Check your chain mail, sharpening your swords and strengthening your shields – York is set to be invaded again!
1160 years after they first arrived, the Vikings are once again taking over the city’s streets – but they come in peace.
Europe’s largest Viking Festival
The 2026 JORVIK Viking Festival runs from 16 – 22 Feb. For seven days, Norse-influence will be spread across the city centre as Viking-enthusiasts from home and abroad descend on the city for Europe’s largest Viking Festival.Â
Around 500 Viking re-enactors are expected to help welcome 50,000+ residents and visitors for living history, crafts and combat within the city walls.
Viking feast, battles and more
Tickets for some of the headline events including a remarkable feast in the Merchant Adventurer’s Hall themed around the Great Heathen Army, the Kid’s Barbaric Battle, and The Battle for York, a combat spectacular in the shadow of Clifford’s Tower, are now available from the festival website.
The festival also co-incides with the end of A Winter Adventure at JORVIK Viking Centre – a three-month long spell of snowy weather in Viking-age Coppergate.Â
With the week fully sold-out during the 2025 Festival, visitors are advised to make sure they have their place booked for this wintery experience early to avoid disappointment.
JORVIK Viking Festival highlights
JORVIK Viking Festival Feast
Travel back to AD 866. Eoforwic has fallen to the Great Heathen Army. Dine with the victors and enjoy a Viking-inspired three-course feast worthy of a Jarl as they celebrate their conquest and regale you with tales of their battles and glory.
Don’t miss this immersive dining experience, featuring entertainment from the fantastic Jorvik Immersive Theatre.Â
Note: This event is for adults aged 18 and over. Please purchase tickets before 30th January 2026, to allow our Festival team to finalise plans with the caterers.
March to Coppergate
The Viking March is a Festival tradition like no other! It simply wouldn’t be the JORVIK Viking Festival without the sight of Viking warriors parading through the city. Don’t miss your chance to experience their thunderous war cries echoing through the streets of York!
Viking encampment
The Vikings have once again taken over York City Centre—but don’t worry, they’re not here to loot and plunder. Instead, they’ve set up camp on Parliament Street!
Join them throughout the day and catch a glimpse of Viking life as they demonstrate traditional crafts such as leatherworking and woodworking. You might even find someone who can paint your face like a true Norse warrior.
Viking Games
Returning for 2026, two teams face off in the Viking Games! Contestants battle it out in epic tests of strength, skill and wisdom.
With cheers, laughs and impressive feats of endurance along the way, Viking Games is a must-see for JORVIK Viking Festival 2026!
The Battle for York
Witness The Battle for York – our newest Battle Spectacular! A breathtaking struggle for control of the city, brought to life with epic combat and storytelling. Experience the courage and chaos of Viking combat, as you see history unfold before your eyes.