Location: Parliament Street

W3W: ///gather.lifts.songs

Take a selfie in front of the neon 'Ice Ice Baby' sign, and don't forget to tag @VisitYork when you share!

Make It York are the city’s destination management organisation, enhancing and promoting York as a world-class destination. As part of our visitor economy activity, we lead on the city’s tourism strategy and we promote York regionally, nationally and internationally to leisure and business visitors via our Visit York brand. This encompasses all aspects of tourism marketing and communications, as well as resident engagement, market intelligence and supporting our member businesses. We keep the city centre relevant and enticing for both residents and visitors by curating a high-profile calendar of city centre festivals, activities and events, as well as managing the iconic Shambles Market.

Location: Parliament Street

W3W: ///monkey.foam.begins

Enjoy a 360 photobooth inside an igloo on Parliament Street, a perfect way to capture the memories of the York Ice Trail!

Party Octopus provides 360 photobooth to hire for events. They bring the high-definition tech, the professional lighting, and the premium props. You bring the poses, the moves and the smiles!

Location: Parliament Street

W3W: ///hopes.woes.speak

This year, Parliament Street is transforming into a magical hub of creativity and wonder as the Ice Village brings the heart of the York Ice Trail to life. Designed with families in mind, the Ice Village offers an array of unique gifts, handcrafted treasures, and delicious treats (and potions!). Whether you're seeking magical keepsakes, warming street food, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, there's something for everyone.

Location: Parliament Street

W3W: ///props.crew.input

Explore the past, present and future of the railways at the National Railway Museum, home to iconic locomotives and extraordinary collections.

This year's sculpture is based on a real steam locomotive, with a carriage on the back where people can climb aboard and take a seat to journey to their own enchanted land. It is inspired by the ‘crab’ locomotive, on display in the recently reopened Station Hall, an atmospheric gallery filled with the stories of station life. The design reflects to collection housed in Station Hall and the weird and wonderful stories waiting to be discovered there.

Special offer! Experience the romance of the railways this Valentine’s Day with afternoon tea in the Countess of York – our restored railway carriage set within the atmospheric Station Hall. Book now to enjoy a special Valentine’s Day menu and a complimentary glass of prosecco on 14 and 15 February. Find out more and book here.

Location: Shambles Market

W3W: ///tapes.voices.slave

Shambles Market is the vibrant, historic centre of city shopping in York and every visit to the market is a wonderful voyage of discovery with quality gifts, artisan crafts, clothing, bags, jewellery, fruit, vegetables, flowers and the famous Shambles Food Court. Bertie the Dragon sits quietly in the corner watching over his beloved market, his happy fellow traders and their customers who make a trip to the market a major part of their York experience.

Location: Church Street

W3W: ///scrap.forks.trip

City Cruises and Mr Chippy teamed up in 2025 for the House of Mouse, and this year they’re keeping the magic going with Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz! Together, we’re bringing an enchanted twist to York by combining scenic river cruises with delicious Yorkshire fish and chips. Just like Dorothy’s journey, this partnership celebrates adventure, discovery, and the joy of finding magic right here along the River Ouse.

Visit Mr Chippy website ▸

Visit City Cruises York website ▸

Location: King's Square

W3W: ///magic.atomic.achieving

Our ice sculpture captures the story behind our Guided Tour - a journey through 4,000 years of chocolate history, from its discovery in ancient Mexico to the York families who created world-famous brands. Visitors can watch our talented tour guides and chocolatiers bring history to life with engaging stories, live demonstrations, and an irresistible range of hand-made chocolates available in our shop.

Location: Low Petergate

W3W: ///facing.daring.latest

One of York’s most longstanding family-owned fish and chip restaurants, Drake’s has kept its sculpture design simple and playful. Drake’s Spellbound Catch features a classic plate of fish and chips, reflecting our love of Britain's national dish, a true Yorkshire favourite and the joy it brings to families of all ages.

Location: Goodramgate

W3W: ///smug.stick.shut

York BID is working on behalf of local businesses to deliver key investments and economic growth for York city centre. This year York BID have 5 enchanted sculptures spread right across the city centre to allow visitors to experience the great range of businesses York has to offer.

Location: Low Petergate

W3W: ///rocket.hiding.kicks

We are proud to be a luxury jeweller in York. Come and see the whole collection for yourself in our 500-year-old, Grade II Listed Building located on Low Petergate, just a stone's throw from the Shambles. We have something for everyone, including beautiful diamond rings, ethically sourced and sustainable jewellery collections, laboratory-grown diamonds, and ranges that use only Single Mine Origin Gold.

