6 Reasons Why a Winter Stay at Fort William Henry Hotel Is Like No Other
With ice bars, the Winter Carnival, and a full lineup of seasonal events, Lake George comes alive when temperatures drop and snow begins to fall. A winter stay at Fort William Henry Hotel places you right in the heart of it all, close to the Village’s most popular cold-weather experiences.
Here are six reasons this classic Lake George hotel stands out during the winter season!
1) The Phenomenal Lake Views
One of the most celebrated features of Fort William Henry is its location overlooking Lake George. Guests frequently mention the scenery as a highlight of their stay:
- “The staff is very friendly, the food at the restaurant is delicious, and the whole experience is amazing, never mind the breathtaking view.”
- “The property is just beautiful, it provides stunning views.”
From quiet mornings with coffee to evenings spent dining lakeside, winter brings a peaceful beauty to the frozen lake and surrounding mountains.
2) Outdoor Smokeless Firepits
Enjoy the crisp winter air in comfort at Fort William Henry’s outdoor smokeless firepits. These private setups create a cozy gathering spot for friends and family, paired with sweeping views of Lake George and the Adirondacks.
Firepit rentals include:
- Six private firepits overlooking the lake and mountains
- Dedicated server service during Lakeside Restaurant & Lounge hours
- Traditional s’mores packages available
- Full service from setup to cleanup, including firewood replenishment
Firepits are available daily at 4pm, 6pm, and 8pm. The rental fee is $20 per person, plus tax and gratuity, for 1 hour and 45 minutes. Each firepit accommodates up to eight guests.
To reserve a firepit, call the hotel directly at 518-668-3081 or book online. Food and beverages may be ordered from the hotel’s restaurant based on availability.
3) On-Site Dining at the Lakeside Restaurant & Lounge
The Lakeside Restaurant & Lounge is one of the premier year-round restaurants in Lake George, and it offers:
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner service
- A cozy fireplace and lake views
- Seasonal and specialty cocktails
The breakfast menu features comforting favorites like eggs cooked any style, build-your-own omelets, pancakes, cinnamon swirl French toast, shakshuka, and focaccia eggs Benedict, along with lighter and gluten-free options.
Lunch brings familiar items including cheeseburgers, buffalo wings, Reuben sandwiches, paninis, farmhouse pizza, and classic spaghetti and meatballs.
Dinner offerings range from hanger steak with chimichurri to chicken marsala, ribeye steak, cedar-planked Atlantic salmon, duck confit cavatelli, braised beef short ribs, and rainbow trout.
The top-notch cocktail menu complements every meal with espresso martinis, black Manhattans, Lakeside margaritas, seasonal creations, and zero-proof selections.
With thoughtful menus, a warm lakeside setting, and service available from morning through evening, the Lakeside Restaurant & Lounge makes dining easy and enjoyable all winter long. It’s a place to start your day, unwind after time outdoors, and settle in for a relaxed evening without ever leaving the hotel.
4) The Fire & Ice Bar at Fort William Henry
The Fire & Ice Bar returns for the winter season with an expanded setup and an unforgettable atmosphere. This event transforms the Lakeside Restaurant & Lounge into a winter destination that blends warm indoor spaces with outdoor ice bar fun overlooking Lake George.
Guests can enjoy creative cocktails while moving between the warmth of the lounge and the chill of the ice bar outside. It has become one of Lake George’s most anticipated winter traditions.
2026 Fire & Ice Dates & Times
Weekend One:
- Friday, January 23, 4:00pm–10:00pm - Frank Murray
- Saturday, January 24, 1:00pm–10:00pm - Radio Junkies
- Sunday, January 25, 12:00pm–4:00pm
Weekend Two:
- Friday, January 30, 4:00pm–10:00pm - Fenimore Blues
- Saturday, January 31, 1:00pm–10:00pm - Jay Yager
- Sunday, February 1, 12:00pm–4:00pm
5) Fun Weekly Events at the Lakeside Restaurant & Lounge
In addition to daily happy hour from 4pm to 6pm, the Lakeside Restaurant & Lounge keeps winter evenings lively with a rotating schedule of events:
- Live at the Lakeside on Fridays from 6pm–9pm, featuring local musicians
- 518 Fridays with live music and drink specials available all night
- Local’s Night on Thursdays, offering Warren and Washington County residents 10% off food
- An Early Bird Menu with a three-course meal served daily from 4pm–6pm
These weekly events add energy and a welcoming feel throughout the season.
Bonus tip: Beyond the hotel grounds, the Lake George Winter Carnival brings festive fun to the Village every weekend in February. The Fort William Henry Museum sits right next door, and other seasonal Village events are always close by.
6) Winter Fun at the Fort William Henry Museum
The Fort William Henry Museum reopens for the winter season on December 27, 2025, offering a full schedule of historical programming just steps from the hotel.
2025-2026 Winter Museum Schedule
December 2025:
- December 27–30, 10:30am–4:00pm
January 2026:
- January 2–3, 10:30am–4:00pm
- January 17–18, 10:30am–4:00pm
- January 24–25, 10:30am–4:00pm
- January 31–February 1, 10:30am–4:00pm
February 2026:
Living History programs will be held on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30am–4:00pm.
Phantoms & Fireworks is scheduled for Saturdays from 5:30pm–8:00pm. Guests experience a guided tour through the haunted corners of Fort William Henry, followed by a fireworks display over the historic North Wall.
- January 31–February 1: Living History from 10:30am–4:00pm both days; Phantoms & Fireworks on Saturday, January 31 from 5:30pm–8:00pm
- February 7–8: Living History from 10:30am–4:00pm both days; Phantoms & Fireworks on Saturday, February 7 from 5:30pm–8:00pm
- February 14–15: Living History from 10:30am–4:00pm both days; Phantoms & Fireworks on Saturday, February 14 from 5:30pm–8:00pm
- February 21–22: Living History from 10:30am–4:00pm both days; Phantoms & Fireworks on Saturday, February 21 from 5:30pm–8:00pm
- February 28–March 1: Living History from 10:30am–4:00pm both days; Phantoms & Fireworks on Saturday, February 28 from 5:30pm–8:00pm
March 2026:
- March 7–8, 10:30am–4:00pm
- March 21, Battles & Beverages
It's Time to Book Your Winter Getaway at Fort William Henry Hotel
From lake views and smokeless firepits to on-site dining, live entertainment, seasonal events, and winter history, Fort William Henry offers everything needed for a memorable cold-weather escape.
Plan your winter getaway and book your stay at Fort William Henry. Be sure to check the hotel’s deals page throughout the season for updated lodging specials and winter offers!
A weekend escape or a longer winter stay both come together easily here, with Lake George’s best experiences right outside your door.
