Attend the Lake George Winter Carnival 2026 for Cookoffs, Contests, Car Races & More
Lake George Village transforms into a winter playground as this beloved, family-friendly festival returns for five action-packed weekends of food, fun, and frosty festivities—from February 7 through March 8, 2026. Now in its 63rd year, the Lake George Winter Carnival continues its tradition of bringing the community together with live entertainment, themed cook-offs, quirky contests, and ice (or snow) adventures.
NOTE: We're continuing to update this page as more details are announced! Scroll down for what's on the schedule so far.
Jump to the Schedule: Weekend 1| Weekend 2: | Weekend 3 | Weekend 4 | Weekend 5
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What to Know Before You Go
The Lake George Winter Carnival runs every weekend from February 7 to March 8, 2026. Most events are free or low-cost, family-friendly, and open to the public.
Many events take place in Shepard Park, right in the heart of Lake George Village, but some are held at other locations. Be sure to review the schedule ahead of time for details.
Some activities require advance registration or a ticket purchase. Check the official event schedule or individual event listings for ticketing information and deadlines. Availability may be limited, especially for popular competitions and indoor activities.
New This Year: The Carnival will feature a footpath running from Shepard Park to the Visitor's Center.
A Note on Locations: The Lake George Winter Carnival headquarters is located by the Visitor Center on the corner of Beach Road and Canada Street this season. The Polar Plunge, Dog's Got Talent, Skillet Toss, and Keg Toss take place on Shepard Park Beach. For all other activities and events, please refer to the Lake George Winter Carnival's schedule on their website for specific locations.
What Happens If There's No Ice?
Lake George may not fully freeze over each winter, but the carnival goes on regardless of ice conditions. A few activities, like outhouse races and motorcycle races, depend on safe ice. If the lake is not frozen, outhouse races are relocated to Lake George Battlefield State Park, while other ice-dependent events may be modified, moved, or canceled.
The Winter Carnival’s Facebook page and official website will post any schedule changes due to weather or ice conditions.
Check out more insider tips to the Lake George Winter Carnival »
The Lake George Winter Carnival Special Events to Know About
Georgie Awards (Winter Carnival Gala)
The annual Lake George Winter Carnival Gala takes place at the Queensbury Hotel on January 30th.
Duck Hunt
The 4th annual Duck Hunt is scheduled for February 7! This is a family-friendly scavenger hunt across Warren County for rubber ducks.
ATV Poker Run Registration
Hosted by Duffy's Tavern, ATVs and UTVs will travel around Lake George to collect poker chips at checkpoints. Participants can register online ahead of time for $25 ($26.50 when buying online). The ATV Poker Run takes place Saturday, February 7; Saturday, February 14; Saturday, February 21; Saturday, February 28; and Saturday, March 7, all at 10am.
Outhouse Races Registration
Outhouse races take place on the lake if it's frozen, and in Battlefield Park if not. There are five members per team, with a $50 registration fee per team (and a $2,000 prize pool!). Outhouses must be 4 feet by 4 feet by 6 feet tall, and you must race upright.
Outhouse races are taking place on Saturday, February 7, and Saturday, February 21.
Cook Offs
Tickets are on sale now for the Lake George Winter Carnival Cook Off Competitions!
- February 7: Chili Cook Off
- February 14: BBQ Cook Off
- February 21: Chowder Cook Off
- February 28: Chicken Wing Cook Off
- March 7: Mac & Cheese Cook Off
Sample delicious dishes from local chefs and restaurants. Vote to help crown the winners!
Souvenir Mug & Hot Chocolate Topping Bar
Note: Due to construction at Shepard Park this year, the Hot Chocolate Bar is held at the season headquarters next to the Visitor's Center on the corner of Beach Road.
Limited quantities are available for the collectible Lake George Winter Carnival souvenir mugs, that of course come with a delicious mug of hot chocolate with your choice of toppings.
Polar Plunge
The Polar Plunge takes place every day of the Winter Carnival for the first four weeks at Shepard Park, and then there is a special Beach Road plunge on the Saturday of the last weekend. There is no cost to participate, but you must register. Tee-shirts and hoodies are available for purchase. Pre-registration is available online or at the concession stand on the day of the event.