Kay Bradley and the team at Bradley’s Jewellers York are giving you the opportunity to win a best-selling York Rose solitaire ring to celebrate the York Ice Trail 2026. Just answer a simple question to be in with a chance of winning something extra special from our award-winning jewellery boutique on Low Petergate. Enter here!

Location: High Petergate

W3W: ///type.ranged.super

Did you know York has its very own saint?

William Fitzherbert was twice Archbishop of York during the 12th century. One day, he became ill after celebrating Mass where one of his enemies is rumoured to have murdered him by poisoning his communion chalice.

Following his death, many miracles were reported around his shrine in York Minster.

In 1226, 800 years ago this year, William was canonised and became the Patron Saint of York.

Location: Bootham

W3W: ///detail.acute.spices

York BID is working on behalf of local businesses to deliver key investments and economic growth for York city centre. This year York BID have 5 enchanted sculptures spread right across the city centre to allow visitors to experience the great range of businesses York has to offer.

Location: Exhibition Square

W3W: ///topped.linked.tiny

York Park & Ride by First Bus provides an easy, affordable and sustainable way to travel into the city, with free parking and all electric buses.

Our sculpture, York Park & Brrr-ide, features a magical portal showing a modern bus transforming from a historic horse-drawn carriage.

The design was chosen to reflect York’s rich heritage and our role in connecting communities, while promoting cleaner, future-focused travel.

Location: Stonegate

W3W: ///cable.cliff.lease

York's Original Teddy Bear Shop is a 3 generation family-run independent business, world renowned. We are delighted to have collaborated with the award-winning Wizard Walk of York on our first Ice Trail sculpture. This year's theme is "An Enchanted City" and together we have brought un-bear-lievable and exciting magic to York.

Special offer! We look forward to welcoming groups from The Wizard of Walk throughout the day. To celebrate we will be offering 10% off purchases for all dressed as a wizard/witch!

Location: Davygate

W3W: ///jams.path.images

Bettys was founded over 100 years ago by a young baker and chocolatier from Switzerland. He was born Fritz Butzer in a village near Bern, the Swiss capital, which has a bear as its heraldic symbol. To this day bears are still associated with Bern and Bettys Milk Chocolate Bears are a celebration of it's Swiss heritage.

Location: St Helens Square

W3W: ///park.rots.sofa

Grand Central is an open-access operator connecting communities across Yorkshire and the North East to London with direct and comfortable journeys. Our sculpture, The Magic of Connection, features iconic landmarks from York and London arranged in a semi-circle. This design symbolises the link between these two vibrant yet contrasting cities - reflecting our mission to bring people together and create seamless connections along our routes.

Location: Lendal

W3W: ///reply.claim.mats

Stags represent wisdom, truth and safe passage. Stags are also the lion of the forest, mighty and powerful, like our buidling. This relates to the Judge's Lodging due its history for housing the Judges, their wiseness, search for truth, and ability to stay in York safely. The "Lord" part represents our buildings believed architect, Lord Bullington.

Location: Museum Gardens

W3W: ///talent.reef.corn

Discover ‘The Ice Wall’ where you can ‘freeze’ yourself for that perfect photo moment! Don't forget to tag @VisitYork when you share!

Make It York are the city’s destination management organisation, enhancing and promoting York as a world-class destination. As part of our visitor economy activity, we lead on the city’s tourism strategy and we promote York regionally, nationally and internationally to leisure and business visitors via our Visit York brand. This encompasses all aspects of tourism marketing and communications, as well as resident engagement, market intelligence and supporting our member businesses. We keep the city centre relevant and enticing for both residents and visitors by curating a high-profile calendar of city centre festivals, activities and events, as well as managing the iconic Shambles Market.

Location: The Milner York

W3W: ///given.zips.neon

The Milner York is the city’s original station hotel, built in 1878 to welcome guests arriving by rail, and today continues that legacy with warm Yorkshire hospitality.  Our sculpture, The Spellbound Train Ticket to the Enchanted City, reflects this history through a giant vintage ticket design. We chose it to honour York’s railway origins, our unique station-side location, and the hotel’s role as a magical gateway into the city’s stories.

Step into the magic of York’s Ice Trail and make The Milner York your first stop. Discover our enchanting sculpture, The Spellbound Train Ticket, and pick up your exclusive Milner Ticket complete with a special food and drink offer just for trail explorers. Begin your journey with us and let the city’s enchantment unfold, one frosted moment at a time.

Location: Station Rise

W3W: ///gear.career.abode

Inspired by The Grand’s deep roots in York’s history, and the growth that has come from what our historic building once was. Set in the original headquarters of the North Eastern Railway, The Grand is an award-winning five-star hotel. We strive to continue the legacy of our Grand building by creating lasting memories for all our guests.

