Newton WinterFEST Returns For Second Year In 2023

NEWTON, MA — Newton’s WinterFEST celebration is back for a second year this weekend after its launch in 2022, organizers with Newton Community Pride recently announced.

The two-day event is scheduled for Jan. 28 and 29 at multiple locations around Newton, boasting a full slate of planned outdoor wintertime family-oriented events.

“We are delighted to bring WinterFEST back this season for a weekend of free and accessible family entertainment and exciting winter themed programming for all to enjoy," Newton Community Pride Executive Director Blair Lesser Sullivan said earlier this month.

Lesser Sullivan called last year’s WinterFEST “a great success.” A year later, he said, organizers have opted to bring the event back with expanded offerings.

Programming will kick off on Saturday, Jan. 28 at the Hyde Community Center at 90 Lincoln Street with a “Soup Social” running from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The event will feature donated soup from local restaurants alongside hot chocolate and cookies.

Live music from the Eli Cash Band will begin at 6:30 p.m. to run until 7:30 p.m. Guests can also enjoy glow-in-the-dark hula hooping, among other attractions.

Sunday programming will begin at 10 a.m. at Cold Spring Park in Newton, where WinterFEST organizers are planning a guided walk around the park. Attendees at the Cold Spring Park walk are asked to meet at the 1094 Beacon St. entrance to the field at 10 a.m.

The Cold Spring Park walk will wrap up around 11 a.m. in time for a series of events from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Newton Centre Green at 1121 Centre St. Attractions will include ice sculptures, a winter market and a packed schedule of live performances.

Costumed characters including Olaf from the movie "Frozen" will be present throughout WinterFEST events on Jan. 28 and Jan. 29.

Organizers are, likewise, planning to hold a winter blanket collection drive in partnership with Newton-based nonprofit Welcome Home. Newton Community Pride this month asked guests to bring new or gently used full, queen or king blankets to the Newton Center Green during festivities there on Sunday to donate them.

The Village Bank is the 2023 WinterFEST Presenting Sponsor.

See more information including a full event schedule here.