Everything You Need to Know About Scranton’s Downtown On Ice
Celebrate winter in the coolest way possible at Scranton’s Downtown On Ice, a free, family-friendly festival that turns downtown Scranton into a glittering playground of frosty fun from January 16–18, 2026. Presented by Scranton Tomorrow, this icy celebration brings together live ice carving demonstrations, interactive activities, local performers and plenty of reasons to bundle up and head downtown.
Covering more than thirty blocks of the Electric City, Scranton’s Downtown On Ice fills the city with intricate ice sculptures that make wandering the city part of the fun. The 2026 theme, Toys: A City of Ice, A World of Play, brings classic toys and childhood favorites to life in frozen form. As you wander the streets, you’ll find familiar figures carved in ice—just be sure to check the event map so you don’t miss a single sculpture.
From live carving demos and family fun on Courthouse Square to music, pop-up performances and interactive winter activities, there’s something happening all weekend long. Be sure to browse the full entertainment schedule to plan your visit and catch your favorite acts.
And when the chill sets in, downtown Scranton’s restaurants, bars and cafés are just steps away—perfect for warming up with a great meal, a hot drink or a festive night out before heading back into the winter wonderland.
Bundle up and explore downtown Scranton as more than 50 ice sculptures line sidewalks and storefronts throughout the city. The 2026 theme, “Toys: A City of Ice, A World of Play,” brings childhood favorites and classic toys to life through beautifully detailed frozen creations. Be sure to follow the event map so you don’t miss a single sculpture.
Event Map
Watch master carvers from Sculpted Ice Works of Lakeville transform massive blocks of ice into works of art during live carving demonstrations held throughout the weekend. The first carving kicks off Friday evening at 5:30 p.m. in front of The Marketplace at Steamtown, with additional demonstrations scheduled across downtown.
Explore downtown Scranton in a whole new way with the Digital Sculpture Scavenger Hunt at the Scranton Ice Festival, featuring more than 50 ice sculptures across a 30-block downtown area. Scan sculptures with your smartphone to earn FrostBites points, climb the leaderboard and compete for prizes like festival merchandise and top rewards for high scorers.
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Courthouse Square serves as the heart of the festival, packed with activities designed for kids and adults. Enjoy face painters, balloon artists, caricatures, interactive winter games and festive photo stations perfect for capturing chilly memories.
Warm up with the sounds of live music as local and regional bands, performers and entertainers take over stages and venues throughout downtown. With more than 30 performances scheduled across the weekend, you’ll find music and entertainment popping up inside local businesses and outdoor gathering spaces.
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Serving as the festival’s kickoff event, the Chills & Cheers Bar Crawl takes place on Friday, January 16 from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Participants can hop between downtown bars and restaurants while enjoying drink specials, icy cocktails and glowing winter vibes. Tickets include cover charges, drink specials and festive bar crawl swag while supplies last.
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One of the main goals of Scranton’s Downtown On Ice is to support downtown businesses during the winter season. With 75+ retailers and 50+ restaurants, cafés and pubs within the festival footprint, it’s easy to turn your visit into a full day or night out. Warm up with a great meal, shop small or grab a drink between sculpture stops.
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There will be limited on-street parking available throughout downtown Scranton. Visitors are encouraged to use one of the city’s five central parking garages, all located within walking distance of festival activities. Be sure to follow posted signs and parking regulations.
Main Stage Live Entertainment Schedule:
Friday, January 16
6 p.m. – Welcome kickoff including BTOS Wooden Soldiers, Dani Long Leggs & Boston
7:30-9:30 p.m. – Lite Brite DJ Glow Party with EJ the DJ
Saturday, January 17
10-10:45 a.m. – Howard Gardner Band
11-11:30 a.m. – Sherry’s Royalettes
11:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Boston
12:30-1 p.m. – Dani Long Legs
1-1:30 p.m. – Abington Heights Civic League
1:30-2 p.m. – Scranton High Show Choir
2-2:30 p.m. – Double “R” Twirlettes
2:30-3 p.m. – Rob the Juggler
3:30-4 p.m. – Family Feud: Battle of the Badges
5-7 p.m. – Dixieland Band
Sunday, January 18
12 p.m. – Live ice carving
2:30-4:30 p.m. – America250PA Kickoff
Event Location
Downtown Scranton
Courthouse Square and surrounding downtown blocks
Scranton, PA 18503
Ice sculptures, activities and performances are spread throughout the downtown area, so plan to walk, explore and take it all in.
Dates & Event Hours
Friday, January 16
6:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Saturday, January 17
10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, January 18
12:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Admission
Free and open to the public.
Some special events, including the Chills & Cheers Bar Crawl, require a ticket.
Winter Ice Festivals and Fairs in NEPA
Article Updated from its original version published on 1/27/2022
