The Netherlands Ice Sculpture Festival 2024-2025

The Netherlands Ice Sculpture Festival is a premier winter attraction that draws visitors from around the globe. Known as one of the largest and most spectacular ice and snow sculpture events in Europe, it transforms winter into an artful wonderland. Showcasing incredible talent, the festival features intricately crafted ice and snow sculptures created by international artists, making it a must-see event for families, art enthusiasts, and holiday travelers alike.

Dozens of gifted artists work with their chisels and gas burners to cre​ate unique sculptures that will be on display. It takes the artists about three weeks of continuous work to create spectacular pieces. Artists use ice that is completely free of impurities. Distilled water is used to make this material to ensure purity and clarity, which is vital to maintaining the structure and integrity of the sculptures. The carving is so intricate and complex that every sculpture becomes an awe-inspiring masterpiece. The festival attracts visitors every year who can observe the sculptors as they work in real-time, which is a unique opportunity to see these stunning creations in progress.

The Netherlands Ice Sculpture Festival in 2024-2025

The 2024-2025 edition of the Netherlands Ice Sculpture Festival promises to be even more spectacular, with a new theme: "An Unexplored World," set to captivate audiences. Visitors can expect larger-than-life sculptures, intricately designed scenes, and immersive displays. From whimsical fairytales to cultural icons, the festival offers a dazzling showcase of creativity, combining innovative technology with artistic precision to bring the icy creations to life

Location and Accessibility

The festival is hosted in Zwolle, a charming city in the northeastern Netherlands, conveniently located about 1.5 hours from Amsterdam. This central location makes it an accessible and exciting day trip for both locals and tourists exploring the region. Zwolle's vibrant atmosphere and historical charm add an extra layer of appeal to the festival experience.

Tickets and Hours

The festival operates from December through March, giving ample time for visitors to plan their trips. Opening times are Tuesday through Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. Regular admission (at the door) is €20,95 for adults and €14,95 for children. Discounts are available for tickets purchased online. A convenient shuttle bus runs between Zwolle’s main train station and the festival venue, ensuring hassle-free transportation.

Things to Do in Zwolle

The Netherlands Ice Sculpture Festival offers a magical escape into a frosty world of art and imagination. However, the Ice Sculpture Festival is not the only winter activity that visitors can enjoy in Zwolle. Ice skating on frozen lakes and outdoor ice rinks are popular attractions, along with horse-drawn carriage rides, live music, and various winter markets. The whole city is alive with the festive spirit during this period, making it an ideal winter vacation spot in the Netherlands with something for everyone to experience and enjoy.