Time to chill: Fishtown Freeze returns this weekend

The weather outside is frightful, but this event is definitely making it a bit more delightful. Fishtown Freeze kicks off this weekend, and in 2023, the ice sculpting event will be expanded into a two-day family-friendly extravaganza full of food and drinks specials, shopping opportunities and holiday fun. 

The highlights of the annual activation come from the internationally renowned ice sculpture artists at Ice Sculpture Philly, and Philadelphians will be able to catch live carving demonstrations and fully formed ice sculptures around the neighborhood at spots like Cake Life Bake Shop, Cheu/Nunu, Cloud 9 Clay, JINXED, Mural City Garden, Johnny Brenda’s and more (a full list of when and where is available online.) 

Fishtown Freeze in 2023 will also feature Pop-Up Makers Markets throughout the day on Dec. 9, plus holiday shopping deals at the area’s independent boutiques. Philadelphians can find vintage and craft vendors with warm beverages at the outdoor bar at Johnny Brenda’s, dog tintype portraits at Vanity Tintype (pre-booking is encouraged), plus other activities that span free photos with Santa at Frankford Hall and caroling in Kondrad Square with the St Laurentius School Choir with hot chocolate, hosted by Fishtown Neighbors Association & Friends of Konrad Square. 

Locals can also partake in the event’s Shopping Spree (Saturday, Dec. 9, from noon to 8 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 10, from noon to 6 p.m.) According to a release, the holiday shopping spree showcases 20 local, independent shops and boutiques. During that time, customers get increased discounts the more they shop, starting with 5% off their first store during the event, and increasing discounts up to 20% for all additional participating stores for the weekend, plus complimentary beverages and holiday snacks at select locations along the way. 

The release also mentions shoppers can enjoy food and drink specials once they’ve made 4 purchases, including a complimentary glass of bubbles at Fishtown Social. Participating vendors in the Spree include Cake Life Bake Shop, Cloud 9 Clay, Craft Foundry, Fishtown Jewelers, HAM+BONE, Riverwards Produce, The Sacred Path- Herbal Collective, TOILE, and Whipped Bakeshop to name a few. 

Other stand-outs throughout the event span The International Bar’s Outdoor Holiday Makers Market with warm butter-washed rum in hot cider, holiday ham and raclette cheese, plus a market from Mural City Garden with Myrtle & Magnolia featuring wreath-making, a winter floral sale, festive beverages and arts and crafts for kids. 

For more information, locals can follow @fishtownfeastivale and @fishtown_district on Instagram, @fishtowndistrict on Facebook, #fishtownfreeze or visit fishtowndistrict.com.