Little Vikings - Issue 51 - Christmas 2023

York for kids Issue 51

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Christmas 2023

The Best of York for Families this Christmas

Hello!

The sleigh bells are ringing, the lights are twinkling and there’s a scent of mulled wine in the air. Yep, it’s the jolliest time of year, and one of the loveliest times to visit York with your family. From festive days out to award-winning pantomimes and a wonderful selection of Santa experiences, there’s something for everyone. Read on for our hand-picked recommendations for things to do, the best Christmas shows for kids and some gorgeous gift ideas.

Don’t forget to check out the shortlists in this year’s Little Vikings Awards. Why not spread a little seasonal love by voting for your favourite finalists? Keep an eye out for the winners in the New Year.

Wishing you a wonderful Christmas and a very happy New Year!

Best wishes,

All at Little Vikings HQ x

Since last issue, we've….

• Picked a pumpkin (or several) at The Balloon Tree. We’re planning a return trip for our Christmas tree.

• Taken two teens on the Deathly Dark Tour and loved it - it’s an entertaining way to explore the city while hearing some of the York’s best ghost stories • Had a lovely day out at Beningbrough Hall, Gallery & Gardens.

The gardens are gorgeous and the kids love the play area.

• Tucked into a tasty breakfast at the new Dark Horse Cafe Bar on Bishopthorpe Road. Give it a try!

Little Vikings was founded and is run by a York family. Contact us at hello@little-vikings.co.uk.

Content © Little Vikings 2023. 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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Festive experiences and days out Christmas in Neverland at Castle Howard This year's theme is Christmas in Neverland! Fly into the adventure of a lifetime bursting with fairies, mermaids, and pirates. Vast ships will cruise into Castle Howard's great galleries, Lost Boy laughter will echo through the halls, and beautiful rooms will transform into tropical lagoons.

Follow the boy that never grew up into a fantastical festive world that will re-ignite your belief in fairies and leave your heart full.

Castlehoward.co.uk

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Christmas Tree Festival at York Minster York Minster has a selection of fabulously festive activities that children will enjoy, from a Christmas Tree Festival to the York Minster crib service. The Christmas Tree Festival is lovely, with 60 trees on display in the cathedral’s stunning Nave, Chapter House and Lady Chapel.

Excitingly, this year there will even be a Little Vikings Christmas tree! Visitors can also follow our Christmas Tree Trail to spot trees and their decorations around the cathedral.Entry is included in general admission.

Yorkminster.org

Winter Woodland at Sewerby Hall An all-new spectacular display of lights, sounds and special effects will bring the grounds to life for a great evening out this festive season. This year’s Sewerby Winter Woodland will include a new route and a new theme – a chance to embark on a Magical Christmas Rescue, along with a host of cheerful festive characters! 8th to 22nd December 2023 sewerbyhall.co.uk

The Plotters’ Forest Enchanted Christmas Trail at Raby Castle Embark on an enchanting journey through The Plotters’ Forest and create cherished memories with your loved ones this holiday season. Immerse yourself in the magic of the Enchanted Christmas Trail, where twinkling lights and festive music guide your path through a captivating winter wonderland. As the sun sets and the night sky emerges, watch in awe as the trail comes to life under the blanket of darkness, each corner illuminated with a warm and inviting glow. Choose from day and evening tickets. raby.co.uk Issue 51

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Enjoy a magical Christmas at Barley Hall This winter, see Barley Hall decked out and ready for a medieval Christmas, with flickering candles and garlands of ivy and mistletoe. Little ones can make themselves at home, join in dress-up fun and activities in a Tudor School Room and experience what it would have been like to live in medieval England. Have fun exploring The Bard at Barley Hall exhibition, with costumes worn by Hollywood icons. Have a go at shadow puppet theatre and guess the Shakespearean play from the smell box! barleyhall.co.uk

Dig into some archaeological fun At DIG, kids get to discover only the most exciting archaeological artefacts from the 2000 years of history hidden under the streets of York. Four excavation pits are filled with Roman, Viking, medieval and Victorian finds, so you can grab a trowel and dig up the clues that show how people lived in these times. This is a one-of-a-kind! So… DIG IT! SHAKE IT! SEE IT! FEEL IT! FIND IT! The last tour of every day (during term time) is dedicated to DIG’s adult-only session, where you can DIG Deeper into the story of York’s archaeology. This winter you can also explore the brand new Soundmarks exhibition. digyork.co.uk Issue 51

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We Create Amazing Experiences.

