Relaxed Christmas Visits at York Castle Museum

Selected dates from 17 November – 15 December 2026 | 9am–11am 

Included in general admission | Book Tickets 

A more relaxed way to experience The Night Before Christmas at York Castle Museum. 

On selected mornings this festive season, we’re hosting Christmas relaxed sessions, 9am – 11am, offering an adapted environment for visitors who prefer to explore the museum without the usual levels of noise and activity. 

These sessions are designed for anyone who would benefit from a more relaxed setting, or an adapted welcome or experience this festive season, including neurodivergent visitors, those with sensory processing differences, families who might need a quieter space, or anyone that may need a different pace to their visit.  

We would advise booking a 9am or 9.30am arrival slot for those who may benefit from a calm, quiet entry. 

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When are relaxed sessions? 

Upcoming dates include: 

Tuesday 17 November 2026 | 9am–11am* 

Tuesday 24 November 2026 | 9am–11am* 

Tuesday 1 December 2026 | 9am–11am* 

Saturday 5 December 2026 | 9am–11am* 

Tuesday 8 December 2026 | 9am–11am* 

Saturday 12 December 2026 | 9am–11am*

Tuesday 15 December 2026 | 9am–11am* 

*From 11am, the museum will return to its usual opening arrangements. 

Relaxed visits are included in general admission | Book Tickets 

What to expect 

Experience the snow-covered Victorian street, decorated shops and festive atmosphere, as well as the other galleries, with additional support designed to make your visit more comfortable. 

During relaxed sessions, we make adjustments where we can, to create a more comfortable museum experience including: 

• Sunflower lanyards available to borrow if needed and sunflower scheme trained members of the team at the welcome point and throughout galleries to support your visit. 

• Clearer signage including a sensory map of the museum which shows where transition moments, sounds or sensory elements may be; and staff on hand to support your welcome and visit. 

• Relaxed spaces in the Kirkgate Learning Studio and in the Sugar, Skills and Shiftwork exhibition available if you need a break 

• Reduced sound levels across galleries 

• More consistent lighting (lowered in some areas, increased in others) 

• Sensory backpacks, ear defenders and access equipment available to borrow 

• Access and carer support information, and resources, available in our relaxed spaces 

We aim to reduce noise and create a calmer atmosphere; some background sound will still be present. The café and shop will be open as usual from 10am. 

You are welcome to stay as long as you like after entry, but from 11am the full experience including projections, a more contrasting lighting mode, and louder audio in some spaces will be turned on.  

Who are these sessions for? 

Relaxed sessions are open to everyone. They are particularly suited to visitors who prefer a quieter, less busy environment, including (but not limited to): 

• Neurodivergent visitors 

• Visitors with sensory sensitivities 

• Families who might need a quieter space 

• Anyone who would benefit from a calmer visit at their own pace 

Families, friends, carers and companions are welcome to visit during these sessions too. 

You do not need to wear a Sunflower lanyard or provide evidence of a disability to attend a Relaxed Visit session. 

Access information 

The museum is set in a historic prison building and although we have made adaptations where we can, there is some stepped access on one side. Discounted concession tickets are available for those with reduced mobility, please select ‘Reduced Access Concession’ when booking.  

We have accessible toilets on both sides of the museum building but no changing places facilities. We do have some comfort support in our accessible toilets including adult changing mats available to use. 

For further access information, please visit our Access webpage. 

Plan your visit 

We encourage advance bookings so that we can manage numbers and maintain a quieter environment during the session. We would advise booking a 9am or 9.30am arrival slot for those who may benefit from a calm, quiet entry. 

Please respect the relaxed sessions and do not book during these limited entry slots unless you need to. 

You are welcome to stay as long as you like after entry, but please note, at 11am the full experience including projections, a more contrasting lighting mode, and louder audio in some spaces will be turned on.  

You can use your ticket for free return visits throughout the year, or on other relaxed sessions if you prefer shorter visits to build familiarity and confidence. 

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