Home » Departments » Youth Services » Winterfest

Winterfest

Winterfest Fenruary 23, 2019 - March 3, 2019 City of Manchester, NH Office of Youth Services

Winterfest 2020

Winterfest is 9 days (2/22-3/1/2020) covering the school February vacation where organizations, businesses, and local non-profits offer free and reduced cost events, programs, and activities for youth and families throughout Manchester.

Winterfest Download the Schedule

Winterfest 2020 Full Schedule PDF     |     Winterfest Facebook Event

Thank you to all our collaborators and donors who make Winterfest possible! Winterfest began in 1978 and is still going strong in our 42nd year! This year, Winterfest has 74 events across 16 sites hosted by 12 organizations.

All events subject to change due to weather or other circumstances. No registration is required unless otherwise noted. All addresses are in  Manchester, NH unless otherwise stated.

Questions about Winterfest? Call OYS: (603) 624-6470 or email Kristen.

Winterfest 2020 Schedule

Saturday February 22:

  • Indoor climbing at Vertical Dreams Climbing Gym, 250 Commercial Street. Vacation hours: Saturday & Sunday open at 11am, Monday-Friday open at 12pm. Waivers required for climbers under 18 must be signed by a parent/guardian. Waiver forms available online: VerticalDreams.com. Mention Winterfest to receive $5 off 1 beginner lesson at the Manchester or Nashua location. Hosted by Vertical Dreams Climbing Gym.

  • Public Ice Skating – 2-4pm at JFK Coliseum. Public skate at JFK Adults $5 and students and seniors are $3. Limited rental skates are available for $5. All ages. Hosted by Manchester Parks, Recreation, & Cemeteries.

  • Sleigh Rides at Charmingfare Farm, 774 High St, Candia. Use promo code: winterfest20 for 40% off Sleigh Ride Social tickets. Children under 23 months are free. All ages, families welcome. Purchase tickets online: VisitTheFarm.com/cff/sleigh-ride-social/. Hosted by Charmingfare Farm.

Sunday February 23:

  • Indoor climbing at Vertical Dreams Climbing Gym, 250 Commercial Street. Vacation hours: Saturday & Sunday open at 11am, Monday-Friday open at 12pm. Waivers required for climbers under 18 must be signed by a parent/guardian. Waiver forms available online: VerticalDreams.com. Mention Winterfest to receive $5 off 1 beginner lesson at the Manchester or Nashua location. Hosted by Vertical Dreams Climbing Gym.

  • Public Ice Skating – 2-4pm at JFK Coliseum. Public skate at JFK Adults $5 and students and seniors are $3. Limited rental skates are available for $5. All ages. Hosted by Manchester Parks, Recreation, & Cemeteries.

Monday February 24:

  • February Vacation Camp – 9am-4pm at Massabesic Audubon Center. Join us for a single day, several days, or the whole week. Each day includes outdoor excursions, games, crafts, stories, live animals, songs, and conservation projects to help participants discover the wonders of the season. Drop off at 8:30am, pick up at 4pm. Extended care is available from 4-5:30pm. Ages 6-12. Cost: $45 members, $55 non-members per child per day. Register online: nhaudubon.org/get-outside/camps/ or call 668-2045. Hosted by NH Audubon Society - Massabesic Center.

  • February Vacation Art Camps – 9am-4pm at Currier Art Center, 180 Pearl Street. Be inspired, have fun and unleash your creativity in our week-long vacation camps for children ages 5 to 14. All children will have a special tour of the Currier Museum as part of the program. Imagine That: Use Your Words: Monday-Friday, 9am-noon ($170). Imagine That: Use Your Pictures: Monday-Friday,1-4pm ($170), with optional aftercare to 5:30 pm ($30/week). Full day - Monday-Friday: 9am-4pm ($285) with optional after-care to 5:30 pm ($30/week). Tuition assistance available. Register at: currier.org/art-center/programs. Ages 5-14.  Hosted by Currier Art Center.

  • Toddler Storytime – 10am at Manchester City Library, 405 Pine Street, Winchell Room. Enjoy stories, songs and a take home craft. Ages 2-3 years accompanied by an adult, free, registration is not required. Hosted by Manchester City Library.

