York Ice Trail 2027 fills the city with free ice sculptures on 6 and 7 February, and the map arrives on 1 February.
Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 February 2027 are the weekend when York turns its streets into a free, self-guided gallery of ice. The theme is Legends Unleashed; the sculptures are spread across the city, and the trail runs from 10:30am to 4pm on both days.
That is the popular version. Here is what most guides skip. The sculpture locations are not public yet. The trail map does not go live until 1 February. And the organisers describe the 2027 sculptures as inspired by history and folklore, which last year meant a sculpture outside York Minster on High Petergate, based on the legend of St William of York’s death.
Quick Facts
Region: York, North Yorkshire
Best for: Families, couples and anyone after a free winter day out
Getting there: On foot once you are in the city; the Visit York Visitor Information Centre is at 28 Back Swinegate, YO1 8AD
Time needed: A few hours; the map will show the real distances
When is York Ice Trail 2027?
York Ice Trail takes place on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 February 2027. Make It York’s announcement gives the hours as 10:30am to 4pm on both days. York’s own event page currently lists only the 10:30am start, so check it again closer to the date in case the finish time changes.
What is the Legends Unleashed theme?
The 2027 theme is Legends Unleashed. The organisers say the sculptures will feature legendary stories and characters inspired by history and folklore.
The designs have not been announced. Make It York has also promised new experiences for 2027 and has not said what they are.
For a sense of how a theme turns into ice, look at 2026. The theme was Enchanted City, and York Minster’s page describes a sculpture called St William’s Poisoned Chalice, placed outside the Minster on High Petergate. Treat that as last year’s example, not a 2027 preview.
Where will the ice sculptures be?
The trail is citywide, with sculptures placed across York city centre. Exact positions are not listed yet. They will appear on the trail map.
Last year’s trail ran to 36 sculptures, according to YorkMix’s 2026 guide. No count has been given for 2027, so plan around the map rather than a number. If you are curious how another Yorkshire ice trail works, our Bridlington ice trail guide covers the 2026 edition.
Is York Ice Trail free?
Yes. Entry is free, and Make It York describes the event as family-friendly. The ice sculptures are created by Icebox, which Make It York calls the UK and Europe’s leading ice sculpture specialist, and curated by Make It York and partners.
Free does not mean quiet. Make It York’s 2027 sponsorship pack records a 2026 trail footfall of 63,700. Expect busy streets.
How do you get the York Ice Trail map?
The trail map is available from 1 February 2027, online and from the Visit York Visitor Information Centre at 28 Back Swinegate. The sponsorship pack includes more than 25,000 printed maps, so physical copies are planned as well as a digital version.
The centre currently lists hours of 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday, and 10am to 4pm on Sunday. Visit York says staff will help visitors there during the weekend.
How to plan your visit
The trail is self-guided, so you set the pace. Cafés, restaurants, shops, and attractions line the route, giving you somewhere to warm up between sculptures. If you want a winter stop with a very different kind of ice, our guide to York’s ice rink is worth a read. For more on the city itself, see our facts about York.
Before you set off, check Visit York’s official York Ice Trail page for the latest map, sculpture locations, accessibility information and programme updates. Ice-carving masterclasses are expected, but no booking details exist yet.
Practical Tips
- Download or collect the map on or after 1 February. Do not plan a route before then; the locations are not published.
- Start at 10:30am to get the full day on the trail. The 63,700 footfall from 2026 shows how busy it gets.
- Wear gloves and warm layers. You will be outside for hours.
- Use the AllTrails app to track your walking distance once you know where the sculptures stand.
- Check the official page the week before. Start times, finish times and added experiences can change.
Responsible Visiting
It is a busy city centre on a winter weekend. Keep to the pavements, give the sculptures space, and spend a little at the cafés and shops along the route.
Frequently asked questions
When is York Ice Trail 2027?
Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 February 2027. The trail runs from 10:30am to 4pm both days, according to Make It York.
Is York Ice Trail free?
Yes. Entry is free, and the event is family-friendly.
What is the theme this year?
Legends Unleashed. The sculptures are inspired by legendary stories and characters from history and folklore.
Where do I get the trail map?
From 1 February 2027, online and at the Visit York Visitor Information Centre, 28 Back Swinegate.
Are the sculpture locations confirmed?
No. The trail is citywide, but individual positions have not been published. This page will be updated when they are.
Is there a closing time?
Make It York gives 4 pm for both days. Visit York’s event page lists only the 10:30am start, so confirm on the day.
For one weekend in February, York’s streets are the gallery, and the map decides the route.
Last updated: 4 October 2026. Source for live updates: Visit York.