Location: Micklegate

W3W: ///send.grades.face

York BID is working on behalf of local businesses to deliver key investments and economic growth for York city centre. This year York BID have 5 enchanted sculptures spread right across the city centre to allow visitors to experience the great range of businesses York has to offer.

Location: Skeldergate

W3W: ///candy.winks.front

Since 1999, Icebox have been working with some of the world’s leading brands, we find icy solutions to promote brands, products and to shock and awe using ice.

Location: Spurriergate

W3W: ///pads.stable.alone

The North York Moors National Park is one of the UK’s most extraordinary places, established in 1952 the 554 square miles of fabulous countryside, open heather moorland and rugged coast are worth exploring. From rolling panoramas and big skies to enchanting forests and idyllic dales, there’s a sense of peace and tranquillity here that’s hard to beat – and all this just 20 miles or so north of York.

Location: Peter Lane

W3W: ///assume.town.noble

Often described as an Aladdin’s cave, our business celebrates creativity through sewing in all its forms. We take pride in offering a personal, friendly service that supports sewists at every level. Our ice sculpture, Let It Sew, inspired by embroidery, reflects our passion for both traditional hand embroidery and modern machine innovation—bringing timeless skills and contemporary technology together to inspire creativity and craftsmanship.

Live demonstrations! Visitors can see machines in action from Husqvarna Viking, Janome, and Juki. Exclusive machines offers. Store wide fabric sale A visit to our shop is not to be missed.

Dates & Times:

- Saturday 7th February: 10.00am – 4.30pm

- Sunday 8th February: 10.30am – 4.00pm

Location: High Ousegate

W3W: ///just.poetic.shrimp

Situated in the heart of York and nestled down an arched alleyway draped in fairy lights; Ate O’Clock Restaurant offers a wonderland like surprise upon entry. Once inside, the restaurant boasts indoor dining areas as well as a cosy courtyard. Our courtyard has been uniquely adapted to make the most of outdoor dining in the Summer and to stay warm and cosy in the Winter. We welcome all types of guests in our restaurant, whether it be a romantic date, a catch up with friends, a family meal or grabbing a bite whilst out seeing the sights of York. We are also dog friendly, so the canine member of the family is welcome too.

Location: Castlegate

W3W: ///chips.loaded.tiny

York BID is working on behalf of local businesses to deliver key investments and economic growth for York city centre. This year York BID have 5 enchanted sculptures spread right across the city centre to allow visitors to experience the great range of businesses York has to offer.

Location: Inside of SPARK

W3W: ///gift.engage.ozone

SPARK is a creative community space bringing together the freshest selection of independent businesses in York. We have the best street food, drinks, events, and independent pop-up retailers to keep the whole family (including four-legged friends) occupied. Inside you’ll also a flexible co-working hub, a shared studio for resident artists, and a multipurpose events space.

Mary Bateman is infamously known for creating the hoax known as The Prophet Hen, in which eggs laid by a magical hen had messages written on them from God. Members of the public could see these eggs at the price of a penny a viewing. However, when the hen was taken away from her, it laid no more of these eggs... weird. Since the demolition of Banana Warehouse, SPARK has been blessed by a new view of Clifford's Tower, otherwise known as York Castle. Bateman's trial took place right there in 1809, with the trial lasting 11 hours, though the jury took only a few moments to find her guilty of the charges of fraud and murder, where she was ultimately given a death sentence.

On Sunday 8th February, young artists aged 5–12 are invited to join in the magic with our Enchanted Egg Painting Workshop! Inspired by Mary Bateman’s mysterious hen, children can create their own spellbound eggs to take home. Two sessions will be held at 2pm and 3:30pm - tickets are free, but booking is required through the SPARK website.

Location: Walmgate

W3W: ///soon.splash.volume

York BID is working on behalf of local businesses to deliver key investments and economic growth for York city centre. This year York BID have 5 enchanted sculptures spread right across the city centre to allow visitors to experience the great range of businesses York has to offer.

Location: Fossgate

W3W: ///socket.glad.counts

This sculpture is located through the entrance in the hall grounds.

The Merchant Adventurers’ Hall in York, a splendid medieval guildhall, reflects the city’s proud trading history. Beside it stands an ice sculpture of Pegasus, the winged horse of Greek mythology. Early myths tell that wherever Pegasus struck his hoof, water from a spring burst forth—symbolizing inspiration and renewal. Crafted from water and ice, the sculpture echoes this legend, linking the York Merchant Adventurers Company’s emblem of Pegasus with travel, exploration, and the life-giving power of discovery.

