Winter Carnivals

Adirondack Traditions

Winter in the Adirondack Mountains is one of the most festive and magical times of the year. From November, through early March, revelers find ways to celebrate the snow with traditions that span centuries, connect generations and offer fun for all.

The oldest event of its kind in the eastern United States, the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival celebrates its' 115th Anniversary in 2012. A cherished tradition, the Carnival began in the late 1800s when Saranac Lake thrived as a health resort for Tuberculosis patients. It started as a small, two-day affair promoting outdoor sports and recreation for patients "taking the cure," as a way to break up and enjoy the long winter.

As the century passed, the Carnival grew, morphing into a two-week celebration filled with special Saranac Lake events like the Women's Fry Pan Toss, musical and theater performances, a much-anticipated parade, as well as opening and closing ceremony fireworks. The crowning attraction of each Carnival is the Ice Palace. Built using two-ton blocks of ice harvested from nearby Lake Flower, the Ice Palace takes its shape anew each winter, offering tunnels, a maze and new surprises at every turn.

Many Adirondack communities host winter carnivals and Lake George is no different. Every weekend throughout February, the Lake George Winter Carnival reigns supreme on the list of fun Adirondack events to check out. From the Polar Bear Plunge, ice golfing and ATV ice races, fireworks and Frisbee golf, to ice sculptures, live music and beach bonfires - the community of Lake George puts on a show all month long.

Check out these Adirondack winter carnivals and festivals for more winter fun:

• Long Lake Winter Carnival offers a full day of winter fun on January 14th. Watch the snowmobile parade descend from the top of Mt. Sabattis, the coronation of the King and Queen of the Winter Carnival, cardboard box sled races, Ladies Fry Pan Toss, Broom Ball, fireworks and more.
• Frozen Fire & Lights takes place February 25th in the village of Inlet. Gather around the bonfire and enjoy delicious treats after an afternoon of sledding, ice-skating and Adirondack cross-country skiing. Watch a spectacular fireworks display in Arrowhead Park at dusk.
• Raquette Lake Winter Carnival offers two days of family fun February 18-19th, including the Lady's Fry Pan Toss, a performance by Bob Shelly the Magician, the Men's Golf Drive and Tug of War. Warm up at the bonfire and enjoy a fireworks display.
• Hague Winter Weekend is slated for February 18-19th. Join in this Lake George area event and participate in the Polar Bear Plunge, scholarship dinner and a winter road race.
• WinterXCape Winterfest in Lowville is slated for February 4. Enjoy horse-drawn sleigh rides, dogsled rides, a petting zoo, geo-caching, cross-country skiing, a snowman contest, refreshments and more.
• WinterFest in Indian Lake, slated for February 17-19, promises a jam-packed weekend of Adirondack events. Enjoy ski and snowboarding races, a craft fair, the annual snowmobile poker run and organized snowshoe outings.
• Tri-Town Winterfest in the St. Lawrence River Valley kicks off the second weekend in February and lasts all week long. Enjoy outdoor concerts and theatrical shows, scrapbooking demos and workshops, a chili cook-off and the Polar Bear Golf Tournament.
  

Join us this special season and discover all the fun and excitement of an Adirondack winter!