Enjoy a Viking Yuletide Take the kids to the award-winning JORVIK Viking Centre and meet a Viking this Yuletide!

Forget the 12 days of Christmas, the Vikings would spend 12 days enjoying the mid-winter festival of Yule drinking mead and eating their way through a fantastic feast featuring a wild boar. So celebrate Christmas the Norse way and take a trip to Viking-age York.

Explore the 10th-century city - Travel around Viking-age York, experiencing what it was like living in the city. The sights, sounds and even the smells of the Viking Age (including rotting fish and cabbage!) are brought vividly back to life as you journey back 1,000 years. Listen to a Norse couple arguing over what to have for dinner, take in smells from fish to woodsmoke and spot the famous Bogar – who has been sitting on the toilet since the day it opened!

Meet a Viking - Chat to friendly Viking hosts who have a wealth of knowledge about Norse culture. Ask them about the saga of Odin delivering gifts to children on his eight-legged horse Sleipnir or if Vikings would decorate Christmas trees and tuck into a delicious meal! Get up close with some of the most significant Viking-age finds in the UK from delicate earrings and padlocks to musical instruments and even a fossilised Viking poo!

Dig deeper into the Viking story of York using the latest in cutting-edge technology located throughout the centre and the opportunity to handle real artefacts.

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As seen on Channel 4

Book now for a magical Neverland-themed festive experience castlehoward.co.uk

MARTIN DODD FOR UK PRODUCTIONS PROUDLY PRESENTS

BERWICK KALER MARTIN BARRASS SUZY COOPER AJ POWELL AND DAVID LEONARD

SAT 9 DEC 2023 – SAT 6 JAN 2024

BOOK NOW AT ATGTICKETS.COM/york* *Fees apply.

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A Christmas Tale – The Man Who Fell from the Sky Christmas Menu in Café 77 And featuring … Santa’s Airline 2023 – our special grotto in a unique location!

More information at: yorkshireairmuseum.org/xmas

Santa encounters

If a meeting with the big man in red is on the top of your child’s festive wishlist, you’re in luck! We can’t be sure how he manages to be in so many different places at once - must be the festive magic but there are loads of lovely options around York. Catch him on the farm, meet him on a boat or even aboard a steam train! Here are our top picks for places to meet Father Christmas around York this year.

www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK

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Christmas at Murton Park

Enchanted

There are two experiences for you to choose from at Murton Park.

First up, Tea with Santa, where you’ll enjoy a one-to-one with Santa and a delicious one-course meal at The Yorkshire Barn Café. For the original experience, book Christmas at Murton Park, an enchanting experience in Santa’s village, including meeting the big man in red, a train ride with Mother Christmas and much more.

Murtonpark.co.uk

Meet Father Christmas on the river with City Cruises’ Santa Experience Explore Santa’s North Pole Grotto then step onto the most festively adorned boat in York, accompanied by one of Santa’s elves and St. Nick! With personalised gifts, festive nibbles and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s a festive event to remember.

Citycruises.com

Nautical North Yorkshire Moors Railway Santa Special

All aboard

The ever-popular North Yorkshire Moors Railway Santa Special is back this Christmas! Join Santa and his special team of elves from Pickering or Grosmont Station before a magical adventure aboard the Santa Express. There’ll be enchanting activities and onboard entertainment throughout the hour-long journey. Every child will have the opportunity to meet the one and only Santa Claus!

