Christmas can be an overwhelming time for everyone but more so for children with special needs. Often places are crowded and noisy, and potentially difficult to access.
With the Christmas season just around the corner, we’ve compiled a list of accessible activities that disabled and neurodivergent children and their families can get involved in across York in the run-up to and during the festive season.
We hope you find the below useful, if we’ve missed any activities off the list, then please do get in touch and we’ll add the activity to the list.
Note: We have not included places, events or activities unless they have specifically noted they are accessible. There are lots of wonderful places in York that may be suitable to visit, but if it doesn’t state it’s accessible on their website then they are not included in this blog. Please do get in touch if you have any more that we could add.
Visit the Luna Winter Cinema for the first time this festive season at St Saviourgate for a cosy film screening experience for the whole family to enjoy.
Film screenings include:
📍 St Saviourgate York, CMC, St Saviourgate, York, YO1 8NQ
🎟 To find out more about the above film screening and to book tickets visit the Luna Cinema website here.
💜 Accessibility details:
Friday 8 December 2023 – Sunday 7 January 2024
Join York Theatre Royal for a fe-fi-fo fun extravaganza for all the family! Starring Nina Wadia as Fairy Sugarsnap (EastEnders, Citizen Khan, Still Open All Hours, Goodness Gracious Me), James Mackenzie as the villainous Luke Backinanger (CBBC’s adventure game show Raven and CBeebies’ Molly and Mack) and York’s favourite Robin Simpson (Mrs Smee in All New Adventures of Peter Pan and Manky in Cinderella), as the hilarious Dame Trott!
📍St Leonard’s Place, York, YO1 7HDW
🎟 To find out more information and book tickets visit Theatre Royal website here.
💜 Accessibility details:
Saturday 9 December 2023 – Saturday 6 January 2024
York legend Berwick Kaler returns with all the gang for his hilarious take on the classic story of the sailor from York who finds himself marooned on a desert island, but he’s not alone!
📍 Cumberland Street, York, YO1 9SW
🎟 To find out more information and book tickets visit ATG tickets here.
💜 Accessibility details:
Toolbox Drama CIC at the National Centre for Early Music – Falling SnowSunday 17 December, 1 pm & 2.15 pm
The event is suitable for children and little ones – particularly those with additional needs and sensory impairments. Toolbox Drama CIC has developed a self-guided space to explore interactive light and sound installations, touch sensory props and a starry night sky experience. The event theme is ‘Winter Landscapes’ – perfect for the festive season without being over-stimulating.
📍National Centre For Early Music, St Margaret’s Church, Walmgate, York, YO1 9TL
🎟 To find out more information or book a free ticket visit Tool Box Drama website.
💜 Accessibility details:
Murton Park – SantaVarious dates in December
Murton Park has become York and North Yorkshire’s first Makaton Friendly family attraction!
Makaton is a communication system which uses signs made with your hands, simple
symbols and speech to help people communicate and have recently been awarded Bronze Makaton Friendly Accreditation.
It started with training staff to use a small number of signs at their Christmas event and the positive response encouraged them to embrace using Makaton across the Park. All staff are now trained to use relevant Makaton signs to help visitors use the fantastic facilities Murton Park has to offer.
📍 Murton Park, Murton Lane, York YO19 5UF
🎟 Find out more about the Makaton friendly initiative at Murton Park here.
🎅 Find out about their Santa experience here.
🎅 Father Christmas in the Castle
Make magical memories, and meet Father Christmas, Mrs Claus and jolly WonderPhil at Castle Howard this Christmas. Watch a joyful performance bursting with jingle bells and Christmas spirit, sing Christmas songs together, and enjoy a special, individual moment with Father Christmas himself.
Please note: Father Christmas in the Castle is sadly inaccessible for wheelchair users; the show location is up two flights of stairs. Castle Howard invites wheelchair users to enjoy Santa’s Grotto in the Stable Courtyard and Christmas in Neverland in the main House.
🎁 “Christmas in Neverland” Touch Boxes If you have booked for the “Christmas In Neverland” installation in the main house at Castle House, the Christmas Designers have created Touch Boxes in some of our Christmas in Neverland rooms. These are designed for people whose visit would be enhanced by a tactile experience. You can find Touch Boxes in: Lady Georgiana’s Bedroom, The Great Hall, Tapestry Drawing Room, Music Room, Turquoise Drawing Room. Please ask the member of staff in the room to use the Touch Box.
📍 Castle Howard Estate, YO60 7DA
🎟 Find out more Christmas at Castle Howard and book tickets here.
❔ Find out more about accessibility generally at Castle Howard and its grounds here.
Thursday 21 December, 6pm – 9pm
‘Scrooge’: A one man show by Chris Cade. “Keep Christmas well” this year and join us at the Hospitium for a festive evening. A delicious finger buffet followed by a spectacular one-man performance of ‘Scrooge’, a classic Christmas tale of redemption, generosity and warm-hearted joy.
📍 The Hospitium, Museum Gardens, York YO30 7DR
🎟 To find out more information and book tickets visit Yorkshire Museum website here.
💜 Accessibility details:
York Minster ServicesSaturday 23 December, 11.30am – Crib Service
Enjoy the Christmas story in a fun and accessible service for families with carols and musical accompaniment. Children are encouraged to dress up as characters from the Nativity and there will be a chance to see the crib.
Tickets for the event are free of charge and must be booked in advance.
Tickets can be booked via phone: 01904 557200 or by visiting York Minster website here. Tickets are available from Tuesday 5 December and a maximum of four tickets can be reserved with each booking, children over the age of two need their own seat.
This event will be BSL interpreted.
