Attend the Lake George Winter Carnival for Cookoffs, Contests, Car Races & More
Weekends in February are Winter Carnival Time!
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 2023 Schedule: All Weekends | Weekend 1: Feb 4 & 5 | Weekend 2: Feb 11 & 12 | Weekend 3: Feb 18 & 19 | Weekend 4: Feb 25 & 26
What's New for 2023?
New this year:
- The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile will be joining the festivities for the first weekend.
- The Mac & Cheese Cook Off on the last weekend has been switched to a Chicken Wing Cook Off.
- The first two weekends will include a Do You Wanna Build a Cupcake contest from the Lake George Baking Company.
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. We will also update our schedule with the latest information as it comes in.
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, and Poker Runs.
https://lgwc.ticketleap.com/cookoff/
https://lgwc.ticketleap.com/mugs/
https://lgwc.ticketleap.com/polarplunge/
https://lgwc.ticketleap.com/outhouse/
https://lgwc.ticketleap.com/atvpoker/
Check out more insider tips to the Lake George Winter Carnival »
The 2023 Lake George Winter Carnival Schedule
All Weekends: Both Days
All Day
Bonfire on the Beach
12pm: Cornhole Games
Grab some friends and head out for a game or two of cornhole! Hosted by Blue Thirty-Two (518.685.3539.)
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.
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.
Horse-Drawn Carriage/Sleigh Rides With Time to Remember
On Canada Street. There is a free. Call Tina for info at 518.321.5539.
Weekend 1: February 4 & 5, 2023
Saturday, February 4
9am - 5pm: 518 Jeepin' Duck Hunt
Come join 518 Jeepin' for a Winter Duck Hunt! Participants will be given clues to places in Warren County. Hunt down your locations and find those ducks! There is a $500 grand prize, with multiple award categories and other amounts and prizes to be handed out, depending on number of participants and donations. Hunt starts at 9am and goes to 11am. Participants may participate in the parade (3:30pm lineup) at Tiki.
Register for $20: https://lgwc.ticketleap.com/518jeepin/dates/Feb-04-2023_at_0900AM
12pm: Opening Ceremonies
Join the LGWC to commence their 61st year! There will be a blessing and speech by local dignitaries. Held on the MacDonald Pier in Shepard Park.
12:30pm Until Gone: Chili Cook-off
The first cook off for the season and a fan favorite. Come try chili from various Lake George restaurants, then vote for your favorite to help crown the winner.. Held at the Shepard Park Amphitheater, there will be a fee. Purchase online in advance.
1pm: Outhouse Races in Battlefield Park
One of the continued, must-see events! $2,000 in prizes. Registration at 9:30am at the Lag
2pm to 4pm: MYO Snow Tie-Dyed LGWC Tee-Shirts
A family favorite, and such a unique experience using tie-dye and Lake George snow. There is a fee. While supplies and snow last! At the Souvenir Tent in Shepard Park.
4pm: LGWC Annual Parade
The annual parade that helps to kick off February weekend celebrations! This event continues to grow each year. Interested in taking part? Email LGWC411@gmail.com. Thank you to the Lake George Rotary Club for their help this year. The parade begins at Lake George Tiki, travels north on Canada Street, and ends at Amherst Street.
5:30pm Until Gone: S'mores in the Park
Come and enjoy ewy gooey s'mores while keeping warm by the fire! All are welcome. Free at the Shepard Park Amphitheater. Sponsored by Northern Living.
5:30pm Until Gone: Hot Chocolate Bar
Co-sponsored by Fort William Henry Hotel. This has become a LGWC must do. Not only do you get a LGWC souvenir mug, but you also get to put all your favorite toppings on your hot chocolate. There is a fee. There is a mug presale option online. Only a limited number of mugs will be available for sale the day of the event.
Purchase mug in advance: https://lgwc.ticketleap.com/mugs/
7pm: Fireworks by Santore
An amazing and beautiful event - there is nothing more spectacular than watching fireworks over the ice of the Queen of Lakes.
Sunday, February 5
12pm Until Gone: Sundae Funday & Karaoke/Open Mic
There is nothing better than ice cream with all your favorite toppings on a Sunday afternoon and best of all, it's free. Thank you Stewart's Shops! While there, grab the mic and sing your heart out. At the Shepard Park Amphitheater. Donations are appreciated.
1pm Until Gone: Lake George Baking Company's "Do You Wanna Build a Cupcake?"
Make a cupcake with the bakers and decorates from the Lake George Baking Company.
3:30pm: Woman's Skillet Toss Sponsored by Vera Bradley at the Lake George Outlets
Come join in the fun at the fourth annual Women's Skillet Toss! Who needs a keg when you have a iron skillet? Gift to win! All ages welcome! Sign up at the info booth at Shepard Park Beach by 3:15pm.
