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Fun Winter Events & Activities in Lake George Village Worth Planning a Trip For

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Winter is a fantastic time of year to visit Lake George Village, especially if you're looking for things to do with family and friends. From the new Winter Realms to wine tastings at Adirondack Winery, these are some of the top winter events and activities in Lake George.

Embrace the Magic of the Season at Lake George Winter's Dream

people walking through a foggy light show

Discover Lake George Winter's Dream, the latest enchanting addition to Lake George's schedule of winter events. This incredible attraction at the Fort William Henry Historical Fortress promises to be a highlight of your season. As you step inside, you'll find a series of multimedia installations that will include a mix of lights, sounds, original music, projections, and interactivity.

Step Into a Dazzling Wonderland When You Visit Winter Realms

Winter Realms is the reimagined successor to the acclaimed Ice Castles in Lake George. It's held at the Charles R. Wood Park Festival Commons and features an array of sculptures, igloos, a magnificent ice skating rink, light displays, and more.

Winter Realms is open November 24, 2023 to February 25, 2024.

Celebrate Winter Carnival Season in Lake George

sanctioned car races on the ice
Sanctioned car races on the ice are one of the most popular events at the carnival! Photo credit: Charles Henry Eldridge.

Since 1961, the annual Lake George Winter Carnival has attracted thousands of visitors to Lake George Village for four fun and activity-filled weekends in February. This celebration is typically held on the lake when the ice is frozen enough, or on land when it's not safe yet.

So what can you expect at the Lake George Winter Carnival? The schedule of events changes year to year, but there are always tons of family-friendly events and entertainment. You can watch competitors face off in wacky outhouse races, taste amazing food at the cook-offs, make your own s’mores on the beach, and more.

No matter which weekend you attend, you’re sure to have a memorable time with family and friends.

Have a Drink at the "Coolest" Winter Events - Ice Bars!

ice bar set up at outdoor bar deck in the winter
The ice bar at the Lake George Beach Club is typically open every weekend of the Lake George Winter Carnival! 

Over the years, the Lake George area community has grown into a hotspot for ice bars. As you may have guessed, ice bars are full-size bars crafted from ice and open for a limited time during the cold winter.

From ice furniture and chairs to props and sculptures, ice bars are some of the "coolest" events you can attend. While all of them offer unique drink specials, some may have food or games too, as shown above.

Beat the Winter Blues With a Wine Tasting Session

bottled wine lined up in the snow
Adirondack Winery has a wine for every palate!

If you’re looking to escape the cold and have a little fun indoors this winter, then you’ll want to visit Adirondack Winery’s Lake George Tasting Room, located right across the street from Shepard Park in the heart of the Village.

Stop in this winter to warm up and enjoy a wine tasting session with their award-winning wines. They often offer a deal during the Lake George Winter Carnival too.

See their wine list »

Drop Your Fishing Line Through a Frozen Lake George

ice angler on the ice
Activities on the lake don't just stop because it's frozen! Photo credit: Luke Dow Photography.

When the surface freezes over with a thick layer of ice, Lake George attracts ice fishermen from all around the region. After you pick out a spot to dig a hole in the ice, you can fish for landlocked salmon, yellow perch, and lake trout.

Although you can fish anywhere the ice is safe to be on, Lake George Village is a good starting point due to the convenient parking options around the southern basin. You can park along the streets, use the parking lot on Beach Road, or there is a parking lot by the Million Dollar Beach boat launch; this is a 26-spot parking lot that is free and open to the public during the winter.

Chill Out at Fun and Funky Winter Festivals

bonfire at Barrel Fest
Enjoy brews and a bonfire at Adirondack Barrel Fest!

Adirondack Pub & Brewery hosts two popular festivals each year - one in January and one in early March, with their Funky Ice Fest and Barrel Fest, respectively. You can look forward to multiple ice bars, live music, food, games, and much more during these two festive weekends.

Go out to eat at one of these year-round restaurants »

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