The Geneva Business Improvement District is encouraging the community to celebrate the season together with its first-ever Winterfest.
The BID announced that Geneva Winterfest will be a two-week celebration, running from February 6-22, transforming the city’s downtown into a “vibrant winter community.” There will be ice sculptures, a winter art walk, public programming, live performances, restaurant weeks, and more, the BID announced. It will culminate in a new city event, the Winterfest Carnival on February 21.
“This festival represents a new chapter for Geneva,” said Jim Cecere, Chair of Winterfest 2026. “February has traditionally been a slow, quiet month for our community—but with Winterfest, we’re shining a light on everything that makes Geneva special. We’re bringing businesses together, creating new opportunities for residents, and welcoming visitors to experience the creativity, culture, and spirit of our city. Winterfest is about more than events—it’s about strengthening Geneva for years to come.”
To help with the event, businesses are encouraged to sponsor an ice sculpture, extend business hours during the carnival, register for restaurant week, host special events, and decorate their storefronts with the “Winter Animals” theme.
“This is exactly the kind of collaboration and energy that makes Geneva special,” said Sydney Schumacher, Executive Director of the Geneva BID. “Our businesses have asked for more coordinated, impactful events—and Winterfest delivers. In what is typically our quietest time of year, with Restaurant Weeks, glowing ice sculptures, kids’ activities, live experiences, and a full-day celebration, we are creating something truly magical for residents, students, and visitors. We want to fill each day of those two weeks with something fun to do. We’re thrilled to see Geneva come alive this winter, and we really hope everyone will come join us.”
Updates and a full calendar of events will be posted on the BID’s website. For more information or to register as a participating business, contact the BID at [email protected] or 315-789-0102.
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