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK

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Experience A Kirkgate Christmas Tale at York Castle Museum The Victorians knew how to do Christmas, so where better to immerse yourselves in all things festive than Kirkgate, York Castle Museum’s recreated Victorian street? New for 2021, A Kirkgate Christmas Tale promises large-scale projections telling a story of festive merriment.

Colourful animations of Victorian puppets will go on an adventure to bring the magic of Christmas back to Kirkgate, accompanied by music and lights. The experience is included with museum ticket price and pre-booking is advised.

Mother Shipton’s Following the twinkling lights to Mother Shipton’s in Knaresborough this Christmas where you can wander through the winter wonderland, visit the Christmas village and meet Father Christmas himself. Say hello, take an ‘elfie and have a little chat. If you’d like to receive a gift, you can buy this separately to receive from Santa’s elf helper. Why not visit the Elf Post Office to post a letter to Santa while you’re there? The adventure playground, cave and museum will be open, and refreshments will be available to purchase.

20th November to 24th December 2021 - Book online at mothershipton.co.uk

Selected dates in November, December and January 2021 – yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk Issue 43

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festive fun at york designer outlet!

skate play shop dine fri 19 november 2021 – sun 9 january 2022 BOOK NOW

YorkshiresWinterWonderland.com

Enjoy Festive Afternoon Tea at The Grand, York Tuck into afternoon tea with a festive twist at The Grand, Yorkshire's only five-star hotel. Filled with Christmas delights and even served with a festive cocktail, it'll be a sparkling experience to remember. There's even a special children's menu so little ones can have the full experience too.

Visit thegrandyork.co.uk to book

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Visit York’s Christmas Market York's popular Christmas market, St Nicholas Fair, is set to return for 2021 with local businesses selling an array of gifts and treats. While children might not fancy the shopping element, they'll love the twinkling lights and tasty food and drink on offer. Avoid peak shopping times for a more relaxing experience.

18th November to 23rd December 2021

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The Christmas Experience at Lotherton

Get your skates on at Yorkshire's Winter Wonderland

There’s a variety of festive experiences on offer at Lotherton’s Christmas Experience for 2021, from a one-onone meeting with Father Christmas to a shorter experience for younger children or just a Christmassy day out including a new winter woodland walk. Booking is required for all elements.

If you missed your ice skating fix last year, don’t worry. Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland returns to York Designer Outlet for 2021 with 975 sq m of real ice to glide, slide and wobble around.

There will be two skate hire marquees for extra space, and a viewing platform too. The Chalet will be open too, serving hot chocolate, mulled wine, sizzling sausages and more. You can even visit Father Christmas there too!

27th November 2021 to 2nd January 2022 - thechristmasexperience.co.uk

19th November 2021 to 9th January 2022 – yorkshireswinterwonderland.com

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Twas the night before Christmas This Christmas enjoy a festive Georgian styled chocolate experience for all the family from York Cocoa Works and York Mansion House.

Create and take home an edible Christmas tree decoration and complete the festive chocolate trail through the Mansion House before unwinding like a Georgian Lord Mayor with a luxurious hot chocolate.

Selected dates Visit yorkcocoahouse.co.uk

Cosy up in Thor's Tipi’s new Grand Alpine Hall New for 2021, Thor’s Tipi is offering a new festive experience in the grounds of York’s Principal Hotel, ideal for catching up with friends or a sneaky child-free lunch or night out (although children are welcome too). Not only will it be a festive sight to behold, but YUZU Street Food will be providing the food - amazing. Book in advance or keep your fingers crossed and just rock up.

11th November 2021 to 2nd January 2022 - thorstipi.com

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Explore the Christmas story at the Bar Convent Take a journey through the Christmas story with The Bar Convent's familyfriendly exhibition trail, follow the star to our eighteenth-century chapel and add a star to the dedication tree.

Christmas dinner will be available in the cafe too - please pre-book.

30 November- 21 December 2021 (Not including Sundays) - www.bar-convent.org.uk

Three Kings at Barley Hall Gold, frankincense and myrrh... the Three Kings and their gifts were an evocative part of the Christmas story in the 15th century, believed by medieval thinkers to invoke protection, magic and cures for disease. At Barley Hall this Christmas, explore how magic infiltrated this religious time in the middle ages, whilst discovering the fine line between science, religion and magic during the medieval period at the Magic & Mystery exhibition. barleyhall.co.uk

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© National Trust 2021 . Registered charity, No. 205846. © National Trust Images/James Dobson.

