TABLE PICKS The 105th Annual Greenfield Winter Carnival, Greenfield, Massachusetts Feb 5-7, 2027

February in New England is a frosty time of year when spring still feels far off. Winter's length can wear on residents, but the Greenfield Winter Carnival encourages people to venture out for a weekend of fun, food and community camaraderie. The event began in 1922, when the region received much more snow. Its success made it an annual tradition. Years later, with or without snow, the carnival continues on. Today, the Greenfield Recreation Department organizes the carnival with support from sponsors and volunteers. "We're small but mighty," says Recreation Director Christy Moore, who oversees the Winter Carnival and other offerings the department manages for the city. &emsp;A wide variety of exciting activities are regular yearly features — watch professional ice carvers transform blocks of ice into artistic sculptures atop lighted bases downtown on Friday; when you get chilly, warm up by the fire barrels and make s'mores. Bands play, and light-strung vehicles galore participate in the parade of lights, followed by fireworks. You might like to don glow accessories for the glow-in-the-dark dance party. Enjoy sledding and horse-drawn sleigh or wagon rides, watch canine keg-pulling (with keg sizes appropriate to dogs — picture a chihuahua pulling a beer can), join a winter hike/snowshoe trek and vote for your favorites in cookie bake-off and chili cook-off competitions. You might find hidden yetis or try a yeti yell. &emsp;Cardboard sled races showcase creativity and ingenuity. Even without snow, contenders compete for prizes based on creativity and construction. Past entries have included a sliding banana and a traveling tissue box. &emsp;Indoor activities include crafts, a cribbage tournament, a winter farmers market, a virtual jigsaw puzzle competition and more throughout the weekend. "We try to have something for every age group," Moore notes. AND DON'T MISS… Feeding Tiny Tummies Indoor Winter Market: Dec. 5, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event raises funds to fight hunger. It's held at the Fieldhouse at Homestead Mills in Swanzey, NH and features crafters, artisans and fun kids' activities. Brattleboro, Vermont's 71st annual Winter Carnival • Mid-to-late February 2027 The 10-day event includes citywide activities, many similar to Greenfield's, along with some unique to Brattleboro. Keene's 24th Annual Ice and Snow Festival • Feb. 6, 2027 Join the fun in downtown Keene, with ice carvers and many winter-themed activities that invite people to brave the cold and gather for a fun day with family. Keene Ice Special! • January/February 2027 Keene Ice offers $4 skate rentals and affordable open skating hours January through February.