Houghton – Michigan Tech’s Winter Carnival
February 5 – February 8
Fireworks Over Ice! Dive into the Magic of Houghton’s Winter Carnival
THE KEWEENAW, Michigan (Jan. 15, 2024) — Winter isn’t just endured in the Keweenaw – it’s celebrated, sculpted and spun into pure magic. For 102 years, Michigan Tech’s Winter Carnival has transformed the snowy campus into a wonderland of jaw-dropping snow art, thrilling winter sports and community warmth. From Feb. 5-8, 2025, locals, visitors and MTU alumni will make their way down the main streets of Houghton and Hancock to marvel at towering ice sculptures. Don’t forget to cozy up or get a bite to eat at local favorites like the KBC, The Ambassador or Gino’s in Hancock to thaw out along the way. Winter Carnival is a one-of-a-kind celebration you won’t want to miss this winter. With heavy snowfall pushing through winter so far, Winter Carnival has potential to get big snow.
Students play Broomball like the Harry Potter movies on campus, the community marvels at giant ice sculptures and folks take time to warm up between activities. Winter Carnival is when the Portage Canal’s social hubs of Houghton and Hancock are lively and bustling with life. From the infamous “all-nighter” where students stay up two days to finish their snow statues before judging, to the zany games that take place on campus, Winter Carnival brings a whopping schedule to the Michigan Tech community. For most of the public, it’s about seeing the statues and being in Houghton with loved ones during this magical time. For some, it’s their favorite time of year to make a trip back to their alma mater.
Snow Statues: Fraternities, sororities and other campus organizations build larger than life snow statues that are judged each year. The giant creations rival the size of some students’ housing and offer a way for students to showcase their engineering creativity. This year’s theme is Dragons, Knights, and Legendary Sights – so expect to see creations worthy of the kingdom. Take a tour on the last day of statues to decide for yourself who’s got the most creativity.
Fireworks and Torchlit Parade: Michigan’s original ski area Mont Ripley hosts a torchlit parade down its hilly slopes – viewed across the Portage Canal from Houghton. The torchlight parade concludes Carnival’s lineup and brings a crowd to the Houghton waterfront to watch the show. Fireworks will follow the parade – signifying carnival’s 102nd year in the Keweenaw. Mark your carnival experience with this classic must-see on Saturday, Feb. 8.
Entertainment at Upper Michigan’s Largest Entertainment Venue: Known for cutting-edge performances that tour the globe, Water Street Dance Milwaukee pushes the boundaries of contemporary dance, leaving you breathless and inspired. This multifaceted dance company is dedicated to exploring diversity within our art, artists, and audiences. Renowned for their athletic, innovative, and entertaining performances, they invite all to partake in the vibrant experiences they create. See shows at 2 and 7 p.m.
Explore Beyond Carnival: After the festivities, extend your stay and experience the Keweenaw’s year-round charm. Take a winter hike on snow-covered trails, or ski at Mont Ripley only minutes away from Michigan Tech. Winter Carnival is a perfect introduction to the region’s cold outdoor adventures. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning alumnus, the 2025 Winter Carnival promises to be a celebration of history, creativity and community. Don’t miss out on the iconic winter event that brings the magic of snow and ice to life.