Christmas memories made at Nunnington Hall Wander the rooms, decorated with a nod to the festive season, and journey through time as you experience Christmas through the ages. How many traditions in the making will you recognise? Enjoy the garden and the beautiful seasonal colours and treat yourself to festive fare in the tea-garden by the fire pit. Father Christmas will also be visiting at the weekends - booking essential.

Open 26 November – 19 December, Friday – Sunday.

Social icon

nationaltrust.org.uk/nunnington

Circle Only use blue and/or white.

For more details check out our Brand Guidelines.

Where to see Santa around York this Christmas If your kids are keen to stay up late on Christmas Eve to sneak a peek of Santa, why not take them along to one of these lovely Father Christmas experiences instead?

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Santa’s Staycation (Part II) at Murton Park Santa loved his staycation at Murton Park so much last year that he’s decided to do it again and you’re invited! Step this way for a magical Christmas experience in Santa’s village where you’ll meet the big man himself in his winter cabin and children will receive Santa money to spend in the Magical Toy Shop. Then it’s onto the village to meet the cheeky elves followed by a visit to the bakehouse at the Derwent Valley Light Railway where adults can tuck into a complimentary mince pie and children will be given reindeer food to take home and put out on Christmas Eve. Selected dates in November and December 2021 - murtonpark.co.uk Issue 43

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FAMILY FUN FOR EVERYONE YORK LEISURE CENTRE If you’re looking for things to do with kids, York Leisure Centre at the York Stadium Leisure Complex at Monks Cross has a great range of activities guaranteed to turn up the fun. From junior gym, swimming, racquet sports and clip ‘n climb, the whole family will enjoy the great range of fun and affordable activities.

Pre-book your activities at better.org.uk/york-lc

Better is a registered trademark and trading name of GLL (Greenwich Leisure Limited), a charitable social enterprise and registered society under the Co-operative & Community Benefit & Societies Act 2014 registration no. 27793R. Registered office: Middlegate House, The Royal Arsenal, London, SE18 6SX. Inland Revenue Charity no: XR43398 VAT registration no: 219749179.

Christmas Festival at The Web Adventure Park For a full festive day out, The Web Adventure Park is a perfect place to park your sleigh. Enjoy an audience with Father Christmas, meet the elves and reindeer, watch Dazzling Darren’s Christmas performance and the Elf on the Shelf show.

That’s on top of the usual indoor and outdoor fun, from unlimited fairground rides and more indoor play options than you can imagine. Pre-booking required.

27th & 28th November, 4th, 5th, 11th, 12th and 18th – 24th December 2021 – webadventurepark.co.uk Issue 43

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Northwood Trail Northwood Trail is hosting a Santa experience with a difference: a more natural, wholesome and enchanting experience with stories, candles and imagination.

Dressed in green, Northwood’s St Nicholas mirrors the Father Christmas of the past, while Lady Winter encourages us to rest, be still and dream. Enjoy a glass of hot punch before making a wish with Lady Winter and listening to a short story with St Nicholas. Children will receive something symbolic to take home, and a chocolate coin too.

Sat/Sun 11th & 12th December, then 15th to 23rd December 2021 – northwoodtrail.co.uk www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK

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Meet Santa at York’s School of Magic Christmas is coming and Old Saint Nicholas is on his way to make a special visit to York School of Magic! But look alive young witches and wizards, for the evil forces of winter are prowling the city and the magical professors need your help to keep the festive season safe! Guided by the magical professor, you'll be taken on a winter wonderland journey through the winding streets of York. Within your 2-hour interactive experience with professional actors, you’ll learn spells, hunt for the school’s secret location through the historical city of York, and dine on delicious Christmas treats!

Selected dates in November and December; children's tickets include a gift from Santa - averymagicaladventure.co.uk Issue 43

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Explore Viking-Age York this Yuletide!

Book now jorvikvikingcentre.co.uk Coppergate, York, YO1 9WT

Christmas shows with added sparkle Silent night?

Not likely. Head along to one of these Christmas shows for fullthrottle festive entertainment for the whole family, or head to York Minster on Christmas Eve for a very York start to your celebrations.

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Horrible Histories presents Horrible Christmas Drive-in!

