Date: 10 November 2026 

Relaxed Christmas Visits at York Castle Museum: What you need to know. 

Tuesdays from 17 November to 15 December 2026 and two Saturdays in December. 

For visitors seeking a quieter Christmas experience, York Castle Museum will be operating relaxed visits every Tuesday morning of the Christmas period as well as Saturday 5 and Saturday 12 December. Beginning on Tuesday 17 November, the museum will open from 9am with reduced noise levels, more consistent lighting throughout the museum and other adjustments to create a calmer environment whilst still providing a warm and festive welcome to soak up the Christmas atmosphere.  

Visitors to relaxed sessions can enjoy Kirkgate decorated for Christmas, the snowy street, Christmas lights and other festive decorations all around the museum. Every day is the night before Christmas on Kirkgate, frozen in time, capturing the heart-warming excitement of Victorian Christmas Eve celebrations. 

Tickets will be limited so visitors can enjoy a less crowded experience. A number of additional support systems will be in place for visitors, from sunflower lanyards and adult changing mats in the accessible facilities to information on sensory and access support available for all visitors. 

A sensory map will also be available to alert visitors to the spaces with more sounds or transitions to help plan a route. The Kirkgate Studio will be offered as a sensory and restful space, with suitable equipment for a range of needs available. Relaxed visits are for anyone who would benefit from a slower, calmer experience and their family and friends. Staff will be on hand to assist with additional requirements and offer support during visits. 

This falls in line with the city-wide reduction of Christmas activity on Tuesdays, including the closure of the market on Parliament Street. The relaxed hours will operate at York Castle Museum from 9am –11am every Tuesday from 17 November until 15 December and Saturday 5 and Saturday 12 December. From 11am, the museum will return to the core Christmas offer. Admission prices remain consistent throughout these openings, York Castle Museum offers a range of concessions tickets, including free admission for companions or carers. For more information, please see York Castle Museum’s website.