York Ice Trail is returning for 2026 and we couldn’t be more excited! One of the city’s coolest events, York Ice Trail – organised by Make It York’  – will take place on February 7th and 8th 2026 and the theme will be ‘An Enchanted City’, with each sculpture telling a unique story. As always, the awe-inspiring sculptures will be dotted around the streets and snickelways, and there’ll be plenty of family-friendly activities going on too.

RECOMMENDED

💰 The best free and cheap things to do in York

☔️ Rainy days in York

🪄The best Harry Potter things to do in York

🛌 The best places to stay in York with kids

🤪 The best unusual things to do in York

👶 The best things to do in York with a baby/toddler

📗 Read the Little Vikings Family Guide to York

😎 The best things to do with older kids and teens in York

Make sure you never miss a thing by signing up to our newsletter and following us on Instagram, Facebook, Threads and X.

What you need to know about York Ice Trail 2026

When – York Ice Trail takes place on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th February 2026

Where – Across York. Don’t miss Parliament Street, St Sampson’s Square, St Helen’s Square and Middleton’s Hotel.

Cost – Free!

Trail map – Collect your free trail map from the Visit York Information Centre on Parliament Street or download it from the Visit York website at the time of the event.

Enjoy live ice carving – Don’t miss the live ice carving demonstrations at St Sampson’s Square. See the magic happen before your eyes as skilled sculptors shape raw ice into glittering masterpieces.

New for 2026 – The Ice Village gives visitors the opportunity to relax and recharge after a day of exploring, with unique gifts, handcrafted treasures and delicious treats, even potions!  There’s also a dedicated Food and Drink Area at Parliament Street to refuel along your trail journey, as well as the much-loved Shambles Food Court for delicious street food from around the globe.  Don’t miss photo and selfie opportunities at the Ice Ice Baby neon wall, ‘trap’ yourself in The Ice Wall, make your snow angel pose at The Snow Block and take a whirl in the Igloo 360 Photobooth.

York Ice Trail – List of sculptures and where to find them

Full list of sculptures and activities for York Ice Trail 2026:

1. Ice Ice Baby (neon photo opportunity) – provided by Make It York
2. Igloo 360 Photobooth – provided by Party Octopus
3. The Ice Village (curated market)
4. All Aboard for Railway Stories – provided by National Railway Museum
5. Bertie the Shambles Dragon – provided by Shambles Market Traders
6. The Wizard of Ouse! – provided by City Cruises York and Mr Chippy  
7. The Enchanted Chocolate Bar – provided by York’s Chocolate Story
8. Drake’s Spellbound Catch – provided by Drake’s Fish and Chips
9. Sword in the Stone – provided by York BID
10. The Yorkshire Rose by Kay Bradley – provided by Bradley’s Jewellers, York
11. Saint William’s Poisoned Chalice – provided by York Minster
12. Toadstool House – provided by York BID  
13. York Park & Brrr-ide – provided by First Bus  
14. Wizard Teddy Bear – provided by Stonegate Teddy Bears  
15. Bettys Bern Bears – provided by Bettys  
16. The Magic of Connection – provided by Grand Central Rail
17. Lord of the Lodging – provided by The Judge’s Lodging
18. The Ice Wall (photo opportunity) – provided by Make It York
19. Spellbound Train Ticket – provided by The Milner York
20. From Grand Roots, Magic Blooms – provided by The Grand, York
21. Hobgoblin – provided by York BID
22. Enchanted – provided by Icebox
23. Wade The Giant – provided by North York Moors National Park
24. Let It Sew – provided by Gillies Fabrics  
25. The Hungry Dragon – provided by Ate O’clock
26. Barghest – provided by York BID  
27. The Prophet Hen – provided by SPARK: York
28. Jack Frost – provided by York BID  
29. Wings of Ice – provided by Merchant Adventurers’ Hall
30. Magic Mixie Monster – provided by York Mix  
31. Mjolnir – The Bringer of Lightning – provided by Murton Park  
32. Beaky Blinder the Puffin – provided by RSPB  
33. Food and Drink Area
34. Ice Masterclass (paid experience)
35. The Snow Block (photo opportunity) – provided by Make It York
36. Live Ice Carving (from 12pm)

York Ice Trail is a free event open to all from 10.30am to 4pm over the weekend. Pick up the official trail map from the Visit York Visitor Information Centre to tick off all the sculptures and, upon completion, collect a special sticker. Precise locations will also be available via what3words, available on the printed map and online.