Jerusalem hosted its first ever ice festival during March-April 2012, at the Old Train Station compound. This was extended until the month of May, due to popular demand. The Ice festival includes three core areas, namely, Ice sculpture exhibition, Ice-skating complex & Coffee shop restaurant.

The festival featured a spectacular array of Jerusalem’s unique biblical sites, amazing icons from the magical fairy tales, an attractive “ice bar” –all carved in ice, well lit-up & chilled to a freezing temperature of (-10 degrees Celsius).

The entrance was via an ice-carved version of the Jaffa Gate in Jaffa.  Inter-alia, ice carvings of camels, the Three Kings, shepards, sheep, David’s Citadel and Throne from the biblical stories were intricately designed and displayed.

Carvings of carousels, Noddy’s island, Cinderella’s Chariot, castle structures, windmills, delicate birds-perch carvings, animal kingdom and Tower of Eiffel were among the picturesque attractions.

The refreshing ‘Ice Bar’ & ice-carved dinning zones indeed caught the eyes of many visitors. Irrespective of age, all truly enjoyed the ice slides and ice skating zones at the festival site.

The ice exhibition was designed by a group of 35 Chinese sculptors, designers, lighting experts & builders. This was an initiative of the Ministry of Tourism- Israel, along with many other sponsors.

By Dhinesha R. Perera

Tel Aviv, Israel.