Stamford Downtown Hosting Inaugural Winter Festival at Columbus Park Saturday
Premiere edition of event will offer experiences for everyone
STAMFORD — This Saturday, January 27, from 2-5pm, Stamford Downtown will present the first-ever “Fire & Ice Winter Festival.” The family-friendly event being held at Columbus Park will include numerous activities for visitors of all ages in the heart of Stamford.
Visitors can expect to be dazzled as Columbus Park is transformed into a pop-up winter wonderland that features a collection of ice sculptures. On site, there will be vendors, an interactive photo frame to try out, and fire pits to keep guests toasty. Music duo Me & D is set to perform, too.
Participating restaurants include Acuario Restaurant, Columbus Park Trattoria, Fiesta on Main, FIN II Japanese Restaurant, Kouzina Greek Taverna, Noches de Colombia, Tiernan’s Bar and Restaurant, The Americano, Yi Fang Taiwan Fruit Tea, and other nearby eateries.
Through a collaborative effort between Mayor Caroline Simmons’s administration, Stamford Downtown, local businesses, and other partners, the busy stretch along Main Street has seen an increased level of foot traffic. Based on Stamford's recent surge in tourism over the last two years, these events aim to attract more repeat visitors to continue enjoying all that the area has to offer.
“Properties in the Downtown and near the train station continue to attract globally significant corporations and foster substantial residential growth,” said Stamford Downtown President David Kooris in an email to the Stamford Current. “Together, these residents and workers support one of the most robust small business and restaurant districts in the nation for a city our size that, in conjunction with Stamford Downtown’s signature special events, attracted over ten million visits in 2023, further supporting the local economy and tax base.”

When the Fire & Ice Festival concludes, attendees are encouraged to stop by Mill River Park for “Prelude,” a free and immersive light installation by Kari Kola, a world-renowned lighting artist. “This piece embodies Mill River Park’s bold foray into modern visual art,” organizers said, “and also serves as a beacon, using light to connect communities—bringing together Stamford’s West Side and the downtown area.”
Stamford Downtown hosts other popular events each year, including the Alive @ Five summer concert series, Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular, Arts & Crafts on Bedford, farmers markets, and a variety of free workout classes.
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