Sit upon a frozen throne, explore towering frosty tunnels, or sip on hot cocoa by a fire pit. Experience all this, and more, at the Ice Castles of New Hampshire. About an hour's drive away from Concord, The Ice Castles are one acre of pure icy artistry that will surely take your breath away. 
The Ice Castles have been slowly forming all winter, being meticulously crafted and hand-placed by professional ice artists. Each castle is built by hand and takes considerable time and care to grow the 5,000 to 12,000 icicles that make up the Castle and its grounds. The beauty of the Ice Castles is ever-changing, as the placement, temperatures, water volume, and wind result in a constantly shifting variety of ice formations.
"Mother Nature is our primary architect, and we are always amazed by what she allows us to create each season." said Ice Castles CEO Ryan Davis, "Our crew in New Hampshire has been working hard over the last few weeks laying out the castle's design so we can build a unique, winter experience that is fun for people of all ages."
Snap a stunning photo as you walk through the ice-carved tunnels, stand beneath a towering waterfall, or capture the impressive height of the Ice Castle Walls. Go for a ride down the frozen slide, with the sound of the fountains splashing in the background. Take in the beauty of the interactive sculptures, with LED lights sealed inside that twinkle to music.
Check the weather before heading out and make sure to wear a winter coat and boots so you can be nice and toasty while exploring. The grounds of the Ice Castles are made of snow, so if you have little ones consider bringing a sled to pull them in. The average visit can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, so make sure to come prepared to face the cold and enjoy your visit.
If you're looking to warm your hands, savor a hot cocoa from the concession stand, along with a warm homemade cinnamon bun. The concession stand also offers warm homemade chocolate chip cookies, as well as pretzels and bottled water.
For fun that is unique to the New Hampshire location, go for a sleigh ride, which starts at the Ice Castles and brings you through the nearby woods and along the river. Each ride lasts about 15-20 minutes. Consider bringing extra blankets to bundle up under if the weather is especially chilly.
Opening dates and hours are weather dependent, but the New Hampshire's Ice Castles, located at 24 Clark Farm Road in North Woodstock, will open New Year's Day and will remain open until early March. Parking is free but may be limited on weekends.
Tickets are sold for specific dates and timed visits, so purchase in advance on the Ice Castles website because tickets can sell out. Tickets range from $11.99 to $14.99 for children and $16.99 to $20.99 for adults, depending on whether you're visiting during the week or weekend. A limited number of standby tickets are available, but not guaranteed if max capacity is reached, for $20 on weekdays or $25 on weekends.
By Digital Content Coordinator, ARIANA JENNELL
Other States: Maine Massachusetts Vermont
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