On the first day of Christmas… York’s Nutcracker Trail returns
From a partridge in a pear tree to twelve drummers drumming, a much-loved Christmas song is coming to the streets of York as the city’s Nutcracker Trail returns.
From 12th November 2026 to 3rd January 2027, the York BID trail will bring Christmas magic to the city centre, with 12 giant nutcrackers waiting to be discovered.
Two new statues join the collection this year, with designs and artwork by York artist MarcoLooks, inspired by The Twelve Days of Christmas. Funded by Costa Coffee, and delivered in partnership with Make It York, the trail invites families to wrap up warm and set off on a festive adventure.
There may be five gold rings in the song, but there’s a £250 York Gift Card up for grabs on the trail. Find all 12 nutcrackers and collect their names on a trail map to enter the prize draw.
And with pipers piping and drummers drumming, there’s music to look out for along the way. Count the musical notes painted across all 12 nutcrackers and answer the bonus question for a chance to win an art hamper filled with goodies from MarcoLooks.
Explorers can find them all in one festive outing or save a few for another day, stop for a hot chocolate, pick up a Christmas present or two and enjoy York in the run-up to Christmas.
Artist Marc Godfrey-Murphy, who was commissioned to design and paint the Nutcracker Trail, said; “This year’s Nutcracker project has been the most challenging so far. Everyone knows the Twelve Days of Christmas, so we were keen to present something a little bit different and unexpected. The song is full birds, but looking closer at the lyrics, we we able to draw on other animals that also make appearance – look out for the cow! I’ve been working on the Nutcrackers for the last six months, so hopefully the hours of love and care that have gone into them, will make you smile.”
Rachel Bean, Project Manager at York BID, said; “For lots of families, finding the nutcrackers has become part of Christmas in York. With two new statues joining the trail, we’re looking forward to seeing people discover this year’s designs and new corners of York as they go!’
Alicia Mckee, Area Manager for Costa Coffee in York, said: “Christmas is a special time for communities, and we’re delighted to be supporting the Nutcracker Trail this year. It’s a fantastic opportunity for local people to come together, enjoy the festive atmosphere, and create lasting memories with family and friends. At Costa Coffee, we’re proud to be part of communities across York, and supporting events like this is one way we can help bring people together during the festive season.”
Once all 12 names are collected, it’s time to send your Christmas discoveries on their way. Hand completed trail maps in at the Visitor Information Centre on Back Swinegate or post them in Santa’s Post Box in Museum Gardens.
Winners of the York Gift Card and art hamper will be drawn at random by Monday 18th January 2027.