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The Best Lake George Winter Village Events for Families & Friends

A Lake George winter in the Village brings ice bars in January, the Lake George Winter Carnival in February, the all new Lights at the Lake, and more! Uncover all the great events and activities to partake in this winter in the Village.

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Celebrate Winter Carnival Season in Lake George

people on frozen lake in lake george in winter during winter carnival
If the lake freezes, you can walk out on it!

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 that include cook-offs, outhouse races, lumberjack competitions, and much more!

horse and wagon ride at lake george winter carnival
Explore the Village in a whole new way!

Other highlights of this weekly winter event include fireworks, polar plunges, horse-drawn carriage rides around the Village, and a plethora of other family-friendly things to do.

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

lagoon ice bar
The Lagoon ice bar is the only one open during the 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.

ice bar chairs
The majority of ice bars take place during the last two weekends of January.

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.

Step Back in Time at Fort William Henry's Frozen Fort

aerial view of fort william henry museum in winter
You may have been to the Fort in summer or fall - but what about winter?

Winter transforms Fort William Henry into a striking, immersive glimpse of the past. The Frozen Fort: Winter at Fort William Henry offers an in-depth look at life at the Fort during the French & Indian War, but like you've never seen it before - in the winter!

Learn about how winter shaped daily routines, experience a Brown Bess musket demonstration, and more. You'll also get a chance to explore the expansive grounds at your own pace.

soldiers and fireworks
Pair this event with your Winter Carnival visit!

Bonus tip: They also have Phantoms & Fireworks going on Saturdays during the Lake George Winter Carnival - take a spine-tingling tour before or after fireworks!

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.

interior of adirondack winery's lake george tasting room
Come in from the cold and grab a seat!

Stop in this winter to warm up and enjoy a wine tasting session with their award-winning wines. 

Chill Out (And Warm Up) at Barrel Fest

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

Adirondack Pub & Brewery not only holds an ice bar called Funky Ice Fest, but they also host a major festival called Barrel Fest towards the end of winter.

crowd at Barrel Fest
Wrap up winter in style!

This beer-centric festival features exclusively barrel-aged beer, cider, and wine from not only their only brewery, but from across the Northeast. There's also music, dancing, fireworks, and did we mention the giant bonfire?

Drop Your Fishing Line Through a Frozen Lake George

ice angler on the ice
Here's another chance to get out on the lake! Photo credit: Luke Dow Photography.

When the surface freezes over with a thick layer of ice, Lake George attracts anglers 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.

closeup of a man ice fishing
If you're inexperienced but want to try, go with a guide.

Although you can ice 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. If the lake isn't frozen, you can branch out to a nearby waterbody.

Discover more seasonal events in the Village >>

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woman in hat poses in front water
About the Author: Erin Nudi Erin is an avid reader, yogi, jogger, and hiker living in Queensbury. When she's not perusing books at Northshire, Owl Pen Books, or Beldame Books, you can find her at a local event or park with her family.
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