The IJsselhallen in Zwolle may currently resemble the beginning of a construction site, but that hasn’t stopped The Dutch Ice Sculpture Festival from bringing beauty to its visitors one last time. This year’s festival is even more significant and stunning than before, running from December 16, 2023, to February 25, 2024. Just like in previous years, visitors can enjoy the breathtaking beauty of clear ice and glistening snow. This year’s theme? Myths and legends! However, this year will also be about goodbye.

Artists from 16 countries around the world have gathered to make this final festival in the halls a memorable one. The 43 artists, also known as carvers, have crafted exquisite ice sculptures within the 1,200 m2 ice hall, using a staggering 700,000 kilos of snow and ice. Some sculptures reach impressive heights of 6 meters and take up to four days to create. The theme of Myths and Legends adds a magical touch, featuring narratives from various cultures, including Greek mythology, the mystique of the Chinese zodiac, and the age-old mystery of the Loch Ness monster. Throughout the festival, carvers diligently touch up the sculptures, ensuring their magical allure remains intact. Even if it’s just for one last time in the IJsselhallen.

Even though countless events have taken place in the same halls as The Dutch Ice Sculpture Festival, the IJsselhallen are to be demolished. Despite the planned demolition of the IJsselhallen in January, The Dutch Ice Sculpture Festival and the city have agreed to preserve one hall until the festival’s conclusion. This arrangement was possible because the hall earmarked for the festival will not undergo deconstruction until later. Following the festival, the IJsselhallen will make way for a new neighbourhood called the Nieuwe Veemarkt, contributing 750 new residences to the city.

“The circular demolition of the existing IJsselhallen is the first visible step for the New Veemarkt,’ explains councillor Gerdien Rots to Zwole.nl, the city’s official website.  “We have developed the plans for the New Veemarkt together with future residents, residents of the Kamperpoort, and other residents and entrepreneurs in Zwolle. After the demolition, in 2024, we will continue to prepare the ground for the construction of the houses. We are also preparing the change of destination through the municipal council.”

Bas, an ice sculpture enthusiast, expresses happiness about the new residents addressing the housing crisis but also voices concern about the future of The Dutch Ice Sculpture Festival. He hopes for its return but acknowledges it might take time. Other visitors share his sentiments, saddened by the uncertainty surrounding the festival’s future.

Fortunately, the organizers of The Dutch Ice Sculpture Festival and the city are actively seeking a solution. Roos Driessen, co-owner and organizer of the festival, assures, “The future of The Dutch Ice Sculpture Festival is still not certain. However, that does not mean that it will disappear.” She smiles as she continues, stating they’re unsure if a solution will be found next year, but the ice sculptures will undoubtedly make a return. “Although we had to say goodbye to the IJsselhallen, we’re happy that we could bring the beauty of this festival one last time.”