  • Indoor climbing at Vertical Dreams Climbing Gym, 250 Commercial Street. Vacation hours: Saturday & Sunday open at 11am, Monday-Friday open at 12pm. Waivers required for climbers under 18 must be signed by a parent/guardian. Waiver forms available online: VerticalDreams.com. Mention Winterfest to receive $5 off 1 beginner lesson at the Manchester or Nashua location. Hosted by Vertical Dreams Climbing Gym.

  • Storytime in the Galleries – 12-2pm at Currier Museum of Art. Join us for Storytime in the Galleries at noon! Following the story reading we will be making masks based on Greek mythology. Ages 3-12 accompanied by an adult, free for anyone under the age of 17, $5 admission for adults. More information: http://currier.org/events/2020-02/. Hosted by Currier Museum of Art.

  • Squam Lake: Creatures of the Night – 1:30pm at Manchester City Library, 405 Pine Street, Auditorium. All ages, free, no registration is required but space is limited. Call 624-6550 ext. 3328. Hosted by Manchester City Library.

  • Public Ice Skating – 2-4pm at JFK Coliseum. Public skate at JFK Adults $5 and students and seniors are $3. Limited rental skates are available for $5. All ages. Hosted by Manchester Parks, Recreation, & Cemeteries.

  • Maker Lab Monday – 3:30-5pm at West Branch Community Library, 76 N. Main Street, Meeting Room. Ages 5-10, free, no registration required. For more information call 624-6560. Hosted by Manchester City Library.

Tuesday February 25:

  • February Vacation Camp – 9am-4pm at Massabesic Audubon Center. Join us for a single day, several days, or the whole week. Each day includes outdoor excursions, games, crafts, stories, live animals, songs, and conservation projects to help participants discover the wonders of the season. Drop off at 8:30am, pick up at 4pm. Extended care is available from 4-5:30pm. Ages 6-12. Cost: $45 members, $55 non-members per child per day. Register online: nhaudubon.org/get-outside/camps/ or call 668-2045. Hosted by NH Audubon Society - Massabesic Center.

  • February Vacation Art Camps – 9am-4pm at Currier Art Center, 180 Pearl Street. Be inspired, have fun and unleash your creativity in our week-long vacation camps for children ages 5 to 14. All children will have a special tour of the Currier Museum as part of the program. Imagine That: Use Your Words: Monday-Friday, 9am-noon ($170). Imagine That: Use Your Pictures: Monday-Friday,1-4pm ($170), with optional aftercare to 5:30 pm ($30/week). Full day - Monday-Friday: 9am-4pm ($285) with optional after-care to 5:30 pm ($30/week). Tuition assistance available. Register at: currier.org/art-center/programs. Ages 5-14.  Hosted by Currier Art Center.

  • Media Power Youth and You in Action – 10am-12pm at Manchester Police Athletic League (MPAL), 409 Beech Street. Write and produce your own health-positive media message. Must attend all three days. Day 1 - Pre-production, Day 2 - Production, Day 3 - Post-production. Doors open 10 minutes prior to the start of the program. Grades 6-8, free, must complete MPAL registration form and waiver, space is limited. To sign-up, contact Jayna Stevens at jstevens@manchesterpoliceathleticleague.org or 603-626-0211. Hosted by Manchester Police Athletic League (MPAL).

  • Preschool Storytime – 10am at Manchester City Library, 405 Pine Street, Children’s Room. Classic and new picture books read aloud with accompanying craft. Ages 4-5 years accompanied by an adult, free, no registration is required. Call 624-6550 ext. 3328. Hosted by Manchester City Library.

  • 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament – 11am-3pm at Beech Street School. Tuesday is open gym and signups, Wednesday and Thursday are when the games are played. Grades 4-8, free, register at Beech Street School on Tuesday. Hosted by Manchester Parks, Recreation, & Cemeteries.

  • Indoor climbing at Vertical Dreams Climbing Gym, 250 Commercial Street. Vacation hours: Saturday & Sunday open at 11am, Monday-Friday open at 12pm. Waivers required for climbers under 18 must be signed by a parent/guardian. Waiver forms available online: VerticalDreams.com. Mention Winterfest to receive $5 off 1 beginner lesson at the Manchester or Nashua location. Hosted by Vertical Dreams Climbing Gym.

