York Ice Trail is one of the city’s coolest events, much loved by visitors and residents alike for its stunning array of sculptures, and it’s back for 2022! Put March 5th and 6th in your diary and clear the weekend for two days of fun for the whole family. With interactive activities and photo opportunities galore, it’s not to be missed. And did we mention that it’s free? Here’s what you need to know about this year’s event.

Go around the world

Put on your warmest coats and head out in search of over 40 sculptures, all based around the theme of ‘Around the World’. Expect to be transported to destinations we’ve only been able to dream of visiting over the past two years, and you’ll even be invited to disappear down the rabbit hole. Head to the grounds of Middletons Hotel to find a magical wonderland, complete with Mad Hatter themed props. York BID have seven ice sculptures inspired by each of the continents and inspired by Disney characters. City of York Council’s York Skyline sculpture sounds fabulous, and there’ll even be a special one to mark the Rugby League World Cup. Other highlights include live ice carving and the chance for ice carving on a graffiti wall!

The sculptures – What to see and where

Here’s what to look forward to – see how many you can spot! Pick up a trail leaflet from the Visit York Information Centre (1 Museum Street).

– Around the World, Blake Street – provided by Make It York   
– The York Skyline, Exhibition Square – Provided by City of York Council  
– The Queen of Hearts, Lendal – Provided by The Judge’s Lodging  
– Oceania: Bruce (Nemo), Wellington Row – Provided by York BID   
– May I Take Your Luggage?, Station Rise – Provided by The Grand, York   
– Anniversary Oak – Celebrating 70 Years, Station Road – Provided by North York Moors National Park 
– Leap of Faith by Gudelia Li, Hudson Quarter – Provided by Palace Capital   
– South America: Kevin (UP), Micklegate – Provided by York BID   
– The Executioner’s Block, Middletons – Provided by Middletons Hotel  
– Cheshire Cat, Middletons – Provided by York Gin 
– The White Rabbit, Middletons – Provided by Middletons Hotel   
– Mad Hatters Tea Party, Middletons – Provided by Middletons Hotel  
– Take the Helm, Captain!, Kings Staith – Provided by City Cruises   
– Penguin on Parade, Tower Street – Provided by York Army Museum

– Wanted: Dick Turpin, Spurriergate – Provided by York Dungeons 
– Big Ben Strikes Ate O’Clock, High Ousegate – Provided by Ate O’Clock   
– The Vikings, Coppergate Centre – Provided by Coppergate Centre  
– The Melting Earth, Piccadilly – Provided by Spark: York   
– Antartica: Olaf (Frozen), Fossgate – Provided by York BID  
– Europe: Remi (Ratatouille), The Shambles – Provided by York BID  
– North America: Pepita (Coco), Goodramgate – Provided by York BID  
– Fabergé’s Trans-Siberian Railway Egg, High Petergate – Provided by National Railway Museum   
– Eco Rocks Diamond by Kay Bradley, Low Petergate – Provided by Bradleys Jewellers 
– Waitress, Grape Lane – Provided by Lucia Bar   
– Atlas the Turtle, Little Stonegate – Provided by Turtle Bay   
– The Bettys Express Train, Davygate – Provided by Bettys  

– Heavenly Delight, St Helens Square – Provided by Heavenly Desserts 
– The Plane, St Helens Square – Provided by The Ivy  
– Asia: Sisu (Raya and the Last Dragon), Coney Street – Provided by York BID  
– The Astronaut, Davygate – Provided by Shephard Group   
– Space Shuttle, Feasegate – Provided by Viewpoint   
– Live Carving, St Sampson’s Square – Provided by York Ice Trail   
– Cow Print, St Sampson’s Square – Provided by Cut and Craft  
– Rugby League World Cup Trophy, Parliament Street – Celebrating York as a host city 
– Norris the Knight, Parliament Street – Provided by York Knights   
– Flying Carpet in the Market, Shambles Market – Provided by Shambles Market   
– Bug Count Cash Giveaway, Parliament Street – Provided by York Mix   
-Wizard Golf Challenge, Parliament Street – Provided by Hole in the Wand  
– Graffiti Wall, Parliament Street – Provided by York Ice Trail  

– Africa: Simba (Lion King), Castlegate – Provided by York BID
– First York Park & Ride, Parliament Street – Provided by First York

If you’d like to see the York Ice Trail map for 2022, click here