After more than a decade “on ice,” the beloved Knickerbocker Ice Festival is making its long-awaited return to Rockland Lake State Park from January 23–25, celebrating America’s 250th anniversary and Rockland Lake’s extraordinary beauty and history.

Once the epicenter of a global ice-harvesting industry, Rockland Lake supplied massive blocks of crystal-clear ice that traveled to far-flung destinations including London, Australia, Asia, and South Africa. That remarkable legacy comes to life once again during this immersive winter festival.

Visitors will be amazed as towering ice sculptures—celebrating both local and national heritage—are carved live by some of the nation’s finest ice sculptors. Guests can also watch igloos being built from snow made right on site. As dusk falls, festivalgoers can warm themselves, meet neighbors, and gather around glowing campfires, culminating in the unforgettable sight of an ice chimney bonfire lighting up the winter sky.

Just as no fine dining establishment or luxury hotel of New York City’s Gilded Era would serve anything other than Knickerbocker Ice harvested from Rockland Lake, today’s Hudson Valley residents are invited to shed their winter blues, embrace community spirit, and take part in this unique celebration.

Throughout the weekend, visitors can stroll the park while watching sculptures take shape, exploring historic images of Rockland Lake through the decades, and enjoying warmth from campfires and a variety of food trucks.

At the park’s northern pavilion, guests will find large-scale enlargements of historic postcards showcasing Rockland Lake’s storied past. Adding to the experience, incredibly rare footage filmed by Thomas Edison—projected ten feet tall—will depict every stage of ice harvesting at Rockland Lake more than 125 years ago, offering a breathtaking glimpse into the lives and labor of earlier generations.

🎟️ Free admission | 🚗 Parking: $10

As the year draws to a close, a waxing gibbous Moon—glowing at nearly full—will drift beside the Pleiades, also known as the Seven Sisters, creating a bright and gentle pairing that feels like a quiet farewell to the year.

This ancient star cluster has been watched, named, and mythologized by civilizations for thousands of years. On the final night of 2025, the Moon will appear to pause beside it, offering a striking and reflective skywatching moment.

No telescope is required to enjoy the view. Clear skies and a few minutes outdoors after sunset are all that’s needed. Binoculars will reveal the Pleiades’ soft, hazy glow, but the cluster is easily visible to the naked eye.

Best viewing time:

• Eastern Standard Time: 6–8 p.m. EST, looking toward the east to southeast