Mark your calendars for Chesterfield’s most anticipated winter holiday celebrations as Winterfest 2024 transforms our town into a magical winter wonderland. From January 12-14, experience three action-packed days of frost-filled adventures, featuring everything from ice sculpture demonstrations to moonlit snowshoe tours. Bundle up for our signature events, including the torch-lit ski parade, winter farmers’ market, and the beloved ice fishing derby at Spofford Lake. This year’s expanded schedule accommodates both early birds and night owls, with activities running from sunrise sessions to evening entertainment. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasonal regular, our carefully curated timeline ensures you won’t miss a single moment of winter magic. Download our mobile-friendly schedule or grab a printed guide at the Welcome Center to customize your perfect Winterfest weekend.

Winterfest Opening Ceremonies & Morning Activities

Sunrise Celebrations

Start your Winterfest adventure with our magical sunrise celebrations! Early birds can gather at Chesterfield Lake at 6:30 AM for a breathtaking winter sunrise viewing, complete with complimentary hot cocoa and coffee. Bundle up and join local naturalist Sarah Thompson for a guided morning wildlife walk at 7:00 AM, where you might spot winter birds and deer in their natural habitat.

From 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM, warm up at the Community Center with our hearty Winter Warmers Breakfast. Enjoy locally made maple syrup over fresh pancakes, eggs, bacon, and homemade biscuits. Local favorite Big Pine Café will serve their signature breakfast sandwiches and warming winter porridge bowls topped with seasonal fruits and nuts.

Don’t miss the traditional ice-breaking ceremony at 9:00 AM, where town elders share stories of winters past while younger community members participate in the annual “First Dip” celebration at the lake’s edge.

Morning Family Activities

Start your winter adventure with family-friendly activities designed for our youngest festival-goers! From 9:00 AM to noon, the Community Center transforms into a magical winter wonderland where kids can participate in supervised craft sessions, creating sparkly snowflakes and colorful winter-themed decorations. At 10:00 AM, join our beloved mascot Frosty for interactive storytelling and winter-themed games in the heated indoor pavilion.

Don’t miss the Junior Snow Olympics at 11:00 AM, where children ages 5-12 can compete in playful events like the snowball toss, mini snow sculpture contest, and the popular penguin waddle race. Each participant receives a special Winterfest medal! Meanwhile, parents can enjoy complimentary hot cocoa and witness their little ones’ winter achievements.

Remember to dress your children warmly in layers, and bring spare mittens – things can get pretty snowy during our morning activities!

Outdoor Winter Sports & Activities

Ice Skating & Hockey Events

Lace up your skates and glide into winter fun at the Chesterfield Lake Ice Rink! From 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, experienced instructors will lead beginner-friendly ice skating lessons, perfect for first-timers and those looking to brush up on their skills. Kids aged 5-12 can join our “Ice Cubs” learn-to-skate program, while adults have their dedicated session from 10:00 AM.

The afternoon brings exciting hockey action with our community tournament from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Watch local teams battle it out in friendly competition, or join the open hockey scrimmage during intermissions. Don’t miss the thrilling ice hockey exhibition match at 2:30 PM featuring Chesterfield’s own Hawks facing off against the rival Mountain Bears.

Evening activities include a magical twilight skating session from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, complete with twinkling lights and festive music. Warm up between sessions at our rinkside hot chocolate station. Remember to bring your own skates or rent a pair at our equipment booth. Helmets are required for all hockey participants and recommended for recreational skaters.

Snow Sports Schedule

Get ready to hit the slopes and trails at Winterfest! The snow sports activities kick off at 9:00 AM with guided snowshoeing tours departing every hour until 3:00 PM from the Main Lodge. Each tour lasts approximately 45 minutes and is perfect for both beginners and experienced snowshoers.

Skiing enthusiasts can enjoy the freshly groomed trails from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, with ski equipment rentals available starting at 8:00 AM. Professional instructors offer beginner ski lessons at 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM, while intermediate sessions run at 11:30 AM and 2:30 PM.

The sledding hill opens at 9:30 AM and remains active until dusk. Our dedicated sledding area features three distinct runs: the gentle Family Hill, the moderate Adventure Run, and the thrilling Summit Slope. Complimentary sleds are available on a first-come, first-served basis, but feel free to bring your own!

Don’t miss the exciting Snow Sports Challenge at 2:00 PM, where participants can showcase their skills in friendly competitions across all three winter sports categories.

Indoor Entertainment & Warming Stations

Arts & Crafts Sessions

Escape the winter chill and unleash your creativity at our cozy indoor arts and crafts sessions! From 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, the Community Center transforms into a bustling creative hub where participants of all ages can explore their artistic side. Join local artisans for guided workshops in pinecone decoration (10:30 AM), winter-themed watercolor painting (12:00 PM), and snowflake paper crafting (2:00 PM). Kids will love the special snow globe making session at 1:30 PM, while adults can try their hand at wool felting throughout the day.