Nymr.co.uk

Meet Father Christmas at Mother Shipton’s

Mystical

Twinkling lights draw you into the wonder of Mother Shipton’s magical, memory-making Christmas experience in Knaresborough. Enjoy a personal family visit with Santa in his grotto, gather around Holly Berry, the enchanting storyteller, create your very own bag of reindeer food and find the Snowy Owl Sorting Office and send your heartfelt wishes to Santa mothershiptons.co.uk Issue 51

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The Christmas Experience at Lotherton 2023 There’s a variety of festive experiences on offer at Lotherton’s Christmas Experience for 2023, from a one-on-one meeting with Father Christmas to a shorter experience for younger children or just a Christmassy day out including a new winter woodland walk.

Booking required.

25 November 2023 to 7 January 2024 thechristmasexperience.co.uk

Festive

Piglets Adventure Farm Magical Sleigh Ride All aboard Santa's sleigh for an unforgettable Christmas adventure! Check in at Elf Airlines before being guided through snowy trees and twinkling lights to Santa's village where you'll be greeted by elves. Meet Santa and collect a magic key to unlock Santa's toy shop and choose your favourite gift. Enjoy the Elf Academy show, visit Mrs Claus's Sweet Shop, craft reindeer food, and more festive fun!

Pigletsadventurefarm.com

Fly away

Chocolate making with Santa at York’s Chocolate Story Join a chocolate making with Santa experience where you'll meet Santa and make delicious chocolate lollies with him and his trusty elf. This guided tour experience will take you on a journey through the rich history of chocolate. You’ll be amazed by fascinating facts and then get stuck into some chocolate-making. Receive a special hand-delivered gift from Santa and have the opportunity to snap a photo with the jolly man himself.

1st to 26th December 2023 - yorkschocolatestory.com

Sweet

Meet Father Christmas at Northwood Trail Expect a natural, wholesome and enchanting experience with stories, candles and imagination. Dressed in green, Northwood’s St Nicholas mirrors the Father Christmas of the past. Enjoy a glass of hot punch (alcoholic/non-alcoholic), before being taken to the woodland grotto to make a wish with Lady Winter and a short story with St Nicholas. Children will receive something symbolic to take home, and a chocolate coin too.

Northwoodtrail.co.uk www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK

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Magical Christmas Issue 51

Christmas shows and entertainment It's panto season! Take a look at our pick of the best pantomimes and Christmas shows around York this year.

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Jack at the Beanstalk Robinson Crusoe at York Theatre Royal and The Pirates of York Theatre Royal’s ever-popular the River Ouse pantomime returns with a muchloved classic, Jack and the Beanstalk.

Expect stunning sets, lavish costumes, breathtaking special effects and lashings of panto magic.

It stars Eastenders’ Nina Wadia as Fairy Sugarsnap, CBeebies’ James Mackenzie as the villainous Luke Backinanger and York favourite Robin Simpson as Dame Trott! Family tickets available for all performances.

8th December 2023 to 7th January 2024 - yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

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York legend Berwick Kaler returns this year for another madcap panto at the Grand Opera House York: Robinson Crusoe and The Pirates of The River Ouse. Berwick will be joined on the Grand Opera House stage by his usual gang for a hilarious take on the classic story of the sailor from York who finds himself marooned on a desert island and finds that he’s not alone.

9th December 2023 to 6th January 2024 - atgtickets.com

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The

Mount School York

PRE-SCHOOL & RECEPTION 2024 GIRLS & BOYS ENROL NOW mountschoolyork.co.uk

York Minster Crib Service

Festive Feast with York Stage

The Crib Service is a lovely way to get into the festive spirit, and it’s a family tradition for many Yorkies. Expect a relaxed retelling of the Christmas story and plenty of carols. Dressing up is positively encouraged. Free tickets must be pre-booked in advance.

York Stage proudly presents a Festive Feast of Christmas songs, ranging from the traditional to modern pop, and of course a few musical theatre classics… there really is something for everyone’s musical palate. Get ready for an evening of sensational vocals, featuring a host of York Stage talent accompanied by Adam Tomlinson and his band, as they take to the stage at Theatre@41 for the ultimate Christmas experience suitable for all the family.

23rd December 2023 - yorkminster.org

15th to 22nd December 2023 – Theatre@41 York tickets.41monkgate.co.uk/

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THE LITTLE VIKINGS GIFT GUIDE Shop local and spread some festive joy this Christmas

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1. Bath explosion potion jar, £7.99 The Potions Cauldron, Shambles, York (thepotionscauldron.com)

5. Football fidget cube, £4.99 - Totally Awesome, Colliergate (totallyawesome.co.uk)

2. Chocolate frogs, £4.99 - The Potions Cauldron, Shambles, York (thepotionscauldron.com)

6. Flying Scotsman kids’ pyjamas, £25 National Railway Museum (shop.sciencemuseum.org.uk)

3. Midwinter luxury scented candle, £50 - Born of Botanics, Stonegate, York bornofbotanics.co.uk

7. NRM plush bear, £18 - National Railway Museum (shop.sciencemuseum.org.uk)

4. Uno Junior, £9.99 - Totally Awesome, Colliergate (totallyawesome.co.uk)

8. Voucher for a spa at No.1 by Guest House (guesthousehotels.co.uk/no-1-york/)

www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK

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9. York Minster T-shirt, £15 winstonsofyork.co.uk/ 10. Jellycat Christmas cake, £18 - Stonegate Teddy Bears (stonegateteddybears.co.uk) 11. Nature advent cards, £10 - Catkin & Co. (https://www.catkinand.co/) 12. York Gin Christmas Cracker, £10 - York Gin (yorkgin.com/christmascrackers/)

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Little Vikings Awards 2024 The Finalists!

It’s another record-breaking year for nominations, with thousands of you taking the time to nominate your favourite things to do and places to go in and around York with kids. Take a look at the shortlists to find out who received the most nominations. It’s so important that our awards really reflect the places that you love, and that’s why it’s over to you again to vote for your favourites. Voting closes at midnight on New Year’s Eve and winners will be announced in the New Year, so hop over to our website and have your say.

Many thanks to our headline sponsor, the Yorkshire Museum, one of the best museums in York for children! Thank you to our category sponsors: Queen Ethelburga’s, Middletons Hotel, The Mount School, Delta Hotels by Marriott York, Bill’s York, Terrington Hall Prep School, Yorkshire Air Museum and York Leisure Centre.

www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK

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Special recognition award - Sponsored

by Delta Hotels by Marriott York • Wacky Warehouse Flying Legends for providing SEN sessions for children living with a disability in York and their families.

• Lucy Corbally Yoga • Abigail, Charity Manager at Rowntree Park, for her Make Space for Girls campaign • Pure Swim- despite some very difficult personal circumstances for owner Paula Stewart, who lost her husband to cancer, her team rallied round and continued to provide brilliant swimming lessons for all their swimmers.

Attractions - Sponsored by Middletons Hotel York Best family attraction in York • • • • •

Piglets Adventure Farm York Castle Museum National Railway Museum Murton Park The Web Adventure Park

Best family attraction (Yorkshire Coast) • • • •

Sewerby Hall Whitby Abbey Sea Life Scarborough North Yorkshire Water Park

Best family attraction (Yorkshire Dales) • • • •

Best family attraction (North York Moors) • • • • •

North Yorkshire Moors Railway Dalby Forest Woldies’s Lavender and Nature Farm Castle Howard Flamingo Land

Best rainy day destination • • • • •

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

Fountains Abbey Mother Shipton’s Forbidden Corner Bolton Abbey

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Classes for kids - Sponsored by Terrington Hall Prep School Best baby/toddler swimming class

Best pregnancy class

• • • • • •

• • • •

Water Babies Puddle Ducks Swimming with Linzi Pure Swim Yorkshire York Swimming Academy Baby Swimmers

Best swimming class (aged 4+) • • • • •

Brightwater Swim School York Sport Coral Magson Swim School Bootham Swim School York City Baths Club

Best active class • • • •

Gymnastics at The Little Gym Kixx Football Clip’n’climb at York Leisure Centre Wild Things Forest School

Best drama class • • • •

Story Craft Theatre York Stage School York Theatre Royal Youth Theatre PQA York

For Modern Mothers - Pregnancy yoga Lucy Corbally Yoga For Modern Mothers - Hypnobirthing Puddle Ducks aquanatal

