World Ice Art Championships
Monumental ice carving in Fairbanks
Each winter, carvers from around the world descend on Fairbanks to turn blocks of crystal-clear Alaskan ice into towering, illuminated sculptures. The Ice Park also has slides and an ice playground for kids.
Dates
Feb 16 – Mar 31, 2026
park open into spring
Where
Fairbanks
Ice Alaska
What
Ice sculptures
world carvers
Best at
Night
lit sculptures
The guide
World Ice Art Championships · Sculpting competitions mid-Feb to early March
What it is
Hosted by Ice Alaska in Fairbanks, the World Ice Art Championships draw top carvers worldwide to sculpt enormous works from local pond ice prized for its clarity. The single- and multi-block competitions are the centerpiece.
Plan your visit
The Ice Park stays open well into spring (often late March). Go after dark to see the sculptures lit up, and pair it with aurora viewing — Fairbanks is the aurora capital.
Plan around it
Events near Fairbanks
On the calendar
Related events
Plan your trip
Tours & things to do
Things to Do in Alaska
Tours, adventures & once-in-a-lifetime experiences
Northern Lights Tour from Fairbanks
$109+Chase the aurora borealis from the best viewing spots near Fairbanks with hot cocoa and snacks.
Chena Hot Springs Day Trip
$149+Soak in natural hot springs, see the ice museum, and watch for northern lights.
Local partners
Where to eat & stay
Good to know
World Ice Art Championships FAQ
When is the World Ice Art Championships 2026?
February 16 – March 31, 2026 in Fairbanks; the main sculpting competitions run mid-February into early March, and the Ice Park stays open into spring.
Where is the ice art festival?
In Fairbanks, Alaska, hosted by Ice Alaska. It's a short trip from downtown.
What's the best time to see the ice sculptures?
After dark, when the sculptures are illuminated — and it pairs perfectly with a night of aurora viewing.
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