The Sturgeon Bay Fire & Ice Festival combines two polar elements for a celebration of all things winter. The event begins with a luminary-lit hike at Crossroads at Big Creek Nature Preserve on Friday and continues with an ice and snow block carving contest in downtown Sturgeon Bay on Saturday.

Sturgeon Bay Fire & Ice Festival 2024 Dates and Times

Location

Schedule

Friday, 5-7 PM: Luminary Hike at Crossroads at Big Creek Nature Preserve

The weekend begins with a luminary-lit hike at Crossroads at Big Creek Nature Preserve on Friday, February 16 from 5 pm to 7pm. Enjoy a magical, memorable winter experience with hot chocolate and bonfires. This family-friendly event is offered at no charge.

Saturday: 9:00 AM 5:00 PM

Saturday, stroll around town to witness novice and professional carvers turn blocks of snow and ice into works of art beginning at 9 am! Destination Sturgeon Bay member businesses have sponsored 20 ice blocks and 4 snow blocks this year. Carvers of all ages and skill levels will compete for cash prizes and the People’s Choice Award.

All sorts of other fun winter activities will be happening throughout Sturgeon Bay, in addition to ice and snow carving. Make a day out of it, and enjoy free Door County Trolley rides around Downtown.

Lodging for the Fire & Ice Festival

Check out our post about Door County’s premier hotels to find a place to stay for the Fire & Ice Festival

Why You Should Visit the Sturgeon Bay Fire & Ice Festival

Step into a world of enchantment at the Sturgeon Bay Fire & Ice Festival, a celebration that weaves together the magic of winter and the artistry of ice and snow. Imagine yourself on a crisp Friday evening, surrounded by the soft glow of luminaries, as you embark on a luminary-lit hike at Crossroads at Big Creek Nature Preserve. The snow-covered landscape is transformed into a fairy tale forest, and the air is filled with the promise of adventure. As you stroll along the candlelit path, the anticipation builds, and the aroma of hot chocolate wafts through the air, inviting you to indulge in its warmth.

On Saturday, the streets of Sturgeon Bay come alive with the rhythmic sounds of chisels and the sight of ice shavings dancing through the air. Novice and professional carvers, like modern-day sculptors, transform ordinary blocks of ice and snow into extraordinary works of art. It’s a mesmerizing experience to watch these artists breathe life into frozen canvases, their creations evolving before your eyes. The competition is fierce, and the atmosphere is electric as carvers of all ages and backgrounds vie for cash prizes and the admiration of the crowd.

The Sturgeon Bay Fire & Ice Festival isn’t just an event; it’s a journey into a world where winter’s chill and artistic passion collide. It’s a chance to immerse yourself in the wonder of luminary-lit trails and witness the transformative power of ice and snow carving, leaving you with memories that will warm your heart long after the festival ends.