4pm: Warm Up Kegg Toss
Come and test your strength! Do you have what it takes to be crowned this weekend's winner? $50 gift certificate to winner. All ages welcome. Sponsored by Mario's Lake George Beach Club, Lagoon, and Blue Thirty-Two. Sign up at the info booth near Shepard Park Beach by 3:45pm.
Weekend 2: February 11 & 12, 2023
Saturday, February 11
9am: ATV Poker Run
The map for the Poker Run is released the day of the event. check in is from 9am to 12pm, with scoring at 3pm. Registration is $25.
11am to 4pm: Sanctioned Car Races on the Lake: CANCELLED (Ice is not safe)
Come to watch the cars on the ice and see who gets the checkered flag! Hosted by Lake George Lanes & Games. Note, this event is ice dependent. Please watch the LGWC Facebook page for cancellations or location changes. Get more info at icerace.com or from Dave Burnham at 518.875.6956 or racing48@nycap.rr.com.
12:30pm Until Gone: BBQ Cook Off
Come try what barbecue creations our Lake George restaurants have come up with and vote for your favorite! There is a fee. Purchase online ahead of time.
2pm to 4pm: MYO Snow Tie-Dyed LGWC Tee-Shirts
A family favorite, and such a unique experience using tie-dye and Lake George snow. There is a fee. While supplies and snow last! At the Souvenir Tent in Shepard Park.
5:30pm Until Gone: S'mores in the Park
Come and enjoy ewy gooey s'mores while keeping warm by the fire! All are welcome. Free at the Shepard Park Amphitheater. Sponsored by Northern Living.
5:30pm Until Gone: Hot Chocolate Bar
Co-sponsored by Fort William Henry Hotel. This has become a LGWC must do. Not only do you get a LGWC souvenir mug, but you also get to put all your favorite toppings on your hot chocolate. There is a fee. There is a mug presale option online. Only a limited number of mugs will be available for sale the day of the event.
Purchase mug in advance: https://lgwc.ticketleap.com/mugs/
7pm: Fireworks by Santore
An amazing and beautiful event - there is nothing more spectacular than watching fireworks over the ice of the Queen of Lakes.
Sunday, February 12
11am to 4pm: Sanctioned Car Races on the Lake: CANCELLED (Ice is not safe)
Come to watch the cars on the ice and see who gets the checkered flag! Hosted by Lake George Lanes & Games. Note, this event is ice dependent. Please watch the LGWC Facebook page for cancellations or location changes. Get more info at icerace.com or from Dave Burnham at 518.875.6956 or racing48@nycap.rr.com.
12pm Until Gone: Sundae Funday & Karaoke/Open Mic
There is nothing better than ice cream with all your favorite toppings on a Sunday afternoon and best of all, it's free. Thank you Stewart's Shops! While there, grab the mic and sing your heart out. At the Shepard Park Amphitheater. Donations are appreciated.
1pm Until Gone: Lake George Baking Company's "Do You Wanna Build a Cupcake?"
Make a cupcake with the bakers and decorates from the Lake George Baking Company.
3pm to 4pm: Do You Wanna Build a Snowman? Contest
A great event for the whole family when you can let your creativity roll. You're given a "snowman kit" and you have 30 minutes to build your snowman. Judging will take place and the winners will claim their prizes and be crowned the 2023 LGWC Best Snowman Builders! There is a fee and a limited number of kits available. This event is snow dependent. Sign up at the info booth at Shepard Park.
3:30pm: Woman's Skillet Toss Sponsored by Vera Bradley at the Lake George Outlets
Come join in the fun at the fourth annual Women's Skillet Toss! Who needs a keg when you have a iron skillet? Gift to win! All ages welcome! Sign up at the info booth at Shepard Park Beach by 3:15pm.
4pm: Warm Up Kegg Toss
Come and test your strength! Do you have what it takes to be crowned this weekend's winner? $50 gift certificate to winner. All ages welcome. Sponsored by Mario's Lake George Beach Club, Lagoon, and Blue Thirty-Two. Sign up at the info booth near Shepard Park Beach by 3:45pm.
Weekend 3: February 18 & 19, 2023
Saturday, February 18
12pm: NYS AMA Sanctioned Motorcycle & ATV Races
This event is ice dependent. Please watch the LGWC Facebook page for cancellations or location changes. For more info contact Tom Kuhn at 518.495.7908 or at electriccityriders.com.
12:30pm Until Gone: Soup & Chowder Cook Off
Enjoy amazing creations from Lake George restaurants! Sample and vote for your favorite. There is a fee, order online beforehand. At the Shepard Park Amphitheater.
1pm: Outhouse Races on the Ice
Held on the ice, when possible. $2,000 in prizes. Registration is at 9:30am at the Lagoon. Make sure to get and follow the specs.
2pm to 4pm: MYO Snow Tie-Dyed LGWC Tee-Shirts
A family favorite, and such a unique experience using tie-dye and Lake George snow. There is a fee. While supplies and snow last! At the Souvenir Tent in Shepard Park.
