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Haywood County Ice Festival Weekend

Ice Fest Weekend is a four-day celebration across Haywood County’s five towns! Experience a winter wonderland of stunning ice sculptures, high-energy events, prize-packed challenges, live music, ice skating, and delicious themed food and drinks.

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ICE FEST WEEKEND

Winter’s no time to hibernate in Haywood

Four days, five towns, endless winter magic. Join Haywood County for Ice Fest Weekend 2027. This celebration is packed with scheduled events, ice sculptures, live music, and winter pop-ups.

Kick off the weekend on Thursday with a Cool Jazz concert at HART Theatre, head to Canton’s winter-themed Mill Around Town event on Friday, and watch Waynesville’s Main Street light up during Saturday’s iconic Ice Block Party. All weekend long, lace up your skates in Canton, snap pics along Maggie Valley's snow globe trail, wander Lake Junaluska’s Ice Light Garden, and vote in the "Anything But Snow" Snowman Contest. Bundle up and join us for the coolest party of the year!

QUICK FACTS
Haywood County

Where

Jan 28 → Jan 31, 2027

When

4 days

Duration

3,000+

Attendees

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Ice Block Party in Downtown Waynesville

Saturday, January 30 | 3-9 PM
Explore the Ice Block Party in Downtown Waynesville on Saturday night of the Visit Haywood Ice Fest Weekend, and watch it come alive with enchanting ice sculptures lining the streets. You’ll find local businesses keeping their doors open late, offering cozy treats to keep you fueled as you admire frozen masterpieces.

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Extend the celebration with more events

Maggie Valley’s Life-Sized Snow Globe Trail

When: Open all weekend

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Step into a winter wonderland in Maggie Valley, where life-sized snow globes bring the magic of Ice Fest to life. Explore a trail of snow globe displays, each featuring its own unique winter-themed scene. Strike a pose, snap some snow-worthy photos, and submit your favorite shots for a chance to win exciting prizes. With frosty fun and picture-perfect moments around every corner, this magical trail is a must-see all Ice Fest Weekend long!

“Anything but Snow” Snowman Contest

When: Open all weekend

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Downtown Canton businesses are putting their creativity to the test for the “Anything but Snow” Snowman Contest during Ice Fest Weekend! Stroll through downtown, discover one-of-a-kind snowmen made from all kinds of unexpected materials, and vote for your favorites all weekend long. It's a fun way to support local businesses, and enjoy some imaginative creations that are sure to make you smile!

Mill Around Town in Canton

When: Friday (TBD)

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Get into the Ice Fest spirit at Canton’s winter-themed Mill Around Town event. Stroll through Canton’s historic downtown and enjoy cozy shops, local vendors, and live entertainment. It is the perfect walkable prelude to a weekend packed with fun.

Cool Jazz Concert

When: Thursday at 7PM, Saturday at 7PM & Sunday at 2PM

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HART Theatre is bringing live jazz to Haywood County in partnership with the Haywood Arts Council. Sit back, relax, and enjoy an incredible lineup of talented musicians performing everything from smooth jazz to upbeat rhythms. This year, catch three exciting performances featuring the Ben Rosenblum Trio, Pleasure Chest Band, and Groove Ridge Collective. Whether you're a longtime jazz lover or just looking for a fun or afternoon night out during Ice Fest Weekend, Cool Jazz is the perfect way to enjoy great music in the mountains!

Get Tickets

Frosty 5K at Lake Junaluska

When: Sunday at 9AM

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Bundle up, lace up your sneakers, and get moving at the Frosty 5k. Join us for a free, family-friendly walk or run around beautiful Lake Junaluska, sponsored in part by Haywood Community College and the Town of Clyde. It's the perfect way to shake off that winter cabin fever, get your blood pumping, and enjoy some fresh mountain air.

Sign Up for the Frosty 5K

Ice Garden at Lake Junaluska

When: Open all weekend

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Step out of the noise and into something quieter. Tucked into the Susanna Wesley Garden, the Ice Garden trades crowds for atmosphere, with glowing installations, light-up snowflakes, and lanterns that make the whole space feel a little removed from everything else happening.

Ice Skating in Canton

When: Open all weekend

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Lace up and commit to it at Sorrells Street Park. The rink is open to everyone, from people who know what they’re doing to people who absolutely don’t, and that’s kind of the point. Between the music, the lights, and the steady stream of near-misses, it’s less about skill and more about showing up.