Paint & Sip Sundays With Michele
Paint & Sip Sundays With Michele take place at the Holiday Inn Resort on February 15 and 22, and March 1 and 8. All supplies and a drink are provided at $35, or $37.84 when purchasing online.
Glacier Golf
Glacier Golf takes place on February 15 (couples) and March 8 (groups). Teams of 2 to 4 players team up for some frozen fun on the lake, or at Battlefield Park if the lake isn't frozen over. Tickets online start at $11.55.
Pond Hockey Classic Tournament
New this year! The Pond Hockey Classic Tournament takes place on February 21. Teams of up to 5 will compete. It costs $26.50 to compete.
Lake George Winter Carnival Weekend 1: February 7 & 8, 2026
Saturday, February 7
LGWC Duck Hunt — 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
$30 per team. Family-friendly scavenger hunt across Warren County. Registration 10:00 am–12:00 pm at Courtyard Marriott; limited to 100 teams. Grand prize: $500 plus additional prizes.
New this year, this will be a 518 Jeepin Duck Parade at 4pm.
LGWC ATV/UTV Poker Run — 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Use your ATV or UTV to collect poker chips at checkpoints and compete for exciting prizes. Check in starts at Duffy's Tavern at 9am. Price to participate is $25 ($26.50 when buying online).
LGWC Outhouse Races — 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Teams of 5. $50 ($53.61 when buying online) per team entry, with $2,000 prize pool. Outhouses must meet specific build/weight/safety specs. If ice conditions prevent lake use, races move to Battlefield Park.
Dog's Got Talent Show — 2:30 pm - 3:00 pm (CANCELLED)
Bring your dog to compete for prizes awarded by local businesses - no special skills required.
Polar Plunge (Saturday & Sunday) — 3:00 pm
Takes place at Shepard Park. No registration cost; registrants must wear water-shoes, bring warm clothes/shoes.
Fireworks! — 7:00 pm
Additional activities take place throughout the day, such as kids coloring and crafts, indoor bounce houses, natural lead snowshoe hikes, horse and carriage rides, and more. Get more details on individual happenings at LakeGeorgeWinterCarnival.com.
Sunday, February 8
Sundae Funday With Stewarts Ice Cream — 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Enjoy make-your-own sundaes!
Dog's Got Talent Show — 2:30 pm - 3:00 pm (CANCELLED)
Bring your dog to compete for prizes awarded by local businesses - no special skills required.
Polar Plunge (Saturday & Sunday) — 3:00 pm
No registration cost; registrants must wear water-shoes, bring warm clothes/shoes.
Keg Toss — 3:15 pm - 3:45pm
How far can you throw a keg? Go big or go home!
Ladies Skillet Toss — 3:45 pm - 4:15 pm
Try your hand at this fun and friendly competition that puts your strength to the test.
Additional activities take place throughout the day, such as kids coloring and crafts, indoor bounce houses, natural lead snowshoe hikes, horse and carriage rides, and more. Get more details on individual happenings at LakeGeorgeWinterCarnival.com.
Lake George Winter Carnival Weekend 2: February 14 & 15, 2026
LGWC ATV/UTV Poker Run — 10:00 am
Use your ATV or UTV to collect poker chips at checkpoints and compete for exciting prizes. Check in starts at Duffy's Tavern at 9am. Price to participate is $25 ($26.50 when buying online).
Chili Cook-Off — 1:00 pm (first week only, 12:30pm start going forward)
Held at the Village Mall (1st floor). Voting closes at 3:00 pm. Tickets start at $16.81. Day-of tickets limited, sold at higher price.
BBQ Cook-Off — 12:30 pm - 2:30pm
Held at the Village Mall (1st floor). Voting closes at 3:00 pm. Tickets start at $16.81. Day-of tickets limited, sold at higher price.
Dog's Got Talent Show — 2:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Bring your dog to compete for prizes awarded by local businesses - no special skills required.
Polar Plunge (Saturday & Sunday) — 3:00 pm
No registration cost; registrants must wear water-shoes, bring warm clothes/shoes.
Fireworks! — 7:00 pm
Additional activities take place throughout the day, such as kids coloring and crafts, indoor bounce houses, natural lead snowshoe hikes, horse and carriage rides, and more. Get more details on individual happenings at LakeGeorgeWinterCarnival.com.
Sunday, February 15
Paint & Sip With Michele — 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Holiday Inn Resort, $35 per person, online tickets start at $37.84.
