Snow Fun in the City
Now that the first snow of the season has fallen and the city is covered in a blanket of white, there’s a few ways that you can make the most of the change in weather and enjoy fun times ahead. From taking walks to sledding, there’s plenty to do in the city after the snow falls.
Take a Walk on the Waterways:
The city’s waterways can be a great place to enjoy a walk in the snow. The Lowell National Historical Park’s Waterways give you four distinct trails. Start with the Heritage Hike and explore the history and culture of the city’s storied “Acre” neighborhood. Then, walk the Redevelopment Rove where historic mill complexes and canalside spaces are now vibrant neighborhoods. Next, there’s the Waterpower Walk along which lock chambers, gatehouses, turbine pits and dams celebrate the innovations that changed modern industry. The longest trail, the Riverwalk Ramble, allows you to take a stroll along the Merrimack River and see the views from the Boott Cotton Mills to LeLacheur Park. Look at the park’s trail map for more information.
Enjoy Recreational Activities in the State Forest:
With over 1,000 acres to explore, the Lowell-Dracut-Tyngsboro State Forest is a splendid location to take a hike or do more outdoor recreational activities in the snow. Through 6 miles of trails, you can enjoy hiking as well as other activities such as trail running, snowmobiling, skiing and more. There’s plenty of sightseeing to do as well, with views of ponds and wetlands providing a scenic panorama of the regional woodland. Forest animals from beavers to deer can also make an appearance so the trail is also great for nature photography and can serve as inspiration for artists as well. To see the full possibilities, the trail map offers more information.
Go Sledding and Snowshoeing in Neighborhood Parks:
New snow brings fun activities that the whole family can enjoy and neighborhood parks are the perfect places for recreation. If you’re a fan of sledding or snow tubing, Shedd Park on Rogers Street and the Christian Hill Reservoir are locations to enjoy this fun activity with friends and family. With over 50 acres, Shedd Park offers plenty of space for such activities and can also serve as a source for other recreational fun such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
So, these pastimes can present new traditions to enjoy winter weather and help you discover other recreational opportunities in your local neighborhood parks.
Other Fun Activities:
Live performances are an entertaining way to enjoy the snow for those looking for other forms of recreation. Plus, the city’s social scene calls for a night filled with laughter, joy and company. So if you’re looking for humor, Mondo Monday returns to The Luna Theater on December 18th and The Hearing Room introduces their first ever Amateur Comedy Night on Friday, December 29th. For more entertainment, there’s also the Acoustic Bluegrass Jam this Friday, December 15th and the Great American Songbook on Sunday, December 17th at The Hearing Room where acoustic instruments and traditional jazz are featured.
Another Year - Another Reason to Celebrate!
From kids' activities to a Craft Beer lovers dream...Winterfest has you covered!
#Winterfest 2017
From kids' activities to a Craft Beer lovers dream...Winterfest has you covered!
On February 24-25 catch Lowell's annual Winterfest weekend in downtown Lowell, featuring everything from a carousel and free ice-skating to an all-you-can-eat chocolate festival.
Activities include a microbrew showcase, north bowl soup competition, games, activities, the family fun zone and outdoor amusements.
#OVERVIEW
Lowell Winterfest transforms JFK Plaza and Lucy Larcom Park in downtown Lowell into a magical, winterize park. A cold-weather proof festival, Winterfest includes a skating rink in the heart of downtown, lodge, winter market with local artisans and beer garden, heated tents, holiday trees, fire pits and plenty of cozy seating.
Winterfest is one of Lowell's must-experience winter attractions, offering family-friendly activities by day with amazing light shows, delicious food and drinks by night.
#NEW FOR 2017
New this year, the two sites will include more seating indoors and out, a viewing deck next to the skating rink, expanded food options from local eateries and artisans (think amazing hot chocolate, holiday treats and more), twinkling lights and pretty cool events.
Plus, the winter market and beer garden will offer the added bonus of outside firepits and seating will make a perfect base camp for an all-day hangout at Winterfest.
2017 special events will include the annual Soup Competition, Microbrew Showcase, a Glow Party, live entertainment and much more.
Main New Attractions:
#1 - JFK Ice Rink
The centerpiece of this year's Winterfest experience on JFK Plaza is the Ice Rink, a medium-sized ice skating rink. A new Lowell tradition, the Ice Rink is a family-friendly outdoor activity. On-site skate rentals available..
#2 - The Lodge
After a few laps on the Ice Rink, warm up inside The Lodge, an onsite restaurant within a heated tent, comfortable seating and refreshments from local restaurants.
Whether you're skating or just looking for a winter retreat, The Lodge is a place for a relaxing break with a menu of tasty bites. Warm up from the cold with a cup of coffee or grab something stronger. The bar at The Lodge features local craft beers, wine and spiked hot beverages.
While you take a break from the frosty weather enjoy a good book, oversized games and entertainment.
#3 - Magical Winter Beergarden
For the weekend of Winterfest parts of Lucy Larcom Park will be transformed into a magical winter beergarden featuring food, music and craft beers. Find the best Lowell based food trucks, craft brewers and wine merchants and enjoy local bands with the backdrop of illuminated canals.
ADMISSION
General admission to Lowell's Winterfest is
FREE. Admission to the JFK Ice Rink is free as are skate rentals. Convenient, safe parking is available close by.
Admission to special events as follows:
Soup Competition: $5 p.p. (12+ competitors) Tickets available day of only
Microbrew CraftBeer Showcase: $30 pre-sale / $35 day-of (no food included)
Glow Party: $5 p.p. (Cover only) Tickets available day of only