Looking for things to do in York this Halloween and half term? We’ve got the guide for you.
It’s time to get spooky! There are so many fun things to do in York this Halloween and half term.
Halloween and half term in York
Are we missing an event? Let us know by dropping us a line at info@yorkmix.com. This guide will be continually updated.
Things to do in York this Halloween and Half Term
Don’t miss
Spooktacular at Piglets Adventure Farm
Dust off your wellies, dress to impress in your Halloween best, and join us for acres of spook-tacular fun! Brand new for 2025, Spooktacular is bursting with spooky fun for little ones! From petrifying portraits and a frightfully fun stage show to the all-new spooky Build a Teddy Bear experience, there’s magic around every corner. Every Spooktacular ticket also includes entry to Farmer Ed’s Pumpkin Patch and every paying child receives a voucher for a small pumpkin.
- Piglets Adventure Farm, Towthorpe Grange, Towthorpe Moor Lane, York YO32 9ST
- Select October Weekends & Half Term
- 10am – 5pm
- More info
Halloween at Mother Shipton’s Cave
They’re Creepy and They’re Kooky…Step into the shadows this Halloween at the wonderfully weird and witchy Mother Shipton’s Cave in Knaresborough, Yorkshire! From the 25th of October to the 2nd of November, join us for Creepy & Kooky, an event inspired by the world’s most delightfully dark family. Explore themed displays, take haunting photos, and meet live actors portraying a gruesome grandma, a mysterious mother, a dashing darkly-dressed gentleman, and their gothic daughter with a stare that chills…
- Mother Shipton’s Cave, Prophecy Lodge, High Bridge, Knaresborough, HG5 8DD
- Sat 25 Oct – Sun 2 Nov
- 10am – 4pm
- More info
Spilmans Pumpkin Festival 2025
Our famous Pumpkin Festival opens on 27th September. 125,000 pumpkins of different varieties – orange, green, yellow, blue, warty, stripey! PLUS a huge choice of Gourds & Squashes. Your ticket includes entry into the event and entrance to watch our NEW ‘Spilmans Got Talent: Spooky Spectacular’ show PLUS Our new Halloween fancy dress Disco with Skelebones.
- Splimans, Church Farm, Sessay, Thirsk, YO7 3NB
- Selected dates between 27 Sep and 31 Oct
- 10am – 4pm
- More info
Halloween highlights
Ghosts in the Gardens
Ghosts in the Gardens, now a cornerstone of York’s cultural calendar, returns 19th September to 2nd November 2025. Crafted in partnership with York-based creative team Unconventional Design, the 60 translucent wire-mesh figures can be found across York’s streets and green spaces.
- York city centre
- Fri 19 Sep – Sun 2 Nov
- All day
- More info
Hallowscream
Winner of Best UK Scream Park, Hallowscream at York Maze is a terrifyingly entertaining night of fear and fun with 5 separate live-action haunted house attractions and over 100 actors. But be warned the frights aren’t limited to the haunted houses, roving characters and live stage shows add to the atmosphere. The central entertainment zone is all undercover where you can get a drink from the bar while you watch the stage performances, browse the amazing range of merchandise in the Halloween MERCH Stand including Hallowscream branded souvenirs. The Fodder Barn offers a delicious range of street food including burgers, loaded fries, pizza & sweet treats.
- Elvington Lane, York, YO19 5LT
- Fri 10 Oct – Sat 1 Nov
- 6:30pm
- More info
Butcher of Bedern at York Dungeon
This Halloween, delve deeper into York’s darkest corner. Follow the decaying passageways of Bedern and into the butcher’s shop… where history and horror are hacked apart, slab by slab. Every shadow hides a secret. Every doorway could be your last. And the butcher? He’s waiting – cleaver in hand, smile stretched too wide.
- The York Dungeon, 12 Clifford Street, York, YO1 9RD
- Sat 11 Oct – Sun 2 Nov
- From 10am
- More info
Mad Alice’s Ghost Train
Join Mad Alice as she takes you on a spine-tingling ghost train ride through the haunted heart of the North York Moors. Step aboard a one-of-a-kind journey and experience an unforgettable hour of eerie adventure.
- North Yorkshire Moors Railway, Pickering Station, Pickering, YO18 7AJ
- Sun 19, Sun 26 Oct & Sun 2 Nov
- 6-8:45pm
- More info
Yorkshire Halloween Festival
Hosted by Made in Yorkshire, The Yorkshire Halloween Festival is a celebration of creativity and interactivity suitable for all the family! As well as our well know large group of local artisans you will also find at the festival, a unique series of local makers who will be running workshops to entertain and encourage you to make and create – all with a Halloween/Autumnal theme.
