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Attend the Lake George Winter Carnival for Cookoffs, Contests, Car Races & More

Weekends in February are Winter Carnival Time!

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Lake George Village offers a month-long celebration of winter during this annual family-friendly festival. The Lake George Winter Carnival takes place each weekend throughout February. 

Relish the warmth of tasty samples during the chowder, chili, BBQ, and chicken wing cook-offs. Witness the always hilarious and fun outhouse races - a crowd pleasing favorite - as well as ATV races, polar plunges, fireworks, and more!

Kids can participate in children's activities, go for a pony ride, and sip hot chocolate. And that's just a sample; there's so much fun for everyone. View the complete list of events and activities below.

Jump to the schedule: All Weekends | Weekend 1| Weekend 2: | Weekend 3 | Weekend 4

crowd of people on ice on lake

What Happens If There's No Ice?

Although Lake George is usually frozen solid by February, there are some years when mild temperatures cause the ice to be unsafe for the Winter Carnival's normal activities. If ice-dependent events need to be canceled or relocated, that information will be announced on the Winter Carnival's Facebook page or website

There are plenty of activities that the ice does not effect! You can still enjoy:

  • Fireworks
  • Cookoffs
  • ATV Poker Run
  • Keg Toss
  • Skillet Toss
  • Hot Chocolate Bar
  • S'mores
  • Make Your Own Tie Dye Shirts
  • Cupcake Decorating
  • And more!

Where Should I Stay?

Planning a trip to Lake George during one of the four Winter Carnival weekends? There are plenty of places where you can stay overnight this time of year. From family-friendly hotels to cozy cabins, book your room and prepare for carnival fun!

Find Lake George lodging options that are open in winter »

What Else Should I Know Before I Go?

Pre-sale tickets are available and recommended for each Cook Off. There are also hot chocolate mugs available for purchase online, and you can register online ahead of time for the Polar Plunges & Outhouse Races. Other events will be added once they go live!

https://lgwc.ticketleap.com/2024polarplunge/

https://lgwc.ticketleap.com/2024outhouse/

Check out more insider tips to the Lake George Winter Carnival »

kid on pony ride in winter

The 2024 Lake George Winter Carnival Schedule

2024 All Weekends: Both Days

All Day
Bonfire on the Beach

12pm to 3pm: Children's Activities
A variety of arts and crafts and games to occupy the kiddos! At Shepard Park, and additional locations to be announced.

12pm to 3pm: Pony Rides
Located in Shepard Park. There is a fee.

12 PM: Horse-Drawn Carriage/Sleigh Rides With Time to RememberOn Canada Street. There is a fee. Call Tina for info at 518.321.5539.

2:30pm: LG Dog's Got Talent Contest
Something for all the furry friends! Enter your dog in this LGWC crowd favorite. Prizes for those that get the most APAWS. Hosted by the Dog Cabin.

3pm: Polar Plunge
The LGWC is challenging you to plunge into the frigid waters of Lake George! Think you can handle it? If so, make sure to register, and don't forget your camera and towel. Plunge and registration held at the Souvenir Tent in Shepard Park.

winter carnival fireworks over lake

Weekend 1: February 3 & 4

Saturday, February 3

9am: 2nd Annual Duck Hunt

9am: ATV Poker Run Hosted by Duffy's Tavern

10am: Storytime at Caldwell-Lake George Library

11 AM: Winter Art for All - LG Arts Project

12pm: Opening Ceremonies

1pm: Chili Cook-off

2pm: Outhouse Races Hosted by the Lagoon

2pm: Make Your Own Tie Dye Shirts

4pm: LGWC Annual Parade

5 PM: Apres Party at the Lighthouse Grill

5:30pm Until Gone: S'mores in the Park

5:30pm Until Gone: Hot Chocolate Bar

7pm: Fireworks Over the Lake With Santore

Sunday, February 4

10am: Sunday Paint & Sip with Michele

12pm Until Gone: Sundae Funday & Karaoke/Open Mic

1pm: Cupcake Decorating With Lake George Baking Company

3:30pm: Warm Up Kegg Toss

4pm: Woman's Skillet Toss Sponsored by Vera Bradley at the Lake George Outlets

keg toss competition

Weekend 2: February 9, 10 & 11

Friday, Febraury 9

10 PM: Comedy Show at The Lagoon with John Greir, Joe Currie, and Davin Rosenblatt

Saturday, February 10 (Sweethearts Weekend)

