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Planning a visit to the New Hampshire Ice Castles in 2026? Located in Lincoln, New Hampshire, this winter attraction is known for glowing ice tunnels, frozen slides, and colorful nighttime displays. This guide covers everything you need to know before you go, including ticket tips, best times to visit, and what to expect once you arrive.

New Hampshire Ice Castles 2026

This guide is especially helpful if you’re planning a winter weekend in the White Mountains or visiting the Ice Castles for the first time.

When You Arrive at the New Hampshire Ice Castles

Arriving at the New Hampshire Ice Castles is well organized, even during the peak winter season.

Once you reach the entrance, staff members guide you into the parking area and check your reservation time slot before directing you where to park.

Parking is included with your ticket, and the process moves quickly, even when the attraction is busy.

After parking, you’ll walk to the entrance where your tickets are scanned before entering the Ice Castles.

When we visited around 6:30 PM, there was little to no wait for either parking or ticket scanning.

It’s best to arrive a few minutes early for your scheduled time, especially in colder weather, since you’ll be outside while waiting to enter.

Once inside, the path opens up, and crowds naturally spread out, making the experience feel less congested than it might appear from the entrance.

What to Expect Inside the New Hampshire Ice Castles

The New Hampshire Ice Castles are made entirely from ice and feature towering frozen walls, tunnels, and chambers that you can walk through at your own pace.

As you explore, you’ll come across carved ice sculptures, narrow tunnels, and open chambers that glow with changing lights throughout the evening.

Each area feels slightly different, which keeps the experience interesting as you move through the castle.

Some sections require stepping carefully on packed snow and ice, so sturdy winter boots with good traction are a must.

The Ice Slide at the New Hampshire Ice Castles

The ice slide is one of the most popular features at the New Hampshire Ice Castles and is open to both kids and adults.

Located inside the attraction, the slide is carved entirely from ice and sends you through a glowing tunnel as you ride down.

The slide is included with your ticket, and you can go down as many times as you’d like.

Staff members are on hand to help guide riders and keep things moving smoothly, even during busy evening time slots.

Because the slide surface can be wet, it’s best to wear waterproof winter pants or snow pants, especially if you plan to ride more than once.

Mystic Forest Light Walk at the New Hampshire Ice Castles

The Mystic Forest Light Walk is one of the highlights of visiting the New Hampshire Ice Castles, especially if you go in the evening.

This outdoor walkway winds through the trees and is illuminated with colorful lights, decorations, and ice features.

As you walk through the forest, the lighting becomes brighter and more immersive the farther you go.

Trees glow in shades of blue, green, and purple, and the snow reflects the lights, making this section feel especially magical at night.

It’s a slower-paced part of the experience, giving you time to take photos and enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed.

The Mystic Forest Light Walk is easy to navigate and suitable for all ages.

The path is wide and well maintained, though it can be icy in spots, so winter boots with good traction are important.

If you’re visiting the Ice Castles after sunset, this section alone makes an evening time slot worth it.

Sleigh Rides at the New Hampshire Ice Castles

For an extra $20 per person, you can enjoy a Sleigh Ride with the horses of the Ice Castle.

The short 15-minute ride will bring you through the Mystic Forest while the guide tells you all about the horses.

We rode with Mud & Bud, the most adorable and hardworking duo around.

You should also try Arctic Snow Tubing at Cranmore Mountain Resort!

Food, Drinks, and the Ice Bar

Make your way to the snack bar for warming hot chocolate and snacks that the whole family can enjoy.

If you are looking for a stronger option, make your way over to the Ice Bar. It serves spiked hot chocolate and other adult beverages.

Just a fair warning: the drinks are a bit overpriced, with a Coors Lite being around $12 and mixed drinks at $16.

New Hampshire Ice Castles Tickets and Reservations

It is recommended to book the Ice Castles as soon as they are released to get prime spots.

While most slots are sold out this time of the year, you can still visit. Extra time slots open throughout the day due to cancellations.

Reservations can be booked on their website.

I also recommend The Unique Experience Of Hiking The Flume Gorge Trail In Winter!

Best Time to Visit the New Hampshire Ice Castles

The New Hampshire Ice Castles are open from late morning through late evening, giving visitors the option to experience them during the day or at night.

While daytime visits offer natural light and slightly warmer temperatures, the experience feels completely different once the sun goes down.

The most popular time to visit the Ice Castles in New Hampshire is between late afternoon and evening, typically from around 4:30 PM to 10:30 PM.

This is when the ice formations are fully illuminated with colorful lights, creating the glowing tunnels and chambers the attraction is best known for.

Visiting during this window allows you to see the transition from daylight to darkness, which adds to the overall experience.

Where Are They Located?

Here is the exact address of the Ice Castles. They are easily accessible from Conway, Lincoln, and Woodstock.

Explore More Of New Hampshire

I love exploring New Hampshire!

Make sure to drive the Kancamagus Highway in Winter: Everywhere I Stopped.

I also recommend trying Arctic Snow Tubing at Cranmore Mountain Resort.

Head over to This New Hampshire Pancake Parlor is the Best Place for Breakfast in New England!

You should also Hike The Flume Gorge Trail In Winter, which is near the ice castles.

Read all of my New England Travel Guides!