Events

Winter Carnival Returns with New Attractions and Ice Sculptures

The seasonal favorite returns with expanded activities, ice sculpture contests, and night-time parades lighting up Halifax’s downtown core.

Published: May 07, 2025 at 02:21

By: By Anthony Newton, Great White Press

Halifax’s beloved Winter Carnival is back, and organizers have unveiled an expanded lineup of attractions aimed at drawing record crowds to the downtown core. With a mix of classic traditions and new experiences, the festival promises something for all ages and interests.

This year’s highlights include an ice sculpture garden featuring over 30 original works by local and international artists. The frozen masterpieces, illuminated at night, line the boardwalk and historic district, creating a whimsical path through the city’s winter landscape.

Festival director Miles Benoit said this year’s theme—“Shine Through the Snow”—was chosen to celebrate the city’s resilience and community spirit. “We’ve expanded programming to include more inclusive, accessible events that invite everyone to take part,” he noted.

New to the festival is a Nordic-inspired snow maze and a fire-and-ice performance zone, where acrobats and fire dancers will perform nightly shows set against a glowing backdrop of frosted sculptures.

Traditional favorites are also returning. The downhill toboggan races, maple taffy pulls, and snowshoe scavenger hunts remain core components of the week-long celebration, along with the Ice Queen Parade that lights up Argyle Street every Friday night.

Family-focused programming has been expanded, with toddler zones, warming tents, and indoor activity stations at libraries and recreation centers. The city has also introduced a sensory-friendly carnival morning for children with sensory sensitivities.

Local food vendors will line Grand Parade Square offering seasonal fare including poutine, bannock, gourmet hot chocolate, and artisanal soups served in edible bread bowls. A beer garden and mulled wine station will also be available for adult attendees.

In an effort to keep the event eco-friendly, organizers have partnered with waste management providers to offer clearly marked compost and recycling stations, and volunteers will be on hand to help attendees sort their trash.

The festival receives funding from municipal and provincial tourism grants and is supported by dozens of community sponsors. In 2024, the event generated over $2 million in economic activity, and this year’s projections are even higher.

As snow continues to fall and lights flicker across rooftops, Halifax is embracing winter with open arms. The Winter Carnival serves not only as a festive escape but also as a powerful reminder that joy and connection thrive even in the coldest seasons.