Best music class • • • •

My Baby Can Dance York Sing and Sign York York Stage School - Yorkie Puds Tiny Toes Music

Best creative class • • • •

Wild Things Forest School Thunk-it Theatre Story Craft Theatre PQA York

Best holiday club/workshop • • • •

Camp QE York Sport multisport camp Yorkshire Rose Academy of Dance York City Knights Foundation

Best dance class • • • •

En Pointe Yorkshire Rose Academy of Dance Jazzy J’s Katie Ventress School of Dance

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Eating out - Sponsored by The Mount School Best breakfast

Best street food

• • • •

• • • •

The Balloon Tree Bluebird bakery Acomb Robinsons The Pig & Pastry

YUZU street food Shambles Kitchen The Boatyard, Bishopthorpe Shambles Market

Best lunch

Best cafe

• • • •

• • • •

The Balloon Tree Laughing Llama Spark:York Partisan

The Dark Horse Espresso Bar Brew & Brownie Bluebird Bakery, Acomb Robinson’s

Best Sunday roast

Best ice cream

• • • •

• • • •

The Fat Badger No1 York by Guesthouse The Balloon Tree Drovers Arms

LICC Trinacria Roberto Authentic Italian Gelato Two Hoots ice cream boat

Best date night destination • • • •

Spark:York Pairings Wine Bar Sora, Malmaison Everyman York

Childcare Best nursery • Dinky Groves Day Nursery • Little Green Rascals • Queens Kindergarten and Chapter House Nursery

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• York Campus Nursery • York Childcare

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Entertainment - Sponsored

by York Leisure Centre Best cinema

Best shop

• • • •

• • • •

Everyman Vue City Screen Cineworld

Totally Awesome The Potions Cauldron Cots to Tots The Blue House Bookshop

Best theatre • York Theatre Royal • Grand Opera House • Joseph Rowntree Theatre

Experiences - Sponsored by Bill’s York Best chocolate experience

Best Christmas experience

• • • •

• Santa’s Sleigh Ride at Piglets Adventure Farm • Christmas at Castle Howard • North Yorkshire Moors Railway - Santa Special • Christmas at Murton Park • City Cruises’ Santa Cruise • Christmas Adventure at Stockeld Park

York’s Chocolate Story York Cocoa Works workshops Cocoa Joe’s Hot chocolate at Wild Things Forest School

Best spooky experience • • • •

York Maze Hallowtween The Bloody Tour of York Deathly Dark Tours York Dungeon walking tours

Best tour of York • • • • •

Best festival for kids • • • •

Deer Shed Yorkshire Balloon Fiesta JORVIK Viking Festival York Pride

www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK

The Wizard Walk of York City Cruises Deathly Dark Tours The Bloody Tour of York York City Sightseeing

Best magical experience • The Hole in Wand • The Wizard Walk of York • Cauldron experience at The Potions Cauldron • Northwood Trail

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Birthday parties - Sponsored

by Yorkshire Air Museum Best birthday party provider

Best birthday party entertainer

• • • •

• • • •

The Web Adventure Park York Leisure Centre clip’n’climb Rainbows Ceramics The Woodland Adventure Co.

Just Josh The Wizard Walk of York Janet & Cassie, Story Craft Theatre Helen at Rainbows Ceramics

Places to stay - Sponsored by Queen Ethelburga’s Best family-friendly place to stay • • • • •

Middletons Delta Hotels by Marriott No1 by Guesthouse The Grand, York Novotel York

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Best family-friendly camping and glamping • • • • •

Baxby Manor Humblebee Farm Jollydays Allerthorpe Lakeland Park Catgill Campsite

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Sponsored by

www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK

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Review Wonderlab at the Railway Museum York

When it comes to things to do in York with kids, it can be hard to choo-choo-choose, but the National Railway Museum has long been one of our top recommendations. Not only is it home to an impressive collection of awe-inspiring engines, but in recent years they’ve added a variety of hands-on exhibits that encourage younger visitors to gain a deeper understanding of engineering and technology.

This interactive element of the museum has just got better - and bigger - with the launch of WONDERLAB: THE BRAMALL GALLERY. We’ve been along with our children to check out one of the most exciting developments in York for kids, and here’s what to expect.

