Things are starting to get festive across Yorkshire. Christmas markets and events are starting to take place, and we are here for it. Festive colours, twinkling lights and Christmas trees are transforming the streets across the county. One event not to miss is York’s giant nutcracker trail, which has been designed by children this year, bringing a burst of colour to the historic streets of York.
You can seek out the 10 giant nutcrackers designed by a school-aged child from York, scattered around the streets of York until January 4th 2025. Search out life-sized sculptures hand-painted by artist Marc Godfrey-Murphy, otherwise known as MarcoLooks.
If, like us, this sounds a bit like you, you can collect a giant nutcracker trail map from the Visitor Information Centre on Parliament Street. Search out all 10 nutcrackers, collecting their names on your map and enter the prize draw with a chance to win £250 York Gift Card. If that wasn’t enough, if you answer a bonus questions, you could win an art hamper filled with goodies for budding artists.
Once you’ve collected all ten and answered your bonus question, submit your completed trail map to the Visitor Information Centre or post it in Santa’s Post Box in York Museum Gardens to enter.
For 2025, the theme Kids’ Takeover celebrates the imagination of children. Young artists were invited by York BID to submit their dream Nutcracker designs, resulting in hundreds of colourful and original entries.
York BID’s 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.”
Marc Godfrey-Murphy added: “Their ideas and minds are bold, brave and limitless. It’s been a joy spending time working with designs from their perspective,” the York Press reported.
Visit York BID’s website to find out more about how you can get involved.
Read More: 15 Quieter Christmas Markets in Yorkshire To Visit
Feature Image Credit: York BID
