A family posing for a picture during WinterFest

Friday, December 4, 2026 Schedule

WinterFest is a celebration of the winter season at Iowa State. Preceding prep week in the Fall, WinterFest provides a unique combination of winter themed events, activities, displays, and traditions to help students relieve their end-of-semester stress and connect with the Ames community.

This event is open to all ISU students, faculty, staff, and members of the community. For questions, email winterfest@iastate.edu 

Want to volunteer at WinterFest? Please sign up HERE! 

ActivityTimeLocation
Holiday Art Mart11:00am - 9:00pmMemorial Union Art Gallery
The President's Open House3:00 - 5:30pmThe Knoll
Jingle & Mingle Holiday Market3:30 - 7:30pmBeardshear Hall
Chair Massages4:00 - 10:00pmMemorial Union 3580
Bowling & Billiards4:00 - 10:30pmCyBowl & Billiards
Workspace Craft4:00 - 8:00pmThe Workspace
Stuff-a-Plush4:00 - 10:00pm (while supplies last)Memorial Union 3560
How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Campanile-Carillon Model Open House4:00 - 5:00pmSukup Atrium, Biorenewables Complex
Cookie Decorating & Hot Chocolate5:00 - 8:00pm (while supplies last)Memorial Union Commons
Air Brush Tattoos5:00 - 8:00pmMemorial Union Cardinal Room
Super Grid Game5:00 - 8:00pmMemorial Union Campanile Room
Selfie Station5:00 - 8:00pmMemorial Union West Lobby
Jingle Jog5:00 - 6:00pmCentral Campus
Farm House Museum Yuletide Open House4:00 - 7:00pmFarm House Museum

Carillon Music and Campanile Tours

For safety reasons, university regulations allow a maximum of 9 visitors per tour. Additionally, children under the age of thirteen are not permitted to join the tours.

5:00 - 6:00pmISU Campanile
Karaoke8:00 - 10:00pmMaintenance Shop
Chili, Cornbread Muffins & Hot Cider6:00 - 9:00pm (while supplies last)Memorial Union Commons
Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides6:00 - 9:00pmMemorial Union West Loop
Bingo6:00 - 10:00pmMemorial Union Sun Room
Tree Lighting Ceremony6:00pmCentral Campus
Comedy Magician John Cassidy7:00pmMemorial Union Great Hall
Ice Skating10:30pm - 12:45amISU Ice Arena
And more...  
   

Thank you to our 2026 sponsors

2026 WinterFest Sponsors

Become a general member of WinterFest

We are looking for positive, hard-working, and fun individuals to join our WinterFest team!

General members will be a part of planning WinterFest and will have the opportunity to serve on committees including marketing, decorations, activities, and more! General members will also attend WinterFest, assist with set-up, management, and tear down of the event, and complete related tasks that will benefit the event. General member meetings will take place regularly during the academic year and provide a chance for all members of WinterFest to build connections, gain practical experience in event planning and marketing, and contribute to a fun celebration of the season.

If you are interested in joining WinterFest please fill out the General Member Interest Form.