As part of An Enchanted City ice sculpture trail, our Pegasus soars in frozen elegance—his wings outstretched, carved from crystal-clear ice that glimmers with every passing light. Rooted in Greek mythology, the Pegasus symbolizes inspiration, freedom, and the boundless power of imagination. Legends tell that wherever his hoof struck the earth, fresh springs burst forth, bringing life and creativity. Here in York, this icy Pegasus embodies the city’s enduring spirit of adventure, transformation, and the magic that flows through its history.

Location: Parliament Street

W3W: ///bronze.noting.chefs

YorkMix provides news and entertainment for York on air and online - our famous mascot Mixie Monster has been frozen in ice, but her magical wand could be the key to you unlocking a prize! Mixie loves to visit events whenever she can and when she got the chance to try out her new magic wand she thought this would be the perfect opportunity... little did she know the spell would go wrong and she'd find herself frozen in ice.

The YorkMix broadcast bus will be on air from the Ice Trail and we'll be giving away big prizes outside the bus all weekend.

Location: Parliament Street

W3W: ///below.button.hidden

Murton Park; living history under the open sky—where your favourite stories come alive around you. With a Viking village at our heart, an ice sculpture of Thor’s Hammer felt like destiny.

Location: Parliament Street

W3W: ///salt.placed.heavy

The RSPB is the UK’s largest nature conservation charity, dedicated to saving birds, wildlife, and the natural world. Founded in 1889, the RSPB works tirelessly to protect habitats, restore landscapes, and save species from extinction. Today, it has over 1.2 million members, 10,500 volunteers, and manages more than 200 nature reserves across the UK. We have chosen a Puffin for our ice sculpture. Puffins are one of the UK’s most iconic seabirds, instantly recognizable by their colourful beaks and orange feet. The UK hosts around 10% of the global Atlantic puffin population, making it a critical region for their survival. They are currently on the Red List of conservation concern, meaning they are among the most threatened seabirds in the UK. Puffins are a species that the RSPB actively works to protect, especially on UK coastal reserves like Bempton Cliffs. They represent the success of habitat protection and marine conservation efforts. In summer, Puffins are a huge draw for people to Bempton Cliffs and showcase the link between conservation and the joy of connecting people with nature.

Location: Parliament Street

W3W: ///pages.candle.maps

Re-fuel during your icy adventure in the dedicated food and drink area on Parliament Street. Whether you need a hot beverage or delicious street food, there's plenty on offer to help you warm up - ncluding pizza, waffles and loaded hot chocolates.

Make It York are the city’s destination management organisation, enhancing and promoting York as a world-class destination. As part of our visitor economy activity, we lead on the city’s tourism strategy and we promote York regionally, nationally and internationally to leisure and business visitors via our Visit York brand. This encompasses all aspects of tourism marketing and communications, as well as resident engagement, market intelligence and supporting our member businesses. We keep the city centre relevant and enticing for both residents and visitors by curating a high-profile calendar of city centre festivals, activities and events, as well as managing the iconic Shambles Market.

Location: Parliament Street

W3W: ///upon.jukebox.record

This year, take your York Ice Trail experience to the next level with our exclusive 40-minute Ice Carving Sessions. Under the expert guidance of our professional ice sculptors, Icebox, you can get hands-on and carve your very own polar bear masterpiece: no experience needed, just creativity and a sense of adventure. In the mist of the York Ice Trail, where spectacular ice sculptures transform the city into a frozen gallery, this interactive session offers a truly unforgettable experience for all ages.

Please note this event is now sold out.

Location: Parliament Street 

W3W: ///formed.tens.shape

Step into our brand new snow block and and strike your best snow angel pose. Don’t forget to tag @VisitYork when you share!

Make It York are the city’s destination management organisation, enhancing and promoting York as a world-class destination. As part of our visitor economy activity, we lead on the city’s tourism strategy and we promote York regionally, nationally and internationally to leisure and business visitors via our Visit York brand. This encompasses all aspects of tourism marketing and communications, as well as resident engagement, market intelligence and supporting our member businesses. We keep the city centre relevant and enticing for both residents and visitors by curating a high-profile calendar of city centre festivals, activities and events, as well as managing the iconic Shambles Market.

Location: St Sampson's Square

W3W: ///jump.couches.spun

From 12pm

Watch as master carvers from Icebox create their masterpieces on St Sampson’s Square!

Since 1999, Icebox have been working with some of the world’s leading brands, we find icy solutions to promote brands, products and to shock and awe using ice.