  • Mardi Gras Crafts Afternoon – 1-5pm at Manchester City Library, 405 Pine Street, Winchell Room. For grades K-5, free. For more information please call 624-6550 ext. 3328. Hosted by Manchester City Library.

  • Soccer & a Movie – 1-4pm at YWCA NH, 72 Concord Street. Join us for a game of soccer in the Gym! We will provide the coach and a healthy lunch. We will also be playing a family friendly movie in the Community Room. All are welcome, free. Hosted by YWCA NH and SNHU Center for New Americans.

  • Family Movie Afternoon – 2pm at West Branch Community Library, 76 N. Main Street, Movie Room. Families are welcome, free. For more information, please 624-6560. Hosted by Manchester City Library.

  • Public Ice Skating – 2-4pm at JFK Coliseum. Public skate at JFK Adults $5 and students and seniors are $3. Limited rental skates are available for $5. All ages. Hosted by Manchester Parks, Recreation, & Cemeteries.

  • Read to Cookie – 3:30pm at West Branch Community Library, 76 N. Main Street, Children’s Room. Children of all reading levels, free. Call 624-6560 to reserve a time slot. Hosted by Manchester City Library.

  • Family Lego Night – 5-8pm at Manchester City Library, 405 Pine Street, Winchell Room. Families are welcome, free. Call 624-6550 ext. 3328. Hosted by Manchester City Library.

  • SNHU Basketball Doubleheader – 5-9:30pm at SNHU Stan Spirou Field House. Watch the SNHU Women and Men's Basketball Teams take on St. Michael's College. Women play at 5pm, men play at 7:30pm. All ages, children under 15 should be accompanied by an adult, families welcome, free. More information: snhupenmen.com. Hosted by Southern New Hampshire University.

Wednesday February 26:

  • February Vacation Camp – 9am-4pm at Massabesic Audubon Center. Join us for a single day, several days, or the whole week. Each day includes outdoor excursions, games, crafts, stories, live animals, songs, and conservation projects to help participants discover the wonders of the season. Drop off at 8:30am, pick up at 4pm. Extended care available 4-5:30pm. Ages 6-12. Cost: $45 members, $55 non-members per child per day. Register online: nhaudubon.org/get-outside/camps/ or call 668-2045. Hosted by NH Audubon Society.

  • February Vacation Art Camps – 9am-4pm at Currier Art Center, 180 Pearl Street. Be inspired, have fun and unleash your creativity in our week-long vacation camps for children ages 5 to 14. All children will have a special tour of the Currier Museum as part of the program. Imagine That: Use Your Words: Monday-Friday, 9am-noon ($170). Imagine That: Use Your Pictures: Monday-Friday,1-4pm ($170), with optional aftercare to 5:30 pm ($30/week). Full day - Monday-Friday: 9am-4pm ($285) with optional after-care to 5:30 pm ($30/week). Tuition assistance available. Register at: currier.org/art-center/programs. Ages 5-14.  Hosted by Currier Art Center.

  • Media Power Youth and You in Action – 10am-12pm at Manchester Police Athletic League (MPAL), 409 Beech Street. Write and produce your own health-positive media message. Must attend all three days. Day 1 - Pre-production, Day 2 - Production, Day 3 - Post-production. Doors open 10 minutes prior to the start of the program. Grades 6-8, free, must complete MPAL registration form and waiver, space is limited. To sign-up, contact Jayna Stevens at jstevens@manchesterpoliceathleticleague.org or 603-626-0211. Hosted by MPAL.

  • Lego Lab, Jr. – 10am at Manchester City Library, 405 Pine Street, Reading Room. Working together to build BOOMTOWN. Age 4-6, registration required. More info: 624-6550 ext 3328. Hosted by Manchester City Library.

  • Drawing in the Galleries – 11am-2pm at Currier Museum of Art. Grab a clipboard, some paper and a pencil, and join us for drawing in the galleries! Ages 3-15, with an adult, free for anyone under the age of 17, $5 admission for adults. More Information: http://currier.org/events/2020-02/. Hosted by Currier Museum of Art.