The world’s first car park drive-in returns to York this Christmas, enabling families across the UK to enter into the festive spirit in a safe, socially distanced manner, from the comfort of their own sleigh (car)! When Christmas comes under threat from a jolly man dressed in red, it’s up to one young boy to save the day – but can he save Christmas? From Victorian villains to Medieval monks, Puritan parties to Tudor treats, join us on a hair-raising adventure through the history of Christmas in the company of Charles Dickens, Oliver Cromwell, King Henry VIII and St Nicholas as they all join forces to save the festive season!

Sunday 2nd January 2022 - 11AM, 2PM & 5PM - Elvington Airfield, York - carparkparty.com

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Cinderella at York Theatre Royal

York Minster Crib service

It’s the timeless tale we all love, moved to York and starring CBeebies’ favourite, Andy Day! This brand new pantomime runs from 3rd December 2021 to 2nd January 2022 and promises singing, dancing, sparkling costumes and big smiles all round.

The York Minster Crib Service is a very popular way for York families to see in the festive season on Christmas Eve (11.30am). Expect the traditional Christmas story told in a very familyfriendly way, with carols to sing along to.

It's a very relaxed affair, where dressing up in your best Christmas jumper is encouraged.

3rd December 2021 to 2nd January 2022 - Visit the York Theatre Royal website for more info and tickets

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This year, you'll need to book your free tickets online - they'll be available from 10am on Tuesday 9th November 2021. Visit yorkminster.org

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Dick Turpin Rides Again at Grand Opera House York

Fizzy Finn Finds His Feet at Friargate Theatre

The Grand Opera House York reunites Berwick with his band of pantomime favourites, Martin Barrass, Suzy Cooper, AJ Powell and David Leonard in a production packed full of madcap comedy, spectacular song and dance, and a Wagon Wheel or two!

New children’s show, Fizzy Finn Finds His Feet promises a crackling Christmas treat with vivid storytelling, original music and creative puppetry. Finn is a fidget. His brain is ablaze with an unbreakable buzz that fizzes to his fingers and tickles his toes… or it would do if he could only find his feet. Join Finn and Tink the cobbler in her amazing story-telling Shoe Shop, full of shoes filled with exciting, enlightening stories. Written for children who found that lockdown made them anxious, this play helps them bravely find their feet in a stormy world.

Suitable for age 5+.

December 11, 2021 to January 9, 2022 - atgtickets.com

Friargate Theatre, 2 Lower Friargate, York YO1 9SL - December 18th, 20th, 21st, 22nd and 23rd 2021 (times vary) - ridinglights.org

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The

Mount School York

“

There is an amazing sense of empowerment throughout the whole school.

My daughters know they can achieve anything.

“

& THEY DO AT THE MOUNT The Mount School York are leaders in educating girls and understanding their needs, inspiring and empowering confident young women, enabling them to believe nothing is beyond their reach.

Come and visit us to discover how a Mount School education empowers girls to know they can.

Autumn OPEN EVENTS 9 OCT | 12 OCT 11 NOV | 17 NOV

Visit mountschoolyork.co.uk to find out more

Little Vikings visit…The Potions Cauldron to try the new potions experience Issue 43

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The secret's out! There's a new family attraction in town and it's magic! Tucked away at the back of The Potions Cauldron at 9¾ Shambles - one of York’s most famous streets - is a hidden chamber where potions experiences are now on offer, and we went along to try it before it opened. Read on for more, and enter our competition to win a family ticket.

We made our way through the busy apothecary racked with tinctures, tonics and magical items (take note, Christmas shoppers) and stepped behind the curtain into the potion chamber. Not only is this one of York's newest attractions, but it's also the smallest. So while there might not be enough room to swing a black cat, they've cleverly created a welcoming space with a sprinkle of sorcery.

At the invitation of Chief Wizard Kai, we took a pew (literally - there are three pews to choose from) and waited for the magic to begin. If we let too many spoilers out of the cauldron, we might find our toes being toasted by a dragon, so let's just say that the 25-minute experience involves an introduction to potions, a bit of a show and a few surprises. It's best suited to children who can sit still for long enough, listen to a story and don't mind an unexpected loud noise or two (although it's more silly than it is scary). Oh, and they'll need to be happy to tuck into a potion (slushie), but that's probably not going to be an issue for most kids! There's even an option for 'poisonous' potions for the adults, which we were more than happy to tuck into after a long day's work.

