Celebrating our 4th year

Fire & Ice

An Imbolc Celebration of Returning Light

A family-friendly formal evening of ritual, dancing, music, treats, and community.

Date
Snow date:
Time
6:30 – 9:30 PM
Location
Unitarian Universalist Church of Concord274 Pleasant Street, Concord
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$20 per adult. Under 18 free.

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Rows of lit white taper candles in crystal holders on the ritual table, beside a vase of small white flowers.

Our tradition

Four winters. One growing tradition.

  • Guests of all ages gather at the candle table as an older woman lights a taper and others reach in to light theirs.
  • Packed hall of dancing people of all ages in a space lit with fairy lights.

Our young family enjoyed an evening of dance, seasonal ambiance, and a modern reflection on Imbolc traditions.  For our 3 and 6 year old boys, it felt attending a family wedding dance reception. They were the stars of the dance floor with their friends!

Leah Powers

What happens if I come?

What is Fire & Ice?

Fire & Ice is a family formal with a winter twist — an evening of dressing up, dancing, music, seasonal ritual, and being together.

Now in its fourth year, Fire & Ice has become a growing winter tradition for the Concord community. Families and friends gather at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Concord to celebrate Imbolc, the ancient seasonal festival marking the midpoint of winter and the first signs of returning light.

You don't need to know anything about Imbolc to come. You don't need to belong to the church, follow a particular spiritual tradition, or participate in every part of the evening.

Come dressed up. Bring your family or friends. Dance, eat, talk, celebrate, or simply enjoy the warmth of the gathering.

It's a formal. It's a community celebration. It's a little bit magical.

And it's for everyone.

By attending this event, you're not only celebrating Imbolc, but also supporting us in our mission to bring connection, inspiration, and warmth in service to our community.

The story of Imbolc

The light is returning

Imbolc falls at the midpoint of winter, when the first signs of returning light appear.

  1. Winter is here

    At the midpoint of winter, halfway between the solstice and the spring equinox, the nights are still long and the cold runs deep.

  2. But winter is changing

    Imbolc marks the first stirrings of spring. The days are growing longer, and the first signs of returning light begin to appear.

  3. The light is returning

    Imbolc reminds us that even in the darkest of times, the flame of hope burns on.

  4. So we gather around the warmth

    The ECSG and Concord UU invite you to break through the icy starkness of winter and kindle the flames of togetherness in a night of connection, community, and celebration.

An evening of fun, fashion, and community

What awaits you...

  • Ritual

    A short Imbolc ritual, hosted by the Earth-Centered Spirituality Group, honors the changing of the seasons.

  • Dancing

    Dance the night away with friends of every age.

  • Music

    Help set the playlist. Song requests are only guaranteed to the first 20 ticket purchasers, so be sure to order your tickets quickly!

  • Appetizers & treats

    Delicious appetizers, festive treats and non-alcoholic drinks throughout the evening. No sit-down meal is provided.

  • Formal attire

    Feel fancy in your best formal attire, or an elegant, festive outfit inspired by fire and ice.

  • For the whole family

    A multigenerational gathering with no age restrictions. Guests under 18 attend free.

In their words

Why families come back

  • We had a really nice experience for the 2024 Imbolc, the community was so welcoming and we found ourselves wanting to live closer because of how welcoming everyone was. Looking forward to future gatherings!

    Photo of James HusseyJames Hussey

Plan your evening

Good to know

Details

Date
Snow date:
Time
6:30 – 9:30 PM
Location
Unitarian Universalist Church of Concord274 Pleasant StreetConcord, 03301
Tickets
$20 per adult. Under 18 free.

Ticket accommodations

Tickets are $20 per adult, and guests under 18 attend free. If cost is a barrier, accommodations can be made: contact the church office at office@concorduu.org.

Attire

Formal attire, or elegant and festive outfits that reflect the Fire & Ice theme.

Food

No sit-down meal will be provided. Delicious appetizers, festive treats and non-alcoholic drinks will be available throughout the evening.

Children

Everyone is welcome: there are no age restrictions, and guests under 18 attend free.

Music requests

Pick a song when you buy your ticket and help shape the night's playlist. Song requests are only guaranteed to the first 20 ticket purchasers, so be sure to order your tickets quickly!

Parking

Parking is available at the church.

Questions

Question & Answers

FAQs

Are there any age restrictions for attending the dance?

This is a family formal dance. There are no age restrictions and individuals under 18 are free.

What is the dress code for the event?

Attendees are encouraged to wear formal attire or elegant and festive outfits that reflect the Fire and Ice theme.

Will there be food and beverages available at the event?

Non-alcoholic beverages and appetizers will be available at the event. However, there will be no sit-down meal provided.

What activities and entertainment can attendees expect?

Attendees can expect an introduction recognizing sponsors, followed by a short Imbolc ritual hosted by the ECSG. The evening will include dancing, appetizers, and engaging conversations, with a possible photo booth for memorable snapshots.

Community

Why we gather

Fire & Ice is a fundraiser. By attending, you're not only celebrating Imbolc, but also supporting the ECSG and Concord UU in our mission to bring connection, inspiration, and warmth in service to our community.

The light is returning. Let's celebrate it together.

, 6:30 – 9:30 PM, Unitarian Universalist Church of Concord