WRITTEN BY KATIE SMITH
Even if you love the cold and getting out to venture in the snow, Maine’s long winters can take a toll on your mental health. The short days, icy roads, and craving to hibernate can put even the most cheerful person into a funk. Thankfully, there are plenty of options to help combat the winter blues, or even keep them away completely — even when the windchill is brutal.
Belfast Ice Festival
Feb. 27-March 1, 2026 • Belfast
Each winter, downtown Belfast transforms into a glistening outdoor gallery during the Belfast Ice Festival. Visitors stroll amid stunning ice sculptures, and watch as local and visiting carvers compete in the State of Maine Ice Carving Championship. With ice bars, family-friendly winter activities, and a lively midcoast Maine town atmosphere, it’s a perfect way to embrace the cold season and explore the local charm of Belfast.
Snodeo
Jan. 29-Feb. 1, 2026 • Rangeley
Rangeley’s annual Snodeo weekend offers a mix of adrenaline and community fun. From snowmobile radar runs and races to a chili and chowder cook-off, live auction, parade, and fireworks, the event draws snowmobile enthusiasts and families alike. Set against the snowy landscape of the Rangeley Lakes region, Snodeo captures the spirit of winter recreation and small-town Maine hospitality.
Fire on the Mountain
Jan. 30-Feb. 1, 2026 • Sugarloaf Mountain
Held at Sugarloaf Mountain, “Fire on the Mountain” combines live music with mountain resort vibes for a high-energy mid-winter getaway. With multiple evening shows, headlining bands, and a weekend of après ski fun, it turns the slopes into a party for music-loving winter adventurers looking to mix alpine thrills with festival culture.
Can‑Am Crown
International Sled Dog Races
Feb. 28, 2026 • Fort Kent
In far northern Maine near the Canadian border, this legendary sled dog race challenges mushers and their teams across the winter wilderness — and draws spectators to Main Street and local trails. With several race distances, including the marquee 250-mile event, the Can-Am Crown is both a test of endurance and a celebration of Maine’s snowy terrain and outdoors heritage.
Gardens Aglow
Dates Vary • Boothbay
When the evenings grow long and the holiday season arrives, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay light up in a dazzling display of illuminated paths, glowing sculptures, and scenic winter landscapes. Gardens Aglow invites visitors to explore nature’s beauty in a magical nighttime setting — especially during the festive holiday period.
