LOCATION: Events all over the city, all weekend long! |
Enjoy throughout the Weekend
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Ongoing – 
Ongoing – 
Ongoing – 
Friday, January 31st Events
All day - Live Ice
Carvings Downtown – Artists will be sculpting ice throughout the day in front of our downtown sponsoring businesses. Check out the Ice Walk Map. Vote for your favorite in our online contest by 10:00 am on Sunday, February 2nd.
2025 WINNERS – 
Ice Sculpture Contest Winners
2:00 pm-4:30 pm – Hot Chocolate and
Board Game Social at the Library – Coming downtown for Greenfield's Winter
Carnival? Stop by the library's community meeting room to warm
up with a cup of hot cocoa, play one of their many board games,
and catch up with friends and neighbors.
2:00 pm-4:30 pm – Family Scavenger Hunt at the Library – Drop in during
Winter Carnival for a Polar Playground Scavenger Hunt. Fun for the Entire Family!
3:30 pm – Winter Carnival Storytime – Warm up and join the library's Teen Advisory Board for a cozy polar bear themed read-aloud. This event is open for kids of
all ages!
4:00 pm – Torch Lighting – A celebratory torch provided by Suburban Propane will be lit on City Common to mark the beginning of the 103rd Annual Winter Carnival.
- POSTPONED UNTIL SATURDAY -
4:00-8:00 pm – The Polar Patio at Mesa Verde – Come chill at the Polar Patio and melt the cold
away. Enjoy the outdoor fire pits and bar on
the patio. Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic
beverages available. All proceeds benefit the
Carnival! mesaverdegreenfield.com >>
- POSTPONED UNTIL SATURDAY -
4:00-8:00 pm – Downtown Defrost – The GBA heats up Court Square during the Parade of Lights, with fire spinning and s'mores. Gather around the fire barrels to watch the parade go by and make a s'more with your neighbor, share in good company, and enjoy some warmth in the midwinter!
- POSTPONED UNTIL SATURDAY -
5:30-7:00 pm – Beacon Field Warm Up – Join us at Beacon Field for sledding, music by DJ Jason Antes, and a warming fire as you await the arrival of the Parade of Lights and the launch of the Fireworks.
- POSTPONED UNTIL SATURDAY -
6:00 pm – Parade of Lights – Kick-off the festival with displays that will surely light up the night! Decorated vehicles will travel from Newton School, along Main Street, down Federal Street, on to Beacon Street, and ending at Beacon Field. Lighted vehicle entries are needed. Entries will be judged with prizes awarded in multiple categories. Rules and application available here. Whether you are in the parade or just observing, it’s an event you won’t want to miss!
2025 WINNERS – Parade of Lights Winners
- POSTPONED UNTIL SATURDAY -
7:00 pm – Fireworks Display – The kick-off continues at Beacon Field for a dazzling Fireworks Display being shot from Poet’s Seat Tower. It’s a display that’s sure to captivate all ages.
Saturday, February 1st Events
9:00 am-3:00 pm – Youth Basketball League Games – Stop by the Middle School gym to watch the Greenfield Recreation Youth Basketball teams play against local rivals. Admission is free.
9:30 am-10:30 am – Family Activities - Sensory
Hour – Join us at 20 Sanderson Street for arts and crafts
project in a sensory friendly, less crowded environment
to support those individuals with sensory needs. Please
note, space is limited.
10:00 am-1:00 pm – Hot Chocolate & Board Game Social at the Library – Coming downtown for Greenfield's Winter Carnival? Stop by the library's community meeting room to warm up with a cup of hot cocoa, play one of their many board games, and catch up with friends and neighbors.
10:00 am-1:00 pm – Carnival Crafts at the
Library – Drop by the Library for Polar Playground crafts:
"Pocket Penguins" in the Children's room for kids up to
12 years, and a variety of winter themed activities in the
Makerspace for all ages.
10:00 am-1:00 pm – Family Scavenger Hunt at
the Library – Drop in during Winter Carnival for a Polar
Playground Scavenger Hunt. Fun for the Entire Family!
