Carmel Winter Games ## About the Event The Carmel Winter Games is a spirited community celebration that transforms The Ice at Carter Green into a playground of winter fun and friendly competition. This unique event brings together families, corporate teams, and local heroes for a day filled with laughter, camaraderie, and creative ice-based games that require no skating skills. What makes the Carmel Winter Games truly special is its dual mission: building genuine team spirit while supporting meaningful local nonprofits. When your team wins, you get to choose which Carmel-based organization receives the prize money, making every victory a gift to the community. The atmosphere is one of pure joy and good-natured competition. Rather than traditional ice skating competitions, the games are designed to be inclusive and entertaining for participants of all abilities. You'll find live music from a DJ, opportunities to meet local mascots, and plenty of food and beverages from local vendors keeping everyone fueled and happy throughout the day. ## Activities & Attractions The Carmel Winter Games features three main on-ice competitions that are as entertaining to watch as they are to play: Ice Trike Relay puts teams on three-wheeled contraptions racing across the ice in relay format, creating hilarious moments as participants navigate the slippery surface. Human Curling reimagines the traditional sport using inner tubes instead of stones, with team members sliding across the ice to reach designated targets. Human Hungry Hippo is pure chaos and fun—teams use laundry baskets to fetch hundreds of bouncing balls scattered across the ice, turning the rink into a playground of friendly pandemonium. Beyond the main games, the Hometown Hero-Olympics showcases Carmel's finest with competitive games between the Fire and Police Departments and other city departments. This segment celebrates local heroes while providing inspiring entertainment for spectators. Food and beverage vendors line the venue, offering everything needed to stay warm and satisfied throughout the day. The live DJ keeps the energy high, and meeting local mascots adds a family-friendly touch that appeals to visitors of all ages. ## Schedule & Logistics The Carmel Winter Games takes place on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at The Ice at Carter Green in Carmel's Arts & Design District. The day unfolds in two distinct sessions: Hometown Hero-Olympics: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. General Carmel Winter Games: 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., featuring Ice Trike Relays, Human Curling, and Human Hungry Hippo The Live DJ performs from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., and you can meet local mascots from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Teams consist of four to eight members, with a one-time registration fee of $300 per team. Each team must commit to participating in all three competitive events for the full duration, and each event must include at least four representatives from each team. Only the team captain needs to register online, though all participants must sign waivers before competing. ## The Surrounding Area Carmel is a thriving Indiana community that's been recognized as the #2 Best Place to Live in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report. The event takes place in the Carmel Arts & Design District, a vibrant cultural hub that reflects the city's commitment to creativity and community excellence. The Ice at Carter Green itself is a beloved gathering space that hosts numerous winter activities and serves as the heart of Carmel's seasonal celebrations. The city is known for its excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, award-winning parks system, and robust cultural offerings. Visitors will find plenty of dining and shopping options throughout the Arts & Design District and surrounding areas, making it easy to extend your visit and explore what makes Carmel special.