Jorvik Viking Festival: A February Half-Term in York

A thousand years ago, York was Jorvik, a thriving Viking town. Every February, the city remembers it with the Jorvik Viking Festival, a week of living-history encampments, combat displays, crafts, talks and evening shows. It falls in the February half-term holidays for many families, which makes it one of the best winter breaks in Britain for children.

At a glance

When: Monday 8 to Sunday 14 February 2027. Where: across York city centre, with the Jorvik Viking Centre at its heart. Cost: many events are free to watch; some are ticketed. Best for: families and history lovers.

What is on

Encampments and crafts

Re-enactors set up a Viking encampment in the city, demonstrating everyday crafts like cooking, woodworking and coin-striking. Children can try some of them.

Combat displays

The festival's big draw is the battle re-enactment, with hundreds of costumed warriors. These are usually the most crowded events of the week, so arrive early for a good view.

Talks, tours and evening events

There are guided walks, talks by historians and archaeologists, and evening shows. Some sell out, so check the programme and book what you can before travelling.

The Jorvik Viking Centre

The festival grew out of the Jorvik Viking Centre on Coppergate, built on the site of excavations in the 1970s and 1980s that uncovered the remains of Viking-age streets, houses and workshops, preserved in waterlogged ground. The centre takes you through a reconstruction of the town based on what was found. During festival week it is very busy, so book a timed ticket in advance.

Viking treasures elsewhere in York

The Yorkshire Museum, in the Museum Gardens, displays the Vale of York Hoard, a hoard of Viking-age silver found by metal detectorists in 2007, along with other finds from the city's Viking past. It makes a good quieter visit away from the festival crowds.

Getting there

York is on the East Coast Main Line, under two hours from London by the fastest trains, and the station is a short walk from the city centre, so there is no need for a car during festival week.

Making a half-term break of it

The rest of York

Beyond the Vikings, York has the Minster, the Shambles, the city walls and the National Railway Museum, which is free and a reliable hit with children. Our York staycation guide covers the city in more detail.

Book accommodation early

Festival week coincides with half-term, so family rooms and self-catering in York go quickly. Book well ahead, or look a short train ride away. You can browse hotels in York and cottages in York.

Dress for February

Many festival events are outdoors and York in February can be very cold. Warm layers and waterproofs make the difference between a good day and a miserable one.

For more family ideas, see our guides to half-term staycations and winter fire festivals, which covers Shetland's Viking festival, Up Helly Aa.