  • 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament – 11am-3pm at Beech Street School. Tuesday is open gym and signups, Wednesday and Thursday are when the games are played. Grades 4-8, free, register at Beech Street School on Tuesday. Hosted by Manchester Parks, Recreation, & Cemeteries.

  • Indoor climbing at Vertical Dreams Climbing Gym, 250 Commercial Street. Vacation hours: Saturday & Sunday open at 11am, Monday-Friday open at 12pm. Waivers required for climbers under 18 must be signed by a parent/guardian. Waiver forms available online: VerticalDreams.com. Mention Winterfest to receive $5 off 1 beginner lesson at the Manchester or Nashua location. Hosted by Vertical Dreams Climbing Gym.

  • Movie Afternoon – 1pm at Manchester City Library, 405 Pine Street, Auditorium. Families are welcome, free. Call 624-6550 ext. 3309. Hosted by Manchester City Library.

  • What's the Scoop?  Ice Cream with Mayor Craig – 1-3pm at Mayor's Office, Third Floor, City Hall. Come visit City Hall and enjoy free ice cream with Mayor Craig. All ages, children must be accompanied by an adult, families welcome, free. Hosted by the Mayor’s Office.

  • Public Ice Skating – 2-4pm at JFK Coliseum. Public skate at JFK Adults $5 and students and seniors are $3. Limited rental skates are available for $5. All ages. Hosted by Manchester Parks, Recreation, & Cemeteries.

  • Teen Cupcake Challenge – 3pm at West Manchester Branch Library, 76 N. Main Street. Show off your cupcake decorating. Grades 6-12, registration required. Call 624-6550 ext. 3345. Hosted by Manchester City Library.

  • Explore the Arctic – 3pm at Manchester City Library, 405 Pine Street, Winchell Room. For grades K-5, free, registration is required. Call 624-6550 ext. 3328. Hosted by Manchester City Library.

  • Read to Cody – 3:30pm at Manchester City Library, 405 Pine Street, Winchell Room. Children of all reading levels, free. Call 624-6550 ext. 3328 to reserve a time slot. Hosted by Manchester City Library.

  • Games & Food – 4-6pm at NeighborWorks SNH community room, corner of 373 Union St. and Spruce St. "Play Ball" little league baseball sign ups too. Ages 5-12, free. Hosted by Manchester Central Little League and NeighborWorks SNH.

Thursday February 27:

  • February Vacation Camp – 9am-4pm at Massabesic Audubon Center. Join us for a single day, several days, or the whole week. Each day includes outdoor excursions, games, crafts, stories, live animals, songs, and conservation projects to help participants discover the wonders of the season. Drop off at 8:30am, pick up at 4pm. Extended care is available from 4-5:30pm. Ages 6-12. Cost: $45 members, $55 non-members per child per day. Register online: nhaudubon.org/get-outside/camps/ or call 668-2045. Hosted by NH Audubon Society - Massabesic Center.

  • February Vacation Art Camps – 9am-4pm at Currier Art Center, 180 Pearl Street. Be inspired, have fun and unleash your creativity in our week-long vacation camps for children ages 5 to 14. All children will have a special tour of the Currier Museum as part of the program. Imagine That: Use Your Words: Monday-Friday, 9am-noon ($170). Imagine That: Use Your Pictures: Monday-Friday,1-4pm ($170), with optional aftercare to 5:30 pm ($30/week). Full day - Monday-Friday: 9am-4pm ($285) with optional after-care to 5:30 pm ($30/week). Tuition assistance available. Register at: currier.org/art-center/programs. Ages 5-14.  Hosted by Currier Art Center.

  • Media Power Youth and You in Action – 10am-12pm at Manchester Police Athletic League (MPAL), 409 Beech Street. Write and produce your own health-positive media message. Must attend all three days. Day 1 - Pre-production, Day 2 - Production, Day 3 - Post-production. Doors open 10 minutes prior to the start of the program. Grades 6-8, free, must complete MPAL registration form and waiver, space is limited. To sign-up, contact Jayna Stevens at jstevens@manchesterpoliceathleticleague.org or 603-626-0211. Hosted by MPAL.

