NH’s Ice Castles are open for the season. What to know before you go

Walking through the Ice Castle in North Woodstock, New Hampshire. USA Today via Reuters Connect

By USA Today Network via Reuters Connect

January 18, 2026

Looking for a fun winter activity? At one attraction in New Hampshire, you can have fun while celebrating the icy cold of New England winter.

Located in North Woodstock, the Ice Castles feature hundreds of thousands of icicles hand-placed into impressive sculptures like archways, fountains and caves, all illuminated with colorful LED lights. The interactive space invites guests not just to admire the icy wonderland, but to crawl, squeeze and slide their way through it, creating a winter adventure the whole family can enjoy.

Here’s what to know before visiting New Hampshire‘s ice castles this winter.

About the Ice Castles in NH

Designs at the New Hampshire Ice Castles include ice slides, crawl tunnels and a maze of frozen caves. Outside of the castle, guests can walk through the Winter Fairy Village or the Mystic Forest Light Walk, a mile-long path illuminated with twinkling light displays. For those who love adventure, Ice Castles also offers snow tubing and sleigh rides.

To warm up after exploring in the ice, an on-site concession stand offers treats like corn dogs, french fries and warm candied pecans, as well as a variety of hot and cold beverages. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase at the Frozen Tap, an ice bar inside the castle offering drinks like boozy hot cocoa and spiked warm cider.

How to visit the Ice Castles in NH

Tickets to the ice castles cost $32 for adults or $23 for children ages 4-11 on peak days, or $21 for adults and $15 for children ages 4-11 on non-peak days.

The castles will be open for the 2026 season every Friday through Sunday from now through Feb. 22, as well as select weekdays and the entire week of Feb. 16-20. Hours are 4-9 p.m. on weekdays, 3-10 p.m. on Friday, 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Saturday or 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday. Extended hours are offered from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. during February break.

New Hampshire‘s ice castles are located at 24 Clark Farm Road in North Woodstock.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald. Reporting by Catherine Messier.