The Plymouth Ice Festival was created in the early ‘80s as a way to bring people to the community during the “slower” months of the year, in order to support the restaurateurs and retailers who call downtown Plymouth home.

Now, in 2025, the 43rd annual ice fest is making strides toward bringing more “interactive entertainment” for kids, with the help of a partnership between the festival and DTE Energy Foundation.

“There will be a bunch of things going on,” said Ice Fest organizer James Gietzen of JAG Entertainment. “We’ll have juggling shows, a balloon twister, stilt walker, tubing run and more.”

This year’s event is happening January 31 – February 2, and is expected to attract 85,000-100,000 people to the community. It’s the oldest and largest ice-carving event in North America.

“It’s the original wintertime festival for Michigan and the Midwest,” Gietzen said. “This is what everybody wants to copy in their hometown.”

The centerpiece of the event is Kellogg Park, where some of the best ice sculpture artists in the world not only show off their works but also demonstrate how they create them. The ice artists also answer questions and interact with the crowd while ice carving and displaying their techniques and tricks.


Here are some of the highlights visitors can look forward to during the 2025 event:

○ Ice Carvings!
Enjoy sidewalks lined with ice carvings in downtown Plymouth. Each work of art starts out as a 350-pound block of ice! World-renowned ice carvers have created over 60 carvings to be displayed during this year’s event.

○ Ice Festival Bingo, Presented by Thrivent
Collect enough stickers to get bingo and enter to win a prize from The Plymouth DDA. Bingo cards are available at all participating businesses.

○ The Hot Spot – Heated By Ehlers Heating and Air Conditioning
Warm up in style at the Hot Spot, heated by Ehlers Heating and Air Conditioning. Located under The Gathering, directly across from Kellogg Park, the Hot Spot features local vendors, businesses, product demonstrations, a sitting area to take a load off your feet and (most importantly) lots of heat! The Hot Spot is open during all the official hours of the Festival.

○ Explore all of Downtown Plymouth
Downtown Plymouth is full of an eclectic gathering of shops, apparel stores, eateries, salons and spas.

○ Ice Throne, Presented by Varsity Automotive Group
For years this unique ice carving has been the perfect setting for pictures with the family. Festival guests feel like “Ice Festival Royalty” as they take a seat atop the Ice Throne. This activity has been a tradition for many families, as they return for that picture every year.

○ Tubing Run
Back by popular demand! Get ready for an avalanche of excitement at The Plymouth Ice Festival tubing run! It features over 100 feet of tubing excitement and fun for the whole family.
Tubing Run Hours of operation:
• Friday: 6 -9 p.m.
• Saturday: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
• Sunday: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

○ Family Petting Zoo, Presented by Michigan First Credit Union
Located next to the Ice Playground, our friends at Carousel Acres will be offering a hands-on experience with horses, donkeys, goats, sheep, alpaca and even a baby calf. This activity is great for kids or those who are young at heart. This year’s petting farm will also feature pony rides!
• Saturday: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

○ Crazy Craig Family Comedy Juggling Variety Show, Presented by DTE Energy Foundation
The Crazy Craig Family Comedy Juggling Variety Show is an experience you will not soon forget. No matter your age, from toddlers and grade school children, to teens, young adults, parents, seniors, and everyone in between, Crazy Craig will keep you smiling, laughing and wanting more of his Fun Crazy Antics!
Show times:
• Friday: 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday: 12:20, 2:00, and 6 p.m.
• Sunday: 12:20, 2:00 and 5 p.m.

○ Movies at the Penn Theater
Movie TBA
All seats: $5.00

○ Party Lot and Ice Bar located at EG. Nicks – Hours of operation/Nightly Entertainment:
The Ice Bar is open all three days of the Festival Party Lot Hours.
• Friday, January 31 – Ava James and The Rumors
• Saturday, February 1 – Power Play Detroit

○ Warm Up at HomeCraft Real Estate During the Plymouth Ice Festival!
Join us at the Plymouth Ice Festival and stop by the HomeCraft Real Estate Warming Station at 487 Forest Avenue, directly across from EG Nick’s. Warm up with complimentary hot chocolate, coffee, and tea, and enjoy some sweet treats for the little ones.
Our cozy Forest Avenue HotSpot will be open during all official festival hours, offering a perfect break from the winter chill. Don’t miss this chance to enjoy the festivities and a warm welcome from our team!


2025 ICE FESTIVAL HOURS:
Friday, January 31, 5-10 p.m.
Saturday February 1, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Sunday, February 2, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sculptures are available for viewing 24 hours a day and will remain standing after the event – weather permitting.