Visit Haywood Ice Fest Weekend
Visit Haywood Ice Fest Weekend
SAVE THE DATE: January 29 – February 1, 2026 | Haywood County, NC
Enjoy the coolest event of the year at the Visit Haywood Ice Fest Weekend 2026! Spread across 4 days and 5 mountain towns, Ice Fest packs a punch of can’t-miss winter fun. The festivities kick off with a Cool Jazz Concert a HART Theatre on Thursday, then continue into Friday for the Ice Block Party in Downtown Waynesville. Don’t miss the main event on Saturday at the Ice Extravaganza in Maggie Valley, complete with mesmerizing live ice carving demonstrations, thrilling ice games, dazzling light features, and a variety of local vendors! Highlights also include the ice skating rink in Canton, and the Frosty 5K in Clyde. Bundle up and prepare for an unforgettable getaway that will warm your heart despite the winter chill!Signature EVENTS
Ice Extravaganza in Maggie Valley
Saturday, January 31 | 4-9PM | Maggie Valley Festival Grounds
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. Snow will be brought down from Cataloochee Ski Area, providing a perfect snowy playground for families to enjoy. Your favorite Frozen characters will also be making a return appearance, adding an extra touch of magic to the festivities. 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 $7.00 (plus taxes & fees). Stay tuned for the pre-sale link and access to exclusive merch packages!
Tickets sold day-of are $10.00 (plus taxes & fees).
Kids 12 and under get in FREE
Ice Block Party in Downtown Waynesville
Friday, January 30 | 5-8PM
Get ready to chill and stroll through a winter wonderland at the Ice Block Party in Downtown Waynesville! On Friday night of the Visit Haywood Ice Fest Weekend, Downtown 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.
ALL EVENTS
Cool Jazz Concert
Thursday, 1/29 at 7PM | Sunday, 2/1 at 2PM | HART Theatre
Get ready to groove into the coolest weekend of the year! Kicking off the Visit Haywood Ice Fest Weekend, join HART Theatre for an unforgettable Cool Jazz Concert in partnership with the Haywood Arts Council. Characterized by relaxed tempos and a lighter tone than the fast and complex bebop style, cool jazz is the perfect soundtrack to melt away the winter chills. Prefer an earlier show? No worries! Go to a special matinee performance on Sunday, February 1 to round off your weekend of icy festivities!
Canton’s Ice Rink
Friday – 4-8PM | Saturday & Sunday – 12-5PM
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!
Frosty 5K Sponsored by HCC and the Town of Clyde
Saturday, January 31 | 9AM
Participate in a free, family-friendly Frosty 5K walk or run on the Dahlia Ridge Trail on the campus of Haywood Community College. This event is a great way to shake off that wintertime cabin fever and get your blood pumping. The route feature two loops on campus and snacks at the finish line! The top five times will receive a medal and shirts are available to purchase at the time of registration. Make this your first race of the season! Click here to register.
Clyde’s Winter Lights
All Weekend Long
Drive through the charming town of Clyde during the Visit Haywood 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.
Winchester Creek Farm
HOURS: Thursday – Monday–9:30AM-5PM
Take a tour through Winchester Creek Farm’s adorable miniature farm animals and receive a free branded gaiter or alpaca flashlight keychain during Ice Fest Weekend! If you can bear the cuteness overload, book a special interactive session with a baby alpaca. After your farm experience, use the code OLAF for 15% off at the onsite gift shop. Warm up during Ice Fest Weekend with the farm’s super soft, ultra warm Alpaca Fiber winter wear. Beautiful hats, mittens, scarves, socks, throws, and even plush toys, all made from Alpaca fiber are available in the gift shop––plus so many other gift items!
DINING
The Scotsman
Hours: Thursday 4PM-12AM | Friday & Saturday – 12PM-12AM | Sunday – 11AM-12AM
Get ready to have a blast at The Scotsman during Ice Fest weekend! Sip on the delectable Salted Caramel Whiskey White Russian or heat things up with a mug of warm wassail. Alongside these irresistible drinks, dive into their fan-favorite bites like the classic Fish & Chips and hearty Bangers & Mash. Your taste buds are in for a treat with these festive flavors and beloved dishes. Pro tip: make sure to get there early – last these speciality drinks sell out every year!
Roll-up herbal bar
Hours: Thursday – Saturday 12-8PM, Sunday 12-5PM
Get into the spirit of Ice Fest Weekend with Roll-Up Herbal Bar‘s speciality Ice Fest mocktail! This house-made, garden-to-glass delight is the perfect way to refresh your mind and body while enjoying the festive winter decorations that transform their cozy nook into a whimsical wonderland.
Waynesville Main Street Diner
Hours: 7AM – 8PM Daily
From January 26th to the 30th, stop into the retro-chic Waynesville Main Street Diner to try their three Ice Fest Weekend specials: Frost & Flame cocktail with bourbon, house-made lemon honey simple syrup, hot tea, and dried lemon wheel; the Snow Globe cocktail with vodka, house-made blueberry lemon simple syrup, club soda, and a magical swirl of edible glitter; and the fresh gazpacho with an gooey-gooey, melted triple-cheese sandwich.
Blue Ridge Beer Hub
Hours: Thursday 11AM-9PM | Friday 11am-10pm | SATURDAY 11AM-9PM | Sunday 12-7PM
Venture into Blue Ridge Beer Hub for a Winter Tap Takeover! They’re bringing you wintery lineup of rich and bold Imperial stouts, hearty Barleywines, and flavorful Winter Ales. Plus, try out one (or both) of their Ice Fest exclusives: shake off the chill with a glass of Winter Mulled Wine, or enjoy the frost nippin’ at your nose with a Jack Frost Mimosa.