Ice Festival winter magic

Shopping, dining & lodging specials

Haywood County businesses are going all out for Ice Fest Weekend! From snow-stopping shopping deals and delicious dining specials to cozy lodging packages, there are plenty of cool ways to enjoy our five mountain towns. Shop, dine, stay, and explore our participating local businesses for the ultimate Ice Fest Weekend experience!

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LODGING
Andon-Reid Inn Bed & Breakfast

Make your Ice Fest Weekend extra sweet with a stay at the Andon-Reid Inn Bed & Breakfast! Enjoy a winter wonderland of treats, including an in-room hot chocolate station, delicious ice- and winter-themed afternoon baked goods, and $30 in Elk Bucks to spend at participating local businesses. It's the perfect way to treat yourself and explore all the frosty fun happening around Haywood County. This special package is available with a minimum two-night stay during Ice Fest Weekend. Book your Ice Fest getaway today!

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DINING
Roll Up Herbal Bar

Things are getting ice cold and oh-so-cozy at Roll Up Herbal Bar this Ice Fest Weekend! Stop by Waynesville’s favorite mocktail bar all weekend long for festive vibes, the return of their Something Icy mocktail, and cozy winter sips like decadent Ruby Rose Hot Chocolate and Spiced Apple Blackberry Cider. Plus, keep an eye out for Herbie, their bar on wheels, at the Ice Block Party!

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SHOPPING
Winchester Creek Farm

Bundle up for some farm-fresh winter fun at Winchester Creek Farm during Ice Fest Weekend! Shop adorable alpaca fiber winter essentials, from hats and mittens to scarves and socks, and receive a FREE alpaca plush with purchases of $50 or more in the gift shop and bakery! Plus, all farm tour guests January 28–31 will enjoy a complimentary hot chocolate and snowflake cookie from Mountain Girls Bakery. Talk about a sweet winter treat!

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LODGING
Hidden Gem Cottage

Turn up the heat on your Ice Fest Weekend with a cozy getaway at Hidden Gem Cottage in Maggie Valley! Enjoy a private creekside retreat complete with a hot tub, stone fire pit, and complimentary hot cocoa and s’mores welcome kit. Book a three-night stay January 28–31 for $700 or a two-night stay for $520, all-inclusive with no extra fees! Sleeps up to four guests. Visit Hidden Gem Cottage’s website, select “Contact Hidden Gem Directly,” and mention “Fire & Ice” to book your winter escape. Subject to availability.

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DINING
The Scotsman Public House

Raise a glass to Ice Fest Weekend at The Scotsman Public House! Warm up with their festive specialty cocktails, including a Salted Caramel Whiskey White Russian made with salted caramel whiskey, Kahlúa, cream, whipped cream, and a drizzle of salted caramel sauce, or sip on a Warm Wassail Spiked Punch featuring spiced rum, apple cider, cranberry juice, orange, and winter spices. These wintertime sips are snow joke. Pro tip: Stop by early because last year's specialty cocktails sold out!

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LODGING
The Yellow House on Plott Creek Road

Make your Ice Fest Weekend extra cozy with a stay at The Yellow House on Plott Creek Road! This charming getaway is serving up sweet winter treats, starting with a special wine and cheese reception on Friday evening, followed by a winter-themed dessert and hot chocolate bar on Saturday night. It's the perfect place to stay, sip, and savor a little winter magic in the mountains! Call 828-452-0991 to book your Ice Fest getaway package today!

Tips and practical advice

Layer like you mean it

You’ll be outside more than you think, and standing around is colder than moving.

Park once, walk more

Especially in Waynesville. The less you’re in your car, the better the night goes. Get the parking map here.

Download Parking Map
Check the schedule, then stay flexible

Weather happens, things shift, and some of the best parts aren’t on the calendar anyway. Stay in the know by following the Visit Haywood Ice Fest page on Facebook.

Carve out what’s next

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Places to Stay
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Places to Eat in Haywood
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All Haywood Events

FAQs about the Ice Festival

  • No tickets are required for Ice Fest Weekend’s signature event, the Ice Block Party in Downtown Waynesville. The Block Party is free and open to the public! There is plentiful free parking in downtown as well.

    Some other Ice Fest events, like the Cool Jazz Concert, are ticketed. Please check each event’s details for ticketing and/or registration requirements.

  • Yes! The Cool Jazz Concerts at the HART Theatre require tickets. Tickets are available in advance or at the door, click the link below for more details and performance times.

    Cool Jazz Tickets
  • Absolutely! Participating restaurants will be serving up delicious brunch specials on Sunday, January 31st. For a full list of participating spots, check back closer to the event.

  • Keep an eye on the this page for finalized event times and a full list of participating restaurants, shops, and lodging offering exclusive deals.