Tickets Now Available for Lake James Ice Fest’s 'Starlight & Ice'
Get tickets for Lake James Ice Fest on January 9, 2027, in Nebo, NC. Enjoy “Starlight & Ice,” live ice carving, illuminated sculptures, and local food.
Tickets are now available online for the sixth annual Lake James Ice Fest, returning January 9, 2027, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Lake James State Park Visitor Center in Nebo, North Carolina.
Admission is $25 per person for all ages, with proceeds supporting the mission of Friends of Lake James State Park.
This year’s theme, “Starlight & Ice,” brings constellations, space exploration, and science-fiction favorites to the visitor center grounds through illuminated ice sculptures and live carving demonstrations.
(Past years’ themes have included “Down on the Farm,” “Underwater Park,” and “Jurassic Ice Park.”)
From Blocks of Ice to Familiar Faces
World-champion ice carver Aaron Costic and his team will demonstrate their craft throughout the evening, giving visitors a chance to watch sculptures take shape. Between demonstrations, explore the illuminated displays and stop for photos with creations inspired by the night sky and worlds beyond our own.
The proposed sculpture lineup includes Saturn with its rings, an astronaut photo opportunity, and familiar characters such as R2-D2, Yoda, and Chewbacca. Designs are still being finalized, but the plans draw from astronomy, space travel, and science fiction.
The evening will also feature the Fire and Ice Tower—which is always a beautiful spectacle to experience—along with food from local establishments and food trucks.
Beer and wine will be available for purchase, as well.
An Evening That Supports the Park
Ice Fest helps Friends of Lake James State Park continue our work supporting the park’s natural, cultural, and scenic features. That mission includes projects such as trail improvements and hands-on nature education—work that benefits visitors beyond the festival’s one-night celebration.
For those interested in supporting the event through an ice sculpture sponsorship, sponsors receive access to the VIP Lounge from 5 to 8:30 p.m.
Sponsorship opportunities starting at $300 are available and include VIP access.
Contact info@lakejamesstatepark.org for sponsorship details.
Show your family and friends how much you love Lake James and believe in conserving our ecological treasures!
Purchase Your Ice Fest Tickets
Make plans to join us for an evening of ice carving, illuminated sculptures, and local food at Lake James State Park.
Date: January 9, 2027
Festival hours: 6–9 p.m.
Location: Lake James State Park Visitor Center, Nebo, NC
Admission: $25 per person, all ages
Raffle tickets: Sold separately
About Friends of Lake James State Park. We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering conservation, education, and recreation efforts in support of Lake James State Park. Through fundraising events, volunteer initiatives, and community partnerships, the Friends work to enhance visitor experiences and preserve the natural beauty of this Western North Carolina treasure.