Festival of Fire & Ice

The Festival of Fire & Ice is a joyful, all-ages celebration of winter’s magic and the power of coming together outdoors. During the Festival, the Garden transforms into a glowing winter wonderland filled with warmth, wonder, and community spirit. This beloved seasonal celebration invites families and friends to embrace winter through hands-on activities, storytelling, and dazzling performances that light up the Garden as day turns to night.

Want a preview? Take a peek at photos and a short video from past Festival of Fire & Ice celebrations.

Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor: Ithaca Agway

This event was made possible in part by a grant from the Tompkins County Tourism Program. Additional support by Wegmans and Forty Weight Coffee.

Throughout the afternoon, explore playful winter stations like potion making, the ice lab, fence weaving, and more. Warm up at the hot cocoa cauldron, roast marshmallows, or purchase a s’mores kit. Enjoy a "Lilypad Puppet Parade" by and immersive Haudenosaunee storytelling by . As the sun sets, gather for breathtaking fire performances by Phoenix Tribe around the Village Green.

Entry includes one cup of hot chocolate and two marshmallows for roasting per attendee.

Additional concessions—including s’mores kits, popcorn, coffee, tea, and more—will be available for purchase. (Cash and Venmo preferred.)

Suggested donation: $5 per person | $15 per family

We want every child to experience the joy, wonder, and connection to nature that Ithaca Children’s Garden inspires. Your donation helps keep the Garden’s gates open, programs running, and seasonal events like this possible for the whole community.

If the suggested amount is a barrier for your family, please choose the amount that works for you — including $0 — at checkout. This flexibility is made possible by our community’s generosity, and every contribution supports children’s exploration, play, and growth. Your participation matters most.

ICG welcomes all members of our community to enjoy the Festival of Fire & Ice. We strive to create an inclusive, welcoming environment and will do our best to support participation for guests with disabilities.

• No amplified music will be used at this event
• Accessible parking spaces will be clearly labeled
• One wheelchair-accessible porta-potty will be available
• Paths are generally wheelchair-accessible (mostly 5 feet wide; some areas narrow to ~3 feet)
• Most activities take place in wheelchair-accessible areas; some portions of the Garden include uneven terrain or steeper slopes
• A portion of the event takes place after sunset, and the Garden does not have permanent lighting. This may pose an accessibility concern for guests with low vision or sensitivity to low-light conditions. Guests are welcome to bring flashlights or headlamps. Event staff will also have lights available and can assist as needed.

While we will do our best to clear snow and ice, winter weather can be unpredictable. Please use caution and dress for changing conditions.

If you have specific access needs or would like to request an accommodation, please contact Trey Ramsey, Outreach and Inclusion Manager, at .

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Host or Publisher Ithaca Children's Garden