5:30pm Until Gone: S'mores in the Park
Come and enjoy ewy gooey s'mores while keeping warm by the fire! All are welcome. Free at the Shepard Park Amphitheater. Sponsored by Northern Living.
5:30pm Until Gone: Hot Chocolate Bar
Co-sponsored by Fort William Henry Hotel. This has become a LGWC must do. Not only do you get a LGWC souvenir mug, but you also get to put all your favorite toppings on your hot chocolate. There is a fee. There is a mug presale option online. Only a limited number of mugs will be available for sale the day of the event.
Purchase mug in advance: https://lgwc.ticketleap.com/mugs/
7pm: Fireworks by Santore
An amazing and beautiful event - there is nothing more spectacular than watching fireworks over the ice of the Queen of Lakes.
Sunday, February 19
12pm Until Gone: Sundae Funday & Karaoke/Open Mic
There is nothing better than ice cream with all your favorite toppings on a Sunday afternoon and best of all, it's free. Thank you Stewart's Shops! While there, grab the mic and sing your heart out. At the Shepard Park Amphitheater. Donations are appreciated.
12:30pm Glacier Golf Tournament
Bring your clubs and enjoy a 6-hole course set up on the ice in front of LGWC headquarters in Shepard Park. Teams of 2 or 4 compete for great prizes. Sign up at the Souvenir tent. Note, this event is ice dependent. For more info contact 518.744.1556.
3pm to 4pm: Do You Wanna Build a Snowman? Contest
A great event for the whole family when you can let your creativity roll. You're given a "snowman kit" and you have 30 minutes to build your snowman. Judging will take place and the winners will claim their prizes and be crowned the 2023 LGWC Best Snowman Builders! There is a fee and a limited number of kits available. This event is snow dependent. Sign up at the info booth at Shepard Park.
3:30pm: Woman's Skillet Toss Sponsored by Vera Bradley at the Lake George Outlets
Come join in the fun at the fourth annual Women's Skillet Toss! Who needs a keg when you have a iron skillet? Gift to win! All ages welcome! Sign up at the info booth at Shepard Park Beach by 3:15pm.
Weekend 4: February 25 & 26, 2023
Saturday, February 25
9am: ATV Poker Run
Registration location TBA.
12:30pm Until Gone: Chicken Wing Cook Off
Our local restaurants voted and have chosen wings for the last cook off of the season. You're not going to want to miss this one! At the Shepard Park Amphitheater. There is a fee. Purchase online ahead of time.
2pm to 4pm: MYO Snow Tie-Dyed LGWC Tee-Shirts
A family favorite, and such a unique experience using tie-dye and Lake George snow. There is a fee. While supplies and snow last! At the Souvenir Tent in Shepard Park.
2pm to 4pm: MYO Snow Tie-Dyed LGWC Tee-Shirts
A family favorite, and such a unique experience using tie-dye and Lake George snow. There is a fee. While supplies and snow last! At the Souvenir Tent in Shepard Park.
5:30pm Until Gone: S'mores in the Park
Come and enjoy ewy gooey s'mores while keeping warm by the fire! All are welcome. Free at the Shepard Park Amphitheater. Sponsored by Northern Living.
5:30pm Until Gone: Hot Chocolate Bar
Co-sponsored by Fort William Henry Hotel. This has become a LGWC must do. Not only do you get a LGWC souvenir mug, but you also get to put all your favorite toppings on your hot chocolate. There is a fee. There is a mug presale option online. Only a limited number of mugs will be available for sale the day of the event.
Purchase mug in advance: https://lgwc.ticketleap.com/mugs/
7pm: Fireworks by Santore
An amazing and beautiful event - there is nothing more spectacular than watching fireworks over the ice of the Queen of Lakes.
11am to 4pm: Sanctioned Car Races on the Lake
Come to watch the cars on the ice and see who gets the checkered flag! Hosted by Lake George Lanes & Games. Info at www.icerace.com, Dave Burnham at 518.875.6956, racing48@nycap.rr.com.
12pm to 4pm: 4x4 Races
Z-1 Racing brings full-sized 4x4s out on the ice for drags you will not want to miss! Hosted by Blue Thirty-Two.
12pm Until Gone: Sundae Funday & Karaoke/Open Mic
There is nothing better than ice creme with all your favorite toppings on a Sunday afternoon and best of all, it's free. Thank you Stewart's Shops! While there, grab the mic and sing your heart out. At the Shepard Park Amphitheater.
2pm: Sunday Warm-Up Keg Toss
Come and test your strength! Do you have what it takes to be crowned this weekend's winner? $50 gift certificate to the winner! All ages welcome. Sponsored by The Lagoon. Sign-ups at the Souvenir Tent at Shepard Park Beach by 1:45pm.
All events are weather and ice permitting, LGWC will not be held responsible for any cancelled events or races. The schedule is subject to changes. Please follow the Lake George Winter Carnival on Facebook to stay updated.
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.