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An Ice Castles Signature Event

New England Ice Carving Championships

Watch professional ice artists compete live inside Ice Castles New Hampshire — head-to-head battles, large-scale team builds, and speed carving across one unforgettable winter weekend.

Fri Feb 26 – Sun Feb 28, 2027 North Woodstock, NH $6,550 Prize Purse
3 DaysInside the attraction
3 CompetitionsBattle · Team · Speed
$6,550Total prize purse

Championship programming is included with valid Ice Castles admission, subject to capacity and weather. Schedule subject to change.

Three Professional Competitions

Live carving, illuminated work periods, artist moments, and awards — designed so a typical visit can catch the action.

Battle of the Blocks

$1,000 purse

  • 8 individual carvers
  • Friday 4:15–8:00 PM
  • Single-elimination with surprise prompts
  • Identical blocks and working time each round
  • Awards by 8:00 PM

Team Build Championship

$3,800 purse

  • 6 teams of 2
  • Friday–Saturday live build
  • Themed large sculptures (10 ft height cap)
  • People’s Choice voting opens Friday evening
  • Tools-down 4:00 PM Sat · awards ~4:30 PM

Professional Speed Carving

$1,750 purse

  • 8 individual carvers
  • Sunday ~11:20 AM–2:50 PM
  • Three showcase waves
  • One 45-minute carve each · known prompt
  • All entries judged together after the final wave

Weekend Program

Friday · Park open 4:00–10:00 PM

Team Build live from opening · Battle quarterfinals ~4:15 · semis ~6:20 · final ~7:20 · awards ~7:52 · championship program ends 8:00 PM. People’s Choice voting opens during evening hours.

Saturday · Park open 11:00 AM–10:00 PM

Team Build + guest voting 11:00 AM–4:00 PM · judging at 4:00 · awards ~4:30 PM. Finished sculptures remain on display.

Sunday · Park open 11:00 AM–7:00 PM

Team sculptures on display · Speed waves ~11:20 / 12:35 / 1:35 · Speed awards ~2:35 PM.

For Guests

Come for the castle — stay for the craft. See ice become art in real time, cheer People’s Choice favorites, and catch award moments without a separate ticket.

Location: Ice Castles New Hampshire
24 Clark Farm Road, North Woodstock, NH 03262

New Hampshire Hours & Tickets

For Artists

Professional ice sculptors are invited to apply for Battle of the Blocks, the Team Build Championship, Speed Carving — or any combination. Selection is made separately by event.

Applications open October 1, 2026 and close November 13, 2026.

Open Artist Application

FAQ

Do I need a separate ticket for the championships?

No. Championship programming is included with valid Ice Castles admission, subject to capacity and weather.

Will the full schedule happen exactly as listed?

Times are the planned public program and may shift for weather, ice conditions, or operations. Check this page and on-site signage closer to the event.

Can guests vote?

Yes. People’s Choice voting for the Team Build Championship opens Friday evening during Ice Castles operating hours so guests attending Friday or Saturday can participate.

How do artists apply?

Applications open October 1, 2026 and close November 13, 2026 via the official artist application form linked above.