Ice sculptures and winter activities popped up Friday in Scranton as Downtown on Ice opened its three-day run. Scranton Tomorrow is hosting the festival, which features the theme “Toys: A City of Ice, A World of Play.” The festival begins Friday evening and continues Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. More than 40 ice sculptures were expected to be spread over 30 blocks of downtown, some carved on the spot. Many are outside sponsoring businesses, which see a surge in sales from thousands of visitors during a cold and otherwise quiet time. Music and performances are planned for the main stage on Courthouse Square, entertainers will stroll the business district and venues will host artists. Brookvalley Farm will offer horse-drawn carriage rides Friday night and Saturday afternoon. Sunday will feature Lackawanna County’s America250PA Kick Off ceremony beginning at 2:30 p.m. under a tent on Courthouse Square. The festival’s website is scrantonice.com.

An ice sculpture is set up outside of Mutant Brewing in downtown Scranton for the city's Downtown on Ice Festival this weekend Friday, January 16, 2026. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)An ice sculpture is set up outside of Mutant Brewing in downtown Scranton for the city’s Downtown on Ice Festival this weekend Friday, January 16, 2026. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Scranton Tomorrow board member Joshua Mast attaches snowflakes to the main tent on N. Washington Ave. in downtown Scranton Friday, January 16, 2026. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)Scranton Tomorrow board member Joshua Mast attaches snowflakes to the main tent on N. Washington Ave. in downtown Scranton Friday, January 16, 2026. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Co-chair of Scranton's Downtown on Ice Festival and Scranton Tomorrow board member Ronda Beemer and Scranton Tomorrow board member Joshua Mast attach a sign to the main tent on N. Washington Ave. in downtown Scranton Friday, January 16, 2026. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)Co-chair of Scranton’s Downtown on Ice Festival and Scranton Tomorrow board member Ronda Beemer and Scranton Tomorrow board member Joshua Mast attach a sign to the main tent on N. Washington Ave. in downtown Scranton Friday, January 16, 2026. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
An ice sculpture is set up outside of Northern Light Espresso Bar and Cafe in downtown Scranton for the city's Downtown on Ice Festival this weekend Friday, January 16, 2026. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)An ice sculpture is set up outside of Northern Light Espresso Bar and Cafe in downtown Scranton for the city’s Downtown on Ice Festival this weekend Friday, January 16, 2026. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)