  • Messy Art Morning – 10am at Manchester City Library, 405 Pine Street, Winchell Room. Ages 2-7 years with an adult, free, registration is required. Call 624-6550 ext. 3328. Hosted by Manchester City Library.

  • 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament – 11am-3pm at Beech Street School. Tuesday is open gym and signups, Wednesday and Thursday are when the games are played. Grades 4-8, free, register at Beech Street School on Tuesday. Hosted by Manchester Parks, Recreation, & Cemeteries.

  • Creative Studio – 11am-2pm at Currier Museum of Art. Join us in lighting up the night sky! Enjoy creating a magical winter landscape with oil pastels. Ages 3-12 with an adult, free for anyone under the age of 17, $5 admission for adults. More information: http://currier.org/events/2020-02/. Hosted by Currier Museum of Art.

  • Indoor climbing at Vertical Dreams Climbing Gym, 250 Commercial Street. Vacation hours: Saturday & Sunday open at 11am, Monday-Friday open at 12pm. Waivers required for climbers under 18 must be signed by a parent/guardian. Waiver forms available online: VerticalDreams.com. Mention Winterfest to receive $5 off 1 beginner lesson at the Manchester or Nashua location. Hosted by Vertical Dreams Climbing Gym.

  • Musician Aaron Jones - 1:30pm at West Manchester Branch Library, 76 N. Main Street, Lower Level. Families are welcome, free, space is limited. Call 624-6560. Hosted by Manchester City Library.

  • Public Ice Skating – 2-4pm at JFK Coliseum. Public skate at JFK Adults $5 and students and seniors are $3. Limited rental skates are available for $5. All ages. Hosted by Manchester Parks, Recreation, & Cemeteries.

  • Teen Pandemic Escape Room - 3pm at Manchester City Library, 405 Pine Street. Find the cure to save the day! Grades 6-12, registration required. Please call 624-6550 ext. 3345. Hosted by Manchester City Library.

  • Lego Lab – 3pm at West Manchester Branch Library, 76 N. Main Street, Children's area. All ages. Call 624-6560. Hosted by Manchester City Library.

  • Free Night at the Currier: A Family Affair – 5-8pm at Currier Museum of Art. Looking for something special to do with your kids during vacation week? Bring them to a night at the museum! We will have art activities, games, raffles, film shorts, and more. Also enjoy a family-friendly show from Lindsay & Her Puppet Pals. All ages, families welcome, free. Cash bar and full menu with kid-friendly options will be available in the Winter Garden Café. More information: http://currier.org/events/2020-02/. Hosted by Currier Museum of Art.

  • Sky Watch with New Hampshire Astronomical Society – 7pm at West Manchester Branch Library, 76 N. Main Street, parking lot. All ages, families welcome, free. Call 624-6560. Hosted by Manchester City Library.

Friday February 28:

  • February Vacation Camp – 9am-4pm at Massabesic Audubon Center. Join us for a single day, several days, or the whole week. Each day includes outdoor excursions, games, crafts, stories, live animals, songs, and conservation projects to help participants discover the wonders of the season. Drop off at 8:30am, pick up at 4pm. Extended care is available from 4-5:30pm. Ages 6-12. Cost: $45 members, $55 non-members per child per day. Register online: nhaudubon.org/get-outside/camps/ or call 668-2045. Hosted by NH Audubon Society - Massabesic Center.

  • February Vacation Art Camps – 9am-4pm at Currier Art Center, 180 Pearl Street. Be inspired, have fun and unleash your creativity in our week-long vacation camps for children ages 5 to 14. All children will have a special tour of the Currier Museum as part of the program. Imagine That: Use Your Words: Monday-Friday, 9am-noon ($170). Imagine That: Use Your Pictures: Monday-Friday,1-4pm ($170), with optional aftercare to 5:30 pm ($30/week). Full day - Monday-Friday: 9am-4pm ($285) with optional after-care to 5:30 pm ($30/week). Tuition assistance available. Register at: currier.org/art-center/programs. Ages 5-14.  Hosted by Currier Art Center.

  • Lap-Sit Storytime – 10am at Manchester City Library, 405 Pine Street, Winchell Room. Stories, songs, finger plays and movement activities will be featured in each session. Newborns to 23 months accompanied by an adult, registration is required. Please call 624-6550 ext. 3328. Hosted by Manchester City Library.

