York is gearing up for another action‑packed February half‑term as the JORVIK Viking Festival returns from 16–22 February 2026, bringing a full week of hands‑on history, craft activities and Norse‑themed entertainment to the city’s streets and historic venues.
Organised by York Archaeology, Europe’s largest Viking festival once again promises an accessible programme for families, with a mix of free drop‑in events and low‑cost bookable sessions designed to spark curiosity in young Vikings and their grown‑ups.
A full and free-to-access living history encampment in Parliament Street gives visitors a brilliant taste of Viking life, with wood turners, metal working, weapons displays and much more, with knowledgeable re-enactors explaining different roles they played in the 10th century! A larvoo – a type of Viking teepee – will provide shelter from the cold, with stories around the wood-burning fire, which burns throughout the week!
To train the next generation of warriors, the ever‑popular Berserker Bootcamp returns to the Midgard Marquee from 16–21 February, giving young warriors the chance to learn safe combat skills and battle stances under the guidance of trained instructors. The sessions remain one of the festival’s most in‑demand family activities, offering an energetic introduction to Viking martial culture. This year, no prebooking is necessary for all budding Vikings!
For those ready to put their training to the test, the Kids Barbaric Battle takes place on 21 February at the Eye of York, inviting children to take part in a playful, choreographed clash that has become a firm festival favourite.
Families can also enjoy a brand new take on Poo Week – a humorous and educational look at Viking health, hygiene and archaeology designed especially for children, with workshops at DIG in St Saviourgate. For the first time, young archaeologists will not be recreating human poo with dough, but dragon poo as part of the How To Train Your Dragon School experience!
Kids Crafting at Barley Hall runs daily from 16–22 February, offering beard‑making, brooch design, pottery and other Viking‑inspired activities — all included with standard admission. The sessions are designed to let children explore Norse culture through hands‑on creativity in one of York’s most atmospheric medieval buildings.
“JORVIK Viking Festival is one of the most popular family festivals in the city – and a wonderful way to spend some time over the February half term. As ever, there’s a real mix of paid-for activities and free events, indoors and outdoors,” comments the organiser of JORVIK Viking Festival, Mark Jackson. “It is little wonder the Festival has recently been recognised as Best Family Festival at the Little Viking Awards for the third year running — a testament to its continued appeal to local and visiting families.”
The event culminates on Saturday 21 February with the March to Coppergate, a parade of around 500 Vikings through the city centre, before they face each other in combat at the Eye of York.
The full programme and tickets are available at jorvikvikingfestival.co.uk.
Booking is also strongly recommended for JORVIK Viking Centre, which is expected to be fully booked throughout the week. To book, visit jorvikvikingcentre.co.uk
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