Sat 16 Dec 2023 1.30 pm – 2.30 pm – Inclusive Carol Concert
Join York Inspirational Kids and a host of other organisations as they bring you lessons and carols from our inspirational children and young people (disabled and/or autistic), who are celebrating what is important to them this Christmas.
Buy tickets here.
Saturday 23 December, 4 – 5.30pm – Nine Lessons and Carols
A service consisting of nine special readings, carols sung by the Choir of York Minster and hymns for everyone to join in. A traditional Christmas celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. The event will be BSL interpreted
Tickets for the event are free of charge and must be booked in advance. Tickets can be booked via phone, 01904 557200 or by visiting: York Minster website here. Tickets are available from Tuesday 12 December and a maximum of four tickets can be reserved with each booking, children over the age of two need their own seat.
📍Deangate, York, YO1 7HH
💜 Accessibility details:
Sunday 24 December, 4pm – 5.30pm – Nine Lessons and Carols (live streamed event)
A service consisting of nine special readings, carols sung by the Choir of York Minster and hymns for everyone to join in. A traditional Christmas celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. The live-streamed event will be BSL interpreted
Tickets for the event are free of charge and must be booked in advance. Tickets can be booked via phone, 01904 557200 or by visiting: York Minster website here. Tickets are available from Thursday 14 December.
Saturday 2 December, 10am – 1pm
St James the Deacon’s popular Christmas Craft Fair is back. Entry is free and there will be craft stalls, refreshments, a cake stall, jewellery, gift ideas, cards, kids’ crafts… and more! Do join them for some festive cheer.
📍 2 Sherringham Dr, Woodthorpe, York, YO24 2SE
🎟 To find out more information visit St James the Deacon website here.
💜 Accessibility details:
Wednesday 13 December
The Barberellas are one of York’s longest-running a cappella singing groups and they’re delighted to offer a festive celebration to St Nicks’ supporters. Join the Barberellas for Christmas carols as well as some lively winter favourites for you to sing along with at the Dragon Stones.
📍 Rawdon Avenue, York, YO10 3FW
🎟 To find out more information visit St Nicks website here.
💜 Accessibility details:
Saturday 16 December, 2pm
Enjoy an informal Xmas get together for SEND and adoptive families; with play and stories for children aged around 4 to 8 years. Refreshments included.
📍 Nunthorpe Grove, York, YO23
🎟 To find out more information and to book visit Eventbrite here.
💜 Accessibility details:
Saturday 16 December 9.45am – 11.45am
A free event, I CAN PLAY! Is a music-making opportunity for D/deaf children across the city of York. Join the team this December for a festive showcase for all the family to enjoy.
📍 Nunthorpe Avenue, York YO23 1WF
🎟 For more information and to book your tickets, email Jennifer.cohen@ncem.co.uk
💜 Accessibility details:
York Chocolate StoryFriday 1 December – Tuesday 26 December
Get ready to indulge in the ultimate Christmas experience at York’s Chocolate Story this December! Decking the halls with festive fayre, York Chocolate Story will be transforming all three floors into a winter wonderland fit for Santa himself. That’s right, Santa will be taking up residence at our chocolate haven, and you’re invited to join in on the fun!
Chocolate making with Santa
Join York Chocolate Story’s ‘Chocolate making with Santa’ experience where you will have the chance to meet Santa and even make delicious chocolate lollies with him and his trusty elf. The guided tour experience will take you on a journey through the rich history of chocolate.
Christmas Family Workshop
Get ready for a sweet and exciting adventure with your loved ones! Join York Chocolate Story’s skilled chocolatier for a hands-on festive experience that will leave you with unforgettable memories. Learn the art of making chocolate-based festive treats, such as tree decorations and candy canes, and create unique designs that you can gift or savour yourself.
📍 3-4 King’s Square, York, YO1 7LD
🎟 To find out more information and to book visit York Chocolate Story website here.
💜 Accessibility details:
The Hospitium at York Museum Gardens – A Christmas Wish with Father ChristmasSaturday 9 December – various time slots available
Father Christmas is visiting the Hospitium this year and spending some time with the children to find out what their Christmas wishes are. In this magical experience they will arrive at the Hospitium and enjoy some self-led craft activities before one of the elves calls you up to visit Father Christmas. There will be songs and wishes, a chance for a photo and a gift. These are group sessions.
📍 The Hospitium, Museum Gardens, York YO30 7DR
🎟 To find out more information and book tickets email yorkvenues@ymt.org.uk
💜 Accessibility details:
York Art Gallery – Let’s Get Creative – Drawing Rules (and how to break them)Saturday 23 December, drop-in 11am – 3pm
Join artist Jo Blaker for an anarchic celebration of breaking the rules of drawing. During this session Jo will help you to break a different drawing rule through experimental, playful and exciting activities to help you find more enjoyment and freedom in drawing! Suitable for all ages and abilities!
📍 Exhibition Square, York, YO1 7EW
🎟 To find out more information visit York Art Gallery website here.
💜 Accessibility details:
Holy Redeemer Church – Connect at ChristmasSunday 10th December from 3pm
Join other children with additional needs and their families to explore the Christmas story together in a relaxed, friendly, safe and supportive environment.
📍 Holy Redeemer Church, 108 Boroughbridge Road, YO26 6AB
🎟 For more information email revdeaconmain@gmail.com
💜 Accessibility details:
Keep checking back, as more will be added as we find them!
If there’s anything you know of that is not listed in this blog, do let us know so that we can share – email details to jane@mumbler.co.uk
🎄 🎄 🎄 We hope you find a festive experience suitable for your family here! 🎄 🎄 🎄
