Guide to Jorvik Viking Festival in York of 2025

The Jorvik Viking Festival is an annual celebration in York, England, commemorating the city's history as a Viking-ruled city. The festival recreates the Viking Age and allows visitors to experience that legendary history through various activities.    

From Monday, February 17, to Sunday, February 23, York will be taken over by Viking warriors. This world-renowned festival comprises living history camps, workshops, traditional crafts, feasts, family events, evening entertainment, and dramatic combat performances. The Vikings are back this February for the Jorvik Viking Festival.   

This guide examines the historical background and cultural significance of the Jorvik Viking Festival and focuses on its special events.

What Is The Jorvik Viking Festival? 

The Jorvik Viking Festival is a great way to learn about the Vikings' fascinating history, way of life, and impact on the city of York. Here is a brief introduction to the festival's history, significance, and deep connection with York.

Historical Background of the Jorvik Viking Festival

York was conquered by a powerful Viking army in 866 AD, and the Vikings subsequently settled here for a long time, which profoundly impacted the local culture and history. The Jorvik Viking Festival was founded in 1985 and is rooted in the city's Viking cultural traditions. York was called "Jorvik" in the Viking Age and was one of the essential Norwegian towns in England.

Today, the York area still preserves many Viking artefacts and historical sites, and the Viking Festival celebrates and inherits this cultural heritage. In addition, the significance of this festival is not limited to York; it also affects the appreciation and understanding of Viking cultural heritage worldwide.

Why Is the Jorvik Viking Festival Important?

Jorvik Viking Festival is lively and has profound historical and cultural significance.

Cultural Inheritance: The Jorvik Viking Festival attracts thousands of tourists through various special performances, exhibitions and interactive activities to experience the daily life, battle scenes and handicraft techniques of the Vikings. Jorvik Viking Festival not only reproduces history but also preserves and promotes the rich history and culture of the Norwegian and Celtic people. Therefore, it is a history review and a heritage promoting the Viking spirit.

Promoting Cultural Exchanges: Jorvik Viking Festival brings together Viking culture enthusiasts and researchers worldwide, encouraging exchanges and dialogues between people of different cultural backgrounds through festivals.

Economic Driving Role: As an essential cultural brand in Yorkshire, the Jorvik Viking Festival attracts many tourists and brings considerable financial benefits to the local area.

When Is The Jorvik Viking Festival 2025? 

The Jorvik Viking Festival aims to celebrate the Viking heritage and the vital role of the Vikings in York's history. It allows people to relive the Viking Age. This festival recreates the history and culture of the Vikings and attracts tourists worldwide to experience this grand traditional event. So, when is the Jorvik Viking Festival?

The Jorvik Viking Festival is usually held in mid-February each year. It lasts a week and includes various activities, performances, and celebrations, most of which are held in multiple places in York.

The 2025 Jorvik Viking Festival will be held from Monday, February 17, to Sunday, February 23, 2025, marking its 40th anniversary. The York Viking Center will have various activities to attract countless people who want to experience the charm of Viking culture.

The Jorvik Viking Festival official website usually releases a detailed schedule a few weeks before the festival, including war reenactments, educational seminars, tours, storytelling, and other activities. Knowing the Jorvik Viking Festival schedule in advance can help you plan your trip and make the most of the festival.

What To Do During The Jorvik Viking Festival?

The Jorvik Viking Festival attracts thousands of visitors yearly to experience Viking culture. Here are a few activities not to miss during the 2025 Jorvik Viking Festival. (The following event schedule will be introduced according to their time.)

Events for the Jorvik Viking Festival on February 17, 2025

Here are some of the things to do on the first day of the Jorvik Viking Festival:

Encampment

Time: 10:30 - 16:30

Location: Parliament Street & St Sampsons Square

Price: Free

Encampment is also a highlight of the Jorvik Viking Festival. On the vast grounds in the centre of York, Vikings will set up tents, instantly making people feel as if they have travelled back to the Viking era. Here, people can see everything from woodworking to making traditional leather products and painting their faces to look like real Norse warriors.

Stories from the Shadows of the Vikings (Dark Norse)

Time: 19:30 - 21:30

Location: Micklegate Social, 148-150 Micklegate York YO1 6JX United Kingdom

Price: From £11.00

Telling a series of Viking sagas traditionally for a modern audience, award-winning show narrator Jason Buck, this series uncovers the stranger and more sinister stories of the heroes and villains of the ancient North. This event lasts two hours.

