Haywood County will be transformed into a winter wanderland as the festival goes county-wide. See jaw-dropping ice sculptures, thrilling interactive ice games, and the chance to peruse local artisans’ work. But that’s not all — you can lace up your skates and glide across an ice skating rink, indulge in delicious dining specials, and snag some incredible deals while you shop. This weekend-long event is guaranteed to make your heart melt – in the best way possible.

Here’s a selection of the some of the events:

• 4-9 p.m. on Saturday, January 27, at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds — Marvel at the live ice carving demos as artists transform frozen blocks into jaw-dropping works of art. Feel the rush as you slide down the ice slide and test your skills in ice games like cornhole and ice hockey. ($5 in advance, $8 day of and cash only)

• 5-8 p.m., January 26, downtown Waynesville — Stroll through a winter wonderland at Downtown Waynesville’s Ice Stroll. Waynesville will come alive with enchanting ice sculptures lining the streets. As you wander, you will find local businesses keeping their doors open late, offering cozy treats to keep you fueled as you admire the frozen masterpieces.

• 10 a.m.-5  p.m. Jan. 26-27, noon-4 p.m. January 28 — Metzger’s Burl Wood Gallery on Old Balsam Road will host a Winter Arts Show Festival filled with Scandinavian delights. Indulge in Nordic cookies, traditional dishes like lefse and lutefisk, and sip on some glogg while enjoying live music in the cozy afternoons. Don’t miss out on this celebration of art and culture.

For a full listing of events and participating businesses, visit visitncsmokies.com/things-to-do/nc-smokies-ice-fest-weekend/.