Yes, you can see some at that time. I guess you may get around the Zhaolin Park. Some ice sculptures along the streets may be bulting. Most of them are under construction.

Thanks for your reply. I had my Chinese friend look up the actual website of the festival- it's only written in Chinese! But the official start date of 2008's festival is Dec 20, with opening ceremonies at 430 or 4 pm. They officially start making the snow sculptures at the end of November, so there will be lots to see!