10:00 am-2:00 pm – Kids Crafts and Karaoke by Gaudium Galaxy – Join
Gaudium Galaxy during Winter Carnival at 170 Main Street, where there will be crafts,
stem activities, and karaoke for kids!
10:00 am – Virtual Jigsaw Puzzle Contest – Assemble your team to compete for the Winter Carnival Piece Prize! This virtual puzzle contest will put your puzzling skills to the test as teams of up to 4 compete to complete a 550 piece puzzle the quickest, all from the comfort of your home via Zoom. Team pre-registration required. Registration fee is $20 and team gets to keep the puzzle.
See complete details below:
• Each team will receive the same puzzle.
• Puzzles will be available for pick-up at the Recreation Department January 27th-30th from 8:00 am-5:00 pm and will be concealed in plain packaging.
• Absolutely no peeking or opening the exterior package before the start time of the competition. Puzzles must stay in the package until everyone opens them together on the Zoom Screen. Teams who open early or packages that show signs of tampering will be disqualified.
• The Zoom link will be emailed to teams on Thursday, January 30th. This link may not be shared with others. Please test your computer in advance to ensure your camera and microphone are working properly. During the competition, please ensure your microphone is on mute.
• A maximum of 4 people may work on the puzzle.
• Virtual judges will be monitoring the event and watching as teams get close to finishing. When your team is close to finishing, please raise your hand or send a message in the chat.
2025 Jigsaw Puzzle WINNERS – Turn off your porch lights, turn on your hearts for pollinators
10:30 am-12:30 pm – Family Activities – Join us at 20 Sanderson Street for arts and crafts projects, festive face paint, and a board game social presented by Greenfield Games.
10:30 am-12:30 pm – Greenfield Public School Art Exhibit – Artwork by Greenfield Public School students will be on display on the Second Floor of 20 Sanderson Street. Come admire the artistic talent of our youth.
10:30 am-12:30 pm – Free Take Home Activities – Please stop by the Greenfield Public Schools Title I Program booth at 20 Sanderson Street for free giveaways. They will have books, bookmarks, pencils, and much more for each child that visits the booth. Additionally, there will be raffles where you could win other prizes. They look forward to seeing you there!
12:30 pm-1:15 pm – Family Dance Lesson at Dawn's School of Dance – Learn a special dance with Miss Dawn! All ages and dance levels are welcome. This is a simple but very fun routine that will get you moving and put a smile on everyone's face. Bring your friends, your siblings, and even your grandparents! You won't want to miss out on this free hoppin' and poppin' dance spectacular!
12:00 pm-4:00 pm – Cribbage Tournament – Give it a go! Is it in the cards that you will end up a peg ahead or will you be skunked? This event is fun for all ages! $20 Registration. Register online at: https://friendsofgreenfieldrecreation.org or pay at the door if space is available. Boards and cards provided. Custom Pioneer Valley Wood Art Championship and Runner-up Cribbage Board/Trophies awarded. Held at the John Zon Community Center. Doors open at 12:00 pm with play beginning at 1:00 pm.
2025 Cribbage Tournament WINNERS
Winner: Ciaran Kellehan
Runner-Up: James Lapseritis
12:00 pm-8:00 pm – The Polar Patio at Mesa Verde – Come chill at the Polar Patio and melt the cold away. Enjoy the outdoor fire pits and bar on the patio. Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages available. All proceeds benefit the Carnival! mesaverdegreenfield.com >>
1:00 pm – The Magic Of Science: Comedy Science Show – Join us in the Greenfield Middle School Auditorium for the Magic of Science. Is it a magic show, or is it a science assembly? It's Both! Using math, physics and chemistry, the attendees will learn scientific principles and how magicians use them to trick their audience. You will learn about "magical events" in history and how science has changed our world. This is a fast-moving, exciting show that will have the audience laughing, while they learn about the Magic In Science. This program is supported by the Greenfield Public Schools Title I Program.
1:00 pm-6:00 pm – Dark HeARTs Market at Four Phantoms Brewing ft. Buried In Smoke BBQ – This market will feature original art, curated oddities and homemade treasures by some of our favorite local artists. Smoked Mac and Cheese will be offered alongside pulled pork, smoked tofu, and our stellar lineup of beers and ciders.
https://www.fourphantoms.net >>
3:00 pm – Fatbike Group Ride – Bicycle World will be leading a group ride through the Greenfield Ridge. The ride will depart from Bicycle World, 104 Federal Street at 3:00 pm. Bring your own equipment.