  • Family Fort Fun – 10-11:30am at West Manchester Branch Library, 76 N. Main Street, Meeting Room. Families are welcome, free, no registration is required. Call 624-6560. Hosted by Manchester City Library.

  • Open Gym – 11am-3pm at Beech Street School. Open Gym to shoot around. Grades 3-12, free. Hosted by Manchester Parks, Recreation, & Cemeteries.

  • Scavenger Hunt – 11am-2pm at Currier Museum of Art. Finish vacation week with a deep dive into the Currier's collection on a Pop Art scavenger hunt. Complete the search and collect your prize! Ages 3-12 accompanied by an adult, free for anyone under the age of 17, $5 admission for adults. More information: http://currier.org/events/2020-02/. Hosted by Currier Museum of Art.

  • Indoor climbing at Vertical Dreams Climbing Gym, 250 Commercial Street. Vacation hours: Saturday & Sunday open at 11am, Monday-Friday open at 12pm. Waivers required for climbers under 18 must be signed by a parent/guardian. Waiver forms available online: VerticalDreams.com. Mention Winterfest to receive $5 off 1 beginner lesson at the Manchester or Nashua location. Hosted by Vertical Dreams Climbing Gym.

  • Dr. Seuss Craft Afternoon – 1-5pm at Manchester City Library, 405 Pine Street, Winchell Room. Families are welcome, free. Call 624-6550 ext. 3328. Hosted by Manchester City Library.

  • Public Ice Skating – 2-4pm at JFK Coliseum. Public skate at JFK Adults $5 and students and seniors are $3. Limited rental skates are available for $5. All ages. Hosted by Manchester Parks, Recreation, & Cemeteries.

  • Drama Time with Children’s Stage Adventures presents the Prince and the Pauper. Shows are at 2pm and 5pm at McLaughlin Middle School. All ages, families welcome. Admission is free. Hosted by Manchester Parks, Recreation, & Cemeteries.

Saturday February 29:

  • Indoor climbing at Vertical Dreams Climbing Gym, 250 Commercial Street. Vacation hours: Saturday & Sunday open at 11am, Monday-Friday open at 12pm. Waivers required for climbers under 18 must be signed by a parent/guardian. Waiver forms available online: VerticalDreams.com. Mention Winterfest to receive $5 off 1 beginner lesson at the Manchester or Nashua location. Hosted by Vertical Dreams Climbing Gym.

  • Family Movie Afternoon – Noon at Manchester City Library, 405 Pine Street, Auditorium. Families are welcome, free. Call 624-6550 ext. 3331. Hosted by Manchester City Library.

  • SNHU Women's Lacrosse Game – 12-2pm at SNHU Penmen Stadium. Watch SNHU Women's Lacrosse take on Dominican College. All ages, children under 15 should be accompanied by an adult, families welcome, free. More information: snhupenmen.com. Hosted by Southern New Hampshire University.

  • Public Ice Skating – 2-4pm at JFK Coliseum. Public skate at JFK Adults $5 and students and seniors are $3. Limited rental skates are available for $5. All ages. Hosted by Manchester Parks, Recreation, & Cemeteries.

  • Sleigh Rides at Charmingfare Farm, 774 High St, Candia. Use promo code: winterfest20 for 40% off Sleigh Ride Social tickets. Children under 23 months are free. All ages, families welcome. Purchase tickets online: VisitTheFarm.com/cff/sleigh-ride-social/. Hosted by Charmingfare Farm.

Sunday March 1:

  • Indoor climbing at Vertical Dreams Climbing Gym, 250 Commercial Street. Vacation hours: Saturday & Sunday open at 11am, Monday-Friday open at 12pm. Waivers required for climbers under 18 must be signed by a parent/guardian. Waiver forms available online: VerticalDreams.com. Mention Winterfest to receive $5 off 1 beginner lesson at the Manchester or Nashua location. Hosted by Vertical Dreams Climbing Gym.

  • Public Ice Skating – 2-4pm at JFK Coliseum. Public skate at JFK Adults $5 and students and seniors are $3. Limited rental skates are available for $5. All ages. Hosted by Manchester Parks, Recreation, & Cemeteries.