Events for the Jorvik Viking Festival on February 18, 2025

Here are some of the things you can do on day two of the Jorvik Viking Festival:

Nalebinding (Adult Crafting)

Time: All Day

Location: Barley Hall Coffee Shop, 3 Coffee Yard, York YO1 8AR

Price: £40.00

The craft of weaving is enjoying a resurgence across Europe. European merchants make, sell, and buy weaving items at events like the annual Jorvik Viking Festival. In this class, you can make your own Viking hat and socks using this time-honoured technique (a Norwegian method of single-needle knitting).

JORVIK Viking Festival Feast

Time: 19:00 - 23:00

Location: Merchant Adventurers'Adventurers' Hall, Fossgate, York YO1 9XD

Price: £95.00

This event involves enjoying a three-course feast inspired by traditional Viking cuisine in the historic Merchant Adventurers' Adventurers' Hall. The feast will also feature competitions for the best-dressed Viking and the best beard. Prizes for both competitions will be awarded in the evening; everyone is welcome to attend.

Events for the Jorvik Viking Festival on February 21, 2025

Here are the Jorvik Viking Festival events that are available on February 21 2025:

Tyrfing. The Cursed Sword

Time: 19:30 - 20:30

Location: Eye of York, Tower St, York YO1 9RY

Price: From £15.00

This fantastic show tells the story of a sword called Tyrfing. The one who holds Tyrfing is mighty and can always defeat his opponents. But this mighty blade also carries a terrible curse. All in all, you can enjoy a good story through this fantastic show.

Events for the Jorvik Viking Festival on February 22, 2025

Here are the Jorvik Viking Festival events that are available on February 22 2025:

March to Coppergate

Time: 13:30 - 14:00

Location: York city centre

Price: Free

The Vikings parade through the city is a unique Jorvik Viking Festival tradition. Don't miss your chance to hear the thunderous war cries of Vikings echo through the streets of York. The parade route has not yet been released, so stay tuned for updates.

Viking Games

Time: 13:30 - 14:30

Location: Eye of York, Tower St, York YO1 9RY

Price: From £10.00

The Viking Games is also an event that is great for the whole family. You'll experience combat, impressive endurance, and laughs while participating in the Viking Games.

However, due to time conflicts, you can only choose between the March to Coppergate and the Viking Games.

Archaeology on Prescription Pop-up Exhibition

Time: 10:00 - 17:00

Location: DIG Classroom, DIG St Saviour Church, St Saviourgate, York YO1 8NN

Price: Free

This exhibition will showcase some remarkable archaeological discoveries and behind-the-scenes archaeological stories from the winter program. You can also see and experience the artefacts and discoveries unearthed during the Willow House excavation and gain an in-depth understanding of the secrets of the post-excavation process.

Family Activities (with Children)

For families with children, the Jorvik Viking Festival also offers a wealth of children's activities. In short, children can participate in interactive games such as Viking costume making and learn about Viking history and culture under the guidance of professionals.

The following are the activities that children can participate in during the Jorvik Viking Festival:

For more detailed information, visit jorvikvikingcentre.co.uk.

How To Plan A Trip To The Jorvik Viking Festival?

A perfect Jorvik Viking Festival experience requires some planning. Here is a detailed guide that will take you through the basic steps of preparing for the festival, including understanding the festival background, arranging accommodation, and packing.

Tip 1: Understanding the Festival Background

Learn about the customs and traditional skills of the Jorvik Viking Festival in advance to better understand them when you watch the activities or performances.

Consider wearing a Viking-themed costume, such as a Spartan Viking helmet or an elaborate complete Viking outfit.

Tip 2: Accommodation Arrangements

The city centre of York offers many different accommodation levels, ranging from luxury hotels to budget hostels. Try to choose a place close to the festival site to save time on travel to and from the festival. Some popular options are usually close to the city centre.

Tip 3: Transportation

York is a city in North Yorkshire, England, and can be reached by train, bus or car. The train ride from London, for example, takes about 2 hours. When planning your trip, consider where you are coming from and the most convenient means of transport.

