Town of Amherst Winterfest 2025: Eight Days of Fun

Source: amherstma.gov

Get ready to celebrate the magic of winter with eight days of frosty fun! The Amherst Recreation Department, in collaboration with many community partners, is thrilled to announce WinterFest 2025. The festivities are set to take place from Saturday, February 15 to Sunday, February 23, offering an array of free and affordable events for residents and visitors of all ages to embrace the winter season.

Highlights of the festival include: 

2nd Annual WinterFest Games at Mill River Recreation Area
Saturday, February 15 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Bring the whole family to the 2nd Annual WinterFest Games! Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon with friendly competition, including snowball fights, street hockey with Amherst-Pelham Regional High School Boys Hockey Team, and a Frosty Fun Carnival. Cheer on the return of the exciting Atkins Farms Cider Donut Eating Contest. There’s something for everyone, no matter the weather. This event is organized by Amherst Recreation and sponsored by Amherst Innovative Living and The Mill District General Store & Local Art Gallery. 

5th Annual Fire & Ice Festival and Luminaria on the Town Common
Saturday, February 22 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Don’t miss the grand finale of WinterFest! The Fire & Ice Festival is the culminating event of WinterFest and a highlight of the winter season, transforming the Town Common into a magical winter wonderland. Enjoy mesmerizing ice sculptures, live entertainment, hot coca and s’mores over fire pits, and a breathtaking luminaria display. Activities also include an Amherst Fire Truck to explore, Sparky the Fire Dog to take photos with, MATICA Circus fire performers, metal sculpture demonstration by Kamil Peters, wood carving demonstration by Cody Stosz of Kodiak Carving, crafts, and much more. This event is organized by Amherst Recreation and the Amherst Business Improvement District made possible by the generosity of many local businesses and community partners including presenting sponsor Amherst College, and supported by Summerlin Floors, Encharter Insurance, Amherst Innovative Living, and more! 

Educational Experiences
Explore and learn with educational programs hosted throughout the week by community partners. Embark on a WinterFest Story Walk with the Hitchcock Center for the Environment, take a “Step Back in Time” at the Beneski Museum of Natural History, explore art and activities at the Mead Art Museum, learn how residents kept warm through the centuries at the Amherst History Museum, and discover the science behind ice cream with Herrell’s Ice Cream. The Jones Library and Branches will also be hosting a variety of events for all ages. 

Free Performances
Catch live music throughout the week from Roger Tincknell, Chhandika Chhandam Institute, and Carrie Ferguson and the Grumpy Time Band.  

“Whether you’re looking for active fun, educational experiences, or ways to enjoy the cold weather, WinterFest has you covered,” said Becky Demling, Amherst Recreation Outreach Director. “Most events are free or have minimal admission fees, making it an affordable way to enjoy the winter season with friends and family.” 

For a full schedule of events, registration details, and updates, please visit www.amherstma.gov/WinterFest2025 or follow us at www.facebook.com/WinterFestAmherst

For more information, please contact Amherst Recreation Outreach Director Becky Demling at demlingb@amherstma.gov or 413-259-3151. 

###

Sponsors:

Amherst Business Improvement District  
Amherst College 
Summerlin Floors 
Amherst Innovative Living 
Encharter Insurance 
Amherst Cultural Council 
Mill District General Store and Local Art Gallery 
Friends of the Jones Library 
Atkins Farms Country Market 
Amherst Insurance 
Berkshire Design Group 

Community Partners:
Amherst Hurricanes Ice Hockey 
Amherst Fire Department 
Amherst Cinema 
Amherst Historical Society 
Amherst College 
Beneski Museum of Natural History 
Jones Library 
Herrell’s Ice Cream 
Mead Art Museum 
Hitchcock Center for the Environment 
UMass Athletics 
Mullins Community Ice Rink 

Flyers