- Parliament Street, York
- Thu 23 – Fri 31 Oct
- 10am – 5pm
- More info
Ghost Week
The sixth official Ghost Week is coming! Staples like The Little York Ghost Hunt are back, as well as partner events like spooky shows, workshops, dancing after dark, and much more.
- Various locations
- Sat 25 Oct – Sun 2 Nov
- Various times
- More info
Spooky Halloween Gin Tasting & Ghost Story Reading
Boo! Get into the Halloween spirit with this spooky gin tasting and ghost story reading event with York Gin & local ghost story writer Ben Sawyer.
- York Distillery, Skeldergate, YO1 6DS
- Thu 30 Oct
- 7pm
- More info
Frightening family fun
Pesky Pumpkin Trail in the House
Silly squash, giggling gourds and pesky pumpkins are up to mischief around the House this October. Younger visitors and their families are invited to search for them during their visit, and use their wit and great spotting skills to discover each one. The best pumpkin-finders will get a sticker.
- Castle Howard, York, YO60 7DA
- Thu 2 – Fri 31 Oct
- 10am – 3pm
- More info
Web’oween 2025
There’s so much going on during WEB’OWEEN, come along on the 11th, 12th, 18th, 19th of October and then 25th of October until 2nd of November for a SPOOK-tacular time!
Our resident magic man Dazzling Darren will be offering Halloween-themed entertainment for the children to enjoy every day. He will showcase his daily magic shows, this time with a Halloween twist! Nothing too scary – just lots of fun!
What else can you get up to during the October Half Term you ask? Whiz around our unlimited fairground rides, compete with friends in the Laser Lightyear Game Zone, hop hop hop around on our two bouncing pillows, race down our giant astra slide, meet our furry friends during the animal encounter sessions, let off steam inside our award-winning indoor play, taste our delicious handmade pizzas, and so much more!
- Web Adventure Park, Wigginton Road, York, YO32 2RH
- Sat 11 Oct – Sun 2 Nov
- 9:30am – 6pm
- More info
Halloween Experience – Trick or Treat Street
Detectives, we need your help. Strange goings-on have been reported in Denville, and the case is growing spookier by the day. Seven suspicious characters are handing out sweets, but one of them holds the key to solving this year’s mystery… and only your family can crack the case. Welcome to Trick or Treat Street at William’s Den – a one-of-a-kind, immersive theatre Halloween adventure.
Step into our live Trick or Treat Street, a playful, theatrical Halloween trail where every crooked house has a story and friendly characters bring the magic to life. Safe, interactive trick-or-treating, sweets at every turn, and a mystery for the whole family to solve!
- William’s Den, Castle Farm, Wold Hill, North Cave, East Riding of Yorkshire HU15 2LS
- Sat 25 – Thu 30 Oct
- From 11am
- More info
Little Peasants City Walking Tour
The Little Peasants City Walking Tour is 60 minutes of walking, laughing and learning and is suitable for all the family. If your little peasants are too young (or too scared!) to visit us inside the Dungeon, then join us as we bring The York Dungeon’s humour and fun outside onto the streets in York!
- York Dungeon, 12 Clifford Street, York, YO1 9RD
- Sat 25 – Fri 31 Oct
- 11:30am, 1pm, 3pm & 4:30pm
- More info
October Half Term Fun at Eden Camp
Looking for family-friendly fun this October half term? Join us at Eden Camp for a Spooktacular week of Halloween thrills, crafts, and eerie excitement! Perfect for children of all ages, with something for everyone to enjoy.
- Eden Camp Modern History Museum, Malton, YO17 6RT
- Sat 25 Oct – Sun 2 Nov
- 10am – 4pm
- More info
Villains Unleashed at The Hole in Wand
As the veil between worlds thins and All Hallows’ Eve approaches, unsettling magic begins to seep through the cracks at every The Hole In Wand location. Spells falter. Shadows twist. And ancient villains once imprisoned are beginning to stir. From the 25th October to 2nd November, join us at The Hole In Wand and help us defeat The Villains!!
- The Hole in Wand, 14 – 16 Coppergate Walk, York YO1 9NT
- Sat 25 Oct – Sun 2 Nov
- 10am – 6pm
- More info
Halloween at Murton Park
Join us for a week of Halloween delight, Where mystery and magic dance in the night. Here’s what we’ll do, so lend an ear, It’s definitely the spookiest time of year!