Caffeine & Chaos
Hours: Monday – Thursday 6AM-9PM | Friday 6am-10pm | Saturday 7AM-10PM | Sunday 7AM-9PM
Stop into Caffeine & Chaos during Ice Fest Weekend to try out their menu of winter-themed drinks! Sweeten up your day with a Sugar Cookie Latte, or warm up with a Winter Spice Latte. Get caught in the arctic blast of a Peppermint Mocha or indulge in a creamy Butter Rum Milkshake? Try 4 flavors at once when you order a Coffee Flight. Whether you’re powering up for a day at the Maggie Valley Ice Festival or grabbing a treat on your way back from the Visit Haywood Ice Stroll, Caffeine & Chaos has you covered!
The Station on Main
Hours: TUESDAY – WEDNESDAY 12PM – 6PM | THURSDAY – SATURDAY 12 PM – 9PM
Stop into The Station on Main during the Ice Block Party in Downtown Waynesville for a steaming mug of Station Spiked Hot Cocoa. Fend off the icy chill, browse collectible neon signs, other vintage merchandise, or simply sit at the bar and enjoy a chat with the friendly owners!
Waypoint
Hours: Wednesday – Sunday 10AM-5PM
Head to Waypoint in Downtown Waynesville during Ice Fest Weekend to sip on a handcrafted Jack Frost cocktail at their in-store bar! While you’re in, shop a collection of handmade lotions, salves, tinctures, herbal blends, and more.
SHOPPING
Haywood County Arts Council
HOURS: FRIDAY–10AM-9PM | SATURDAY–10AM-5PM | SUNDAY–11-4PM
Join the Haywood County Arts Council for a special “Inspired by a Song” exhibit at the Haywood Handmade Gallery on Main Street. Immerse yourself in local artwork, featuring stunning paintings, exquisite pottery, masterful woodworking, elegant jewelry, and beautifully crafted textiles, all created by talented local artisans. This show will feature artwork influenced by the artists’ favorite tunes and will be on display through March 2. Stop into the gallery during the ice Block Party in Downtown Waynesville for the opening reception to enjoy complimentary refreshments and the opportunity to meet some of the participating artists.
Salmagundi Gallery
HOURS: Tuesday – Saturday 10AM – 5PM
During the Ice Block Party in Downtown Waynesville, Salmagundi Gallery will present “Frozen Fire,” an exhibition featuring six Western North Carolina glass artists: Kenny Pieper, Rob Levin, Scott Summerfield, Nate Cotterman, Susan Gott, and John Geci. The show highlights a wide range of glass techniques—from cast sculptures with Buddha imagery to handblown forms with detailed cane work. Together, the artists showcase the beauty and variety of glass as a medium that glows like “frozen fire.” Salmagundi’s windows and interior will also feature winter-themed papercut displays. While you browse, enjoy a special beverage served in an ice shot glass. “Frozen Fire” will be on view at Salmagundi Gallery from January 6 through February 6.
Charmed Boutique
Hours: Thursday 11AM – 6PM | Friday & Saturday: 11AM – 7PM
Grab some winter gear at a special price with Charmed Boutique‘s exclusive Ice Fest Weekend sale! Snag fashionable scarves, hats, gloves, ear muffs, and more at 25%-off to flaunt while you enjoy the icy festivities. Plus, enjoy a tasty treat while you shop during the Ice Block Party in Downtown Waynesville!
Waynesville Soda Jerks
HOURS: Thursday – Saturday 9AM – 5PM
During Ice Fest Weekend only, show your ticket to the Ice Extravaganza in Maggie Valley and enjoy a free Waynesville Soda Jerks soda! Plus, when you spend $70 or more in a single visit at the Waynesville Soda Jerks gift shop, pick an ice cube tray as a free gift––perfect for keeping your craft soda (or cocktail) chilled. This offer is only valid during Ice Fest Weekend 2026. One free soda per ticket holder.
Cabbage Rose Gift Shop
HOURS: FRIDAY–10AM-5PM | Saturday–10AM-8PM | SUNDAY–10AM-5PM
Cabbage Rose Gift Shop in Maggie Valley is going all out for Ice Fest! They’ll be decking out the shop with beautiful white lights, enchanting snowflake decorations, and delightful winter inflatables. They will also be selling light-up wands, headbands, and other fun items that’ll add a magical touch to your evening, for both children and adults.LODGING SPECIALS
Andon Reid Inn B&B
Looking for a cool and cozy winter getaway? Andon Reid Inn Bed & Breakfast in Waynesville has you covered! This package includes a two-night stay on Friday and Saturday nights, complete with a hot chocolate station in your room, ice-themed baked goods in the guest lounge and a pre-event cocktail hour. Plus, you’ll get tickets to the exciting Ice Extravaganza in Maggie Valley! Don’t miss out on this frosty adventure – book your Ice Fest Weekend Package today! BOOK NOW
The Yellow House B&B
Come for the weekend and enjoy all the very best with your stay at The Yellow House on Plott Creek Road! Purchase the $59 Ice Fest Weekend Package (in addition to room rate) and enjoy an Ice Fest Welcome Basket, Friday Night Chili Supper at the inn, Saturday Evening Dessert Bar, and tickets to the Maggie Valley Extravaganza!
Don’t let this icy adventure slip away—call The Yellow House today at 828-452-0991 to book your unforgettable getaway!
