Celebrate Winter at Harrisburg's Ice and Fire Festival
As winter casts its icy spell over Pennsylvania, the capital city comes alive with a dazzling display of ice and fire that brings together locals and visitors for a frosty extravaganza. The Harrisburg Ice and Fire Festival is a day-long celebration that captures the essence of the season with an enchanting blend of art, entertainment and culinary delights. Harrisburg is a short 25-minute drive from the Londonderry Inn and Estate, making our historic bed-and-breakfast the perfect, cozy retreat for festival goers after a chilly day of fun.
This is the seventh year for the Harrisburg Ice and Fire Festival, set for Saturday, March 2, 2024. At the heart of the festival are the magnificent ice sculptures that line the streets — 67 large and small sculptures in all. From intricate animals to towering castles, these frozen masterpieces are a testament to the skill and creativity of talented artists. You can watch as ice carvers armed with chainsaws and chisels turn blocks of ice into stunning works of art. Participate in the scavenger hunt contest that takes you to see all of the sculptures in different parts of the city — Midtown, City Island, Italian Lake, Reservoir Park, Shipoke — to win prizes from Harrisburg businesses.
The magic doesn't stop with the ice. Fire performers will mesmerize audiences with their daring displays on the entertainment stage, while fire pits scattered throughout downtown Harrisburg will provide a cozy spot to gather and enjoy the heat. For those craving a taste of winter adventure, the festival offers a variety of activities to get the adrenaline pumping. Visitors can strap on a pair of ice skates and glide across the outdoor rink, or bundle up for a horse-drawn carriage ride with amazing city views. And for the young and young at heart, there's always the thrill of zooming down the giant ice slide.
Of course, no festival would be complete without delicious food and drink, and the Harrisburg Ice and Fire Festival delivers in spades. Head into participating Harrisburg restaurants and watering holes for fire-and-ice-themed drink specials. Enjoy free s'mores kits and marshmallow roasting sticks as you gather around the fire pits. Grab a bite to eat at one of more than 15 food trucks — from tacos and Indian food to cheesesteaks and funnel cakes. You will not walk away hungry!
Come ready to do a little shopping as well. The Artist Market, located both inside City Hall and outside along the festival route, will feature vendors selling handcrafted wares such as pottery, jewelry, apparel, candles and more. And the HBG Flea, a carefully curated pop-up artisan market, also will be taking place in nearby Strawberry Square.
Even in the coldest of seasons, there's so much to do when you visit the Harrisburg-Hershey area.
The Harrisburg Ice and Fire Festival is the perfect celebration the beauty, warmth and togetherness that winter can bring in the chilliest of times. Check out the festival guide for a complete lineup of all the sculptures, activities, food and entertainment planned. So bundle up, grab your loved one and embrace the magic of the season at this unforgettable event during your winter getaway to the Londonderry Inn and Estate.
