Winter has officially arrived in New Hampshire and snow is starting to pile up around the state. Accompanying the snow is an often overlooked splendor of winter—the ice! As soon as the mercury drops, the state’s 1,300 lakes and ponds freeze over and transform our natural landscapes into dazzling winter wonderlands. There’s just something about that glossy, mirrored surface that simply inspires. So bundle up and hit the road to discover these five icy adventures that celebrate all things frozen!
Ice Castles
Opening January 2025
A magical, enchanting world of ice and wonder will be back for its 12th winter season in North Woodstock. This year’s Ice Castles will feature a new design, reimagined caverns, new and exciting ice sculptures and other elements that help enhance the fairytale experience. Other icy features include tunnels, caverns, towers, fountains and slides built entirely from ice. The acre-sized Castle is illuminated at night by color-changing LED lights. There will also be horse-drawn wagon rides, a Polar Pub, a Mystic Forest Light Walk, and a Winter Fairy Village. The NH Ice Castle is one of only six constructed across North America!
Concord NH Winter Festival
January 24-25, 2025
Celebrate winter in New Hampshire’s Capital City at this year’s Winter Fest! This event, now in its 7th year, is a family-friendly event that takes place the last weekend in January on the New Hampshire Statehouse lawn. Meet some of the region’s most talented ice carvers during demonstrations Friday night, then stop by Saturday for the ice carving competition, outdoor curling rink, vendors and food trucks.
Jackson Snow Sculpting Competition
January 31 - February 2, 2025
Expert carvers from all over will be in the Mount Washington Valley to be part of the annual winter tradition: the New Hampshire Sanctioned & Jackson Invitational Snow Sculpting Competition! Over the course of the weekend the master sculptors transform massive 8-foot by 4-foot cylinders of snow into frozen works of art. Make time in your winter calendar to come and watch the artists in action. The event takes place at the Great Glen Trails/Mt Washington Auto Road. Festivities kick off Friday afternoon and wrap up on Sunday.
Mount Washington Valley Ice Fest
January 31 - February 2, 2025
Save the date for this year’s Ice Fest, considered one of the premier ice climbing events in the US. The Mount Washington Valley Ice Fest is a celebration of ice climbing and winter mountaineering. The festival welcomes climbers from all different backgrounds and all levels and abilities. No experience necessary to try this sport, stop by and learn about it from the pros, and sign up for a course with experienced guides and see for yourself why the Mount Washington Valley is one of the finest waterfall ice climbing destinations in North America.
Keene Ice & Snow Festival
February 1, 2025
Head to the Monadnock Region to celebrate all things winter during the Keene Ice & Snow Festival. This year’s festival will host 10-12 ice carvers who will take turn two 300-pound blocks of ice into magical wintry sculptures. This year marks the 22nd year of this family friendly event. In addition to watching the ice carvers work their magic, there are plenty of other free family activities including snow sliding, a children’s train ride, roaming circus acts, s’mores, sugar on snow, and much more.