Winter has officially arrived in Ely
We got our first major snow last week with six or more inches of beautiful white powder covering the ground. Since then we have gotten another inch every few days to keep it white and bright. Ely went from a warm late fall to instant winter so fast it caught many of us by surprise. So now it is time to think holidays, special winter events, and outdoor recreation in a winter wonder land. The holiday lights are up on our home, the B&B and all over town lights are beginning to shine.
The Northern Lakes Arts Association (NLAA) is presenting the musical version of A Christmas Carol over the December weekends of the 12th through the 21st. We are all excited to see this all time holiday favorite in a new format. NLAA is also sponcering a great New Years Eve party at our Historic State Theatre with hor d' oevures, fancy cocktails and a concert featuring the Mesabi Symphony Orchestra. With guests in fancy dresses, suits not often worn, perhaps a tux or two and maybe, some flannal and mukluks, it is a not to miss party.
The Ely Winter Festival runs from February 5th through the 15th and is a perfect time to enjoy winter in Ely. The International Snow Carvers Symposium kicks off the festival with carving beginning February 5th and reaching completion the 8th. It is always amazing to see huge frozen blocks of snow turn into magical carvings---beautiful, fanciful, and ephemeral as they melt away by late March. Dog sled rides, snow shoeing to see pictographs in the Boundary Waters, visits to Sigurd Olson's Listening Point cabin and the Art Walk with local art in our downtown store windows are just some of the highlights of our Winter Festival. The level of creativity in our community is high and seeing so many artist's work displayed at one time is inspirational. And if you are inspired to create something yourself, our Folk School has many great classes to chose from with special offerings during the Winter Festival.
The Winter Festival is followed by the Wolf Track Classic Dog Sled races February 20th through 22nd. It is always exciting to see the dog teams and their handlers getting ready to race. And usually there are more than a few puppies to pet!
March brings the Ely Film Festival and the Dark Sky Festival. The Film Festival, March 11th through 15th, is five days of nonstop films at our Historic State Theatre. The films range from shorts to full length features all by up and coming independent film makers. Many sell out well before the opening so get your tickets early to be sure to see your choises. Google the 2026 Ely Film Festival to find out how and when to get tickets. The Dark Sky Festival is March 19th through the 22nd and celebrates the designation of Ely as a Dark Sky Sactuary. Many star gazing events are planned including snow shoe hikes into the Boundary Water to get views of stars and, if we are lucky, some Northern Lights.
So, winter months in Ely are anything but boring! Not only are there many events happening in town, the great outdoors offers unlimited opportunity to ski, snowshoe, winter camp and enjoy the quiet white world. And Raven's Wing B&B would love to host your visit!