What is Wonderlab?

Wonderlab is an innovative interactive gallery within the Railway Museum, designed to help children understand and investigate the how, what and why of the railways. It’s a fully hands-on experience aimed firmly at children aged seven to fourteen, with 18 challenges to get stuck into, as well as live shows throughout the day.

What’s it like?

Having visited the amazing Wonderlab at London’s Science Museum, we had high expectations of the York equivalent, and it didn’t disappoint. The space itself is beautiful: light, spacious and immediately appealing to children. After all, nothing says ‘you’re going to enjoy yourselves’ more than walking through a 12-metre-high spiky inflatable sculpture.

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Each of the activities has been thoughtfully placed so that there’s plenty of space for everyone: it never felt crowded and we didn’t need to queue for anything.

The challenges themselves are a clever mixture of high-tech and lo-fi, each relating in some way to engineering. In a refreshing change from the norm, our girls worked together to balance, build, shake, roll, topple, test and listen their way through the gallery. They were laser-focused on what they were doing without a screen in sight: a miracle. They most enjoyed constructing towers that might withstand an earthquake, standing in the wind tunnel, working out what engines are the most streamlined and playing with sand to see how a changing landscape affects how a train travels through it. They also loved constructing their own buildings with huge coloured blocks - an area that’s likely to be particularly popular with younger children.

Is it worth paying for?

Absolutely. We spent over two hours at Wonderlab with our 8 and 11-year-olds and even then we didn’t manage to get around all of the challenges or catch a live show. Our 8-year-old in particular was really impressed with it and has been telling her friends about it and asking to go back. Our children always love a visit to the Railway KID Museum and are perfectly happy SC checking out the vintage trains, GOL HRIST M FG watching the model railway and IFT AS S if they’re lucky and we’re feeling generous - having a ride on the land train into York. With the arrival of Wonderlab, there’s even more reason for us to go. For the quality of what’s on offer and the enjoyment that they’ll get from it, we think it’s worth the admission price for anyone with curious kids of the right age.

National Railway Museum, Leeman Rd, York YO26 4XJ www.railwaymuseum.org.uk

www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK

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Christmas in the North York Moors

Do you wanna build a snowman? Then we’ve got just the place: the beautiful North York Moors. Whether or not we’re lucky enough to get a flurry of snow, the Moors is the perfect place for memorable family experiences this Christmastime. Just a short drive from York, there’s so much to do in the national park that you might even want to stay a night or two to make the most of it (but book your accommodation early or you’ll probably discover that there’s no room at the inn!). Here’s our pick of the best things to do in the North York Moors this Christmas with kids.

All aboard the North Yorkshire Moors Railway - What could be more magical than meeting Santa aboard an actual steam train? The stuff of Christmas dreams-come-true, you’ll embark on an unforgettable journey through the epic winter landscapes of the North York Moors aboard a beautifully decorated steam train. Enjoy on-board entertainment, meet the elves and Santa, and receive a special gift to take home. Selected dates in November and December pre-booking required. www.nymr.co.uk/ Go for a walk and pick up your Christmas tree at Dalby Forest - For a festive family walk without the grumbles, Dalby Forest is a brilliant option.There are plenty of well-signed, family-friendly trails to choose from, including the interactive Zog Trail (download the app before you set off to make it even more fun) and you can warm up with a hot chocolate or some lunch in the Visitor Centre. Why not take a bit of the forest home with you by buying your Christmas tree from Dalby, too? www.forestryengland.uk/ Do some Christmas shopping - For quirky stocking fillers and tasty treats for the Christmas table, the market town of Helmsley is brimming with independent shops that will help you with your list. Kids not keen on shopping?

Reward their patience with a visit to Helmsley Castle: explore the ruins, channel your inner knight and have a go at hands-on activities. Need to walk off all those pigs in blankets? The easy walk between Helmsley Castle and Rievaulx Abbey is popular with families with older children. Malton’s Christmas Festival is a wonderful weekend of festive celebration, with a wonderful market, live music Issue 51

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York

residents 50 % off* *t& c

apply

and a gorgeous atmosphere (2nd and 3rd December).