Silent Wings Raptor Show — 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Sundae Funday With Stewar's Ice Cream — 12:00 pm - 2:00pm
Located by the Visitor's Center.
Glacier Golf — 12:00 pm
On the ice unless unsafe, then at Battlefield Park. Couples on February 15, groups on March 8. Win prizes to local golf establishments and restaurants. Register online or at the souvenir tent the day of the event. Pricing starts at $11.55
Dog's Got Talent Show — 2:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Bring your dog to compete for prizes awarded by local businesses - no special skills required.
Polar Plunge (Saturday & Sunday) — 3:00 pm
No registration cost; registrants must wear water-shoes, bring warm clothes/shoes.
Keg Toss — 3:15 pm - 3:45pm
How far can you throw a keg? Go big or go home!
Ladies Skillet Toss — 3:45 pm - 4:15 pm
Try your hand at this fun and friendly competition that puts your strength to the test.
Special Monday Event: Nacho Average Paint & Sip + Raptor Show (Chesyca's Fundraiser).
Additional activities take place throughout the day, such as kids coloring and crafts, indoor bounce houses, natural lead snowshoe hikes, horse and carriage rides, and more. Get more details on individual happenings at LakeGeorgeWinterCarnival.com.
Lake George Winter Carnival Weekend 3: February 21 & 22, 2026
Saturday, February 21
LGWC ATV/UTV Poker Run — 10:00 am
Use your ATV or UTV to collect poker chips at checkpoints and compete for exciting prizes. Check in starts at Duffy's Tavern at 9am. Price to participate is $25 ($26.50 when buying online).
Car Ice Races — 10:00am - 4:00pm
Now happening at Lake Luzerne - come watch the car ice races for free!
Chowder Cook Off — 12:30 pm
Held at the Village Mall (1st floor). Voting closes at 3:00 pm. Tickets start at $16.81. Day-of tickets limited, sold at higher price.
LGWC Outhouse Races — 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Teams of 5. $50 ($53.61 when buying online) per team entry, with $2,000 prize pool. Outhouses must meet specific build/weight/safety specs. If ice conditions prevent lake use, races move to Battlefield Park.
Dog's Got Talent Show — 2:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Bring your dog to compete for prizes awarded by local businesses - no special skills required.
Pond Hockey Tournament — 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Teams of five will compete for the Georgie Cup and Team Trophy. Registration starts at $26.50.
Fireworks! — Time 7:00 pm
Additional activities take place throughout the day, such as kids coloring and crafts, indoor bounce houses, natural lead snowshoe hikes, horse and carriage rides, and more. Get more details on individual happenings at LakeGeorgeWinterCarnival.com.
Sunday, February 22
Paint & Sip With Michele — 10:00 am -12:00 pm
Holiday Inn Resort, $35 per person, online tickets start at $37.84.
Car Ice Races— 10:00am - 4:00pm
Now happening at Lake Luzerne - come watch the car ice races for free!
Dog's Got Talent Show — 2:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Bring your dog to compete for prizes awarded by local businesses - no special skills required.
Polar Plunge (Saturday & Sunday) — 3:00 pm
No registration cost; registrants must wear water-shoes, bring warm clothes/shoes.
Keg Toss — 3:15 pm - 3:45pm
How far can you throw a keg? Go big or go home!
Ladies Skillet Toss — 3:45 pm - 4:15 pm
Try your hand at this fun and friendly competition that puts your strength to the test.
Additional activities take place throughout the day, such as kids coloring and crafts, indoor bounce houses, natural lead snowshoe hikes, horse and carriage rides, and more. Get more details on individual happenings at LakeGeorgeWinterCarnival.com.
Lake George Winter Carnival Weekend 4: February 28 & March 1, 2026
Saturday, February 28
LGWC ATV/UTV Poker Run — 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Use your ATV or UTV to collect poker chips at checkpoints and compete for exciting prizes. Check in starts at Duffy's Tavern at 9am. Price to participate is $25 ($26.50 when buying online).
Chicken Wing Cook Off — 12:30 pm
Held at the Village Mall (1st floor). Voting closes at 3:00 pm. Tickets start at $16.81. Day-of tickets limited, sold at higher price.
Dog's Got Talent Show — 2:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Bring your dog to compete for prizes awarded by local businesses - no special skills required.
