Festival of Ice 2025

New this year!

Community Tree Lighting

Following the Crazy Parade, join friends and neighbors as we kick off the Festival of Ice with the official lighting of the community Christmas tree in Monument Square. Led by emcee Rhonda Kelley, the ceremony will feature Ashlie Crosson, the 2025 National Teacher of the Year, as she lights the tree and Sacred Heart School’s choir leads us in a rendition of “O Christmas Tree.”

sweets stations

Satisfy your sweet tooth while soaking up the holiday fun by building your own gooey s’more both nights at the festival at Kickin’ Kater’s booth. Proceeds to benefit Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard. Join the Mifflin County and Juniata County Dairy Princesses and their dairy court as they build a giant ice cream sundae inside a bowl-shaped large ice sculpture in front of Embassy Theater on Thursday night only. The dairy princesses will be serving the ice cream treat to festival goers. Plus, decorate your own cookie with Mrs. Claus in the back room of East End Coffee. Co.

Live Music at St. Mark’s and St. John’s Church.

Enjoy the sounds of the season inside the beautiful St. John’s Lutheran Church and St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, both home to this year’s live music performances. Due to renovations at the Historic Courthouse, musical entertainment has been moved to the churches this year. The Lewistown Community Band will perform two shows on Thursday evening at St. John’s, and JP Jazz Band will kick off Friday night followed by a Christmas sing-along with the Unusual Suspects at St. Mark’s. Live music can also be found on the steps of the Historic Courthouse on Friday night with The Boyz followed by the Logan Guard’s horn section.

Live reindeer and santa’s village

Step into Santa’s Village for a magical meet-and-greet with Santa himself—and his live reindeer! Families can snap photos, drop off wish lists, and experience a little North Pole wonder right here in downtown Lewistown. Children may also shop for their family inside Santa’s Workshop; all located in the Juniata Valley Bank parking lot.

Life-size candyland game

Enter a world of sugary adventure with Mifflin County Library’s life-size Candyland game! Kids and adults alike can play their way through a colorful, candy-filled wonderland inspired by the classic board game at Square One Clubhouse.

gingerbread speakeasy

Step inside the cozy, adults-only Gingerbread Speakeasy at this year’s Festival of Ice! Nestled inside 3 W. Monument Square, within our Christmas Candyland wonderland, enjoy a selection of local breweries and wineries serving festive drinks in a warm, whimsical setting. A perfect spot to relax and sip while soaking in the holiday magic.

Candyland Scavenger Hunt

Visitors are invited to take part in this year’s Candyland Scavenger Hunt during the Festival of Ice in downtown Lewistown. Participants can pick up an entry form on the front porch of the Historic Courthouse, where they’ll find a list of all participating businesses. Each business will feature a Candyland-themed window painting. Participants must visit each location, observe the artwork, and answer the corresponding question on their entry form. Once completed, forms should be returned to the mailbox on the courthouse porch.

From all correct entries, random winners will be selected to receive prizes provided by downtown merchants. The scavenger hunt will be open Thursday through Sunday, giving families and visitors four days to enjoy this festive activity.

The Merry of downtown canvas for every year, ensembles this year’s Mannequin Bank, Lisa School students, Sacred Heart and The For mannequin

2025 Festival of Ice

The Juniata River Valley Visitors Bureau invites everyone to step into a sweet winter wonderland at the 28th annual Festival of Ice. This year’s theme, “Christmas Candyland,” promises a dazzling display of handcrafted ice sculptures inspired by candy canes, gumdrops, and classic holiday confections, plus colorful decorations, and a themed scavenger hunt for all ages. Don’t miss Santa’s Workshop, where kids can shop for gifts, meet Santa, and even visit live reindeer! Celebrate the season and capture the charm of central Pennsylvania’s sweetest holiday festival!

our ice sculptures

The Juniata River Valley Visitors Bureau extends a heartfelt thank-you to all the sponsors who make our annual ice gallery possible—please see page 6 of the map for a full list of supporters. This year’s gallery features both small and large hand-carved sculptures throughout Monument Square, all crafted by the talented team at First Night State College Ice Sculptors. We are grateful for their creativity, craftsmanship, and long-standing partnership. Looking ahead, the 2026 Festival of Ice will celebrate America’s 250th birthday with the theme “American Adventure,” featuring patriotic ice designs. If you or your business would like to sponsor a patriotic sculpture next year, please contact the Visitors Bureau to reserve your spot.

Entertainment Schedule:

wednesday, December 3

6 p.m.- The Lewistown Christmas Parade, organized by Deck the Downtown, kicks off in downtown Lewistown.

Thursday, December 4

All Day- The Merry Mannequins will be on display in downtown business windows and inside the Historic Courthouse.

All Day- The Candyland Scavenger Hunt is a fun scavenger hunt in downtown Lewistown. Pick your entry form on the front porch of the Historic Courthouse.

5-9 p.m.- MC Model Railroad Club open house in the basement of 3 West Monument Square.

