Festival of Ice returns to Lewistown
‘Christmas Candyland’ promises a sweet holiday celebration
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LEWISTOWN -- The Juniata River Valley Visitors Bureau invites everyone to kick off the holiday season at the 28th annual Festival of Ice, returning to Downtown Lewistown on Thursday and Friday, Dec. 4-5, 2025. This year's theme, "Christmas Candyland," will transform the downtown streets into a sugary wonderland filled with whimsical ice sculptures, colorful decorations, and a themed scavenger hunt for all ages.
The event will feature dozens of hand-carved ice sculptures, including both small and large feature pieces inspired by the Candyland theme.
Businesses and community members are encouraged to sponsor a sculpture, with several creative designs still available including a gumball machine, a peppermint twist candy and popsicles.
"Sponsorships help bring the magic of the festival to life and support this long-standing community tradition," said Jenny Landis, executive director of the JRVVB.
In addition to the dazzling ice displays, the festival will include plenty of live entertainment, food vendors, and family fun. Due to ongoing renovations at the Historic Courthouse, the popular live music performances traditionally held in the courtroom will move this year to St. Mark's Episcopal Church on South Main Street. The Lewistown Community Band will perform Thursday evening, and JP Jazz Band and The Unusual Suspects will take the stage Friday evening.
New attractions this year include live reindeer, music inside the historic Embassy Theatre, and a community Christmas tree lighting to kick off the festivities.
Volunteers are also needed during the event to help direct visitors and ensure everyone enjoys a smooth and festive experience. Those interested in volunteering can reach out to the Visitors Bureau for more information.
"Each year, the Festival of Ice brings our community together to celebrate the joy and spirit of the holiday season," said Landis. "We're especially excited about this year's Christmas Candyland theme and all the sweet surprises we have planned. It's a wonderful way to experience the magic of the holidays right here in downtown Lewistown."
For information about ice sculpture sponsorships, contact Landis at jlandis@jrvvisitors.com. For general Festival of Ice information including vendor applications, call (717) 248-6713 or email at info@jrvvisitors.com.