The big frosty weekend of fun is here – York Ice Trail is underway in York city centre, transforming the historic streets into an icy wonderland.
York Ice Trail is a free event open to all over the weekend of 1 and 2 February from 10.30am to 4pm.
Discover ‘Origins’ ice sculptures
Discover long forgotten secrets and tales yet to be told in this year’s enchanting theme “Origins”. Organised by Make It York, the trail features over 30 stunning ice sculptures, with each icy masterpiece inspired by legends, myths and York’s rich history.
Live ice carving demonstrations will be taking place at St Sampson’s Square from 12pm, where expert ice sculptors from Icebox will transform raw blocks of ice into a work of art before your eyes, depicting the iconic York Minster.
At Middletons Hotel, don’t miss your chance to ‘freeze’ yourself in the ‘The Ice Wall’ for that perfect photo moment.
Pick up a trail map
Visitors can pick up a printed map from the Visit York Visitor Information Centre at 21 Parliament Street. There’s also a sticker to collect when you have found all the sculptures! The team can also point you in the right direction if you need assistance in your journey.
Food and drink
When you need to refuel, the Shambles Food Court, found at the Shambles Market, offers a variety of delicious street food. Plus, you can find Millers Street Food and Chocolate Circus on Parliament Street over the weekend.
Share your icy finds
Share your icy photos using #YorkIceTrail across Visit York’s social media platforms:
Chance to win
Visitors to the trail have the chance to win a £25 York Gift Card and a Chocolate Afternoon Tea for Two at The Milner York, by completing the York Ice Trail survey.
Details about York Ice Trail, including a digital map and the sculpture list, plus what’s on over the weekend and places to stay in York to extent your weekend, can be found at: visityork.org/york-ice-trail
END
PRESS RELEASE: 1 February 2025
Notes to Editors
Download images – Photo Credit: Make It York
York Ice Trail 2024 saw over 67,000 visitors to the city over the weekend of the event with 87% visiting York specifically for the trail. The online survey showed that 9 out of 10 visitors would recommend the trail to family and friends, and would want to return for the next Ice Trail. The free trail also had a positive impact on businesses in the city, with 75% of visitors eating out or drinking in cafes, bars and restaurant, plus 50% were likely to go shopping.
About Make It York
Make It York’s purpose is to develop and promote the city and its surroundings – nationally and internationally – as a vibrant and attractive place to live, visit, study, work and do business. Its mission is to grow the economic prosperity and wider wellbeing of York and its citizens. In practice, this means delivering a range of projects and programmes based around our corporate strategic priorities. These are, city positioning and profile-raising, ensuring an exciting city centre, and delivering the city’s ground-breaking cultural strategy. MakeItYork.com
About Visit York
Visit York is a part of Make It York and is the leisure tourism brand. Under the brand Visit York, Make It York’s aim is to market York as a must-see world-class destination to the leisure and business visitor and ensure investment to develop the quality of tourism in York. Activity covers all aspects of tourism marketing and PR, including market intelligence, as well as providing business support through the membership programme. Visit York operate the Visit York Pass, York’s city-sightseeing card, and run the Visitor Information Centre. VisitYork.org
About Icebox
Icebox is the UK and Europe’s leading ice specialists, renowned for pushing boundaries while delivering unparalleled style and creativity. Their expertise lies in crafting flawless ice sculptures, captivating live carvings, and immersive ice masterclasses. With a commitment to excellence, we bring unique experiences to life for clients across the UK and overseas, making every event extraordinary. theicebox.com
