Though most people think of Maggie Valley, North Carolina, as a sleepy mountain town, plenty of hustle and bustle happens here all year round. Winter, for example, draws scores of visitors for skiing and snow tubing—and the Maggie Valley Ice Festival. Held on the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds every year, this unique local tradition promises fun, food, and frozen attractions to celebrate the season.
We’ve put together a guide to the Maggie Valley Ice Festival so you can make the most of your time at this winter wonderland. Book your stay with Carolina Vacations, and let’s get started.
Maggie Valley Ice Festival in 2025
- When: February 1, 2025, from 4 pm to 9 pm
- Where: Maggie Valley Festival Grounds (3374 Soco Rd, Maggie Valley, NC)
- Cost: Tickets are $5 each if purchased in advance or $8 if purchased on-site. Kids 12 and under get in for free.
Since its first year in 2023, the Maggie Valley Ice Festival has continued to grow in scope and size. On one day every winter, attendees head to the festival grounds just outside downtown Maggie Valley to get into the spirit of the season up in the Blue Ridge.
Don’t Miss Haywood Ice Fest
But that’s not all—the Maggie Valley Ice Festival is just one part of all the winter magic that happens in Western North Carolina. Throughout one action-packed weekend, the Haywood Ice Fest kicks off with the downtown Waynesville Ice Stroll and continues until the conclusion of the Maggie Valley Ice Festival. All of these events take place within a day or two of one another, making for a nonstop celebration.
Whether you choose to attend just one or all of the Haywood Ice Fest events in the Smoky Mountains, most are family-friendly. The only exception is the Haywood Ice Stroll’s Chill Zone, a bar open only to visitors 21 years old and up. However, aside from that, just about every visitor can partake in the festivities.
How to Best Enjoy the Maggie Valley Ice Festival
From s’mores stations to souvenir shopping and ice hockey to carving demos, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at the Maggie Valley Ice Festival. If you want to maximize your festival experience in the town of Maggie Valley, here’s what we’d recommend:
Dress to Impress
First off, make sure you don your winter finery before setting out for the Ice Festival. We’re not talking about just any old boots and coats, though—if you dress up like a character from the Disney movie “Frozen,” you could earn a prize. You can also compare yourself to the real deal since “Frozen” character actors will be on deck for meet-and-greets.
Watch Live Ice Carving Demos
Stunning ice sculptures are the crown jewels of the Maggie Valley Ice Festival. Aided by the cool winter air, artisans will transform blocks of solid ice into gravity-defying sculptures right on site as curious visitors watch. While there’s no telling what might be sculpted at this year’s festival, past years have seen nativity scenes, polar bears, and soaring eagles. No matter what you get to see, you’re sure to marvel at this feat of technical skill and craftsmanship.
Play Ice Games
Sure, you may have played cornhole before—but have you ever played ice cornhole? You can join the kiddos for a quick game or hit the rink to try your hand at hockey. Little ones will also love the ice slide.
If you want to build a snowman, on the other hand, there’s no need to drive all the way up to Cataloochee Ski Area. The Maggie Valley Ice Festival features a family-friendly playground constructed with snow that’s been trucked down the mountain.
Warm Up With Some Tasty Treats
After all that time playing around in the snow and on the ice, you’ll likely be feeling a little chillier than normal. You can head to the warming tent, of course, but if you ask us, there’s no better way to get your temperature up than some good food.
Food vendors serve all kinds of different fare right on site, so you don’t have to leave the Festival Grounds to find a good meal. For dessert, you can roast a s’more over open flames.
Shop for Ice Festival Souvenirs
What better way to commemorate your visit to the Maggie Valley Ice Festival than a souvenir? You might snag a handmade pair of earrings or a cozy hoodie to help you remember the great time you had at the fest. Keep your eyes peeled for hidden gems because you never know what you’re going to find here.
Visit Nearby Towns in Maggie Valley
A 20-minute drive away from Maggie Valley, Waynesville also hosts its own slate of Ice Fest events.
- There’s the Waynesville Ice Stroll, a walk through an ice sculpture-lined street—local businesses stay open late to provide treats for visitors. Those 21 and up can head to the Chill Zone to snag craft cocktails poured from a mobile bar.
- Those in the mood for something a little more relaxing may want to book tickets for a live music show at the HART Theatre.
- That’s not all, though—several other special programs take place in neighboring towns like Clyde, Lake Junaluska, and Canton (ice skating, anyone?).
Check Haywood County’s website for more information as you plan your trip.
What to Know Before You Go
Before you start packing the car, we want to cover a few frequently asked questions to make sure you have the best time possible during your visit to the Maggie Valley Ice Festival. Keep these items in mind as you pull out your suitcases:
Can I buy tickets when I get there?
Yes, you can purchase tickets to the Maggie Valley Ice Festival at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds. However, if you choose to buy in advance, you can save $3 per ticket. Visit the festival’s website to learn more about purchasing tickets.
Can I bring my pets?
Yes! The Maggie Valley Ice Festival is pet-friendly as long as you keep your four-legged friends on a leash. Make sure to be diligent about picking up any pet waste, too.
Is alcohol served at the Maggie Valley Ice Festival?
Yes, alcohol will be served at the Maggie Valley Ice Festival. If you’re interested in having an evening out, visit the Chill Zone in Waynesville—it’s a dedicated, adults-only space for drinks “on the rocks.”
Experience the Excitement at the Maggie Valley Ice Festival
Between food trucks, artisanal displays, and much more, the Maggie Valley Ice Festival offers hours of winter-themed entertainment for visitors of all ages. But remember, the festival is only one day a year, so don’t wait too long to buy those tickets and plan your trip—the ice may melt before you know it.
As you put together your itinerary, remember to book your stay at a Carolina Vacations rental property. Our cabins will help you stay warm and cozy no matter how much time you spend out in the cold.
