Icy fantasies: Carnival of ice art starts in Oberhausen

Icy fantasies: Carnival of ice art starts in Oberhausen

When the cold season approaches, things get really exciting in Oberhausen! On November 11, 2025, the large ice sculpture festival “Eiswelt Oberhausen – Carnival of Ice Art” opens its doors in the Westfield Centro. After 20 years, this impressive exhibition is back and promises to take visitors into a magical winter world. Until March 1, 2026, ice lovers big and small can admire the fascinating works of art that were created from around 400 tons of ice and snow on over 2,000 square meters.

With 35 internationally renowned artists, including world champions in ice carving, guests can expect a show of colorful masks, cheerful jesters and magnificent floats. The sculptures, which stand up to 6 meters high and weigh up to 8 tonnes, are brought to life using various techniques such as chainsaws, chisels and irons. The themes range from carnival to Christmas scenarios to atmospheric scenes that create a very special atmosphere.

Details about the exhibition

An on-site restaurant provides culinary refreshments during your visit. Opening hours are 10am to 6pm daily, with last entry 30 minutes before closing. The entry prices are family-friendly:

• Erwachsene: 17,50 €
• Ermäßigt: 16,50 €
• Kinder (4 bis 14 Jahre): 13,50 €
• Familienangebote: von 52,50 € bis 62,50 € (je nach Anzahl der Kinder)

The exhibition is barrier-free, stroller-friendly and even open to dogs on a leash, making it an ideal destination for the whole family. It is recommended that you plan around 60 to 90 minutes for the visit in order to enjoy the works of art in peace and to take photos - photography is expressly permitted!

Over 20 years of “Ice World”

The return of the “Ice World” to the Centro Oberhausen has finally excited fans of the frosty fantasy world. In 2024, the exhibition was hosted again for the first time in two decades - a real comeback! The Langenfelder Filmkreis also staged this event musically. Franz Hansmann accompanied his impressions with the cult song “Cold As Ice” by “Foreigner”, which perfectly captures the elegant coldness of ice art.

If you missed the exhibition, you can watch the film “Cold As Ice – Eiswelten Oberhausen” on NRWision on cable television. The broadcast dates are from Monday, October 27th, 2025 to Monday, November 3rd, 2025, so that everyone really gets the chance to immerse themselves in the magical world of ice sculptures.

Find out more about the Eiswelt Oberhausen before your visit and enjoy an unforgettable time with the whole family!