The Potions Experience runs every day and you can pre-book a time slot online or in the shop itself. It's £5.99 per person or £7.99 for the poisonous potion experience.

The Potions Cauldron, 9 3/4 Shambles, York YO1 7LZ - Visit The Potions Cauldron website for more details or to book.

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OUR GIFT GUIDE

If you want to spread a little love as you work down your Christmas shopping list , shop local. It’s been another topsy turvy year for local businesses, so put away your phone, turn off your tablet and enjoy a shopping trip around York. Enjoy personal service, discover gifts you wouldn’t find elsewhere and find somewhere cosy to refuel as you go.

Here are just a few present ideas that should guarantee smiles on Christmas morning.

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FOR KIDS 1. Chocolate frogs, from £4.99, The Potions Cauldron 9 ¾ Shambles, York - thepotionscauldron. com 2. Dragon eggs bath explosions, £6.99, The Potions Cauldron 9 ¾ Shambles, York - thepotionscauldron. com 3. Chocolate guinea, £2.50, Bettys 6-8 St. Helen’s Square, York YO1 8QP bettys.co.uk

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4. Penguin boat toy, £12.99, Wunderplay 39 Stonegate, York YO1 8AW or wunderplay.co.uk 5. Blue Bird Cottage with furniture, £119.95, Wunderplay 39 Stonegate, York YO1 8AW or wunderplay.co.uk 6. LNER Azuma Bigjigs toy train, £17, National Railway Museum Leeman Road York YO26 4XJ railwaymuseum.org.uk 7. Ricosta Alex Boot, £58, Watkinsons 53 Goodramgate , York, YO1 7LS watkinsonsshoes.com 28 www.little-vikings.co.uk

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FOR ADULTS 1. York Minster T-shirt, £20, Winstons 28 Back Swinegate, York YO1 8AD winstonsofyork.co.uk 2. Triple mini York Gin gift set, £18 12 Pavement, York YO1 9UP - yorkgin. com 3. Hot chocolate and biscuits gift bag, £19.50, Bettys 6-8 St. Helen’s Square, York YO1 8QP bettys.co.uk

4. Sheepskin slippers, £70, Watkinsons 53 Goodramgate, York, YO1 7LS watkinsonsshoes.com 5. Roka backpack, £64.95 53 Goodramgate, York, YO1 7LS watkinsonsshoes.com 6. Midwinter candle from The Little Yorkshire Candle Co., £32 72 Goodramgate York YO1 7LF thelittleyorkshirecandlecompany.co.uk

RIDING LIGHTS THEATRE COMPANY’S CHRISTMAS SHOW FOR CHILDREN 5+

...in a crackling new CHRISTMAS adventure

TICKETS

Adults £8 | Children (U16) £6 Show duration 50 mins

Box Office

FRIARGATE THEATRE FRIARGATE 18-23 DEC LOWER YORK. YO1 9SL

ridinglights.org/fizzy-finn | 01904 613000

LITTLE VIKINGS AWARDS 2022 THE FINALISTS! Proudly sponsored by

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Thank you to each and every person who has taken the time over the past few weeks to nominate their favourite family-friendly businesses, people and places around York for a Little Vikings Award 2022 (sponsored by Bootham School). We’ve had a record-breaking number of nominations and those with the most nominations have made it through to the finals.

Now we’re handing it over to you again to vote for your favourites. You’ve got until midnight on 31st December 2021 to share some love and give hard-working businesses a huge boost as we head into 2022. To vote, just head over to the Little Vikings website. Winners will be announced towards the end of January.

Special recognition award These are the people and places who have been nominated by you for going the extra mile this year.