Remember to factor in potential travel delays or disruptions, especially during the festival.

Tip 4: Schedule

Being familiar with the Jorvik Viking Festival schedule in advance will help participants plan their schedules and avoid missing out on exciting events. It will also help them better experience Viking culture.

Jorvik Viking Festival events occur all over York, with the main venues usually including the Jorvik Viking Centre, York Minster and Coppergate Shopping Centre.

Tip 5: Ticket Booking

Some Jorvik Viking Festival events may be free, but others require tickets. You can use the table below to determine which events require tickets. (For more detailed ticket information, visit jorvikvikingfestival.co.uk.)

However, tickets for some popular events may sell out quickly, so it is recommended that you book them in advance.

TIP 6: Packing List

What to pack for the Jorvik Viking Festival depends mainly on the weather and the activities you plan to do. Generally speaking, you should be prepared for cold weather in February in York.

In short, to ensure that your trip to the Jorvik Viking Festival is both fun and comfortable, here is a detailed packing list:

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What Other Fun Things To Do in York?

York is not only home to the world-famous York Minster and the Jorvik Viking Festival, which attracts many tourists yearly, but there are also many other interesting things waiting for explorers to discover. Whether you are a history lover, a foodie, or a shopaholic, York can provide a rich and colourful experience. This section will provide many attractions and interesting things to enjoy in York besides the Jorvik Viking Festival.

Visit Historical Monuments

York Minster is a must-visit place in York. The grandeur of this Gothic building is breathtaking. Although you can also climb the Central Tower to overlook the beauty of the city of York, you can also choose to explore only the interior.

In addition, the York Castle Museum has housed daily necessities for the past 400 years. Clifford's Tower is the most significant existing part of York Castle. It is located atop the mountain and offers more beautiful city views.

Strolling the Medieval Streets

York's Shambles is the best-preserved medieval-style street in Europe. Strolling along this ancient street, you can experience the ancient machine that makes unique York silver coins and visit various boutiques and handicraft shops. A few quaint and traditional tea rooms are on the butcher's block.

Taste the Local Cuisine

York has many authentic British restaurants where you can enjoy authentic fish and chips, burgers and other delicacies. In addition, York has many tea rooms (Betty's is the most famous tea house in York) where you can enjoy delicious English afternoon tea and a leisurely afternoon.

York is also the chocolate capital of the UK, so you must visit the chocolate factory here. The York Chocolate Story Museum is located in the city centre and allows you to learn about York's sweet history.

Enjoy the Outdoors

Yorkshire Dales National Park is only an hour away from York and is a paradise for cycling enthusiasts. It is picturesque, offering various road and mountain biking options for beginners and experienced cyclists. In addition, the ten acres of botanical gardens around the Yorkshire Museum are great places for walking, relaxing, and meditation.

Jorvik Viking Festival FAQs

The following are the frequently asked questions about the Jorvik Viking Festival in the UK:

1. What date is the Viking festival in York?

Viking Festival is an annual grand festival in York, England. It is usually held for a week in mid-February every year. York's 2025 Viking Festival will be held from February 17 (Monday) to February 23 (Sunday).

2. What is the Jorvik festival about?

Jorvik Viking Festival is an annual week-long Viking cultural festival in York. It commemorates the profound historical and cultural heritage left by the Vikings in York. The festival's theme is "Revisiting Viking History and Experiencing Nordic Culture." Through colourful activities, participants travel back to the Viking Age.

In short, the Jorvik Viking Festival is a cultural feast and a heritage and tribute to the Viking heritage.

3. What happens at a Viking festival?

The Jorvik Viking Festival includes a Viking feast, mead tastings and games. Visitors can taste authentic medieval food and learn about the Vikings' lifestyle and traditional skills. The Viking fair and parade recreate the lively scenes of York in the 10th century. In addition, the Viking Festival also has special projects for families so that visitors of different ages can enjoy the festival's fun.

Final Thoughts

In short, the 2025 Viking Festival will provide an unforgettable adventure experience for history lovers and cultural explorers. Special events allow visitors to gain insight into the Viking lifestyle, traditions and legends. Of course, in addition to the Jorvik Viking Festival, York has many other places worth exploring. Whether history, culture, food, shopping, natural scenery or street art, York can bring you an unforgettable experience.