The Downtown Northampton Association Makes Magic with the Ice Art Festival
Author: Downtown Northampton Association
Sponsored by Greenfield Savings Bank
Published in Northampton Living | January 2026
On Saturday, Jan. 31, Northampton will transform into a winter wonderland for the Downtown Northampton Association's 15th annual Ice Art Festival. During the day-long affair, artists will carve 300-pound blocks of ice into magical sculptures that, like treasures, onlookers can find after dark with a lighted path and a special map.
After the ice arrives at 8 a.m., it takes most of the day for 14 artists to sculpt a piece, and some take on two. "Anyone strolling can watch it happen from start to finish," said Amanda Shafii, president of the DNA and owner of CopyCat, a custom-print business in Northampton. "The artistry is stunning, and the way the artists transform a block of ice into something spectacular is an experience you won't forget."
Winter Wonder
Last year, Shafii took pictures of all the carvings and posted them on the DNA's Instagram account. Using a QR code on their maps, nearly 500 people voted on the winner. In a glittering competition that included a dragon and a magical woman, last year's champion was Cody Stosz, who created "Moana" in honor of the Disney movie. Sculptures are sponsored by local businesses, and Shafii said that this year, with the inclusion of Smith College and Forbes Library, artists' icy creations will shimmer down Main Street, all the way to Familiars Coffee & Tea.
The association relies on local sculptor David Barclay to put out the call to artists in the ice carver community. To create, they use chainsaws, angle-grinders and die grinders, as well as ice saws, chisels and special ice carving tools. "Our carvers are seasoned pros who bring the winter magic to life," Shafii said.
January is the perfect month to "bring traffic to downtown businesses," she said. Now that holiday shopping is over, the ice art will be the coming attraction to maintain a vibrant and thriving downtown.
All-Season Splendor
In addition to the festival, the DNA holds Arts Night Out, a popular gallery walk, on the second Friday of each month. "We really encourage all different types of creativity to happen on that night," said Shafii, "to make it more exciting." She noted that many businesses display Arts Night Out flags or balloons, and often welcome artists into their space to create in their own medium or sell works of art.
During the spring and fall, the organization holds beautification days, while in the summer they put on sidewalk sales and partner with Summer on Strong, a summer-long celebration when folks can dine outdoors and stroll the shops.
In the fall, the Downtown Northampton Association puts on the famed Taste of Northampton, a dynamic food festival honoring the bustling local restaurant scene. The 2026 dates are already on the calendar on September 12 and 13.
"The DNA welcomes community partners who want to support our work downtown. We're always grateful for sponsors, and always eager to hear what people are excited about," said Shafii.
Visit nohodna.org to connect with the magic of downtown. Follow their Instagram page, @northamptondna, for more information on the 2026 festival. A promotional carving will take place during the last week of January at Forbes.
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