Building snow forts is a cherished winter tradition in the Northeast, but after an hour or two, most kids and parents usually head indoors for some hot chocolate. However, artist Brent Christensen took it to another level when he started creating ice caves and fortresses in his Utah front yard for his daughter in 2000. And he hasn’t looked back since.
Christensen’s passion for transforming frozen water into breathtaking structures has turned North Woodstock, New Hampshire, into the coolest spot this winter for both enchanted grown-ups and kids who sing every Frozen song by heart. His company, Ice Castles, brings a magnificent icy palace to life as temperatures plunge in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, captivating fairy tale enthusiasts and those who admire the unique beauty crafted through the collaboration of humans and nature.
Explore the impressive ice castle in New Hampshire, and plan your visit with helpful tips on the best times to go, bringing the kids along, capturing incredible photos, and making the most of your experience. Visiting the Ice Castles is among the top reasons to head to New England in January.
After several successful years in Lincoln, Ice Castles, New Hampshire moved to 24 Clark Farm Road in North Woodstock, NH for the 2020 season. As you approach the icy white walls of this extraordinary attraction, keep in mind it might not resemble a Disney movie right away.
But don’t worry. Once inside this frozen realm, its size, intricate detail, and sheer beauty will erase any reservations about ice artists’ ability to create a world entirely made of solid water. Watching visitors’ expressions and listening to their reactions as they first step inside the ice castle is a joy. Even adults can’t help but be amazed, as they see towering ice formations, spiky caverns, tunnels, a fountain, and an ice throne. The New Hampshire ice castle, one of six built annually by the company across the US and Canada, stands out in the Northeast for its exhilarating long ice slide, which inevitably draws a crowd. There’s also a smaller slide for the little ones.
Wondering how Ice Castles creates these remarkable environments? The magic begins with icicles. The patented construction process is a well-kept secret, but if you’re fortunate, you might catch a glimpse behind the scenes. Each castle is crafted by a team of ice artisans—essentially icicle farmers—who grow and harvest thousands of icicles daily, about 10,000 each day, to meticulously build every feature by hand. Throughout the season, they strategically place icicles where they want ice to flourish, secured with a slushy mixture. Once the sprinklers are activated, the icy sculptures start to emerge.
Brent Christensen, the founder of Ice Castles, grants each team of icicle architects the creative freedom to design structures that are both unique and ephemeral. He spends his winters traveling among Ice Castles’ six North American sites.
Constructing New Hampshire’s ice castle demands around 4,000 hours of labor. Finished, it sprawls nearly an acre and weighs over 25 million pounds. Its existence, however, is precarious, reliant on sustained cold weather.
Since Mother Nature plays both a collaborative partner and a formidable opponent, aim to visit North Woodstock, New Hampshire, in deep winter—mid-January to early February. Stay updated on the attraction’s Facebook page for planned opening and closing dates.
Once open for the season, you can visit any day except Sunday and Monday. Tickets are more affordable and accessible midweek.
Here’s how tickets work: They are sold online for half-hour entry slots. Print them at home or send them to your phone, and be sure to arrive during your designated time. You can stay as long as you like, but once you exit, re-entry isn’t allowed. A limited quantity of tickets might be available on-site, but don’t rely on getting standby tickets, especially during evenings or weekends. It’s wise to check the Ice Castles online ticketing page before deciding on the spot. If online tickets are sold out, there likely won’t be any available at the venue.
Nighttime tickets are highly sought after, and it’s clear why. The ice castle is breathtakingly illuminated from within at night. The best entry time is around sunset Eastern Standard Time. Families with younger children might prefer visiting during daylight when the attraction is less crowded and warmer. An added perk: Visit on Saturday for special photo opportunities with the snow princess (2020 schedule pending).
In 2019, they introduced a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the woods and along the river as part of the Ice Castles experience. More details for 2020 are still pending.
For those eager to take stunning photos of New Hampshire’s ice castle, here are some tips:
For any child who loves Frozen, New Hampshire’s ice castle is magical, and kids under 3 get in for free. Here are a few things parents should be mindful of:
Maximize your Ice Castles, New Hampshire adventure with these tips:
