February 14-16, 2025
Why Sit Inside when you could be out on the ice with a fun and welcoming community?
Every winter, something magical happens in North Hero, Vermont.
City Bay transforms into a sparkling winter playground for all ages, and the whole community comes together for Great Ice!
Ready to ditch your winter blues? Bundle up and join the fun on the ice from February 14-16, 2025.
Here’s a sampling of the fun events planned for this spectacular annual event:
Fireworks that Light Up the Frozen Bay
Kick off the festivities with a dazzling fireworks display on Friday night at 7 pm. The frozen backdrop makes it even more spectacular.
The Great Ice! Christmas Tree Bonfire
Be there for the grand kickoff with our annual Christmas Tree bonfire at 6 pm on Friday. Drop your tree off at Hero’s Welcome to contribute to the blaze!
Food and Wine Village
Before and after the fireworks, warm up with hot eats and cold treats from the best local vendors, including Taco Truck All Stars, Mimi’s Mini Doughnuts, The Bee Hive, and more.
The Over N’ Back Trek
Trek, skate, ski, or bike the 1.7 miles across frozen Lake Champlain to Knight Island State Park on Sunday. Warm up with hot chocolate before heading back!
Dog Sled Rides (Sold Out)
Feel the rush as you glide across the ice, powered by an energetic team of sled dogs.
Skating on Lighted Rinks
Skate after dark on our illuminated rink, with music and good vibes all weekend long.
Champlain Islands Farmers Market Pop-Up
Support local farmers, food makers, and artisans at the North Hero Community Center on Saturday from 10 am – 2 pm.
Great Ice! Games
Get competitive with Ice Bowling, Tic Tac Snow, Frozen Corn Hole, and more on Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm.
Drive the Zamboni
Take a supervised spin behind the wheel of our authentic 1974 Zamboni. Suggested donation: $10.
Snow Building Competition
Build your best snowman, igloo, or snow structure. Free hot dogs and hot chocolate for participants.
Cocoa and Coloring
Warm up with hot cocoa and get creative at the Champlain Islands United Methodist Church on Saturday.
Chili Cookoff
Enter your family’s secret chili recipe to win prizes, or sample and vote for your favorite!
Ice Rescue Demonstration
Learn valuable ice safety tips from the North Hero Volunteer Fire Department.
Potluck Dinner and Vermont Trivia Night
After a fun day on the ice, enjoy a community dinner followed by trivia night. Gather your team and compete for prizes!
▶ Great Ice! Breakfast
Start Sunday with a hearty breakfast at the North Hero Community Hall. Adults $10, kids $5.
And that’s just the beginning! With events and activities running all weekend, Great Ice! has something for everyone.
Mark Your Calendar: Don’t Miss Out!
February 14-16 2025
This year’s Great Ice! promises even more fun, excitement, and winter wonder. Bring the whole family, and let’s make memories that’ll last until next winter.
Grab your hat, scarf, and sense of adventure—we’ll see you at Great Ice!
Ready to share the magic of Great Ice!? Please spread the word and celebrate a Vermont winter wonderland on the frozen City Bay!
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Tara Schatz is a freelance writer and the founder and editor-in-chief of Vermont Explored and Back Road Ramblers, an American road trip blog. She is also the co-author of the 3rd edition of AMC’s Best Day Hikes in Vermont, released in May 2023, and the author of 100+ Wonderful Ways to Experience Vermont.