• Kate Veysey, York Theatre Royal, for all her work with York Theatre Royal Youth Theatre • Allison Freeman for running so many great arts activities for kids at York Army Museum • Christine Banham for turning out in all weathers for creative and engaging sessions with Young Friends of Rowntree Park

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ATTRACTIONS AND EXPERIENCES BEST FAMILY ATTRACTION IN YORK

BEST GORY EXPERIENCE

• • • • •

• York Dungeon • The Bloody Tour of York • Dorian Deathly’s Deathly Dark Ghost Tour of York • Hallowtween at York Maze

York Army Museum Piglets Adventure Farm National Railway Museum JORVIK Viking Centre York Castle Museum

BEST FAMILY ATTRACTION (YORKSHIRE COAST) • • • •

Sea Life, Scarborough Whitby Abbey Alpamare, Scarborough Sewerby Hall, Bridlington

BEST FAMILY ATTRACTION (YORKSHIRE DALES) • • • •

Mother Shipton’s Bolton Abbey Forbidden Corner World of James Herriot

BEST FAMILY ATTRACTION (NORTH YORK MOORS) • • • •

North York Moors Railway Dalby Forest Castle Howard William’s Den

BEST RAINY DAY EXPERIENCE • • • •

National Railway Museum The Web Adventure Park York Leisure Centre Rainbows Ceramics

BEST CHOCOLATE EXPERIENCE

BEST FAMILY FESTIVAL • • • • •

Yorkshire Balloon Fiesta Deer Shed JORVIK Viking Festival York Ice Trail Totfest

BEST CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE • • • • •

Mother Shipton’s Castle Howard Murton Park Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland North York Moors Railway Santa Express

BEST MAGICAL EXPERIENCE • • • •

Northwood Trail Fairy Sanctuary The Hole in Wand The Potions Cauldron A Very Magical Adventure

BEST TOUR OF YORK • Dorian Deathly’s Deathly Dark Ghost Tour of York • City Sightseeing Bus Tours • York Dungeon Trick and Treat Walking Tour • City Cruises river tour

• York’s Chocolate Story • York Cocoa Works • Hot chocolate at Cocoa Joe’s

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BEST CLASSES FOR KIDS IN YORK BEST BABY/TODDLER SWIMMING CLASS • • • •

Swimming with Linzi Pure Swim Yorkshire Waterbabies Froggy Legs

BEST SWIMMING CLASS (4+) • • • •

York Sport Brightwater Swim School Carol Saunders Swim School York Swimming Academy

BEST ACTIVE CLASS

BEST PREGNANCY CLASS • • • •

Yoga with Alison at Stables Yoga Yoga with For Modern Mothers Puddle Ducks aquanatal Hypnobirthing with For Modern Mothers

BEST MUSIC CLASS • • • •

My Baby Can Dance Tiny Stompers Baby Band Tiny Toes

BEST CREATIVE CLASS

• Gymnastics at The Little Gym • Junior triathlon at York Sport • Gymnastics at York City Gymnastics Foundation • Clip’n’climb at York Leisure Centre

• • • • •

BEST DRAMA CLASS

BEST HOLIDAY CLUB OR CAMP

• • • •

• • • •

Youth Theatre at York Theatre Royal PQA York Stagecoach York Crafty tales with Storycraft Theatre

Crafty Tales with Story Craft Theatre Lingo Tot York Phonics Stars York Blank Canvas Art Club Phonics with Robot Reg York

York City Football Club Foundation United Adventure Camp Total Sports Ignite Sports Coaching

BEST DANCE CLASS • • • •

Lisa Marie Performing Arts En Pointe Yorkshire Rose Academy of Dance The Little Yorkshire Dance Academy

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BIRTHDAY PARTIES BEST BIRTHDAY PARTY PROVIDER • • • • •

BEST BIRTHDAY PARTY ENTERTAINER

The Web Adventure Park The Woodland Adventure Company Point Zero Trampoline Park Agility Clip’n’climb at York Leisure Centre

• Janet and Cassie, Story Craft Theatre • Josh Benson • Adam from The Woodland Adventure Company

ENTERTAINMENT BEST CINEMA

BEST THEATRE

• • • •

• • • •

Vue Everyman City Screen Cineworld

York Theatre Royal Grand Opera House York Joseph Rowntree Theatre Children’s shows At the Mill, Stillington

PLACES TO STAY BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATION • • • •

Middletons Hotel York The Grand, York Novotel York Roomzzz York

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BEST CAMPING/GLAMPING • Jollydays • Humble Bee Farm • Allerthorpe Lakeland P

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EATING OUT BEST BREAKFAST

BEST ICE CREAM

• • • •

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The Pig & Pastry Robinsons Brew & Brownie Partisan

LICC Roberto’s Gelato Trinacria Two Hoots ice cream boat

BEST LUNCH

BEST DATE NIGHT DESTINATION

• • • •

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The Balloon Tree Laughing Llama Plush Cafe House of Trembling Madness