5-9 p.m.- The McCoy House Museum will be open for tours, and the Mifflin County Historical Society Book Sale will be on the second floor.

6 p.m. SHARP!- The Crazy Parade kicks off from the Lewistown Borough Building, North Main & Third Streets. Parade led by Ashlie Crosson, National Teacher of the Year.

6:10 p.m.- Community tree lighting ceremony on Monument Square with Sacred Heart School choir.

6 AND 8 p.m.- Two performances by the Lewistown Community Band at St. John’s Lutheran Church, N. Main & Third Streets.

6-8 p.m.- Take a photo with Kraumpus at Miller Cinemas 6 and find out if you’ve been naughty or nice.

6-9 p.m.- Visit with Santa in the JVB parking lot.

6-9 p.m.- The Mifflin County and Juniata County Dairy Princesses will create a giant ice cream sundae in an ice sculpture bowl in front of the Embassy Theater. Get your free scoop of ice cream before it’s gone.

6-9 p.m.- Toast your own marshmallow at Kickin’ Kater’s free s’mores bar.

6-9 p.m.- Pony rides for the kids at the west end of Market Street.

6-9 p.m.– Vote with donation for your favorite gingerbread house at Faith’s House of Hope gingerbread house contest (Square One Clubhouse).

6-9 p.m.- Make a pottery holiday lantern at Hometown Potters’ Studio for $10.

6-9 p.m.- Play Mifflin County Library’s life size Candyland game at Square One Clubhouse.

6-9 p.m.- The Gingerbread Speakeasy is open for festive drinks at 3 W. Monument Square. Adults 21+ only.

6:30-8 p.m.- The Nittany Knights perform at East End Coffee Co.

6:30-8:30 p.m.- Live music at the Live Nativity.

6:45 p.m.- Miss Stephanie’s School of Dance perform on N. Main St., beside the Historic Courthouse.

7-8 p.m.- The Whistle Tones Flute Ensemble performs at the McCoy House Museum.

7:30 p.m.- Mifflin County High School Drama Club performs on N. Main St., beside the Historic Courthouse.

8 p.m.- The Lewistown Community Band performs again at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, S. Main & Water Streets.

Friday, December 5

All Day- The Merry Mannequins will be on display in downtown business windows and inside the Historic Courthouse.

All Day- The Candyland Scavenger Hunt is a fun scavenger hunt in downtown Lewistown. Pick your entry form on the front porch of the Historic Courthouse.

11 a.m.-1 p.m.- Battle of the Morning Shows! Drive to Monument Square and hand a donation to your favorite radio station representative. All proceeds stay local and benefit the Salvation Army.

5-9 p.m.- MC Model Railroad Club open house in the basement of 3 West Monument Square.

5-9 p.m.- The McCoy House Museum will be open for tours, and the Mifflin County Historical Society Book Sale will be on the second floor.

6 p.m.- The Boyz will start singing Christmas songs from the front steps of the Historic Courthouse and then walk around the festival grounds singing carols.

6 p.m.- JP Jazz Band will perform at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, S. Main & Water Streets.

6-7 p.m.- The Trillergy Flute Trio from the Lewistown Community Band perform at the McCoy House Museum.

6-8 p.m.- The Tim and Duane Show perform at East End Coffee Co.

6-9 p.m.- Visit with Santa in the JVB parking lot.

6:30-9 p.m.- Join Zumba with Geovy to learn some fun dances.

6-9 p.m.- Toast your own marshmallow at Kickin’ Kater’s free s’mores bar.

6-9 p.m.- Pony rides for the kids at the west end of Market Street.

6-9 p.m.- Vote with donation for your favorite gingerbread house at Faith’s House of Hope gingerbread house contest (Square One Clubhouse).

6-9 p.m.- Make a pottery holiday lantern at Hometown Potters’ Studio for $10.

6-9 p.m.- Play Mifflin County Library’s life size Candyland game at Square One Clubhouse.

6-9 p.m.- The Gingerbread Speakeasy is open for festive drinks at 3 W. Monument Square. Adults 21+ only.

6:30-8:30 p.m.- Live music at the Live Nativity.

7 p.m.- Juniata County 4-H Square Dancers perform on N. Main St., beside the Historic Courthouse.

7:30 p.m.- The Logan Guard’s Holiday Horns will perform on the square.

7:30 p.m.- Unusual Suspects will perform at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, S. Main & Water Street.

Speakeasy

One Block Ice Sculpture Sponsors

Pony Rides

MAIN STREET

ALLEY OPEN TO TRAFFIC

Santa’s Village

Saturday Events

MARKET STREET

saturday,

December 6

All Day- The Candyland Scavenger Hunt is a fun scavenger hunt in downtown Lewistown. Pick your entry form on the front porch of the Historic Courthouse.

7-1 p.m.- Kiwanis Club All-You-Can-Eat Pancake Festival at First United Methodist Church.

12-4 p.m.- MC Model Railroad Club open house in the basement of 3 West Monument Square.

