February in New England: Top Events and Travel Deals
Make the most of February in New England with Yankee’s guide to February events, deals, and new things to do during the shortest, sweetest month.
By Kim Knox Beckius|Feb 02 2026|
Boston's celebrating winter in new ways this February.
Photo Credit: LeiseIt’s February. The Patriots are playing in the Super Bowl once more (on February 8). And New England is not only the team to beat but also the place to hit pause and savor this season of comforting food, cuddly clothes, and celebrations of love. Before February’s mere 28 days evaporate before our eyes, make conscious plans to carve out time for meaningful connections and experiences.
There are romantic inns aplenty in New England where you’ll adore snuggling up (if I had to pick one, I’m sending you to The Norumbega). But don’t book a stay just because Valentine’s Day is this month. Do it because after Taylor and Travis tie the knot in Rhode Island this June, any romantic gesture you dream up may somehow seem inadequate.
The Winter Olympics in Italy open on February 6, and your couch isn’t the only place to appreciate the marvel of ice and snow sports. Our guide to Olympic-level fun in New England will have you spectating at events like the longest-running Alpine ski race in North America (February 8), trying your hand at curling, or skating where Olympians train.
Let’s polar plunge into all of my recommendations for February fun, from weekend festivals and events to a thrilling new Ferris wheel, plus the best deals for frugal winter travelers.
New This February in New England | 2026
Photo Credit: MeetBoston
The Frostival Lodge and Ferris Wheel | Boston, MA
Boston’s inaugural Frostival kicks winter entertainment up a notch in February with the addition of two new activations: the Frostival Lodge at Copley Square, opening February 6, and the Frostival Ferris Wheel on the Greenway, opening on February 4. At 76 feet high, the gondola-style ride will offer panoramic views of snow-painted Boston scenes. Tickets can be purchased for $4 at the Greenway Carousel ticket booth. Free rides on the carousel will be available Thursday, February 19, from noon until 8 p.m., and free Ferris wheel rides are available on Friday, February 20, from noon until 9 p.m.
Weekend of February 7-8, 2026
Photo Credit: New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill
Elevated at New England Botanic Garden | Boylston, MA
It’s opening weekend for the annual orchid show at New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, and this breath of spring is sorely needed in the midst of ongoing frigid temps. This year’s show, Elevated, marries more than 2,000 orchids in bloom with Boston artist Cicely Carew‘s “flying paintings.” The installation inside the attraction’s conservatories runs through March 22 and is included with general admission during daytime hours. Make reservations to attend a 21-and-up Orchids After Dark event featuring live music and food and drink available for purchase on Friday or Saturday evenings starting February 13.
Jumpfest | Salisbury, CT
Celebrating its centennial this year, the annual Jumpfest at Satre Hill in Salisbury is your chance to see future Olympians fly. In addition to the weekend’s ski jumping competitions on Saturday and Sunday (spectator tickets can be purchased online), the weekend kicks off on Friday, February 6, with a free community night where you’ll see two spectacles: fireworks and the human dog sled race.
Keene Ice & Snow Festival | Keene, NH
The pretty little city of Keene becomes an outdoor gallery of elaborately carved ice sculptures on Saturday, February 7, and you’ll be able to see the professional artists’ creations through the weekend if the weather stays cold. The Keene Ice & Snow Festival is complemented by a Winter Village Market on Main spotlighting local makers.
Fire & Ice Festival | Putnam, CT
On Saturday, February 7, the largest single-block ice carving competition in New England brings heated rivalry (not that Heated Rivalry) and free frosty fun to the eastern Connecticut town of Putnam. From noon until 8 p.m., the 15th annual Fire & Ice Festival also features a giant heart-shaped bonfire, fire dancers, character appearances, ice luges for the adults, and a 30-foot inflatable igloo. It’s an Instagrammer’s winter paradise.
Weekend of February 14-15, 2026 – Valentine’s Day Weekend
Valentine’s Day Gourmet Fondue Snowshoe Tour | Stowe, VT
How lovely it will be to bundle up with your sweetie for a snowshoe trek through the snowy Vermont woods. After 90 minutes outdoors, the Valentine’s Day Gourmet Fondue Snowshoe Tour on Saturday evening, February 14, delivers on its promise to nourish you with melty, warm Cabot cheese fondue and Lake Champlain Chocolates dessert fondue, served at AWOL Stowe. Reserve your spots in advance by calling 802-253-2317.
Valentine’s Concert at Pelham House Resort | Dennis, MA
The sea-level ballroom at Cape Cod’s Pelham House Resort will be filled with candlelight and the sounds of strings when the Beacon Street Quartet performs a Valentine’s Concert on Saturday, February 14, at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online.