9am: ATV Poker Run Hosted by Duffy's Tavern

10am: Storytime at Caldwell-Lake George Library

11am: Ice Races - Cars (Ice Dependent)

11 AM: Winter Art for All - LG Arts Project

1pm: BBQ Cookoff Competition

2pm: Make Your Own Tie Dye Shirts

3:45pm: Do You Want to Build a Snowman? Contest (Snow Dependent)

5:30pm: Free Smore's

5:30pm: Souvenir Mugs & Hot Chocolate Topping Bar at the Park, Cosponsored by Fort William Henry Hotel

7pm: Fireworks Over the Lake With Santore

Sunday, February 11

11am: Ice Races - Cars (Ice Dependent)

12pm: Karaoke Sing-A-Long With LG Live

12pm: Sundae Funday Sponsored by Stewart's Shops

1pm: Cupcake Decorating With Lake George Baking Company

2pm: Pregame Sunday Paint & Sip With Michele

3:30pm: Keg Toss

4pm: Skillet Toss Sponsored by Adirondack Winery

horse drawn carriage on the road in the winter

Weekend 3: February 17 & 18

Saturday, February 17

9am: ATV Poker Run Hosted by Duffy's Tavern

10am: Storytime at Caldwell Lake George Library

12pm: Ice Races - Motorcycle & ATV (Ice Dependent)

1pm: Chowder Cookoff Competition

2pm: Make Your Own Tie Dye Shirts

2pm: Outhouse Races Hosted by The Lagoon

3:45pm: Do You Wanna Build a Snowman? Contest (Snow Dependent)

5:30pm: Free S'mores

5:30pm: Souvenir Mugs & Hot Chocolate Topping Bar at the Park Cosponsored by Fort William Henry Hotel

7pm: Fireworks Over the Lake With Santore

Sunday, February 18

10am: Sunday Paint & Sip With Michele

12pm: Ice Races - Motorcycle & ATV (Ice Dependent - cancelled)

12pm: Karaoke Singalong With LG Live

12pm: Sundae Funday Sponsored by Stewart's Shops

1pm: Cupcake Decorating With the Lake George Baking Company

3:30pm: Keg Toss

4pm: Skillet Toss Sponsored by Adirondack Winery

atvs lined up on the ice

Weekend 4: February 24 & 25

Saturday, February 24

9am: ATV Poker Run Hosted by Duffy's Tavern

10am: Storytime at Caldwell-Lake George Library

11am: Ice Races - Motorcycle/ATV (Ice Dependent - cancelled)

1pm: Wings Cookoff Competition

2pm: Make Your Own Tie Dye Shirts

3:45pm: Do You Wanna Build a Snowman? Contest (Snow Dependent)

5:30pm: Free S'mores 

5:30pm: Souvenir Mugs & Hot Chocolate Topping Bar at the Park Cosponsored by Fort William Henry Hotel

7pm: Fireworks Over the Lake With Santore

Sunday, February 25

10am: Sunday Paint & Sip With Michele

11am: Ice Races - Cars (Ice Dependent)

12pm: Karaoke Sing-a-Long With LG Live

12pm: Sundae Funday Sponsored by Stewart's Shops

12pm: Glacier Golf Tournament

1pm: Cupcake Decorating With Lake George Baking Company

3:30pm: Keg Toss

4pm: Skillet Toss Sponsored by Adirondack Winery

Coming in from out of town? See which lodging venues are open in 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.

« Back to the Winter Guide