Lord of the Wings Hot Wing Eating Contest — 3:30 pm
Think you can handle the heat? New this year, the Lord of the Wings Hot Wing Eating Contest takes place at Shepard Park. The cost is $25 to participate ($26.50 when buying online).
Fireworks! — 7:00 pm
Additional activities take place throughout the day, such as kids coloring and crafts, indoor bounce houses, natural lead snowshoe hikes, horse and carriage rides, and more. Get more details on individual happenings at LakeGeorgeWinterCarnival.com.
Sunday, March 1
Paint & Sip With Michele — 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Holiday Inn Resort, $35 per person, online tickets start at $37.84.
Dog's Got Talent Show — 2:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Bring your dog to compete for prizes awarded by local businesses - no special skills required.
Polar Plunge (Saturday & Sunday) — 3:00 pm
No registration cost; registrants must wear water-shoes, bring warm clothes/shoes.
Keg Toss — 3:15 pm - 3:45pm
How far can you throw a keg? Go big or go home!
Ladies Skillet Toss — 3:45 pm - 4:15 pm
Try your hand at this fun and friendly competition that puts your strength to the test.
Additional activities take place throughout the day, such as kids coloring and crafts, indoor bounce houses, natural lead snowshoe hikes, horse and carriage rides, and more. Get more details on individual happenings at LakeGeorgeWinterCarnival.com.
Lake George Winter Carnival Weekend 5: March 7 & 8, 2026
Saturday, March 7
LGWC ATV/UTV Poker Run — 10:00 am
Use your ATV or UTV to collect poker chips at checkpoints and compete for exciting prizes. Check in starts at Duffy's Tavern at 9am. Price to participate is $25 ($26.50 when buying online).
Mac & Cheese Cook Off — 12:30 pm
Held at the Village Mall (1st floor). Voting closes at 3:00 pm. Tickets start at $16.81. Day-of tickets limited, sold at higher price.
2nd Annual Chillin' & Choppin' at the Lake — Professional Competition – 11:00 am-5:00 pm
Athlete Demonstration the day before - Friday, March 6, 6pm to 7pm.
Presented by Lake George Winter Carnival, Warren County Tourism, and Dark Horse Lumberjack Shows.
Polar Plunge (Saturday only, special Beach Road plunge) — 3:00 pm
No registration cost; registrants must wear water-shoes, bring warm clothes/shoes.
Fireworks! — 7:00 pm
Additional activities take place throughout the day, such as kids coloring and crafts, indoor bounce houses, natural lead snowshoe hikes, horse and carriage rides, and more. Get more details on individual happenings at LakeGeorgeWinterCarnival.com.
Sunday, March 8
Chesyca's Vision Lumberjack Breakfast — 7:30 am - 10:30 am
Start the day with a hearty breakfast for a great cause with the Chesyca's Vision Lumberjack Breakfast! Proceeds benefit Chesyca's Vision, an organization dedicated to assisting youth facing financial barriers to participate in sports and extracurriculars.
2nd Annual Chillin' & Choppin' at the Lake — Rookie Competition – 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Presented by Lake George Winter Carnival, Warren County Tourism, and Dark Horse Lumberjack Shows.
Paint & Sip With Michele — 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Holiday Inn Resort, $35 per person, online tickets start at $37.84.
Additional activities take place throughout the day, such as kids coloring and crafts, indoor bounce houses, natural lead snowshoe hikes, horse and carriage rides, and more. Get more details on individual happenings at LakeGeorgeWinterCarnival.com.
Coming in from out of town? See lodging options for winter »
Watch our Winter Carnival video below!
Video Transcript
The village of Lake George offers a month long celebration of winter during the Lake George Winter Carnival, an annual family friendly event. The Winter Carnival is held each weekend throughout February. The same lake enjoyed for its many summer activities and views becomes the playground for a whole new season.
With the lake safely frozen over, people flock to the Winter Carnival to participate and watch a number of activities held on the ice and around the lake. The crisp winter air provides a lively sensation adding to the excitement. Snowmobiles and ATVs become the norm for traversing the lake. Many traditional activities are held both days every weekend, but each weekend includes new events and thrills. Many of the village restaurants and pubs are open providing a great view as well as a place to warm up.
The Lake George Winter Carnival, another part of your lakegeorge.com experience.
