Zehnder's Frankenmuth Snowfest: Ultimate Guide

Frankenmuth Snowfest: Complete Guide to Zehnder’s Snowfest

Ready for some winter fun?

The Frankenmuth Snowfest, officially known as “Zehnder’s Snowfest” gives us one more reason to visit Michigan’s Little Bavaria for some winter excitement.

Start to plan now to attend Zehnder’s Snow festival, one of the top snow and ice sculpting events in North America.

Beginning January 26 and running through January 30, 2023, this charming mid-Michigan town gives us five whole days of fabulous fun right in the middle of winter!

From petting zoos, pony rides, and warming tents filled with food, refreshments, exhibit booths, and live entertainment, there’s enough fun at the snow festival to warm even the coldest of visitors.

Read on to learn about the many events and things happening at Zehnder’s Snowfest in Frankenmuth, Michigan.

Zehnder’s Snowfest Events and Things to See

For more than 30 years, Zehnder’s Snowfest has been host to some of the top snow and ice sculpting artists from around the world.

The event has become a Michigan must-visit, entertaining and delighting visitors to Frankenmuth. Featuring larger-than-life snow and intricately detailed ice sculptures, a spectacular fireworks show, and tons of other fun activities for kids of all ages, this annual winter tradition is definitely a winter don’t-miss.

It’s five whole days filled with activities and entertainment for the entire family (and that includes world-famous chicken dinners and other delicious treats).

Frankenmuth packs a lot into these five days, including an All Things Chocolate baking contest, world-class ice sculpting championships, and ice carving competitions.

The large children’s play area features family-friendly activities such as a kid’s snow sculpting area, a petting zoo, pony rides, and even a musical carousel.

See Live Entertainment at Zehnder’s Snowfest in the Warming Tent

You’ll find live entertainment including a magic act, dueling pianos, karaoke, a rock concert by a U.S. Army band, and more both at Zehnder’s and in the warming tent.

Whether you attend the festival for one day or make it a mini-Michigan winter getaway, check out the schedule below for more information.

Please note all scheduled outdoor activities and events may be changed due to weather conditions.

Zehnder’s Snowfest Complete

Zehnder’s Snowfest Events

Zehnder’s Snowfest Warming Tent Open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
World Class Snow Carving in Zehnder’s Parking Lot
Children’s Snow Sculpting at Frankenmuth Riverplace
State of Michigan Snow Sculpting at Bavarian Inn
All Things Chocolate Baking Contest in the Warming Tent 10 a.m.- 4 p.m
Live Music by the Halsey Old Timers in the Warming Tent 11:30 a.m.- 2:30 p.m.

Zehnder’s Snowfest Events

Zehnder’s Snowfest Warming Tent Open 10 a.m.
World Class Snow Carving in Zehnder’s Parking Lot
State of Michigan Snow Sculpting at Bavarian Inn
Children’s Snow Sculpting at Frankenmuth Riverplace
High School Snow Sculpting Competition at Frankenmuth Riverplace at 9 a.m.
Dueling Piano Luncheon at Zehnder’s Main Dining Room at 12 noon – TICKETS $50, call 800-863-7999 ext. 450 for reservations
Bingo in the Warming Tent at 3 p.m.

Zehnder’s Snowfest Events

Zehnder’s Snowfest Warming Tent Open 10 a.m.
Professional Ice Exhibit featuring Award-winning Master Ice Sculptor
World Class Snow Carving in Zehnder’s Parking Lot
State of Michigan Snow Sculpting at Bavarian Inn
High School Snow Sculpting Competition at Frankenmuth Riverplace at 9 a.m.
Collegiate Alumni Ice Carving Competition 4 – 7 p.m.
Children’s Play Area Open next to Frankenmuth Toy Company
Free Petting Zoo 4 – 7 p.m.
Children’s Pony Rides 4 – 7 p.m.
Live Music in Warming Tent
Swift Brothers Band 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
U.S. 338th Army Band Country Concert 3:30 – 5 p.m.
Karaoke Contest Finals 6 p.m.
Alan Turner and Steel Horse Band 8 p.m. – 12 a.m.

Zehnder’s Snowfest Events

Zehnder’s Snowfest Warming Tent Open 10 a.m.
World Class Snow Carving in Zehnder’s Parking Lot
Collegiate Alumni Ice Carving Competition 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Live Music in Warming Tent
Cruisin’ Jupiter Band 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Snow Carving Awards 2 p.m.
U.S. 338th Army Band Rock Concert 4:30 – 6 p.m.
Music by The Rock Show 8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Children’s Play Area Open next to Frankenmuth Toy Company
Free Petting Zoo 4 – 7 p.m.
Children’s Pony Rides 4 – 7 p.m.
Fireworks Display 6:45 p.m.

Zehnder’s Snowfest Events

Warming Tent Open 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Magician Jason Abbott 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Stone Street Revival Band 1 – 5 p.m.
Children’s Play Area Open next to Frankenmuth Toy Company
Free Petting Zoo 12–5 p.m.
Children’s Pony Rides 12 –5 p.m

Where to Park at Zehnder’s Frankenmuth Snowfest?

Parking is available at Zehnder’s, the Bavarian Inn and Riverplace.

Where to Stay in Overnight at the Frankenmuth Snowfest?

Our favorite spots to stay when visiting Frankenmuth with the family are Zehnder’s Splash Village and The Bavarian Inn. Both are home to two of Michigan’s best water parks and provide hours of entertainment for kids of all ages. The Marv Herzog Hotel on Main Street is a great choice, too, and it offers picturesque river views.