FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jack Frost Winterfest Returns in 2024
Where Winter Comes to Play
Charlottetown, December 6, 2023 – Brace yourselves for winter fun as Jack Frost Winterfest, presented by Island Coastal, returns to Charlottetown in 2024, promising not just one but two weekends of frosty fun. Embrace the magic of winter during the Family Day Long Weekend, from February 16-19, 2024, and extend the excitement with a bonus weekend from February 23-25, 2024. Jack Frost Winterfest isn’t just an event; it’s where winter comes to play and cherished family memories are made.
Over both weekends, the Nordic site at Mark Arendz Provincial Ski Park at Brookvale will transform into Snowtopia, Jack Frost Winterfest’s new outdoor activity zone presented by Dairy Farmers of PEI. It offers an array of activities from tube runs and snow painting to ice sculpting and live music. Guests can enjoy busker performances, an obstacle course, and the charm of horse-drawn sleigh rides. Dedicated warming zones and food and beverage options ensure everyone stays warm and energized. Guests who opt for a Jack Frost Winterfest VIP hotel package will enjoy complimentary transportation daily to the site.
Exclusive to the Family Day Weekend, February 16-19, the Delta Prince Edward by Marriott will be home to Frosty Funland, the hub of indoor entertainment. Offering an extensive range of family fun this spacious venue is tailored to accommodate the influx of visiting families during the Family Day Weekend. Escape the outdoors and bounce in inflatable castles, enjoy interactive games and carnival activities and delight in live children’s shows. Experience the enchantment of ‘Once Upon A Time,’ a brand-new musical production curated solely for Jack Frost Winterfest by Craig Fair Music Productions, featuring beloved melodies from cherished Disney tales and stories.
During the second weekend, from February 23-25, Port Charlottetown becomes the site of the Seaport Snow Globe, a cozy and intimate indoor activity space. This smaller play zone offers interactive games, carnival activities, and the Frosty Stage will host live children’s shows, and the enchanting ‘Once Upon a Time’ musical show.
Swift Kick, the renowned Taylor Swift Tribute Band, takes the Frosty Stage on Friday, February 16 at Frosty Funland and Friday, February 23 at Seaport Snow Globe. Secure your separate admission ticket for an unforgettable night with Swift Kick at Jack Frost Winterfest.
At the heart of the festival, the Warm & Glow Zone at Founders’ Food Hall & Market offers a charming outdoor skating rink, hosting DJ dance parties both Friday evenings. Delight as buskers entertain while cozy fire pits light up the nights. Inside, indulge in unique culinary delights. As night falls, don’t miss the enchanting Sleigh Bell Boulevard on Victoria Row, where each Saturday sparkles with fireworks at 7 p.m., accompanied by live music, buskers, and horse and wagon rides.
For those seeking a weekend getaway or staycation, don’t miss our exclusive VIP hotel package experience available at select Charlottetown hotels. The package includes four VIP passes for the weekend with early venue access to two ticketed venues, daily transportation to Snowtopia, complimentary breakfast, late check-out until 1 pm, a welcome bag for the kids, and a bedtime snack of milk and cookies. Choose from two or three-night packages starting at $488 plus taxes. Hotel packages are the only way to access VIP weekend passes to the festival.
Tickets are required for Snowtopia and Frosty Funland (Feb 17-19) and Snowtopia and Seaport Snowglobe (Feb 24-25). Swift Kick requires separate admission (Feb 16 and Feb 23). Activities at Founders Food Hall & Market and Victoria Row are complimentary and accessible to all. Individual one-day access tickets are available online at jackfrostfestival.com or in person at Kent Street Market at The Shops of Confederation Court Mall.
Stay tuned for more updates! The complete schedule, additional details, and tickets can be found at jackfrostfestival.com. For the latest news and announcements, follow us on social media @jackfrostpei.
Jack Frost Winterfest is a tourism industry-led project of Capital City Events, through the support of ACOA, Tourism PEI, the City of Charlottetown, Discover Charlottetown, Downtown Charlottetown Inc., Port Charlottetown, the Hotel Association of Prince Edward Island, and the Charlottetown Special Events Reserve Fund.
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Media Contact:
Jennifer Paynter, Director of Marketing
Jack Frost Winterfest
902.370.3997
Quotes:
Capital City Events
“With its extended duration across two weekends, we anticipate a substantial influx of local and off-island families to Charlottetown next February,” says John Cudmore, Chair of Capital City Events. This creates increased business opportunities for our hotel, retail, and dining sectors. Jack Frost promises to significantly contribute to Charlottetown’s economic vitality and the provincial winter tourism strategy.”
ACOA
“I’m thrilled that our government is supporting the return of this popular festival, inspiring us to celebrate the beauty of an Island winter while sparking economic opportunities for our growing year-round tourism sector,” says Sean Casey, Member of Parliament for Charlottetown, on behalf of the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). “I know families from around the Maritimes already have this marked on their calendar and we look forward to welcoming them soon.”
Province of PEI
“We are pleased to kick off one of the most family-friendly events of the year with Jack Frost Winterfest,” said Fisheries, Tourism, Sport and Culture Minister Cory Deagle. “This festival helps us reach our goal of establishing PEI as a four-season tourist destination while offering Islanders a fun winter staycation. We are also very excited to see activities this year at the Nordic site at Mark Arendz Provincial Ski Park at Brookvale. This location is the perfect host to expand on an already-stacked event. With music, food and lots of family fun, this is shaping up to be a time that can’t be missed.”
City of Charlottetown
“The City of Charlottetown is proud to once again partner on the much-anticipated return of the Jack Frost Winterfest” said Mayor Philip Brown. “The Festival brings an excitement and vibrancy to our capital city in the winter months and this year’s expansion over two weekends is excellent news for tourism operators, businesses, and the entire community.”