BEST SUNDAY ROAST • • • •

Pairings Rustique Skosh Spark:York Sora Sky Bar

The Dawnay Arms, Newton on Ouse The Rattle Owl The Balloon Tree The Three Cups

CHILDCARE BEST NURSERY • Dinky Groves Day Nursery • York Childcare Nurseries • Muddy Boots • Little Green Rascals • Little Bugs - The Web Adventure Park

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LITTLE VIKINGS EAT AT… Bluebird Bakery, Acomb Having heard the rumour of the opening of a new Bluebird Bakery cafe and bakery in Acomb, we watched the transformation of the old Bathstore shop with greedy anticipation during the summer months. After giving it a polite week or so after the grand opening for the manic queues to calm down (it’s fair to say that a lot of other people had been looking forward to it just as much as us), we headed along to see if it had been worth the wait.

First impressions - Perhaps we shouldn’t have been surprised, given that it used to be a bathroom showroom, but the cafe is much larger than we’d expected. Occupying a corner plot with a decent amount of space for outdoor and indoor seating, there’s no shortage of places to perch. Of course, you can just pop in for a loaf of bread or cake and coffee to take away, but they’ve created such a light and cosy space that you’ll probably want to stay a while - we certainly did. Watched over by pretty hanging plants, the long wooden tables encourage conversation and just one more hot cup of something for the road.

Love to people watch? Grab a stool by the window. There’s plenty of space to manoeuvre buggies and wheelchairs, and the relaxed atmosphere means that it’s the sort of place you could take a tiring toddler or grumpy teenager without worrying about everyone being on their best behaviour (and don’t forget everyone’s happier after a caramel slice anyway).

What’s on the menu - Bluebird Bakery is known for its serious real bread credentials, so there are plenty of bread-based treats on the menu. As well as savoury sandwiches, toasties and pastries, there’s an array of tempting sweet things on offer, including their signature Bluebird Bakery brownies. We visited Issue 43

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at that strange time of day when it’s too early for lunch but too late for breakfast, so we decided to share some savoury pastries and salted caramel slices with a delicious cup of coffee on the side (for the grown-ups, obviously; there are soft drinks for kids). It all tasted as good as it looked, and the only problem was not having enough of an appetite left to try more of what was on offer. Perhaps that’s a good thing though, and the perfect excuse to return.

Good to know - Bluebird Bakery is so family-friendly that it even has a children’s corner complete with kids’ books and a little kitchen. It’s a really thoughtful touch that will hopefully allow parents to enjoy a coffee or tea while it’s still hot - a rare treat.

The verdict - Acomb, we’re jealous. Bluebird Bakery is everything we’d hoped for - a welcoming independent cafe with lovely things to eat and drink. We’ll be back.

Bluebird Bakery, 201 Acomb Rd, Acomb, York YO24 3HD - bluebirdbakery.co.uk

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LITTLE VIKINGS MAKE... mince pie crumble slices

Every year we buy a jar of mincemeat around November, and more often than not it's still sitting there in January because, despite our best festive intentions, we haven't got round to making our own mince pies. Well, this is the perfect recipe if you've got a jar knocking about that you'd like to transform into something tasty and - importantly - low effort!

Method 1. Pre-heat the oven to 180c and grease/line a 20cm x 20cm tin with greaseproof paper.

2. By hand or electric mixer: in a large mixing bowl, rub the butter and flour until it's like breadcrumbs. Add the sugar, spice and mix well.

3. Spoon half of the mixture into the tin and press down well into the tin with a large spoon. Make sure it covers the whole of the tin and is pushed into the corners, and has a flat surface.

4. Bake in the oven for 15 - 20 minutes until cooked through and starting to go golden on top. Allow to cool for 5 minutes.

5. In a small bowl, mix the grated apple and satsuma zest into the mincemeat (if you're leaving out the additional fruit, skip this step).

6. Spread the mincemeat evenly over the cooked base, then add the second half of the crumble mixture and flatten gently.

7. Bake through for around 25 - 30 minutes until golden but not too brown, and smelling delicious.

8. Cool in the tin, then cut into squares or slices.

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Ingredients • • • • • •

175g butter, cold and cut into cubes 300g self-raising flour 50g light brown sugar 1 teaspoon mixed spice Pinch of salt One apple, grated and zest of one satsuma (optional) • 450g/500g mincemeat (the nicer the mincemeat, the better the slices will be)

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Christmas Issue 43

Little Vikings make… a nature snowflake This decoration is not only a beautiful winter craft but also a great way to develop and practise some fine motor skills in children. One of the best parts is getting the whole family out in nature looking for sticks and other natural treasures that will be used to decorate their star.

