York’s Beloved Nutcracker Trail Returns – With a Magical Kids Takeover!

York’s much-loved Nutcracker Trail is back this festive season — and this year, the kids are in charge!

York’s much-loved Nutcracker Trail is back this festive season — and this year, the kids are in charge! From 13th November 2025 to 4th January 2026, families can take part in a city-wide trail to discover 10 giant nutcrackers, each one uniquely designed by children from across York and the surrounding area.

The 2025 theme, ‘Kids Takeover’, brings young imaginations to life in the heart of the city. Earlier this year, York BIDinvited budding artists from local schools and youth groups to submit their dream nutcracker designs. From hundreds of colourful entries, ten were chosen and transformed into life-sized sculptures that will brighten York’s historic streets throughout the festive season.

Rachel Bean, Project Manager at York BID, said: “We wanted to do something truly special this year — to hand the creative reins over to York’s young people.

"We asked kids across York to let their imaginations run wild, and the designs we received were full of colour and fun.

"It was so hard to pick just 10!

"The York Nutcracker Trail has become a real festive favourite, and I can’t wait to see people exploring the city with trail maps in hand once again.”

Each chosen design has been hand-painted by local artist Marc Godfrey-Murphy, also known as MarcoLooks, who transformed the children’s artwork into beautifully detailed nutcracker sculptures.

Marc said: “I remember when York BID first talked to me about working on this project — I immediately wanted to be involved.

"I used to be an animator for CBeebies, so I know how bold and limitless children’s imaginations can be.

"Their colour choices and ideas have been so inspiring.

"It’s been a joy to bring their visions to life and see the world through their perspective.”

Trail maps will be available to pick up for free from the Visit York Information Centre on Parliament Street from Thursday 13th November. The map will guide visitors through York’s festive streets, helping families find each nutcracker while discovering new corners of the city along the way.

The York Nutcracker Trail, organised by York BID, runs from 13th November 2025 to 4th January 2026 — offering a fun, free and festive adventure for all ages this Christmas.