York’s streets are getting festive! This year’s Nutcracker Trail has an international flavour! Designed by local artist MarcoLooks and launched by York BID, the 2024 trail has Nutcrackers representing a different country.
This year’s theme is “Christmas Around the World” and brings together York’s many cultures, local festive fun with a global twist. Whether you’re a York local or just visiting for the holidays, this trail is a great way to explore the city’s streets and communities.




Nutcrackers with a personal touch
Each of the ten Nutcrackers are hand made by Marc Godfrey-Murphy, aka MarcoLooks. These aren’t just Christmas decorations, they’re artworks, each with colours and symbols inspired by different countries. Marc, who brings the weird and wonderful to life as an illustrator, has put his heart into this project.
“Designing the York Christmas Nutcracker Trail 2024, Nutcrackers Around the World has been one of the most fun projects I’ve ever had the pleasure of working on,”
Marc said.
“From start to finish, a lot of love and creativity has gone into it.”
Marc has also added an accessibility feature so everyone can enjoy the trail. As an artist with visual impairment Marc knows the importance of inclusive design. Each Nutcracker’s collar has Braille lettering, thanks to the RNIB’s transcriptions team, so those with visual impairments can enjoy the trail too.
A trail for York’s multicultural community
According to Rachel Bean, Project Manager at York BID, this year’s Nutcracker Trail is all about community. “This is all about community and togetherness” she said. The trail’s organisers have worked with the Our City Hub team and local community members to make sure each Nutcracker represents York’s many cultures. Rachel said “A big thank you to Marc and the Our City Hub team for making this happen.”
14th November onwards. Get your trail map from the Visit York Information Centre on Parliament Street and follow the clues to find each Nutcracker.
How to get involved—and maybe win!
Joining in with the Nutcracker Trail is easy and adds to the fun. Here’s how:
- Pick Up a Map: Get your trail map from the Visit York Visitor Information Centre.
- Find the Nutcrackers: Each Nutcracker is themed with the colours of a country’s flag and some iconic elements or landmarks.
- Use the Clues: Use the clues on each statue to match to the country, write down your answers as you go.
- Enter Your Map: Drop your completed map off at the Visitor Information Centre or Santa’s Post Box in Museum Gardens.
Completed maps will be entered into a draw and one winner will receive a £250 York Gift Card—perfect for some post-Christmas shopping at local businesses.
Behind the scenes with MarcoLooks and the York BID
This wouldn’t be the same without the local talent and collaboration behind it. Marc, aka MarcoLooks, set up his illustration studio in York in 2018 after working as an animator on CBeebies shows like Numberblocks and Tree Fu Tom. His studio is known for its colourful, fun designs—from York-inspired prints to animal-themed artwork, all with a dash of fun that shines through in every piece. Marc’s Nutcracker Trail piece shows off his style and brings something extra special to York’s Christmas.
The York BID and MarcoLooks would also like to thank Bianca Vartic, Cultural Integration and Partnerships Manager, and community members and volunteers who helped with the international theme. Together they’ve created a festive experience that reflects the diversity and togetherness of York’s community.
Young Artists Wanted!
Got young artists in the family? York BID is giving them the chance to get involved too. Download a Nutcracker template, design your own and send to [email protected]. The best designs will be featured in next year’s Nutcracker Trail.
So if you’re looking for something festive to do in York this Christmas, the Nutcracker Trail is the way to go, celebrate different cultures and maybe even win. And with Marc’s Braille element everyone can get involved.