Ice Castles has made history with its earliest opening at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in Falcon Heights. This winter attraction officially opened its gates on December 26, 2025, despite warmer weather conditions for this time of year. Visitors can expect a spectacular experience filled with ice sculptures and captivating lights.
Return to the Minnesota State Fairgrounds
Last winter, Ice Castles had a brief eight-day run in Maple Grove, which was affected by unseasonably high temperatures. This year, the venue has moved to the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, where the team capitalized on freezing conditions late in November.
Preparation and Construction
Wally Bullard, the Ice Castles Training Manager, shared insights into the preparation process. Crews began working on the infrastructure in October, running water lines and setting up power sources. Once the temperatures dropped around Thanksgiving, they commenced ice production.
- Over 25 million pounds of ice create the remarkable ice structures.
- The build team worked ten-plus hours daily to ensure completion.
A Winter Wonderland Theme
This year’s theme is science fiction, featuring captivating designs that include aliens and a moon sculpture. In addition to intricate ice caves and slides, visitors can interact with costumed characters, notably “Queen Everlight,” portrayed by Justine Backes.
“We aim to showcase the beauty of nature through our creations,” Backes said, highlighting the collaborative efforts behind the Ice Castles.
Bright Nights Ahead
As evening falls, the Ice Castles come to life with colorful lighting. Despite warm spells causing some icicles to drip, Bullard remains optimistic about maintaining the ice structures throughout the winter season.
Visitor Information
Details regarding hours of operation and ticket sales are available on El-Balad’s website. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a new visitor, the Ice Castles promise a thrilling winter escapade.
