Stardew Valley Winter Survival Guide: Complete List of Crops, Fish, and Events
Master the winter season in Stardew Valley with our complete guide. Find all winter crops, rare fish, key festivals, and villager birthdays to optimize your farm.

Embracing the Chill in Pelican Town
As the vibrant colors of autumn fade and the first snowfall blankets the valley, Stardew Valley transforms into a serene, frozen landscape. While winter may seem like a period of dormancy, it is actually a critical time for strategic planning, resource gathering, and strengthening your bonds with the villagers. To ensure you make the most of these 28 chilly days, we have compiled a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about the winter season.
Winter Calendar: Festivals and Birthdays
Even when the temperature drops, the social life in Pelican Town remains active. Winter is home to some of the most magical events in the game, including the heartwarming Winter Star festival. Keeping track of birthdays is also essential for players looking to maximize their friendship levels with NPCs.
Key Winter Events
- Winter 8: Ice Festival - A day of celebration and frosty fun.
- Winter 12-13: Squid Festival - A quirky gathering dedicated to the ocean's most elusive cephalopods.
- Winter 15-17: Night Market - A rare opportunity to buy unique items and experience the seaside atmosphere.
- Winter 25: Feast of the Winter Star - The crowning jewel of the season, perfect for gift exchanges.
Villager Birthdays
Don't forget to bring a thoughtful gift to the following residents to earn a significant friendship boost:
- Winter 1: Krobus
- Winter 3: Linus
- Winter 7: Caroline
- Winter 10: Sebastian
- Winter 14: Harvey
- Winter 17: Wizard
- Winter 20: Evelyn
- Winter 23: Leah
- Winter 26: Clint
Winter Agriculture and Foraging
Standard farming takes a backseat in winter, as most seeds will perish in the frost. However, there are a few specialized options for those who refuse to let their hoes go idle.
Available Winter Crops
While the options are limited, certain seeds can still provide value:
| Crop | Source | Growth Time | Sale Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber Seeds | Crafted | 7 Days | 5g |
| Winter Wild Seeds | Traveling Cart / Crafted | 7 Days | 30g |
| Frost Melon | Winter Star Festival | 7 Days | 60g |
Winter Foraging Guide
Explore the map to find these rare winter collectibles. Probability varies by location:
- Crocus: Found commonly in Pelican Town (54%), Railroad (50%), and Bus Stop (42%).
- Crystal Fruit: Best found at the Railroad (50%) and Cindersap Forest (39%).
- Holly: Guaranteed in the Secret Woods (100%) and frequent in the Uncharted Forest (43%).
- Snow Root & Winter Root: These are obtained by tilling the soil throughout the valley.
Winter Fishing: The Big Catch
Fishing is one of the most lucrative activities during the winter. Many species only appear during this season, providing a great way to earn gold while the fields are frozen.
Notable Winter Fish
| Fish | Location | Time | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sturgeon | Mountain Lake | 6:00 AM - 7:00 PM | 200g - 400g |
| Tiger Trout | River (Town/Forest) | 6:00 AM - 7:00 PM | 150g - 300g |
| Glacier Fish | Cindersap Forest (South) | All Day (Fishing Lvl 7) | 1,000g - 2,000g |
| Squid | Ocean | 6:00 PM - 2:00 AM | 80g - 160g |
Other common winter catches include the Albacore, Halibut, Herring, and Red Snapper, all found primarily in the Ocean.