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).
Tickets sold day-of are $10.00 (plus taxes & fees).
Kids 12 and under get in FREE
Ice Fest Weekend 2026 merchandise features a design by local artist, David Suriano.
Available now at a limited-time-only presale discount!
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. The cool jazz stylings of renowned saxophonist Walter Smith III and pianist Ben Rosenblum will melt away the winter chill! Prefer an earlier show? 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.
Ice Garden at Lake Junaluska
All Weekend Long
Experience a quiet moment of winter wonder at the all-new Ice Garden, nestled within the peaceful and rarely seen Susanna Wesley Garden at Lake Junaluska. As a special, intimate extension of the Lights on the Lake display, the Ice Garden invites you to discover Lake Junaluska’s best-kept secret. This “secret garden” will be illuminated by hundreds of light-up snowflakes, icicles, and special Ice Lanterns.
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.
Southern Porch Kitchen & Drink
Hours: TUESDAY – SATURDAY 11 AM – 9PM
Made with nearby Papertown Coffee’s house-crafted lavender honey syrup and Luna Bloom Butterfly Pea Flower Gin, this frosty edition of Southern Porch‘s popular lemonade cocktail sets the mood for icy fun! Offered only during Ice Fest Weekend, stop in for a refreshing sip before heading over to The Rink at Sorrells Street Park for some ice skating, or before shopping Canton’s downtown shopping specials.
Time Square Bagels
Hours: Sunday 8AM – 4PM | Monday – Saturday 6AM – 4PM
Cataloochee Ranch
Hours: Sunday – Saturday 11 AM – 11 PM
Giddy-up to the Tack Room or Switchback at Cataloochee Ranch to enjoy seasonal cocktails such as the Cuddle-oochee, the Cowboy or Cowgirl “Cold” Fashioned, with the Ranch’s own “First Rodeo” Bourbon made in collaboration with Elijah Craig, and only available at Cataloochee Ranch or The Swag. Chef Hannah’s seasonal ice creams, and gelatos are the perfect treat while cuddling up next to the roaring fire, or around the table with family and friends.
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.
Metzger’s Burl Wood Gallery
HOURS: Monday – Saturday 10 AM – 5 PM
Make a stop at Metzger’s Burl Wood Gallery on Main Street during the Ice Block Party in Downtown Waynesville to enjoy warm winter treats and shop specials on crystal, onyx and agate works in the gallery.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!
Maggie Mountain Vacations
Maggie Mountain Vacations, your 1st Choice in mountain vacation rentals is offering a 10% discount (max of $50) off the base rent of your Ice Fest vacation rental if you book and stay 1/26 through 2/2/26, minimum 2-night booking is required.
Discount applies when calling Maggie Mountain Vacations directly to book at (828) 926-4270, anytime Monday through Friday, 9am-4pm with the code ICEFEST26.
Blue Mountain Realty Group
Enjoy 10% off (up to $50) on the base rent of your Ice Fest Weekend vacation rental with Blue Mountain Realty Group when you stay January 26 – February 2, 2026. There’s no minimum stay required—just book directly and use code ICY26 to claim your discount!
Call (828) 565-0229 or click the button below to book your frosty getaway!
The Terrace Hotel
Book Lake Junaluska’s Ice Fest Weekend Lodging Package and enjoy two nights at Lake Junaluska’s Terrace Hotel, hot breakfasts with scenic mountain views, and a perfect location minutes from all Ice Festival events!
This special package includes shuttle service to the Ice Block Party in Downtown Waynesville and the Ice Extravaganza in Maggie Valley, tickets to the Ice Extravaganza, and a Sunday “Ice Brunch” at York Dining Commons. Guests can also pick up a hot chocolate or coffee, just steps from the hotel at Junaluska Gifts & Grounds!
Moose Crossing Log Cabin Rentals
Take the chill off and cuddle up at Moose Crossing Log Cabins with a special discount for the Ice Festival Weekend! Take $75 off your three-night stay when you book from January 20 to February 8. Plus, wintery treats will be waiting in your cabin. Book your cozy winter getaway by clicking below!
