Community tree lighting

Following the Crazy Parade, join friends and neighbors as we kick off the Festival of Ice with the official lighting of the community Christmas tree in Monument Square. Led by emcee Rhonda Kelley, the ceremony will feature Ashlie Crosson, the 2025 National Teacher of the Year, as she lights the tree and Sacred Heart School’s choir leads us in a rendition of “O Christmas Tree.”

Sweets Stations

Satisfy your sweet tooth while soaking up the holiday fun by building your own gooey s’more both nights at the festival at Kickin’ Kater’s booth. Proceeds to benefit Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard. Join the Mifflin County and Juniata County Dairy Princesses and their dairy court as they build a giant ice cream sundae inside a bowl-shaped large ice sculpture in front of Embassy Theater on Thursday night only. The dairy princesses will be serving the ice cream treat to festival goers. Plus, decorate your own cookie with Mrs. Claus in the back room of East End Coffee. Co.

Live Music at St. John’s Lutheran Church and St. Mark’s Episcopal Church

Enjoy the sounds of the season inside the beautiful St. John’s Lutheran Church and St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, both home to this year’s live music performances. Due to renovations at the Historic Courthouse, musical entertainment has been moved to the churches this year. The Lewistown Community Band will perform two shows on Thursday evening at St. John’s, and JP Jazz Band will kick off Friday night followed by a Christmas sing-along with the Unusual Suspects at St. Mark’s. Live music can also be found on the steps of the Historic Courthouse on Friday night with The Boyz followed by the Logan Guard’s horn section.

Live Reindeer and Santa’s Village

Step into Santa’s Village for a magical meet-and-greet with Santa himself—and his live reindeer! Families can snap photos, drop off wish lists, and experience a little North Pole wonder right here in downtown Lewistown. Children may also shop for their family inside Santa’s Workshop; all located in the Juniata Valley Bank parking lot.

Life-Size Candyland Game

Enter a world of sugary adventure with Mifflin County Library’s life-size Candyland game! Kids and adults alike can play their way through a colorful, candy-filled wonderland inspired by the classic board game at Square One Clubhouse.

Candyland Scavenger Hunt Returns for Festival of Ice

Visitors are invited to take part in this year’s Candyland Scavenger Hunt during the Festival of Ice in downtown Lewistown. Participants can pick up an entry form on the front porch of the Historic Courthouse, where they’ll find a list of all participating businesses.

Each business will feature a Candyland-themed window painting. Participants must visit each location, observe the artwork, and answer the corresponding question on their entry form. Once completed, forms should be returned to the mailbox on the courthouse porch.
From all correct entries, random winners will be selected to receive prizes provided by downtown merchants. The scavenger hunt will be open Thursday through Sunday, giving families and visitors four days to enjoy this festive activity.

Gingerbread Speakeasy

Step inside the cozy, adults-only Gingerbread Speakeasy at this year’s Festival of Ice! Nestled inside 3 W. Monument Square, within our Christmas Candyland wonderland, enjoy a selection of local breweries and wineries serving festive drinks in a warm, whimsical setting. A perfect spot to relax and sip while soaking in the holiday magic.

Wednesday, December