NORTH WOODSTOCK, N.H. — The much-anticipated seasonal celebration of ice has returned to New Hampshire and several other states. Ice Castles, a unique blend of temporary art and tourist attraction, showcases intricate designs that include structures such as towers, tunnels, archways, and caves. These enchanting creations are formed by growing, harvesting, and artfully arranging thousands of icicles, followed by spraying them with water to solidify the ice.

Since its inception in 2011, the organization responsible for these stunning displays has seen notable growth, operating in locations like Utah, Minnesota, and two sites in Colorado alongside New Hampshire this year. The New Hampshire venue also boasts additional amenities such as a snow tubing hill and an ice bar. After experiencing a mild winter in the previous year, the staff expressed excitement at the arrival of colder temperatures, allowing for an earlier opening this season.

“This year’s installation is among the largest we’ve ever constructed,” stated Jared Henningsen, vice president of operations for the company. “We are working with approximately 25 million pounds of ice spread over a two-acre area.”

On a chilly Friday, as a winter storm swept through the South, visitors braved the cold to wander through the spectacular ice formations in New Hampshire. Julia Jones from Gloucester, Massachusetts, who frequents northern New Hampshire, had never encountered the ice castles before her visit on opening day.

“This is unlike anything I have seen before,” she remarked, surprised by the scale of the installation. “I honestly did not expect it to be this expansive.”

Another visitor, Jessica Sullivan from Fairhaven, Massachusetts, was similarly taken aback—not just by the beauty of the structures but by a personal milestone as well. During their visit, her boyfriend, Brian Jacques, proposed to her.

“This place is absolutely stunning,” Jacques said, having received the affirmative response he desired. “I felt that this was the perfect moment and setting for such an important question.”

By daylight, the icy walls and formations are bathed in a soft blue light, creating a serene atmosphere. As night falls, the embedded lights shift to vibrant pink, purple, and green hues, further enchanting visitors.

“When you step into an ice castle, you transition into an immersive experience that’s unlike anything most guests have encountered,” Henningsen explained. “It’s a place that truly inspires wonder.”