Explore wonderful Whitby - Blow away the Christmas cobwebs with a trip to the stunning seaside town of Whitby. Head there before the big day to pick up unique gifts, from fossils and gems to a Whitby Lucky Duck, or check out what’s on offer at the Whitby Christmas Festival. Stretch your legs by climbing the 199 steps up to the abbey and you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views across the rooftops and harbour. And what better way to celebrate the new year than a stroll along the sandy beach followed by fish and chips? The resolutions can wait…

B O O K N OW

Find out more inspiration for family days out and places to stay in the North York by visiting the North York Moors website - northyorkmoors.org.uk

Christmas at York's Chocolate Story

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YORKSCHOCOLAT ESTORY.COM

Unwrap the history of chocolate

LITTLE VIKINGS MAKE... Rice Krispie Christmas Trees This is such a cute Christmas recipe that guarantees a festive sugar rush (sorry!). It's an easy one for kids to get involved with, and you can get as creative as you like with the decorating.

7. Carefully take it out of the tin and cut it into half, then quarters and eighths.

You should end up with 8 Christmas tree shapes.

Method 1. Line an 18cm cake tin with baking paper.

2. In a microwaveable bowl, put the broken-up white chocolate, golden syrup and butter. Carefully melt it in the microwave, 10 seconds at a time, stirring in between. This will take a few minutes but be patient so the mixture doesn't split or go grainy. If you don't have a microwave, do this step in a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water, stirring until smooth.

8. Make the icing by adding a couple of teaspoons of water to the icing sugar, then use it to create 'tinsel'. You can use a piping bag or do it by hand.

9. Decorate with sweets, and then leave to set. Merry Christmas!

Ingredients

6. Put the tin into the fridge to set for a couple of hours. Don't rush this stage or it'll be difficult to cut!

For the trees • 75g rice krispies • 40g butter • 1.5 tablespoon golden syrup • 125g white chocolate • A couple of drops of vanilla essence (optional but nice) • Green food colouring - a few drops For decorating • A selection of sweets for the decorations. We used Smarties and Jelly Tots for the baubles and some sprinkles just for fun. We also sprayed them with edible gold glitter and used Rolos for tree trunks

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3. Add the green food colouring until the mixture turns a nice deep green.

4. Put the Rice Krispies into a large mixing bowl, then pour in the green chocolate mixture. Mix it well until it's all combined and the cereal has all turned green. We found this easiest to do by hand. If it's not green enough, add a bit more colouring.

5. Pour the mixture into the cake tin and press down until it's smooth and flat.

Enchanted Christmas Trail From 18th November

DAY & EVENING TICKETS AVAILABLE www.raby.co.uk/whats-on 01833 660202 Raby Castle, Staindrop, Co. Durham, DL2 3AH

Catkin & Co. is a York-based small business that creates nature-based kits and resources for children. Visit catkinand.co

Book Now

Friday 8 - 22 December

TICKETS FROM £12 @sewerbyhall #winterwoodland

www.sewerbyhall.co.uk MEDIA PARTNERS

A GIANT FAMILY PANTOMIME! S TICKET FROM

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Jokes

Why can’t Christmas trees knit?

Because they always drop their needles!

What is every parent's favourite Christmas song?

Silent Night!

How do snowmen get around?

They ride an icicle!

What do you call an old snowman?

Water!

Who is never hungry at Christmas?

The turkey—he’s always stuffed.

Who delivers presents to cats?

Santa Paws!

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The perfect base... for a half term break

The perfect home away from home on your city break to York.

You’ll have the choice of either our chocolate or orange cottage, both spacious, comfy and ideal for larger families of up to six, or a group of friends wanting a sleepover escape.

We like to make sure our guests feel completely at home with added extras like; fluffy bathrobes, flat screen TV, a Lavazza coffee machine and proper chunky biscuits for an afternoon pick me up.

