Get ready to chill out at the NC Smokies Ice Festival! January 26, 27 & 28, 2024, Haywood County will be transformed into a winter wanderland as the festival goes county-wide. Brace yourself for jaw-dropping ice sculptures, thrilling interactive ice games, and the chance to peruse local artisans’ masterpieces. But that’s not all – you can lace up your skates and glide across an ice skating rink, indulge in delicious dining specials, and snag some incredible deals while you shop. This weekend-long event is guaranteed to make your heart melt – in the best way possible!

Schedule of Events:

MAGGIE VALLEY ICE FESTIVAL
SATURDAY, JANUARY 27 | 4-9PM | MAGGIE VALLEY FESTIVAL GROUNDS

Join us at the Maggie Valley Ice Festival, part of the NC Smokies Ice Fest Weekend! Marvel at the mesmerizing live ice carving demos as talented artists transform frozen blocks into jaw-dropping works of art. Feel the rush as you slide down the ice slide and test your skills in ice games like cornhole and ice hockey.  Looking for a souvenir to take home? Shop at local vendor tents while indulging in delicious bites from food trucks. And when you need a break, enjoy the warming tent or s’mores by the fire.

TICKETS
Tickets sold in advance are $5.00 (plus taxes & fees). Tickets sold day-of are $8.00 (plus taxes & fees)*
Cash only at the gate

Click here to buy tickets.

CANTON’S ICE RINK
JANUARY 26-28 | HAVE YOUR OWN SKATES? OPEN ALL WEEKEND 7AM-10PM, NEED TO RENT SKATES? FRIDAY, 4-8PM, SATURDAY & SUNDAY 12-4PM | SORRELL’S STREET PARK

Lace up your skates and get ready to glide on a glistening sheet of ice at Canton’s ice-skating rink at Sorrell’s Street Park. With the crisp air tickling your cheeks and the sound of laughter echoing all around, this rink is the perfect spot to unleash your inner ice dancer or show off your fancy spins. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a wobbly beginner, the Canton ice skating rink is the ultimate icy playground for all ages. So, grab your friends, embrace the chilly adventure, and let the good times glide!

DOWNTOWN WAYNESVILLE’S ICE STROLL
FRIDAY, JANUARY 26 | 5-8PM

Get ready to chill and stroll through a winter wonderland at Downtown Waynesville’s Ice Stroll! On Friday night of the NC Smokies Ice Fest Weekend, Waynesville will come alive with enchanting ice sculptures lining the streets. As you wander, you will find local businesses keeping their doors open late, offering cozy treats to keep you fueled as you admire the frozen masterpieces.

METZGER’S BURL WOOD GALLERY
JANUARY 26-28 | FRIDAY & SATURDAY 10AM-5PM | SUNDAY 12-4PM

Join us at Metzger’s Burl Wood Gallery for a Winter Arts Show Festival filled with Scandinavian delights! Indulge in Nordic cookies, traditional dishes like lefse and lutefisk, and sip on some glogg while enjoying live music in the cozy afternoons. Don’t miss out on this festive celebration of art and culture! The gallery will be open from 10AM-5PM on Friday and Saturday, and from 12PM-4PM on Sunday. Live music will be playing from 1PM-4PM in the afternoons.

PENGUINS ON THE PIGEON
SATURDAY, JANUARY 27 | 1-3PM | CANTON REC PARK

Join us for Penguins on the Pigeon at Canton Recreation Park, part of the NC Smokies Ice Fest Weekend! Get ready to witness the spectacular release of adorable rubber penguins into the river, where they will gracefully float down to the Pigeon St. bridge. The fun begins on Saturday from 1 to 3PM, with the penguins being released at 1:30PM sharp. You can also purchase your very own penguin on the day of the event from 12PM to 1PM. Each penguin is available for just $5 or grab five for a steal at $20. Canton Recreation Park is the perfect spot to experience this unique spectacle. While you’re there, indulge in a hot chocolate bar and enjoy some exciting yard games that will surely keep the whole family entertained. But here’s the most exciting part: the winner of the event will receive half of the penguin sales in a thrilling 50/50 split! The remaining proceeds will be dedicated to the All-Abilities Playground.

CATALOOCHEE SKI’S TORCH RUN
SATURDAY, JANUARY 27 | 10:30PM

Join us at Cataloochee Ski Area on Saturday, January 27th at 10:30 pm for a mesmerizing torch run extravaganza! While only our staff will participate in the lighted run/walk/parade, you can cozy up on the lodge deck or at the bottom of the slopes to witness this stunning spectacle and embrace the winter magic. Don’t miss out on this enchanting viewing experience!

FROSTY 5K AT HCC
SUNDAY, JANUARY 28 | 10AM-12PM

Participate in a free, family-friendly Frosty 5K walk or run on the Dahlia Ridge Trail on the campus of Haywood Community College. Start your 5K at any time between 10AM – Noon on Sunday, January 28th. This untimed event is a great way to exercise during the winter! Along the trail, there will be exciting activities to enhance your experience. Enjoy a cup of hot chocolate at the start line to warm you up. At each kilometer, there will be surprise stations, including a sticker door hanger and a ring toss to win candy. These activities are available while supplies last, so be sure to participate early!

CLYDE’S WINTER LIGHTS
ALL WEEKEND LONG

Drive through the charming town of Clyde during the NC Smokies Ice Fest weekend and be dazzled by their breathtaking winter lights. As you stroll along Carolina Blvd, you’ll be greeted by adorable snowmen and delicate snowflakes, creating a magical atmosphere you won’t want to miss.

WINTER HIKES WITH HAYWOOD COUNTY REC
SATURDAY, JANUARY 27 & SUNDAY, JANUARY 28TH

Join Haywood County Recreation for an exhilarating Ice Fest Weekend Winter hike along the picturesque Blue Ridge Parkway. Hikes range from 3-6 miles long and offer stunning views and changes to see ice formations.

Fest Date: January 26 - 28, 2024

Locations:
Moose Crossing Burl Wood Gallery, 2770 Old Balsam Road, Waynesville, NC 28786
Haywood County Recreation and Parks, 215 North Main Street, Waynesville, NC 28786
Canton Recreation Park, 77 Penland Street, Canton, NC 28716
Cataloochee Ski Area, 1080 Ski Lodge Road, Maggie Valley, NC 28751
Haywood Community College, 185 Freedlander Drive, Clyde, NC 28721

Click here for more information.