Standout Season of Winter Events Supporting York’s Year-Round Economy

Make It York has delivered a highly successful programme of winter events, generating strong visitor engagement, supporting local businesses and reinforcing York’s position as a vibrant year-round destination.

Delivered across winter 2025–26, the programme included York Ice Trail, York Residents’ Festival and the award-winning York Christmas Market. Curated and delivered by Make It York, these initiatives attracted residents and visitors to the city while boosting footfall and supporting independent businesses during the traditionally quieter winter season.

From festive celebrations to family-friendly attractions, the events programme showcased York’s unique character while encouraging both day visits and overnight stays. Collectively, the events strengthened the city’s winter economy and reinforced York’s reputation as one of the UK’s leading cultural destinations.

York Ice Trail transformed the city centre on 7–8 February 2026 with its “Enchanted City” theme, featuring 36 mythical ice sculptures, interactive installations and family-friendly activities across York’s streets. Curated by Make It York in partnership with local businesses and created by Icebox, the UK and Europe’s leading ice sculpture specialist, each sculpture was sponsored by a York-based organisation, demonstrating strong local support for the popular event.

New for 2026, the Ice Village introduced a vibrant marketplace of handcrafted gifts, artisan products and seasonal treats, enhancing the visitor experience and encouraging longer dwell times across the city centre.

The event recorded more than 63,770 footfall counts across Micklegate and Parliament Street over the weekend. Visitor feedback highlighted the continued popularity of the trail, with 94% of visitors satisfied with their overall experience and 97% saying they would attend again. The event achieved an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 from 272 surveyed attendees.

Visitor insights also demonstrated the event’s role in driving tourism, with 82% of attendees visiting York on a day trip and 18% staying overnight.

York Residents’ Festival, held on 31 January and 1 February 2026, also recorded its most successful year to date. The festival gives residents the opportunity to enjoy free entry, exclusive offers and special experiences across attractions, venues and businesses across the city.

This year saw 86 offers available to residents, a 23% increase on the previous year, reflecting growing participation from local businesses and attractions. The expanded programme provided residents with more ways to explore the city while supporting local venues during January.

For the second consecutive year, pre-booked tickets proved particularly popular, contributing to strong online engagement and an 8.6% increase in click-throughs from Visit York to partner websites. Partner feedback highlighted high levels of awareness and strong local footfall, with businesses reporting increased family participation and positive January trading.

York Christmas Market also delivered another successful festive season in 2025, welcoming residents and visitors from 13 November to 21 December and transforming the city centre into a vibrant winter destination.

The market continues to play an important role in supporting regional traders while attracting visitors to the city during the festive period. Seasonal food and drink, handcrafted gifts and artisan products were showcased from across the region, with Make It York championing Yorkshire’s producers and makers.

In 2025, 85% of traders were based within the Yorkshire region, while every food trader represented Yorkshire produce and culinary talent. The market also maintained a strong focus on accessibility and inclusivity, including daily Quiet Time sessions and a Quiet Oasis space delivered in partnership with St Sampson’s Centre and City of York Council, providing a calm and welcoming environment for visitors.

Environmental sustainability remains a key priority across all Make It York events. Visitors were encouraged to travel to the city using public transport, including York Park & Ride services, journey planning through i-Travel York and secure cycle parking provided in collaboration with York Cycle Campaign.

By delivering a diverse and engaging winter events programme, Make It York continues to support York’s visitor economy by driving footfall, championing local businesses and creating memorable experiences for residents and visitors alike. The organisation looks forward to building on this success as it continues to strengthen York’s position as a vibrant, welcoming destination throughout the year.