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£30 per child for the duration of their stay

Includes: • Al a Carte breakfast • VI little P robe and slippers for use during your stay • Children toiletries • Selection of goodies awaits in your in-room fridge SUNDAY LUNCH AFTERNOON TEA • Dining activity pack to keep Why not treat the family to a Enjoy our seasonal afternoon you entertained over dinner tea menu with delicious delicious Sunday lunch • Glass of milk and fresh cookie sandwiches, scones, before bed cakes and pastries.

Book direct for the lowest rates

Cottage room

Not only do we guarantee the best rate, you will also get free parking for the length of your stay. Free parking is only available to guests booking direct.

Skeldergate,York,YO1 6DU 01904 611570 I reception@middletonsyork.co.uk I middletonsyork.co.uk I danielthwaites.co.uk

LITTLE VIKINGS EAT AT… The Dark Horse Espresso Bar

Tucked away in Shambles Market, The Dark Horse Espresso Bar has been a magnet for coffee lovers since Laura and family opened the hatch of the horse box a few years ago. We’ve long been fans of their incredible coffee, delicious toasties and sweet treats (the chocolatedipped Anzac biscuits are so good), so we were beyond excited when we heard that they were opening a bricks-and-mortar cafe just around the corner from our house. After giving them a few days to settle in, we followed the rich aroma of espresso to their new home on Bishopthorpe Road to check it out for breakfast. Here’s what we made of it.

The welcome - A new premises means a bigger team, but we received the same warm welcome from the staff as we were used to at the Shambles Market horse box. The Dark Horse is proudly family-run and independent, and they have clearly passed their passion onto their staff.

No wonder it’s been busy every time we’ve been: locals have embraced their new cafe, and Yorkies are travelling across town to try it out.

The space - The Dark Horse’s Shambles Market home is a classy but pareddown outdoor affair, but with the new cafe, they’ve been able to stretch out and create a warm and cosy atmosphere that will be perfect in all seasons.

With low lighting, generously spaced tables and a few thoughtful touches, from fresh flowers to on-brand original wall art, we felt instantly relaxed and at home. There’s a lovely outdoor terrace and plenty of space for buggies too.

The menu - Tired parents needing more than just a caffeine fix can tuck into a range of breakfast and lunch options. It’s a short but sweet menu offering plenty of favourites that pair perfectly with a cup of their smooth and rich Allpress coffee, from boiled eggs to their signature toasted banana bread (our favourite!). Pastries and bread are locally sourced, and all the tastier for it.

A word of advice: time your visit wisely. Get there too early, and you might struggle to justify tucking into one of their incredible toasties. Crafted with the Issue 51

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same attention to detail as their coffee, the toasties are cheesy, oozy and dangerously addictive.

Our kids loved the huge hunks of rocky road and warm croissants with jam (who wouldn’t?).

We thought that Bishy Road didn’t need any more cafes, but like the best thoroughbred, The Dark Horse Espresso Bar has hit the ground running and quickly become a neighbourhood favourite. With delicious coffee, a carefully curated menu and a friendly welcome, it’s a great addition to York’s thriving cafe scene.

The Dark Horse Espresso Bar, 147A Bishopthorpe Road, York YO23 1NZ

festive fun at york designer outlet!

skate

play

shop

dine

fri 17 november 2023 – sun 7 january 2024 BOOK NOW YorkshiresWinterWonderland.com

Why Little Vikings loves...

York Minster Christmas Tree Festival Sixty beautiful trees to see

New for 2023 - a Little Vikings Christmas tree celebrating family-friendly York!

Soak up the atmosphere of this stunning cathedral Christmas Tree Trail to follow

Free admission for York residents and under 16s

The Christmas Tree Festival runs from 2nd December 2023 to 5th January 2024 Issue 51

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queen ethelburga’s collegiate, york welcoming students 3 months to 19 years boarders from year 3

excellent facilities & results

over 100 enrichment clubs

open mornings:

27th january, 9th march & 27th april 2024

book your place at www.qe.org admissions@qe.org - 01423 333333

Christmas at the Hospitium

• My Christmas wish with Father Christmas • • Wreath making • Scrooge • — Hospitium, York Museum Gardens —

Find out more and book your tickets at yorkvenues.org.uk/event York Venues is part of York Museums Trust. Charity Number 1092466.