There’s something truly special about York in winter. As the days stay crisp and the streets glow with lights, the city seems to lean into its legends a little more—its history, its mystery, and its magic. This week, that feeling is brought to life by one of our favourite events of the year: the York Ice Trail, which returns with the beautifully fitting theme “An Enchanted City.”
Winding its way through York’s ancient streets, the Ice Trail transforms familiar corners into something spellbinding. Ice sculptures shimmer against medieval stone, mythical creatures appear where you least expect them, and the city’s already rich storytelling feels heightened—almost otherworldly. It’s the perfect celebration of York’s ability to exist in many worlds at once: Roman, Viking, medieval, and magical.
At StavesArt, that layered sense of place is exactly what inspires our work. York has long been a muse for us, and several of our pieces capture the city from unique, imaginative perspectives. Our York Globe reimagines the city as a tiny world of its own—compact, detailed, and brimming with history. The York Spiral Globe takes that idea further, drawing the eye inward through winding streets and hidden corners, much like exploring York itself on a quiet winter’s day.
Of course, York’s enchantment also extends beyond its own history into the realm of fantasy. With its crooked lanes and storybook architecture, it’s no surprise the city is often linked to magical worlds. Our Hogwarts and Diagon Alley pieces celebrate that sense of wonder—perfect companions to an Ice Trail themed around enchantment, imagination, and discovery.
If you’re heading into the city to enjoy the Ice Trail, make sure to stop by and say hello. We’ll be at the Shambles Market on Saturday 7th February, surrounded by one of York’s most iconic streets. It’s a wonderful chance to explore our artwork in person, chat about York, and maybe take home a little piece of its magic.
Wrap up warm, follow the trail, and let York enchant you—we’ll see you in the Shambles. ❄️✨