Festival of Ice

The 2026 Festival of Ice in Carmel offers a full weekend of ice carving, family activities, and winter fun. On Friday, professional ice carvers line Main Street in the Arts & Design District, giving live demonstrations as they turn blocks of ice into detailed sculptures. Families can stroll the district, watch the artists work, and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

The event continues at The Ice at Carter Green on Saturday with more carving demonstrations, a People’s Choice competition where visitors can vote for their favorite sculpture, and the Carmel Fire Department’s Firehouse Chili Cook-Off. Throughout the day, guests can also enjoy ice skating, food and beverage options, and music from a live DJ, making it an easy winter outing for families and groups of all ages.

Schedule Highlights

• Friday: Ice carving demonstrations on Main Street, 4–8 p.m. (Arts & Design District)
• Saturday: Ice carving demonstrations, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. (The Ice at Carter Green)
• Saturday: People’s Choice sculpture voting, noon–4 p.m.
• Saturday: Carmel Fire Dept. Firehouse Chili Cook-Off, noon–2 p.m.
• Saturday: Carver award ceremony, 5–6 p.m.
• Saturday: Ice skating, food and beverage, and live DJ, 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m.

Good to know

• Locations: Carmel Arts & Design District and The Ice at Carter Green
• Free and open to the public
• Outdoor event; dress for winter weather and bring warm layers