Ultimate Guide to the Ice Extravaganza in Maggie Valley

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Grab your friends and family for an evening of winter festivity at the Ice Extravaganza in Maggie Valley, a signature event of the Visit Haywood Ice Fest Weekend (January 29 – February 1, 2026)! On Saturday, January 31, the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds will be jam-packed with family-friendly fun.  

Tickets are $7 (plus taxes and fees) in advance and $10 at the gate––kids 12 & under get in totally free! Purchase your tickets in advance to skip the gate lines and get the first peak at the extravaganza that awaits.  

Plus, score a special discount on official Ice Fest 2026 hoodies and beanies when you order before January 30! 

Frosty Fun Activities

Watch master carvers turn plain ice blocks into larger-than-life sculptures on the main stage and catch fire dancing performances nearby throughout the evening.  

Walk through the all-new light tunnel, draped in hundreds of shimmering lights that frame a garden of photo-worthy ice sculptures. Snap a pic atop the ice throne or in front of the fire tower, shop goods from over 35 local vendors, and make a s’more at a cozy fire pit.  

Got a competitive spirit? Play fun ice games like corn hole and Skee-Ball or try to make the perfect kick to get a soccer ball past the ice goalie.

For the Kids

The Kids Zone is a great outlet for little ones to burn off some energy, complete with a bounce house, supersized games like Jenga and tic-tac-toe, a tiny mountain of fresh snow from Cataloochee Ski Area, and more! Festival favorite activities like face-painting and fairy hair stations will also be on-site. Plus, stop by the warming igloo to take a photo with Frozen characters.

Tasty Treats

Replenish your energy with a tasty snack, drink, or full-on meal at the food & beverage court. Pick from irresistible options like Venezuelan street food, wood-fired pizza, cheesesteaks, BBQ, and more (including gluten-free and vegan/vegetarian options). For a drink, sip on hot cocoa or cider, coffee, milkshakes, or craft beer or wine.  

Take a seat at the food court’s seating area or head to the bonus warming tent to enjoy your festival feast! 

Find Your Way: Parking & Grounds Maps

Get in and out with ease with the official Ice Extravaganza parking map, which highlights open parking areas, including onsite and offsite lots, and free and paidoptions. There will be parking attendants at the event to ensure you have a smooth, safe parking experience. If the onsite parking lot is full when you arrive, please refer to the map to locate alternative parking.  

Once you’ve parked, head to the festival grounds to get in on the icy action! If you’ve purchased your ticket in advance, follow signage to the main gate to be scanned in. If you need to purchase your ticket, continue to the designated cash or card ticket booth line. Use the Ice Extravaganza Event Map to guide you through your festival checklist.  

Printed maps will be available during the event at the Visit Haywood tent, and a digital version will be posted on the Visit Haywood Ice Fest website and Ice Fest Facebook Page ahead of Ice Fest Weekend—so you can plan your evening of frosty fun in advance. 

Want even more of Visit Haywood Ice Fest Weekend? Check out this guide to all 4 days of the Great Smoky and Blue Ridge Mountain’s best winter celebration.

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