- Murton Lane, Murton, York, YO19 5UF
- Sat 25 Oct – Sun 2 Nov
- 10am – 4:30pm
- More info
Haunted Hall
This October half term, families are invited to Barley Hall for an evening of spine-tingling storytelling as part of York Ghost Week. Step into the shadows of history and gather in the Haunted Hall for an unforgettable night of spooky tales and haunted folklore.
In the heart of one of York’s most atmospheric medieval buildings, you’ll take part in interactive and immersive storytelling sessions, uncovering the ghostly legends of Barley Hall and the surrounding city. From restless spirits to centuries-old superstitions, discover the eerie side of York’s past in a family-friendly setting that’s perfect for curious minds and brave hearts.
- Barley Hall, 2 Coffee Yard, York, YO1 8AR
- Mon 27 – Fri 31 Oct
- 5pm
- More info
Spooky story walk at Scampston
Our most popular family event, our Halloween spooky story walk round the grounds! Completely family friendly, join us after hours and listen to a fabulous fun story in various locations round the grounds of Scampston. You might even run into a ghost or two! The walk starts at 5pm and finishes (approx 1.5 hours) with toasting marshmallows round the campfire and a singsong!
- Scampston Walled Garden, Malton, YO17 8NG
- Thu 30 – Fri 31 Oct
- 5pm
- More info
Spooky shows
The Signal-Man
The Signal-Man is one of the most powerful ghost stories of all time and certainly the most frightening ever written by Charles Dickens. It is paired here with The Trial for Murder, in which Dickens treats the supernatural with just as much terrifying gravity.
These tales are brought to life by James Swanton, who has recently played monsters in Apartment 7A (Paramount), The First Omen (20th Century Studios) and Tarot (Sony) as well as the title roles in two BBC chillers: ‘The Curse of the Ninth’ in Inside No. 9 and Lot No. 249, Mark Gatiss’s annual ghost story.
- York Medical Society, 23 Stonegate, York, YO1 8AW
- Thu 16 – Thu 28 Oct
- 7pm
- More info
The Haunted Haus of Games with The Isolation Creations
Drag queen comedians, The Isolation Creations, are back at York Theatre Royal with their Halloween show, full of ghosts and lots of ghoulies! Join them for an evening of bingo, laughter, games, surprises and cheesy prizes…Dress in your best spooky fancy dress and you might go home with a trick and a treat.
- York Theatre Royal, St. Leonard’s Place, York, YO1 7HD
- Sat 25 Oct
- 8pm
- More info
The Great Pumpkin Adventure
Roll up, roll up! The mischievous Skelves of Skelf Island have a joyful story to tell: The Great Pumpkin Adventure! Enjoy this jolly play, performed three times a day at Skelf Island Adventure Playground during Half Term, with plenty of Skelf-silliness, energy and fun!
- Castle Howard, York, YO60 7DA
- Sat 25 Oct – Sun 2 Nov
- 11am, 12:30pm & 2:30pm
- More info
Hocus Pocus – Live Experience
Join the Sanderson Sisters for a wickedly fun, family-friendly theatre experience like no other! Hocus Pocus: Live Experience brings the beloved movie to life with singing, dancing and all your favourite songs from the film.
Packed with games, spooktacular prizes and magical surprises, this interactive show gets the whole audience involved from start to finish. Help the sisters brew their mischievous potion and become part of the spellbinding story!
With plenty of laughs, audience participation and a monster dance party finale, it’s the ultimate Halloween celebration for kids, grown-ups and all Halloween lovers, on tour this autumn!
- The Joseph Rowntree Theatre, Haxby Road, York, YO31 8TA
- Sun 26 Oct
- 5pm
- More info
The Good Room: Secret Rituals Of The Moon Cult
Come and join in the (s) laughter. This is the campest, sexiest and scariest Halloween event that involves an evil moon-god shaped like a giant arse! Welcome to The Good Room. Hosts, occultists and paranormal investigators, Ben and Kiran invite you to join in with a truly ominous ritual… Which just happens to take the form of a psychedelic cabaret. Embark on a strange trip through burlesque, stand up comedy, live music, horror films, dark storytelling and a cursed cockney clown.
Oh, and there’s also an ancient conspiracy concerning mysterious cults that worship the planet Uranus, which is actually a fallen angel, bent on … You know what, you’ll find out on the night. This raucous, adults-only experience involves foul language, violence, explicit sexual and drug references, paranormal adventures and loads of bare bottoms!
