The annual Ice Castles, an architectural celebration of ice, has reopened in New Hampshire and several other U.S. states, captivating visitors with its intricate and immersive frozen art installations. These temporary attractions feature towers, tunnels, archways, and caves, created by growing and arranging thousands of icicles and enhancing them with sprinklers.
First launched in 2011, the Ice Castles have expanded to Utah, Minnesota, two locations in Colorado, and New Hampshire. The New Hampshire site this year includes a snow tubing hill and an ice bar, and officials are thrilled to have opened earlier than last year, thanks to colder temperatures. “It’s one of the biggest ice castles we’ve ever built,” said Jared Henningsen, vice president for operations, noting the installation uses around 25 million pounds of ice spread over two acres.
Visitors to the New Hampshire castle were awed by its scale and beauty. Julia Jones of Gloucester, Massachusetts, described her first visit as “unlike anything” she had experienced. Jessica Sullivan of Fairhaven, Massachusetts, received a surprise proposal from her boyfriend, Brian Jacques, amid the dazzling frozen environment.
By day, the ice structures shimmer in pale blue, while at night, embedded lights illuminate them in vibrant shades of pink, purple, and green, creating a magical atmosphere. “It’s totally immersive and unlike something most guests have ever seen,” Henningsen said, highlighting the inspiration these castles bring to visitors.
The Ice Castles continue to draw crowds, offering a unique winter attraction that blends art, adventure, and romance.
