A glowing winter festival is set to light up the hills of Caledon later this month, and it’s the perfect way to add a mid-winter spark to your calendars.
For 16 years, the Fire and Ice Festival at the Alton Mill Arts Centre has been embracing the season with its magical landscape. Taking place on January 31 and February 1, 2026, the heritage stone mill will once again be transformed into a grand celebration of the coldest season.
You can wander the historic grounds to watch professional ice carvers transform frozen blocks into intricate sculptures, or head to the Millpond for a classic afternoon of outdoor skating. For those looking for a bit more thrill, the festival features a Super Snow Slide and a dedicated Lumberjack Lounge where you can kick back with live music and local brews.
The real magic happens as the sun begins to set. On Saturday evening, the festival’s namesake fire performances will take center stage, culminating in “The Big Burn” – the lighting of a massive outdoor fire sculpture.
Besides the outdoor activities, the mill’s indoor studios will remain open for visitors to explore. You can browse the artisan market for unique finds, participate in hands-on workshops, or warm up with a hot cocoa and gourmet treats from a lineup of local food trucks.
The daytime festivities are open to all with a pay-what-you-can donation, although the Saturday night schedule also includes a ticketed comedy show and concert in the Hot Stove Lounge for those wanting to extend their stay.
The Fire and Ice Festival runs from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday at 1402 Queen Street West in Alton. If you’re planning to drive up from Toronto, you can find the full event schedule and ticket details on the Alton Mill website.