Winter Ice Festival

01-14-2026 01-25-2026 5-9pm on Select Nights

On Winter Ice Festival dates, the Conservatory will close to the public at 4PM and reopen at 5PM.

The Winter Ice Festival is back in 2026 on January 14, 16, 17, 18, 21, 22, 23, 24 & 25, with more special engagement nights to enjoy a stroll through the wintery grounds and have some winter fun!

Cheer on your favorite ice carver during Fire & Ice, a high-energy carving showdown featuring the pros from Rock on Ice. Each night at 7pm, artists race the 45-minute clock, and guests help choose the winner. Come early to watch warm-ups and stay after to meet the carvers.

Enjoy ice skating on the synthetic rink from 5 to 9pm. Bring your own skates or borrow a pair. Skating and rentals are free with admission.

When it’s time to warm up, explore the tropical biomes and admire the glowing Chihuly Collection. Kids can enjoy winter crafts, games, and puzzles in the Grand Atrium.

Know Before You Go

Please note: During the run of the Winter Ice Festival, the Conservatory’s daytime experience will close at 4pm to prepare for the evening events. The Conservatory will re-open at 5pm. Thursday, January 15, will be a Cocktails at the Conservatory event, and will be a 21+ night, no exceptions.

Ice Skating Enjoy ice skating nightly on the synthetic rink from 5 to 9pm. Bring your own skates or borrow a pair. Skating and rentals are free with admission.

Fire & Ice A high-energy carving showdown featuring the pros from Rock on Ice. Each night at 7pm, artists race the 45-minute clock, and guests help choose the winner.

Eat To satisfy your munchies, the Conservatory's Garden Café (open nightly) and a rotating selection of food trucks will be available on select nights:

January 16: Mustafas Halal Gyro
January 17: Dirty Franks
January 23: 614 Fully Loaded
January 24: Kenzie's Kitchen

Fire Spinners On Fridays & Saturdays only

From 6-8pm located along the Carriage Path and Pergola

Family Fun & Crafts Nightly Family Fun in the Grand Atrium:

-Winter Themed Kids Craft
-Kid-Friendly Games and Puzzles
-Stuff-a-Squishie ($20)

Chihuly Collection Admire the glowing, largest private Chihuly collection in a botanical garden. The colorful glass artwork is placed throughout the Conservatory’s biomes and plant collections.

Drinks Open every evening from 5-8:30pm, the Watershed Bar on the West Carriage path loop will serve cocktails, beer and wine. Specialty cocktails and mocktails will be available and served with light up ice cubes.

Ahlum & Arbor Arctic Terrace Unwind in cozy festive igloos with nostalgic games.