- The Crescent York, 8 The Crescent, York, YO24 1AW
- Sun 26 Oct
- 6pm
- More info
Bat, Cackle and Pop!
It’s Winifred the Witch’s birthday, and she thinks everyone has forgotten. There’s going to be one big surprise party, but first, we need to make a special birthday cake. We just need the last three rather spooky ingredients…
This show is bubbling with all sorts of ghosts and ghouls (which are more silly than scary!) and there’s plenty of opportunities to dabble in some spell making, as well as flying with luxury BAT Airways. This show puts smiles on faces and reminds us that Halloween can be fun for everyone.
- York Theatre Royal, St. Leonard’s Place, York, YO1 7HD
- Wed 29 – Fri 31 Oct
- 10:30am & 1pm
- More info
Jekyll & Hyde
This Halloween, actor and writer Christopher Leslie performs a haunting one man adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s Jekyll and Hyde, exploring the fine line between good and evil.
- York Medical Society, 23 Stonegate, York YO1 8AW
- Wed 29 – Fri 31 Oct
- 7:30pm
- More info
Bodie Snatcher presents Snatched From Hell
From the depths of the inferno comes a cabaret of sin, spectacle, and shadows. Snatched from Hell drags you past the gates of the underworld, where damned souls dance, demons seduce, and monsters reveal their darkest desires under the spotlight.
Our haunted drag and burlesque cabaret blurs the line between beauty and terror, teasing the senses with grotesque glamour and hellish allure. Be prepared for unholy striptease, side splitting drag clownery, and a descent into the kind of nightmare you’ll never want to wake from. Don your most wretched attire, costumes highly encouraged. You might even be up for a horrible prize!
- The Crescent York, 8 The Crescent, York, YO24 1AW
- Thu 30 Oct
- 7:30pm
- More info
Dracula
Jonathan Harker, a solicitor from Yorkshire, travels to a castle in the Carpathian Mountains to finalise the sale of property for a reclusive nobleman. When he seemingly vanishes, his fiancée Mina and her closest friend Lucy fall into the grip of a sinister force. Their only hope for survival is a mysterious professor who strives to save them from a fate worse than death. Bram Stoker’s classic vampire story is brought to the stage in this new and exciting adaptation, which remains faithful to the immortal novel whilst honouring the mythology that has grown around it for more than a century.
- The Joseph Rowntree Theatre, Haxby Road, York, YO31 8TA
- Thu 30 – Fri 31 Oct
- 7:30pm
- More info
Herbal Mafia Halloween Rave: Ray Keith
We are back for another massive Halloween Rave – featuring the drum&bass, jungle and old-skool legend RAY KEITH! Ray Keith – DJ, producer, and electronic music pioneer. From rare-groove and acid house roots to remixing Orbital’s ‘Chime’ and creating the d&b / jungle anthems ‘Terrorist’ and ‘Chopper’, he has shaped the UK jungle and drum&bass scene for decades and continues to smash it! More info on Ray Keith below… Supported by the Herbal Mafia crew and special guests.
- The Crescent York, 8 The Crescent, York, YO24 1AW
- Fri 31 Oct
- 9pm
- More info
Creepy crafts and workshops
Trick or Treat Chocolate Bar Making Workshop
Throughout the Autumn half term we will be running our chocolate bar making workshops…with a spooky twist! Join us in the Academy at the York Cocoa Works to design and make your very own 150g Halloween chocolate bar full of tricks or treats – the choice is yours!
- York Cocoa Works, 10 Castlegate, York, YO1 9RN
- Fri 10 Oct – Sun 2 Nov
- Multiple times
- More info
Half term at York’s Chocolate Story
Sweeten up half term with a Guided Tour & Halloween Truffle Rolling at York’s Chocolate Story. This experience includes a Classic Guided Tour, and the addition of rolling, dipping, and decorating four delicious Halloween-themed chocolate truffles, making this seasonal experience even sweeter (and spookier).
- York’s Chocolate Story King’s Square, York, YO1 7LD
- Mon 13 Oct – Sun 2 Nov
- Multiple times
- More info
Halloween Games & Crafts
Come and join our mischievous Scampston witches for some Halloween activities on Thursday 30th and Friday 31st October. Take part in ghoulish games, join in with some creepy craft sessions and some bone-chilling baking.
