Winter Burn 2026: Winter Gardens

First, the Theme Description

The Playa has put on its winter costume. A soft dusting of snow settles in, and ice crystals wink and glitter like they’re fallen sequins. Into this frosty wonderland, Burners are gifted glass greenhouses—each one a blank immersive life-size terrarium waiting to come alive.

Together they grow into a village of lush, glowing huts, fogged windows and warm light spilling out. Step inside one and you might find yourself in a tropical daydream, leaves brushing your shoulders, steam floating up to the ceiling, the cold wind outside disappears. Step into another and—surprise!—the vents are open, snow drifts in, plants are wearing powdered-sugar hats and water on the floor becomes a shimmery icy pond.

No two huts are alike, because no two Burners are. Every greenhouse is an act of playful self-expression, lovingly built, shared, and tended by the community that surrounds it. And no one just passes through—everyone participates.

Each host offers a small gift to wandering visitors: perhaps a cup of coffee warm enough to thaw fingers, a cookie pressed into your hand, a snow cone that somehow makes sense because it is rainbow colored. Maybe there's a bar serving special drinks with a cozy lounge. These are invitations—to come in, to linger, to chat, to be present for a moment.

Stay a while. Warm up. Marvel. The stages, the Effigy, ice rink, art cars, and paths through the beauty of snow and ice will lure us back outside to explore, dance, and play. This village will melt away, leaving behind only footprints, memories, and a smile you didn’t expect.