COLUMBUS, OH – The Franklin Park Conservatory is excited to announce its inaugural Winter Ice Festival on January 17 and 18. The Conservatory will close at 4 PM to prepare for these special evening events. Highlighting the festival will be "Fire& Ice," an ice carving competition from 6:30 PM to 8 PM, featuring professional ice carvers from Rock-on-Ice. Guests are encouraged to cheer for their favorite carver as they compete for bragging rights!
During the festival, guests can enjoy ice skating each night from 5 PM to 9 PM on our Super Games synthetic ice rink. Skates will be provided, but you’re welcome to bring your own! Capture fun moments in a sculpted ice frame and warm up with hot beverages and food from on-site food trucks. You can also grab an adult beverage at the Watershed bar or try a refreshing Kona Ice. Weather permitting, there may even be some snow for you to play in. If you start to feel chilly, step indoors to enjoy the warm tropical oasis created by our annual Orchid exhibition. Kids can also join in on winter crafts and games in the Grand Atrium.
Enjoy some of the Family Fun events happening during this festival:
Frozen Sisters
Watch the frozen sisters perform on ice, followed by a meet & greet with opportunities to get your picture taken with this famous duo.
Saturday, January 18, 2025; performances at 11am & 2pm
Ohio Wildlife Center
School’s Out! Come and do a winter animal craft, then at 11am & 12:30pm meet the wild Animal Ambassadors from the Ohio Wildlife Center. During these thirty minute presentations, you can learn about OWC’s efforts to help and protect our native wildlife. Animals vary but may include native Ohio mammals, reptiles and birds.
Monday, January 20, 2025; 10am - 2pm
Public ice skating will be available on Sunday, January 19, and Monday, January 20, 2025, from 11 AM to 4 PM as part of general admission.
Additionally, be sure not to miss our "Cocktails at the Conservatory: Fire & Ice" event, which will kick off the Conservatory’s first annual Ice Festival! This adult-only event will take place on January 16 from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM, providing access to the Conservatory’s winter-themed grounds and indoor exhibits, along with desserts, ice wine, and cocktail samples from local vendors.
For more information on happenings at the Conservatory, please visit fpconservatory.org or follow the Conservatory on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
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Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens offers world-class horticulture, art & nature-based exhibitions and educational programs. The 13-acre indoor and outdoor facility—situated two miles from downtown Columbus—features glasshouses including the historic John F. Wolfe Palm House; botanical gardens including the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden and Scotts Miracle Gro-Foundation Community Garden Campus; and event venues. The Conservatory is home to the largest collection of Chihuly glass in a botanical garden and Light Raiment II by internationally renowned artist James Turrell. Committed to the community, the Conservatory strives to provide an accessible and welcoming experience to all.
