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Plan Ahead for the Ultimate Lake George Winter Getaway

See Why You'll Want to Secure Reservations Now

The winter season books up fast in Lake George! It’s imperative to plan ahead if you want to experience all that the area has to offer during this season. Below, we've broken down the various events and activities you should check out during your ultimate Lake George winter getaway.

winter scene on Lake George

The Newest Attraction: Lake George Winter's Dream

This year, the community is welcoming a brand-new attraction, Lake George Winter's Dream. Located at the Fort William Henry Historic Fortress, Lake George Winter's Dream will feature a series of immersive, multimedia installations where lights, sounds, music, and interactivity come together.

two people in a light show

Secure your tickets on the Lake George Winter's Dream website!

Winter Realms: Ice Castles Reimagined

collage with fire pit, entrance to winter realms, and ice sculptures

Winter Realms is the newly reimagined Ice Castles event returning to Lake George this winter. This exciting attraction transforms Charles R. Wood Park into a stunning winter wonderland. With sculptures, charming igloos, a magnificent ice skating rink, enchanting light displays, and more.

Tickets are available now on the Winter Realms website, and the attraction is open through February 25, 2024.

Lite Up the Village: A Joyful Tradition

lit up holiday tree displays

Lake George Village will host Lite Up the Village on November 24-25, 2023. Shepard Park will be illuminated with thousands of lights to celebrate the season, families can enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, and there will be refreshments. Best of all, the lights stay up throughout the season.

The Lake George Winter Carnival: 62 Years of Snowtastic Fun

winter carnival scene on frozen lake

The Lake George Winter Carnival will be in its 62nd year in 2024! The schedule is still to be announced, but this epic event runs every weekend in February.

Festivities typically include wood carving demonstrations, kids activities, pony rides, horse-drawn carriage rides, a chili cook-off, outhouse races, youth hockey, sanctioned car races on the ice, a snowman contest, ice diving demonstrations, and s’mores and hot chocolate on the beach.

Gain Some Vertical By Skiing and/or Tubing

For a fantastic winter family adventure just a stone's throw away from Lake George, West Mountain Ski Area is the ultimate destination. Conveniently situated between Lake George and Saratoga Springs, this ski area offers a host of activities suitable for all ages.

Whether you're a seasoned skier or a first-time snowboarder, West Mountain has you covered with day and night skiing, snowboarding, and even learn-to-ski lessons. Additionally, the Snow Tubing Park, featuring both upper and lower lanes accessible by a moving magic carpet ride, provides an extra dose of excitement.

Go on a Snowshoeing Adventure

Snowshoeing is both a great way to get outside and fulfill your sense of adventure, making it the perfect Lake George winter activity! Just 30 minutes from Lake George Village, Natural Stone Bridge and Caves Park is a natural wonder that boasts the largest marble cave entrance in the East.

In the winter, when the snow blankets the landscape, the park transforms into a winter wonderland with over 14 miles of snowshoe trails. These trails offer stunning views of the massive stone bridge cave entrance, glacial erratic boulders, serene ledges, and picturesque waterfalls. It's an excellent opportunity to embark on snowshoe tours and experience the beauty of this unique geological site from a whole new perspective.

Relax After a Long Day at an Ice Bar

People in winter clothes outside of an ice bar

After a full day of embracing the various winter activities in and around Lake George, adults often seek the ideal spot to unwind with a drink. Fortunately, Lake George offers a great variety of ice bars each year. These ice bars present a fun and unique chance for relaxation, where visitors can savor their favorite beverages.

Pick Your Home Base for Winter Fun

The Inn at Erlowest: A Top Spot for a Stylish Stay & Stunning Views

trio of images from Inn at Erlowest

For your next getaway, you can’t go wrong with The Inn at Erlowest, located in Lake George just north of the Village. Treat yourself to luxury lodging and dining, including igloo dining, which is typically available seasonally. This combines farm-to-table meals complete with an extensive wine list and impeccable service, all underneath a winter sky (but you’ll be toasty warm in the heated igloo!).

Other perks to staying at The Inn at Erlowest include stunning lake views on their fireplace patio; elegant, old-world style suites, some of which offer fireplaces, balconies, or Jacuzzis; and the entire mansion is adorned with wood floors and comfortable seating areas.

The Inn at Erlowest often provides enticing packages for special getaways, especially if you’re looking for a romantic mini vacation.

Additional Options for Winter Lodging

Other year-round lodging options in the area include Fort William HenryLodges at Cresthaven, Trout House Village Resort, or the Quarters at Lake George. Each offers their own cozy amenities, including fireplaces, Jacuzzis, and/or on-site winter trails or activities.

The key takeaway to enjoying winter in Lake George is to think ahead, make reservations, and secure lodging. In other words, nail down those plans as soon as possible so you don’t miss out on the season.

Browse more winter lodging options >>

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