Visitors to York this winter can step back in time with a frosty twist at JORVIK Viking Centre, where the world-famous attraction is bringing back snow to Viking-age Coppergate. The new Winter Adventure experience combines snow-covered streets, festive decorations, and cutting-edge technology for an immersive visit suitable for all ages.
“Snow hit Viking-age Coppergate for the first time last year, and was received phenomenally well by our guests, so we’ve brought it back for this winter season – and added a few more changes too,” said Gareth Henry, director for visitor engagement at York Archaeology, which runs the centre. “For the first time ever, visitors will be able to peer through a time portal into the blacksmith’s house that we excavated in the 1970s, and see what it would have been like to live there, even before they get on board a time sleigh to travel back in time for themselves.”
The Time Portal is the first part of the Winter Adventure. Visitors descend to 10th-century street level and see the city through an introductory show using the latest time vortex technology. From there, they board a Time Sleigh to tour snow-covered streets, with cold blue lighting, mist rolling off the river, and Viking residents dressed in woollen cloaks and knitted hats. Market stalls offer winter produce for the residents’ stew pots, bringing the Viking winter to life.
“Once off the ride, visitors can warm themselves by the fare in our Skald’s house, to hear about how the hardy Vikings survived in the winter months, and hear sagas and tales of Yuletides past,” added Henry.
Prebooking is essential for all visits. Tickets are £17.50 for adults, £14 for students, £12 for children, and family tickets are available from £49 to £56. Children under 5 enter free. Tickets are valid for unlimited repeat visits for a full year, allowing visitors to enjoy both the Winter Adventure and a standard visit once the snow melts at the end of February 2026.
For more information and to book, visit jorvikvikingcentre.co.uk
