Discover new ways to play through the coldest season!
ICG’s Annual Festival of Fire & Ice
The Festival of Fire & Ice is a joyful, all-ages celebration of winter’s magic and the power of coming together outdoors. During the Festival, the Garden transforms into a glowing winter wonderland filled with warmth, wonder, and community spirit. This beloved seasonal celebration invites families and friends to embrace winter through hands-on activities, storytelling, and dazzling performances that light up the Garden as day turns to night.
Date: Saturday, February 7, 2026
Time: 3:00-6:00 PM
This event was made possible in part by a grant from the Tompkins County Tourism Program.
Event Details
Throughout the afternoon, explore playful winter stations like potion making, the ice lab, fence weaving, and more. Warm up at the hot cocoa cauldron, roast marshmallows, or purchase a s’mores kit. Enjoy moments of imagination with Lilypad Puppet Theater and immersive Haudenosaunee storytelling by Perry Ground. As the sun sets, gather for breathtaking fire performances around the Village Green.
What’s Included
Entry includes one cup of hot chocolate and two marshmallows for roasting per attendee.
Additional concessions—including s’mores kits, popcorn, coffee, tea, and more—will be available for purchase. (Cash and Venmo preferred.
Suggested Donation
Suggested donation: $5 per person | $15 per family
We want every child to experience the joy, wonder, and connection to nature that Ithaca Children’s Garden inspires. Your donation helps keep the Garden’s gates open, programs running, and seasonal events like this possible for the whole community.
If the suggested amount is a barrier for your family, please choose the amount that works for you — including $0 — at checkout. This flexibility is made possible by our community’s generosity, and every contribution supports children’s exploration, play, and growth. Your participation matters most.
Accessibility & Inclusion
ICG welcomes all members of our community to enjoy the Festival of Fire & Ice. We strive to create an inclusive, welcoming environment and will do our best to support participation for guests with disabilities.
- No amplified music will be used at this event
- Accessible parking spaces will be clearly labeled
- One wheelchair-accessible porta-potty will be available
- Paths are generally wheelchair-accessible (mostly 5 feet wide; some areas narrow to ~3 feet)
- Most activities take place in wheelchair-accessible areas; some portions of the Garden include uneven terrain or steeper slopes
- A portion of the event takes place after sunset, and the Garden does not have permanent lighting. This may pose an accessibility concern for guests with low vision or sensitivity to low-light conditions. Guests are welcome to bring flashlights or headlamps. Event staff will also have lights available and can assist as needed.
While we will do our best to clear snow and ice, winter weather can be unpredictable. Please use caution and dress for changing conditions.
If you have specific access needs or would like to request an accommodation, please contact Trey Ramsey, Outreach and Inclusion Manager, at trey@ithacachildrensgarden.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is included with admission? Each attendee receives one cup of hot chocolate and two marshmallows for roasting. Additional concessions—including s’mores kits, popcorn, coffee, tea, and more—will be available for purchase.
- Do I need to pre-register? Advance registration is encouraged to help us plan, but not required.
- Will food be available for purchase? Yes! Concessions will be available, including s’mores kits, popcorn, coffee, tea, and more. Cash and Venmo are preferred.
- What should we wear? Please dress for the weather, as the event is entirely outdoors. While we will do our best to clear snow and ice from pathways, winter weather can be unpredictable. Warm layers and sturdy footwear are recommended.
- What should I do if I have specific access needs or want to request an accommodation? We strive to create an inclusive, welcoming environment and will do our best to support participation for guests with disabilities. Please contact Trey Ramsey, Outreach and Inclusion Manager, at trey@ithacachildrensgarden.org
- Will there be loud music or amplified sound? No. There will be no amplified music at the event.
- How much does the event cost? The suggested donation is $5 per person or $15 per family. If that amount is a barrier, please choose the amount that works for you — including $0 — at checkout. Your participation matters most, and this option is made possible through community support.
- I have a question that wasn’t answered here. Who should I contact? Please email info@ithacachildrensgarden.org