If winter weather has you feeling stuck inside, Syracuse Winterfest offers the perfect reason to get out and embrace the season. Taking place from February 12 through February 22, 2026, Winterfest transforms downtown Syracuse into a lively celebration filled with food, entertainment, friendly competition, and activities for all ages.

Created to celebrate everything that makes winter in Central New York unique, Winterfest has become a beloved annual tradition that encourages locals and visitors alike to bundle up, explore the city, and enjoy winter rather than wait it out.

A Festival of Food, Fun, and Frosty Activities

Winterfest features a wide variety of events throughout the eleven-day celebration. Some activities are ticketed, while others are free, allowing everyone to participate in their own way. Highlights include:

Ice Skating in the Heart of Downtown – Thursday, Feb 12^th, 6pm-8pm

Ice skating at Clinton Square is a classic Winterfest tradition, offering a fun and festive way to enjoy the outdoors. Whether you’re skating with family or meeting friends downtown, it’s a winter experience that feels quintessentially Syracuse.

Fireworks at the Inner Harbor – Friday, Feb 13^th, 8pm

One of the most anticipated moments of Winterfest is the fireworks display at the Inner Harbor. Set against the winter sky, the show brings color, excitement, and a sense of celebration to a chilly February evening.

Mix-Offs and Culinary Competitions – Saturday, Feb 14^th, 12pm-4pm

Food and drink lovers can take part in popular tasting events like the Sangria, Martini, Cosmopolitan, and Margarita mix-offs. These friendly competitions invite participants to sample creations from local restaurants and vote for their favorites while exploring downtown.

Mix-Offs and Culinary Competitions – Saturday, Feb 14^th, 12pm-4pm

Winterfest is also known for its food-focused strolls, including the Sandwich Stroll and the always-popular Wing Walk. These events give attendees the chance to sample signature dishes from participating restaurants while enjoying a social, walkable experience.

Family-Friendly Fun – Sunday, Feb 15^th, 12pm-4pm

Families can enjoy a variety of activities designed for younger attendees, including games, entertainment, and interactive events. Winterfest makes it easy for all ages to take part in the festivities.

Getting Around Made Easy

To help guests move easily between events, Winterfest offers a free shuttle service throughout downtown during select days of the festival. This makes it simple to explore multiple activities without worrying about parking or long walks in cold weather.

 >>> For a full list of the activity schedule, CLICK HERE <<<

A Celebration of Community

At its core, Syracuse Winterfest is about community. The festival highlights local restaurants, downtown venues, and small businesses while bringing people together during a season that often keeps us indoors. It’s a reminder that winter in Central New York can be something to celebrate, not just endure.

From friendly competitions and great food to outdoor activities and entertainment, Winterfest showcases the creativity, resilience, and spirit of the Syracuse community.

Make the Most of Winter

Instead of counting down the days until spring, Winterfest encourages everyone to enjoy winter while it’s here. Whether you attend one event or several, it’s a chance to connect with friends, support local businesses, and experience downtown Syracuse in a whole new way.

Mark your calendar for February 12–22, 2026, and see why Syracuse Winterfest continues to be one of Central New York’s favorite winter traditions.