Difference Between: Lake George Winter's Dream, Winter Realms, and Lake George Winter Carnival
A Quick Guide to Lake George's Top Winter Events
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The 2023-2024 winter season in Lake George, NY, is shaping up to be a truly memorable one for both residents and visitors to the area. This winter will feature not one, not two, but three amazing events: Lake George Winter's Dream, Winter Realms, and Lake George Winter Carnival.
To help you plan ahead, we've highlighted the differences between each event, and why you should add all three to your family's winter itinerary.
What Is Lake George Winter's Dream?
Lake George Winter's Dream is an all-new immersive experience where lights, music, sounds, and interactivity come together to showcase the magic of winter. It will be held at the Fort William Henry Historic Fortress in Lake George, specifically the outdoor courtyard and on all four bastions.
This extraordinary attraction is created by the award-winning multimedia studio Moment Factory, which has designed over 500 unique projects worldwide. Lake George Winter's Dream features a series of multimedia installations that draw on the rich emotions, sensations, and magic of the season.
It's a family-friendly event that you won't want to miss, and the exploration of Lake George Winter's Dream typically takes 40-60 minutes.
- When: Opened December 8, 2023 (check website for upcoming dates and time slots)
- Where: Fort William Henry Historic Fortress (outdoors), 48 Canada Street, Lake George, NY
- General Admission: Tickets start at $29pp; kids ages 3 and under are free - Includes Discount Passport
What Is Winter Realms?
Located at the Charles R. Wood Park Festival Commons in Lake George, Winter Realms is a new "wintertainment destination" that will enchant visitors with outdoor ice skating, larger-than-life motifs, dazzling lights, a sculpture park, igloos, Santa's Village, a Polar Ice Bar, and other winter attractions.
Winter Realms is being brought to Lake George by the creators of Ice Castles, and their goal is to create a winter wonderland where fairytale adventures can be discovered around every turn. Bring the whole family as you enter this otherworldly landscape and bask in the radiance of the Northern Lights.
- When: November 24, 2023 - February 25, 2024, 4PM-10PM, Thursday - Sunday + Holidays (12/14 - 1/1, 1/15, 2/19)
- Where: Charles R. Wood Park Festival Commons, 17 Elizabeth Little Boulevard, Lake George, NY
- General Admission: Pricing starts at $17 for adults (available at winterrealms.com)
- Ice Skating: Separate $9 fee, includes skates
What Is Lake George Winter Carnival?
For those who have never been, the Lake George Winter Carnival is an annual winter celebration that's held every weekend in February. Now entering its 62nd year in 2024, the Lake George Winter Carnival will feature a variety of activities and events on a frozen Lake George (weather/ice permitting) and throughout the Village.
Highlights of the Lake George Winter Carnival typically include games and contests, cook-offs, car races, outhouse races, children's activities, fireworks shows, and much more. Admission is free, so you'll definitely want to stop by during your visit to Lake George this season.
- When: Weekends in February 2024 (Saturdays and Sundays)
- Where: On the Lake and around Lake George Village and Shepard Park
- General Admission: Free
See what else is open during winter in the Lake George area >>