About This Festival
The 2025 Festival of Ice in Carmel, Indiana, is a three-day winter arts event held from January 17 to 19 in the Carmel Arts & Design District and Carter Green. It features top professional ice carvers from across the country creating stunning ice sculptures, interactive competitions, and family-friendly activities in a lively, festive atmosphere.
The event experience includes:
-
Arts District (Main Street): On Friday, January 17, from 4 to 8 p.m., professional ice carvers perform live demonstrations along Main Street, carving sculptures at various locations in front of local businesses. Visitors can walk the street, watch the artistic process up close, and engage with the carvers. Complimentary hot chocolate is offered to warm attendees. Sculptures created remain on display afterward.
-
Carter Green: The heart of the festival on January 18 and 19 offers a full slate of activities:
- Saturday, January 18 (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) includes a large "Big Block" ice carving competition where visitors can watch sculptors work on sizeable ice pieces. There is a People’s Choice voting for favorite sculptures from noon to 5 p.m.
- From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, the Carmel Fire Department hosts a chili cook-off, allowing attendees to sample different chili recipes and vote on their favorites.
- Ice skating is available throughout the weekend with skating sessions running from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and into Sunday with live music from a DJ and food and beverage concessions.
- Sunday, January 19 (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.) features the popular fast-paced Speed Carving competition, a tournament-style event showcasing carving speed and skill. The People's Choice winners for the sculpture competition are announced during this day.
-
Event Atmosphere and Accessibility: The festival combines a creative, community-oriented vibe with the festive energy of winter outdoor fun. It is free to attend, family-friendly, and handicapped accessible, inviting a broad demographic. The event draws ice carvers from states including Florida, Georgia, and the Midwest, emphasizing both regional and national ice carving talent.
-
Festival History: While specific founding details were not explicitly provided, the Festival of Ice is an annual winter tradition in Carmel, hosted by the city and supported by local organizations, featuring professional ice carvers and community engagement centered on art and winter recreation.
Rough Schedule:
| Date | Time | Location | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 17 (Fri) | 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Carmel Arts & Design District (Main Street) | Ice carving demonstrations along Main Street; hot chocolate available; sculptures displayed |
| January 18 (Sat) | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Carter Green | Big Block ice carving competition; sculpture viewing and voting; chili cook-off 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.; ice skating 11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.; live DJ and food vendors |
| January 19 (Sun) | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Carter Green | Speed Carving competition; announcement of People’s Choice awards; ice skating open |
Visitors can purchase advance tickets for ice skating at TheIceAtCarterGreen.com, which also provides waivers.
This event draws a crowd interested in arts, crafts, community culinary experiences, and winter recreation, set in the charming and vibrant Carmel Arts & Design District and Carter Green park area. It emphasizes artist interaction, hands-on fun, and winter celebration through ice art and social events.