Kiruna Snow Festival

Snow Sculpture Competition

Kiruna's International Snow Sculpture Competition is the festival's main attraction. Every year, snow sculptors from all over the world travel to Kiruna to compete in this highly prestigious and historic competition. Throughout the festival, you can watch the artists create amazing works of art from their snow cubes. The sculptures are located in front of Kiruna City Hall in the center and will be available to the public until they melt away in the spring.

JOIN THE COMPETITION
We invite you to participate in the 2027 edition of Kiruna's International Snow Sculpture Competition!

Highlights

During the Snow Festival, Kiruna is filled with play, creativity, and culture. The festival offers a mix of activities, experiences, and surprises, from sports and activities to art, music, and Sámi elements. Every year is unique, giving the winter a very special pulse.

For little snow adventurers

During the snow festival, the youngest visitors get the chance to go dog sledding, watch children's theater, enjoy music performances, try pony riding, dancing, games, and of course, our incredibly fun snow playground. Every year, a unique playground is built in collaboration with two of Sweden's leading snow playground creators. The theme of the playground varies from year to year, but it is always incredibly fun! The snow playground is completely free for all visitors.

Street Hockey

In the middle of the City Hall Square, the snow becomes the playing field when the Snow Festival invites children to play street hockey. Bring a helmet, a stick, and a happy mood, or borrow what is available on-site. Afterwards, hot juice and sausages await everyone who participated. The street hockey shows how strong the community spirit is in Kiruna, and every year, new competitive elements and fun experiences can appear on the square.

Culture in Winter Light

When the city center is filled with winter light and play, there is always room for creativity and culture. As a visitor, you can let your imagination run wild in various creative workshops, encounter heartwarming music and performing arts, experience local art and crafts, or simply be inspired by something unexpected. Every year, the festival offers a unique mix of cultural elements such as exhibitions, workshops, music, poetry, fire shows, or other surprises.

Sámi Elements

During the Kiruna Snow Festival, visitors can encounter parts of the Sámi culture, which is an integral part of our region. Sámi participants and entrepreneurs may take part in various forms, and the program can offer everything from reindeer in the city center and traditional taste experiences to fast-paced crowd favorites.

Snow Sculpture Competition

The International Snow Sculpture Competition is the festival's main attraction! Every year, snow sculptors from all over the world travel to Kiruna to compete in this highly prestigious and historic competition. Throughout the festival, you can watch the artists work on transforming a snow cube into a fantastic work of art right in the middle of the City Hall Square. The sculptures will be available to the public until they melt away in the spring.

Packed with Activities

Shake off the winter chill and enjoy all the winter joy that the Kiruna Snow Festival has to offer. Visitors can participate in a wide program of activities with a strong focus on family entertainment. Expect fast-paced events, creative activities, and experiences you won't find anywhere else. In previous years, you could try everything from helicopter tours and dog sledding to reindeer sledding, electric scooters, and snow golf.