All materials are provided, and each session runs for approximately 45 minutes. Drop in any time – no reservation required! Our experienced instructors create a welcoming environment where both beginners and seasoned crafters can feel comfortable expressing themselves. Take home your handmade winter treasures as lasting memories of Winterfest. Looking for a warm drink while crafting? The hot chocolate station is just steps away!

Live Performances

Get ready to be dazzled by an incredible lineup of local talent at our main stage! From 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, some of Chesterfield’s finest performers will keep you entertained between winter activities. The Mountain Folk Band kicks things off with their foot-stomping bluegrass at 11:00 AM, followed by the enchanting Alpine Choir at 12:30 PM. Don’t miss the high-energy performance by The Frost Heaves at 2:00 PM, bringing their unique blend of folk-rock to one of Chesterfield’s premier live entertainment venues. Throughout the day, roaming performers will delight crowds with ice sculpture demonstrations, storytelling sessions, and impromptu acoustic sets. Bundle up and grab a hot chocolate – these performances are sure to warm your spirit even on the coldest winter day! Face painting and balloon artists will be available near the stage area for our younger festival-goers.

Food & Beverage Timeline

Satisfy your winter cravings at our festival’s diverse culinary offerings! Our carefully curated selection of local food vendors will be serving up warm comfort foods and seasonal treats throughout the weekend.

Friday (4 PM – 8 PM)
– Hot chocolate and cider station at the Welcome Center
– Evening chili cook-off at the Main Lodge
– S’mores kits available for purchase at outdoor fire pits

Saturday (10 AM – 9 PM)
– Breakfast buffet at Pine Lodge (7 AM – 10 AM)
– Food truck alley featuring six regional favorites
– Maple sugar candy demonstrations
– Winter BBQ spectacular (4 PM – 7 PM)
– Ice bar with specialty winter cocktails (21+)

Sunday (10 AM – 5 PM)
– Pancake breakfast with local maple syrup (8 AM – 11 AM)
– Soup and sandwich station
– Hot beverage cart roaming festival grounds
– Closing celebration with hot apple cider and donuts

Don’t miss our special “Taste of Winter” passport program! Purchase a passport and collect stamps from different vendors to win exclusive Winterfest merchandise. All food stations accept cash and cards, with mobile payment options available. Remember to bring your reusable mugs for discounted hot beverages throughout the festival!

Evening Events & Closing Ceremonies

Torchlight Parade

As darkness falls, the magic of Winterfest truly comes alive with our enchanting Torchlight Parade. Starting at 6:30 PM, participants gather at the Main Lodge, where hundreds of glowing torches create a mesmerizing ribbon of light winding down the mountainside. Anyone aged 12 and up with intermediate skiing or snowboarding abilities can join this beloved tradition – simply arrive 30 minutes early to receive your torch and safety briefing.

Spectators can enjoy this spectacular display from the base lodge deck or anywhere along the designated viewing areas. Hot chocolate and warm cider are available for purchase, making it the perfect way to stay cozy while watching the illuminated descent. The parade concludes with a brief fireworks display, creating an unforgettable winter evening for everyone.

Don’t forget to register at the Guest Services desk by 5:00 PM if you’d like to participate in the parade. Space is limited to 200 torchbearers, so early sign-up is recommended.

Fireworks Display

Cap off your magical winter evening with a spectacular fireworks display lighting up the Chesterfield sky at 8:30 PM. The best viewing spots are along Lake Shore Drive and the main festival grounds, where you’ll have an unobstructed view of the colorful bursts reflecting off the snow-covered landscape and frozen lake surface.

Bundle up and arrive at least 15 minutes early to secure your ideal viewing location. The display runs for approximately 20 minutes and features a choreographed show with both traditional and special effect fireworks. For families with young children or those seeking a more intimate viewing experience, the area behind the Community Center offers a slightly elevated vantage point away from the crowds.

Hot chocolate and warming stations will be available at designated viewing areas. Remember to dress in layers and bring blankets or portable chairs for maximum comfort while enjoying this dazzling winter spectacle.

Make the most of your Winterfest experience by arriving early to secure parking and avoid peak crowds. Dress in warm, waterproof layers and bring extra socks – you’ll thank us later! Don’t forget your camera to capture magical moments on the ice rink and sledding hills. Pack snacks and a thermos of hot cocoa, though our local vendors offer plenty of warming treats throughout the day. Consider spreading your activities across multiple days to fully enjoy everything Winterfest has to offer. For families with young children, the morning sessions tend to be less crowded and more relaxed. Most importantly, embrace the festive spirit and create lasting winter memories in our charming Chesterfield community. Remember to check the weather forecast and follow our social media channels for real-time updates about conditions and any schedule changes.