Annual Ice Harvest | South Bristol, ME
One of the most memorable winter things I’ve ever done is help with the Thompson Pond ice harvest using old-school tools. This isn’t a privilege reserved for travel editors. You can pitch in on Sunday, February 15, when the community comes together to fill the Thompson Ice House with massive blocks of frozen water, just as they have for some 200 years. There’s no charge to participate in the Annual Ice Harvest, but bring along some cold cash to buy yourself some hot chocolate and food.
Weekend of February 21-22, 2026
Photo Credit: Lara Beckius
Connecticut Flower & Garden Show | Hartford, CT
Spring arrives early as 300 exhibitors fill the Connecticut Convention Center with elaborate landscape displays and garden products for sale during the 39th annual Connecticut Flower & Garden Show, which runs February 19-22. Expert speakers like entomologist and conservationist Doug Tallamy, co-founder of Homegrown National Park, and Nancy DuBrule-Clemente, organic gardener and founder of NatureWorks, will provide 80 hours of learning for attendees. Don’t miss New England’s only major flower show and floral competition of the season.
Skijor Skowhegan | Skowhegan, ME
How often do you get to see horse-drawn skiers? Skijor Skowhegan on Saturday, February 21, is the culminating event of the eight-day Somerset SnowFest, which also features a downhill kayak race, the Ice Hole World Championships, and everything you’d expect from a Maine winter festival, from participatory winter sports to a yeti hunt. Be sure to check out the indoor Biergarten, the latest venture from Maine Grains, while you’re in town.
Newport Winter Festival | Newport, RI
The final weekend of the 38th annual Newport Winter Festival, which runs from February 13-22 in Rhode Island’s city by the sea, features a plethora of events including the Mac & Cheese Smackdown at the Newport Marriott. With 13 restaurants competing, you’ll practically bleed cheese by the time you finish sampling and voting for your favorite. This is a ticketed event, as are many of the festival’s activities, so plan ahead.
Weekend of February 28-March 1, 2026
Hotel Vermont Ice Bar | Burlington, VT
It’s time to trade your snow boots for cowboy boots! Hotel Vermont’s iconic Ice Bar returns for its 14th year, and the event is bringing the yeehaw to Burlington with a western-themed “Hoedown on the Harbor” and frosty cocktails made with local spirits. The fun kicks off Friday night, February 27, and continues Saturday evening. Secure your tickets, or book an Ice Bar Overnight Package.
New England Winter Blues Festival | Salisbury, MA
On Saturday, February 28, top blues talents converge at Salisbury’s Blue Ocean Music Hall for a night of memorable performances. It’s the 16th year for the New England Winter Blues Festival, and if you’ve had enough of winter, this just might be your $35 cure ($38 at the door).
February’s Best Travel Deals in New England
L.L.Bean Winter in New England Ski Deals | ME, MA, and VT
Don’t let lift-ticket prices keep you off the slopes this winter. L.L.Bean is partnering with some of New England’s small but mighty mountains to offer skiing deals all winter long. Check out Winter in New England deals starting as low as $19.60 to ski Maine’s Mt. Abram on Thursdays.
Winter Wonder Days at Roger Williams Park Zoo | Providence, RI
During Winter Wonder Days through February 28, enjoy half-price admission to New England’s oldest zoo. You’ll see the discount once you add tickets to your online shopping cart.
Photo Credit: Inn at Hastings Park
Revolutionary Romance Package | Lexington, MA
The Inn at Hastings Park makes it easy to plan a romantic escape throughout the month of February with their Revolutionary Romance Package. Priced from $445 for two, the getaway includes overnight accommodations with an upgrade to the best available room at time of check-in, a $100 dining credit at the inn’s Town Meeting Bistro, a bottle of Taittinger Champagne, and house-made chocolate-covered strawberries.
Free Buddy Axolotl from Vermont Teddy Bear
OK, this isn’t a travel deal, but it’s a super-cute one! Send love from New England, and with your Vermont Teddy Bear order of $25 or more, your recipient will receive an adorable free Buddy Axolotl. No coupon is required: Just place your order by February 12. And remember … your recipient can be sweet YOU!
Yankee Out and About in February and March
Shaping New England’s Future | Mashantucket, CT
I’m excited to be speaking on a panel at Shaping New England’s Future: Travel, Tourism & Hospitality on Friday, February 20. This free-to-attend event at Foxwoods is an off-the-charts opportunity to network with travel professionals and to hear what’s trending in our industry. Brought to life by Rebellion Group, this gathering is bound to inspire and energize you—hope to see you there!
Providence Culinary Collective | Providence, RI
Save the dates now for Providence Culinary Collective, a three-day celebration of food and wine in one of my favorite foodie cities. From March 26-29, you’ll be able to savor a variety of culinary experiences, and we’ll share details soon about a special Yankee x Johnson & Wales University collaboration.
