Ice Castles — Attraction in Woodstock

The ice castles are awesome! We went for the first time ever yesterday, I ordered my tickets ahead of time and I’m glad I did because we traveled about four hours away and it was sold out. It should be a no brainer to bundle up! For one it’s New Hampshire and two you’re literally going to the ice castles… Bundle up. My biggest suggestion would be a face mask and a hat that covers your ears because it’s windy and really cold on your face and ears. So during the week I believe it’s cheaper, I paid about $20 per person. Parking was easy, We walked up and discovered a pretty long line… You do have to stand in line and wait to sign a waiver which I feel like should be done online so everyone can avoid standing in line, Especially those coming with children. After that, You just walk around. The ice castles and sculptures are beautiful, We were told everything is included in admission except the horse rides, So we did the ice slide first. (Yes, As adults). It’s really fast but really fun. We also did the tubing which was very fun too. We noticed a photo booth that says to scan a QR code and you can take a picture, Staff and signs failed to tell everyone those actually cost money. We didn’t find this out until we were about to leave, The couple in front of us at the printing booth were just as surprised to realize it was $30 for a picture lol. We did not purchase it. Besides that, Great experience. I thought it would be bigger but it was still fun and I would come again. So moral of this review: Dress extremely warm and in layers. Hat, Warm gloves, Face mask, The whole nine yards. Book your ticket in advance, Remember the pictures do cost money even though it doesn’t say it does haha. I would also go at night, If you look at another review they went during the day and to me you really miss out on the lights appeal as seen in my pictures. *ALSO TIME SLOTS ARE JUST TIME SLOTS. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO LEAVE BY THE TIME YOUR SLOT SAYS AS WE WERE TOLD BY A STAFF MEMBER. I wanted to add this in because one review says you do and that’s not true. Our tickets were for 6:30-7:30 Pm and the man checking tickets told us we can leave when we want we just can’t re enter...

My boyfriend and I had a memorable experience during our trip, filled with plenty of inside jokes to cherish. However, the overall cost didn't quite match up to the experience. I'd suggest purchasing tickets online beforehand to avoid inflated prices at the entrance. At nearly $90 for both of us, it felt a bit steep. And if you wanted a sleigh ride it was an additional $25, which we did not do. We didn't even bother to check out the prices at the Polar Pub.

I should have done more research beforehand. I had imagined multiple ice castles nestled within mountainous terrain, but it turned out to be a smaller, man-made structure. The icy surface was incredibly slippery, especially for those wearing inadequate footwear—I found myself sliding around in my Uggs. Additionally, the unusually warm weather made the surroundings muddy and less enjoyable.

While the concept is fascinating, the place was packed with tourist, making it difficult to fully immerse ourselves in the experience. Every few minutes, we found ourselves pausing to accommodate others taking photos or making TikTok's. If you're without children, I'd hesitate to recommend it.

Also, there was a short trail nearby, which, despite being crowded, offered a more serene atmosphere compared to the bustling ice castle. It wasn't particularly secluded or distant from the main attraction, but it turned out to be our favorite part of the trip. Along the trail, we encountered ice sculptures and quaint little houses nestled among the trees.

For those considering a visit, I'd recommend going at night when everything is illuminated. I imagine it's even more magical and worth experiencing under the twinkling lights.

Nevertheless, the journey itself was remarkable. Despite driving two and a half hours from Maine, the scenic drive through the mountains was breathtaking. The crisp, fresh air was invigorating, making the trip well worth it in the end.

Afterwards, we indulged in delicious calzones at Enzo's Pizzeria, conveniently located just a 7-minute drive...

I enjoyed the time I spent seeing all the effort, since November, that went into the Ice Castles. The fountain and slide I will remember most. I liked how the colors showed through the ice. Bring your own hot chocolate, it is expensive here. Use the bathroom before you go in. Parking was organized. Dress warmly!! Small children may enjoy the small tunnels. A lot of people taking photos. Myself included:) Update: Friday evening 🌆, February 2021; I'm glad I didn't skip this year! The castle 🏰 wasn't as big as the one in Lincoln, BUT, there was more to do. What was included in the price of admission 🎫: slides, snow 🌨️ tubing, an ice tunnel, throne (Winters is coming!), ice sculptures, a lighted walking trail, ice tables to eat off of and fire 🔥 places to warm up by. What costs extra; Sleigh 🛷 ride and hot cocoa. Hot cocoa with chocolate chip cookies, food and drink of the gods! The sleigh ride was $15 for ten 🕙 minutes. The driver and 🐎 s were from Utah. Bring electric ⚡ heating socks and the hand 🧤, body and toe warmers you can buy at the stores. They sell the warmers, not the socks, at the castle 🏰, but, they cost more. Only issue, the people who used the porta potty before me trashed it! Small, empty alcohol 🍾 bottles left inside and someone smoking 🚬 right next to the porta potties. I met a young couple from another country, very nice people. We took each other's photo using each other's phones. The staff were exceptionally friendly! I met a young woman from Vermont who recently visited and commented on how much she likes Portsmouth, NH. She's 😎 cool with me. I've told friends and family and they want to...