5:30-7 p.m.- Mifflintown Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony at Mifflintown Walking Bridge.

sunday, December 7

All Day- The Candyland Scavenger Hunt is a fun scavenger hunt in downtown Lewistown. Pick your entry form on the front porch of the Historic Courthouse.

1-3 p.m.- The McCoy House Museum is open for tours, and the Mifflin County Historical Society Book Sale will be on the second floor.

1-3 p.m.- The Hoopes School is open for tours.

1-4 p.m.- MC Model Railroad Club open house in the basement of 3 West Monument Square.

3 p.m.- Lewistown Community Choir Concert at St. John’s Lutheran Church.

Dusk- Shining Light Through the Darkness now open for the holiday season at Kish Park.

Dusk- Shining Light Through the Darkness opens for the season at Kish Park. A self-g uided w ine, beer, spirit s, cof fee, wings and ice cr eam trail. Scan t he QR code to sign up for free. Earn point s , win high - flying prize s . J R V V I S I T O R S . C O M

Vendors at the Festival:

Food & Beverage vendors

Curbside Kitchen, Kaleena’s (Gluten free), Gridiron Pizza, Pretty Little Pancakes, Twisted Egg Roll, Fully Loaded Food Truck, Sam the Hot Dog Man, Rebelz Mobile Cuisine, Aunt Franie’s Soft Pretzels, E&L Baked Goods, Naughty Nutz, Buckeye Chocolates, Scott’s Roasting, and Danny’s BBQ.

More Food & Beverage

The Square Café & Bakery, East End Coffee Co., Downtown OIP & Grille, Monument Square Deli, and Holy Crepe.

Artisan Makers, & Retail vendors

Scent Candle Co., CH Custom Designs, Shannon’s Stuffy Style, Let us Dress You Lularoe, Delarae’s Creations, Appalachian Creek Soap & Co., Stone Laser Engraving, Norwex with Carla, Enchanted 3D, Beth’s Krafts, Potlicker Foods, Crumb Pops, Rebel Stitch, Mamma T’s Country Fixins, Creatify Designs, The Bohemian Botanical, Breezy Hollow Bees, Milroy Maple, Julez & Jojo, Walnut Hollow Woodcraft, Nanni’s Attic Creations, Krit & Co., The Pastry Chef, Creekside Candle Company, Christina C.M. Cornwell Author, A&E Boutique, Karmic Blends, Penelope & Co., Deb’s Surprise, Hispanic Treats by Zash, Detwiler Customs, Batter & Dough Bakeshop, Renewal by Anderson, Worn & Worthy, MACC Acres Goat Therapy, Walnut Ridge Designs, and Hippie’s Aura Shop.

Other Shopping Opportunities

The Paisley Bride, The Willow Workbench, Moon Dragon, Kathy’s Korner, Lemon & Lime Craft Co., D&E Toys and Collectibles, Hometown Potter’s Studio, The Crooked Shelf Bookshop, Essence of Earth, Queenie’s Junktique, The Busy Brush, and Cinema Records.

Local Organization Vendors

Walmart, Renewal by Anderson, Job Corps, New Life Church, Angels of Bigfoot Country, Lumina Center, Centre Union Church, Winter Coats from Waylon, Central PA Youth Ministry, Mifflin County High School TSA, Child Evangelism Fellowship, Marcal Paper, Krise Transportation, Zumba with Geovy, Leaf Filter, Soldier Solutions, Centre for Community Resources, Mifflin County High School, Job Corps, National Honor Society, Supportive Concepts for Families, One Dog at a Time, Faith’s House of Hope, Pine Glen CMA Church, Salt and Light Media WGRC Radio, Geisinger, Logan Guards, Leaf Filter, Central PA Youth Ministries, Paintersville CMA Church, AAA of Central PA, Giant Food Store, and Moden Homes.

The Juniata Festival inspired scavenger live reindeer!

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Entertainment Highlights: Merry Mannequins

The Merry Mannequins have been appearing in the windows of downtown businesses for the last few years as a creative canvas for making holiday décor with a fashion twist. As every year, designers amaze the community with their ensembles inspired by glamorous or traditional designs, but this year’s mannequins will have a sweet sugary twist.

Mannequin designers for this year include Juniata Valley Bank, Lisa Knudson, The Paisley Bride, Mifflin County High School students, Buffie Boyer, Miller Cinema 6, Natali Foltz, Sacred Heart School, Lizz Barger, Lemon & Lime Craft Co., and The Busy Brush.

For mannequin locations, visit jrvvisitors.com/festival-of-ice.

Gingerbread House Competition

Faith’s House of Hope is hosting its 6th annual Gingerbread House Competition this year. They collect gingerbread houses from individuals, families, and organizations during the month of November. The gingerbread houses will then be on display at 8 E. Market St., Suite A (Square One Clubhouse) during both nights of the festival. This is when community members can stop by to vote for their favorite gingerbread house.

Votes may be submitted in-person and through the Faith’s House of Hope Facebook page. Winners will be determined by popular vote and announced on its Facebook page. All proceeds will be donated to St. John’s Christian Day Care and Preschool in memory of Faith Bollinger.