5:30 pm-7:00 pm – Glow Party at Greenfield Middle School Cafeteria – Let it glow, let it glow, let it glow! DJ Jason Antes will provide music for a one of a kind glow in the dark dance! Hit the dance floor and show off your best moves! Free glow accessories available or come decked out in your own! Fun for all ages.
6:00 pm – Bingo – The Friends of Greenfield Public Library are holding a Bingo Night at the Moose Lodge, 20 School Street. 50/50 Raffle, Raffle Basket, Cash Prizes, and Cash Bar. Bingo Night Fundraiser Flyer >>
Sunday, February 2nd Events
8:30 am-10:00 am – Cookies with Olaf – Whisky Sids, a
home kitchen bakery, has generously partnered with Winter
Carnival to offer a special fundraiser featuring winter themed
dippadoos- boxes of snowman & snowflake sugar cookies with
dipping frosting. $10 per box. Quantities are limited. You can Pre-order your
box here >> Cash, check,
or card payment due at pick-up. Pick up held on Sunday, February
2nd at the Sanderson Street Greenfield Middle School parking lot. Olaf will be on site to
pass out the cookies, offer warm hugs, and pose for photos. Greenfield Public Schools
Title I Program will sponsor a giveaway to go along with the delicious cookies. Each
order will receive a book or math games. Proceeds benefit the Winter Carnival. 
10:00 am – The Garden Cinema presents a Free Showing
of Happy Feet 2 (2011) Sponsored by Dawn's School of
Dance – Mumble the penguin, now called the Master of Tap, has
an unusual problem: Erik, his son, is reluctant to dance. Erik runs
away from home and encounters the Mighty Sven, a penguin that
can fly. Poor Mumble can't compete with Erik's unusual new role
model. But, when the world is shaken by powerful forces, Erik gets a
chance to see his father's true colors as Mumble gathers all creatures
great and small to set things right again. Rated PG 10:00 am-2:00 pm – Kids Crafts and Karaoke by Gaudium Galaxy – Join Gaudium Galaxy during Winter Carnival at 170 Main Street, where there will be crafts, stem activities, and karaoke for kids!
10:00 am-2:00 pm – Family Activities at the Y – Visit the Y for a family swim from 12:00 pm-1:00 pm and family activities in the gym from 12:00-2:00 pm including a bounce house, inflatable gaga ball, and a polar dance party.
12:00 pm – Snowshoeing Trek or Winter Hike – Meet at Highland Pond parking lot at 12:00 pm for a 60-90 minute free guided walk around Rocky Mountain Trails. Bring your own snowshoes!
3:00 pm-6:00 pm – Suds and Stones Iceless Curling Tournament at Four Phantoms Brewing – Cooler than cornhole and slicker than shuffleboard, iceless curling offers the ultimate test of strategy and finesse. Come enjoy lager and food specials, slide some stones, and enjoy a frosty three liter tower of beer! Never tried iceless curling before? Don't worry! Curling tournament is free to enter, fun for all ages, and the winners will take home a coveted custom trophy. We'll be offering Poutine Hot Dogs and showing fine Canadian comedies on our projector screen. https://www.fourphantoms.net >> BEACON FIELD EVENTS – 12:00 pm-4:00 pm
Music & Sledding Party – Bring your own sled and glide down Beacon's amazing sledding hill while listening to the musical styling of DJ Jason Antes.
Snack Bar – Tasty treats available for purchase from the Kiwanis Club!
Cookie Bake-Off – Enter to win our Cookie Contest. Drop off your favorite cookies to Beacon Field at 12:00 pm. Bring a minimum of 2 dozen cookies per entrant. All cookie types welcome. Please share recipes or ingredients. Categories: Most Original, Best Overall and Best Decorated!
Click Here for the official rules and registration!
