Every winter, downtown Niles transforms into something truly special. Streets sparkle with towering ice sculptures, local businesses buzz with visitors, and neighbors gather to celebrate one of the city’s most beloved traditions — the Hunter Ice Festival.

At CK Home Group, we believe events like this are what turn a town into a home. The Hunter Ice Festival isn’t just a weekend event — it’s a celebration of Niles’ history, creativity, and the strong sense of community that makes people proud to live here.

 A Festival with Deep Roots in Niles History

The Hunter Ice Festival was created to honor the legacy of the Hunter Brothers Ice and Ice Cream Company, a cornerstone of Niles’ past in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The Hunter brothers harvested ice locally and produced ice cream that became well known throughout the region — long before refrigeration was common.

What started as a tribute to that history has grown into an annual winter tradition that draws visitors from across Southwest Michigan. Today, the festival continues to reflect its roots through ice artistry, local flavor, and a strong connection to downtown Niles.

Your 2026 Hunter Ice Festival To-Do List

January 16–18, 2026 | Downtown Niles

Whether you come for an hour or make a full weekend of it, here’s how to experience the best of the Hunter Ice Festival:

Friday, January 16 | Kick Off the Weekend

Meet the Carvers at The NODE | 5:00–8:00 PM
Start the festival by meeting the talented ice carvers behind the sculptures. This is a great chance to learn about the craft, see works in progress, and kick off the weekend surrounded by fellow festival-goers.

Downtown businesses will be open with food and drink specials, making it easy to grab dinner, warm up, and enjoy the energy of opening night.

Saturday | Stroll, Shop & Soak It All In

Spend Saturday wandering through downtown Niles, where more than 100 ice sculptures will be on display. Watch live carving as artists transform blocks of ice into detailed works of art right before your eyes.

Throughout the day, downtown restaurants, bars, and shops will feature special menus, warm beverages, and festival promotions, giving you plenty of reasons to pop inside, explore local businesses, and enjoy everything our downtown has to offer.

And don’t forget a sweet treat — ice cream will be served by The GOAT, a fun and fitting nod to the festival’s ice cream heritage.

 Sunday, January 18 | Chili Crawl & Final Looks

Chili Crawl | 12:30–3:00 PM
Wrap up the weekend with one of the coziest events of the festival — the Chili Crawl. Sample chili from participating downtown locations, warm up, and enjoy one last walk through the sculptures.
🎟️ Tickets: $10

It’s the perfect way to end the festival while supporting local businesses and savoring the final moments before the ice begins to melt.

Why the Hunter Ice Festival Matters

The Hunter Ice Festival is a perfect example of what makes Niles special. It brings history to life, supports downtown businesses, and gives neighbors and visitors a reason to gather — even in the heart of winter.

At CK Home Group, we’re proud to be part of a community that values tradition, creativity, and connection. This festival reminds us why we love where we live — and why so many people are excited to call Niles home.

Bundle up, bring your friends or family, and enjoy a weekend filled with history, art, and hometown pride. We’ll see you downtown!