- Scampston Walled Garden, Malton, YO17 8NG
- Thu 30 – Fri 31 Oct
- 2-3:30pm
- More info
More half term fun
Disenchanted
Disenchanted is the hilarious hit musical that turns fairy tales upside down! Forget the damsels in distress, Snow White, Cinderella and their royal crew are here to set the record straight. With sass, wit, and powerhouse vocals these not-so- princessy princesses reclaim their stories and challenge outdated happily-ever-afters. Packed with sharp humour, catchy songs, and a bold feminist twist, Disenchanted is a wildly entertaining night out that’s perfect for anyone who’s ever wondered what really happens after “once upon a time”.
Don’t miss this outrageously hilarious musical that lets your favourite fairy tale princesses tell their side of the story. Recommended 12 years and over.
- The Joseph Rowntree Theatre, Haxby Road, York, YO31 8TA
- Wed 22 – Sat 25 Oct
- 7:30pm, 2:30pm Sat matinee
- More info
Echoes of Yorkshire: The Museum Illuminated
Be immersed in light, colour and sound in an evening to share with family and friends at York Museum Gardens this autumn. Take an extraordinary journey through time where you’ll discover the story of the historic site and see York Museum Trust’s age-defining artefacts and extraordinary exhibits reimagined into a breath-taking light and sound installation by the internationally acclaimed Luxmuralis. From the age of the dinosaurs to the time of York’s Roman occupation, the power of the Vikings and the mysteries of the Medieval world, each chapter will come to life through artistry, imagination, sound and light.
Treat yourself to tasty churros and a delicious warm beverage as you wander through the Gardens after dark, discovering remarkable projections at every turn.
- York Museum Gardens, Museum St, York YO1 7FR
- Fri 24 Oct – Sun 2 Nov
- From 6pm
- More info
Treemendous
York BID are delighted to announce a special event as Treemendous arrives in the Coppergate Centre. Experience an unforgettable encounter as these treemendous giant tree creatures tower over you at a staggering 9ft tall. Find treemendous in the Coppergate Centre on Saturday 25th October, with performances at 2pm, 3:15pm, and 4:30pm.
- Coppergate Centre, 12 Coppergate Walk, York YO1 9WY
- Sat 25 Oct
- 2pm, 3:15pm 4:30pm
- More info
October half term at Beningbrough
Brush up on your code-breaker skills in the latest free family trail. Find the symbols in the walled garden and decipher them to make some autumnal nature words. You’ll need all your skills to put them together and crack the code this half term. On Tuesday 28 and Thursday 30 October, join in with nature crafting in the garden. Drop-in between 11am and 2pm to have a go. And it’s the last week of our harvest celebrations, see the fantastic displays and join one of the tasting sessions when you visit.
- Beningbrough, York, North Yorkshire, YO30 1DD
- Sat 25 Oct – Sun 2 Nov
- 10am – 5pm
- More info
October half term at RHS Garden Harlow Carr
Get ready for some autumn magic the whole family can get their claws into at RHS Harlow Carr. This October half term, witness hauntingly good pumpkin carvings, meet creepy-crawlies with Zoolab and explore the pumpkin trail to discover seasonal delights along the way. Dive deeper into the world of pumpkins with craft actvities, storytelling yoga and the Garden Detectives.
- RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Crag Ln, Beckwithshaw, Harrogate HG3 1QB
- Sat 25 Oct – Sun 2 Nov
- 9:30am – 4pm
- More info
‘The Greatest Shows’ at York Minster
The Greatest Shows at York Minster features songs from greatest shows in musical theatre – from Broadway blockbusters to West end favourites, with selected songs from The Greatest Showman. Experience an evening of unforgettable songs from the stage, performed by the Ebor string quartet and with amazing vocals of Alistair Griffin and Maggie Wakeling.
- York Minster, Deangate, York YO1 7HH
- Fri 31 Oct
- 7:30pm
- More info
Pick Me Up Theatre presents Bugsy Malone
Get your splurge gun at the ready as Alan Parker’s world-famous Bugsy Malone comes to York with Pick Me Up Theatre following last year’s sell-out NATIVITY! The Musical. The production features a cast of 40 young performers, and has all the great songs from the original movie, including “You Give A Little Love”, “My Name Is Tallulah”, “So You Wanna Be A Boxer?”, “Fat Sam’s Grand Slam” and “Bugsy Malone”.
- Grand Opera House, Cumberland Street, York YO1 9SW
- Fri 31 Oct – Sat 8 Nov
- 7:30pm, 2:30pm Sat & Sun matinees
- More info