2025 Cookie Bake-Off WINNERS
Most Original: Daniel Carberg - Tray #6
Best Decorated: Caitlin VonSchmidt - Tray #8
Best Overall: Clara Wheeler - Tray #5
Chili Cook-Off – Come sample chili prepared by our local community members who will be competing for bragging rights for “The Best Chili Around”. To enter the Chili contest, please contact the Recreation Department. Click Here for the official rules and registration!
2025 Chili Cook-Off WINNER – Best Chili Around: Shane Beckwith - Pan #1
Horse Drawn Sleigh or Wagon Rides by Hubbard Farm. $3 per person, under 2 free.
Vintage Snowmobile Show & Rides – Take a trip down memory lane at the Vintage Snowmobile Show sponsored by The Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts and the Bernardston-Gill-Leyden Snowmobile Club. Stop by and relive snowmobiling from the past to the present. Listen to the stories from seasoned snowmobilers. Learn about riding locally and throughout the state. Vote for your favorite snowmobile in the People’s Choice Competition.
2025 Vintage Snowmobile WINNERS
1st Place People's Choice: Karl Erickson - 1970 Skeehorse
2nd Place People's Choice: Jarod Erickson - 1965 Ski Doo
3rd Place People's Choice: Nick Ruddy - Stinger Drone
12:30 pm – Community Wide Tug of War – Gather ‘round for a good old fashion pulling contest!
1:00 pm – K9 Keg Pull – Run, dance, do whatever it takes to urge your dog across the finish line. This event has proved to be great fun with dogs of all shapes and sizes sprinting for glory pulling appropriately sized "kegs" – for a Chihuahua, that's a beer can, while mighty rotts or shepherds pull full-size kegs (all empty of course). $10 Registration Fee with funds benefiting the Paws Park: Register day of or online in advance. Come watch possibly the most adorable event of the day at Beacon Field. Please be considerate and pick up after your dog.
2025 K9 Keg Pull WINNERS
Top Dog: Boulder – 4.84 seconds
1st Place Can: Boulder – 4.84 seconds
2nd Place Can: Tesla – 4.94 seconds
3rd Place Can: Mathilda – 5.14 seconds
1st Place 1/6 Keg: Ollie – 5.49 seconds
2nd Place 1/6 Keg: Mamba – 7.31 seconds
3rd Place 1/6 Keg: Shadow – 8.90 seconds
1st Place Full Keg: Mila – 4.87 seconds
2nd Place Full Keg: Buck – 7.31 seconds
3rd Place Full Keg: Grace – 9.10 seconds
Pawsome Job: Stella
It Was Ruff, But We Tried: Riley
1:00 pm – Flash Mob – Dawn's School of Dance will be featured on the field for a special performance. Want to join the mob? Check out the Family Dance Lesson on Saturday!
1:30 pm – Cardboard Sled Check In – Check In Cardboard Sled Entries at Sled Check in Station. Save time by pre-registering your sled on-line. Pre-registration available until Wednesday, January 29th. Click Here to Pre-Register
2:30 pm -- Cardboard Sled Contest – Race your cardboard sled down Beacon Hill! Your creativity is limitless! Just about anything goes!! NOTE: If no snow, bring your sled to the field to be judged on creativity and construction.
The RULES are as follows: |
| • | Sled MUST be made of cardboard. Papier-mâché, tape, glue, and paint are also permitted. | |
| • | Sleds may not have plastic wrap, wood or other bottom surface material, or runners (unless cardboard). Tape is ok. | |
| • | Parents may help children build their sleds. | |
| • | One Entry per person |
Prizes will be awarded for the following categories: Youth – Under 16: Fastest, Most Creative, Zaniest, and Best Crash
Group – 2 or more all ages: Fastest, Most Creative, Zaniest, and Best Crash
Adults – 16 and over (single riders): Fastest and Most Creative
Corporate Challenge: Best Design
Overall People’s Choice: Vote for your favorite at the field
Polar Playground Award: Best use of theme
2025 WINNERS – Cardboard Sled Contest Winners3:45 pm – Awards Ceremony – Announcement of the Ice Carving, Parade of Lights, Cardboard Sled Race, Vintage Snowmobile Show, Cookie Bake-Of and Chili Cook-off winners.
Winter Carnival Souvenirs Snowball Sponsors |