1. Make sure the sticks are dry and snap or cut to size.

2. Paint the sticks and pieces of nature and allow to dry (painting is optional - you may prefer the more natural look) 3. Tie the sticks in the middle to form the star using twine by wrapping around (if you have a hot glue gun you may want to also use this to help hold it in place).

4. Wrap the elastic bands on the sticks and invite the children to slide in the pieces of nature - weaving into the bands so the pieces of nature stay put. This is great for developing fine motor skills and resilience!

You can add more bands and more nature if you so choose.

5. If you’d like to hang the stars, add a twine loop at the top or you can just balance them on your Christmas tree or a shelf.

Catkin & co is a York based small business that creates nature based kits and resources for children. Forest school inspired, encouraging a love and understanding of the natural world. www.catkinand.co

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You will need:

EMILY SUTTON

• 4 Sticks of around the same size • Bits of nature such as fern, pine, or whatever may work!

• Twine (or elastic bands) • White acrylic paint and brush • Scissors

Saturday 13 November – Sunday 2 January

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Little Vikings Book Club

York

for k

ids

As far as gifts go, books are hard to beat. These three books would be lovely to give (or receive) this Christmas and will be treasured forever. Thanks to our friends at The Blue House Bookshop for selecting their top picks this festive season.

A Poet for Every Day of the Year

by Allie Esiri A Poet for Every Day and one spare makes this the perfect introduction to 366 of the world's greatest ever verse writers. Perfect for reading aloud and sharing with all the family, it is bursting at the seams with familiar favourites and exciting new discoveries. You can dip in and out and find your favourite verse and remember that poetry is still a thing.

It’s a treasury of poetry for all ages. £20

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Change Sings - A Children's Anthem

by Amanda Gorman A children’s anthem written by the young poet who gained prominence at the inauguration of President Biden back in January. From keeping the world tidy and clean, to making greater change with tolerance and by not being mean. Great illustrations take the story along – from the humming for change to proudly singing the song. The rhyme and melody encourage us all to be one voice for a better world. It’s about the power of change in the world and in our communities, but most of all within ourselves. A picture book for 4 years up to teenage. £12.99

Harry Potter - A Magical Year The illustrations of Jim Kay For the Harry Potter fans who have all the add-on merchandise already, here’s something that will last a little longer. A guide through the year with illustrations and quotes from the books triggering the stories and moments of all seven Rowling tales.

Illustrator Jim Kay has been part of the Potter story since the illustrated versions came out six years ago, and his dazzling depiction of the wizarding world has been enchanting readers ever since. A Potter annual gift book for children and teenagers. £25.

Our thanks to The Blue House Book Shop on Bootham for these hand-picked recommendations 10 Bootham, York YO30 7BL www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK

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Jokes

What do you get if you cross Santa with a duck?

A Christmas quacker!

Who delivers presents to little sharks at Christmas?

Santa jaws!

What’s the best Christmas present?

A broken drum - you can’t beat it!

Why was the snowman looking through the carrots?

He was picking his nose!

What do monkeys sing at Christmas?

Jungle bells!

What do you call a cheeky reindeer?

Rude-dolph!

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Why Little Vikings loves...

Christmas shopping in York Lots of lovely independent shops to choose from

Warm up with mulled wine or hot chocolate at Thor’s Tipi (Parliament Street/ Principal Hotel)

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Unique gifts you won’t find elsewhere Kids love the twinkling lights and decorations

Plenty of festive photo opportunities Go early/late to beat the crowds

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18 November to 23 December This year, the hugely popular St Nicholas Fair will return to York.

Charming alpine chalets will once again line the streets from 18 November to 23 December, with local businesses selling everything from handmade gifts to delicious treats.

Find a copy of our brand new Christmas guide online at visityork.org/christmas or pop into the Visit York Information Centre at 1 Museum Street, York.

visityork.org/christmas

York Castle Museum Presents

On select dates from

November 2021 – January 2022 Discover more at yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk York Museums Trust

Pre-booking advised