Get Ready for Adirondack Winter Carnival Season 2024
We are super-psyched for winter carnival season, a long-standing tradition in towns across the Adirondacks.
Winter view over Lake George.
As winter blankets the Adirondack region in a serene white landscape, our local communities come alive with joyous cold weather celebrations known as Winter Carnivals. These festive gatherings showcase the indomitable spirit of Adirondackers who have learned not only to brave but also to embrace winter’s often frigid temperatures and snow-covered landscapes.
Adirondack Winter Carnivals are a testament to the endurance of our communities in the face of the challenges presented by cold weather months. They transform the season into a canvas for a magical and lively display of celebrations, welcoming visitors from outside the Adirondack Park to share in the fun and adventure of the season.
Adirondack winter events are designed to keep everyone warm, excited and engaged.
Fireworks over Lake George during their annual winter carnival.
Each community hosting a winter carnival has its unique spin on appropriate events. Some of the activities you may experience include:
XC Ski and Snowshoe Racing
Outhouse Races — to be clear — there is no poop involved. Competitors build their creative interpretation of an outhouse and race it across frozen lakes or snow-covered fields
Polar Plunges
Vintage Snowmobiles
Fireworks
Ice Sculptures
Parades
Downhill Sled Derbys
Delicious Winter Foods — chili, chowder, wings and more
Human Foosball
Skillet/Frying Pan or Keg Tossing
For those seeking an adrenaline rush, Adirondack Winter Carnivals offer an array of thrill-chasing activities. Snowmobiling, ice fishing, and snowshoeing are just a few heart-pounding adventures awaiting attendees. These events allow visitors to experience the beauty of the Adirondacks in a unique way, providing an unforgettable combination of excitement and natural splendor.
An overview of the Adirondack towns hosting Winter Carnivals.
Below are currently available details on some of the most popular winter carnivals in the Adirondack Park. Schedules, agendas and events are still evolving for most of these events. And, of course, we need Mother Nature to cooperate. That’s why we’ve provided guidance on access to more information about each event, including links to find the latest news and information.
Long Lake’s Winter Carnival kicks off the season on the MLK Jr. Holiday Weekend. Key events include:
Live Ice Carving
Cardboard Sled Races
Men’s Caber Toss and Ladies’ Frying Pan Toss
Fireworks
All day sledding and ice skating
The Lake George Winter Carnival takes place over four weekends in February. Highlights include:
Outhouse racing on the lake
Parades
Fireworks
Polar plunges
Wings, Chili, Chowder, and BBQ cookoffs
The Snocade is set for President’s Week. Events include:
Guided snowshoe hikes
Cardboard sled and kayak races
Kitty Kat snowmobile races
Ice carving demonstrations
Food and drink specials at local restaurants
Horse-drawn wagon rides
Live music and fireworks
Unique events at Brant Lake’s (north west of Bolton Landing) hometown winter event include:
Broomball Tournament
Adirondack Curling
Human Foosball
Vintage Snowmobile Display and Parade
Hockey shoot-off
Fireworks
Fun is on the agenda in the Central Adirondacks at Raquette Lake’s Winter Carnival, including:
Games for the Lil’ ADKers like obstacle courses and sack races.
Ice Golf
Skating and sledding
Ladies Fry Pan Toss
Bonfires
Fireworks at Dusk
And don’t forget to register for the always fun and never boring Rough Raquette 5K snowshoe or one-mile fun run or walk.
Strong communities and hearty Adirondack cuisine.
At the heart of Adirondack Winter Carnivals is the strong sense of community. Residents and visitors alike come together to revel in the festivities, creating lasting memories and forging new friendships. Whether it's sharing a cup of hot cocoa by the fire or participating in a friendly snowball fight, the Winter Carnivals foster a sense of camaraderie that transcends the challenges of winter.
No winter celebration is complete without savoring delicious, hearty fare. Adirondack Winter Carnivals showcase local culinary delights, from steaming cups of cocoa to piping-hot stews and savory pies. The warmth of comfort food complements the chilly weather, providing a delightful contrast that adds to the overall festive atmosphere.
ADK Taste’s intrepid reporting staff is waiting for details from additional towns hosting winter festivals, so check back for more updates.
And, if you have any information to provide about other Winter Carnivals we may have missed, kindly email us at info@adktaste.com.