The Small Town New York Ice Festival That’s An Absolute Blast
By Lea Monroe|Published November 28, 2018
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Lea Monroe
Author
Writer for Only In Your State. Scribbling about all things New York and Buffalo related while also keeping you updated on the latest travel news! Inquiries: Lmonroe@onlyinyourstate.com
When the weather outside is so cold that all you want to do is stay indoors bundled up in the warmth, it can feel hard to actually force yourself to get some fresh air. After debating exactly what kind of fun could be had during New York’s frigid weather, Ithaca was able to come up with a festival that would make our residents feel eager to get outside and have some fun. Find out why you’ll want to join in on this local tradition that’s an absolute blast!
Leaving Downtown Ithaca looking as though Elsa from Frozen had just made her way through town, this year marks the 12th annual Ice Fest.
Ice Fest draws in visitors from all over the Finger Lakes Region, and the rest of our state, that look forward to all that comes along with this winter festival.
Over the course of the weekend and the week leading up to the festival, you'll see some of the finest ice carvers creating unique sculptures all throughout the two-block stretch that makes up Ithaca Commons.
The ice carving fun kicks off on Friday, December 7th, with a Speed Carving Competition where you can watch contestants create complete sculptures is just 20-minutes.
After the Speed Carving Competition, several more rounds of ice carving competition leaves this two-block stretch of small-town New York decorated in magnificent ice sculptures.
That's not all! Each year Ice Fest features an ice bar completely made out of ice and situated outdoors in the commons - where the ice bar serves up hot cocoa, and beer and wine from local companies.
So if you're ready to experience an Ice Fest that has everything from ice sculptures and bars to chowder cook-offs and silent discos, it's time to pack your bags and start heading to Ithaca.
Taking place this year from December 6th through the 8th, come to Ithaca Commons in the heart of town to experience a one-of-a-kind ice festival that will leave you in awe. To find out more details about the festival and to see the full schedule for Ithaca's Ice Fest, click here.
