When winter arrives, you can choose to cocoon in warmth until spring or you can embrace the magic of the season. I prefer the latter and, in my opinion, making the rounds at winter carnivals is one of the best ways to celebrate winter in New York state. These annual celebrations bring the community together in a display of winter spirit with intricate ice castles, lively parades, and spirited competitions against the backdrop of snow-covered peaks.
If you’re looking for winter fun in the Adirondacks, read on for 7 Adirondack Winter Carnivals in 2024 that make this region a must-visit during the snowy season!
1. Saranac Lake Winter Carnival
Believe it or not, this carnival’s history is rooted in illness, back when Saranac Lake was a destination for tuberculosis patients who traveled here for the clean mountain air. To occupy and entertain the patients, locals put on a 2-day carnival, which has since evolved into a 10-day celebration of winter in the Adirondacks.
Expect a packed schedule of events to innertube and alpine ski races, ice skating, Snowflake Volleyball—played in knee-deep snow, and cultural events like concerts, variety shows, and indoor and outdoor movie nights. Be sure to purchase your commemorative button, which have been designed by Garry Trudeau (creator of “Doonesbury) since 1981.
The Saranac Lake Winter Carnival is one of the oldest carnivals in the nation. Everything revolves around the massive Ice Palace, which is carved from two-ton blocks of ice and sits on Lake Flower’s Pontiac Bay for the duration of the carnival.
Each year marks a new carnival theme and elaborate floats are created accordingly for the annual parade, which takes place on the second Saturday of the event. The 2024 theme is Creepy Carnival.
- Saranac Lake Winter Carnival 2024: February 2-11
2. Lake George Winter Carnival
Every weekend in February, Lake George hosts winter events that are fun for the whole family during the annual Lake George Winter Carnival, now in its 62nd year.
Watch the competitive Outhouse Races on the Lake, chill out with a Polar Bear Plunge, and sample local cuisine during weekly cook-offs, where you’ll have the chance to vote for the best local chili, chowder, and chicken wings.
The carnival schedule varies somewhat each weekend, but you can always count on a roaring bonfire on the beach to thaw you out when you need a warm-up. Visiting Lake George in the winter is one of the best ways to beat the winter blues!
- Lake George Winter Carnival 2024: February 3-4, 10-11, 17-18, 24-25
3. Inlet Frozen Fire & Lights
Inlet holds a special place for me since Matt and I got married there more than 21 years ago! I love any excuse to return, and a celebration of winter is the perfect reason.
Inlet Frozen Fire & Lights is one-day event that takes place on the last Saturday in February and offers jam-packed day of winter fun in and around the village of Inlet. Fill up on a free pancake breakfast (8 a.m. until gone) so you’re energized to cross-country ski on miles of groomed trails.
There will also be sledding hill and an ice skating rink. Fourth Lake Wine & Spirits will put on a free wine tasting from 2-5 p.m. and an outdoor bonfire—complete with free hot dogs for all—starts at 5.
See the festival schedule for more details, including where to pick up your free kite for the kite decorating and flying activity! Fireworks go off at Arrowhead Park at 7 p.m.
- Inlet Frozen Fire & Lights 2024: February 24, Sunrise to Dark
4. Long Lake Winter Carnival
The festivities begin with a snowmobile parade down Mt. Sabattis and the coronation of the current year’s King and Queen. Visitors to this unique, one-day event can partake in free ice skating, sledding, broomball, and much more.
There are also raucous cardboard box sled races, a Ladies Fry Pan Toss, and ice carving demonstrations. Stay for the evening fireworks to close out a perfect winter day in the Adirondacks.
- Long Lake Winter Carnival 2024: January 13, 12-9 p.m.
5. Raquette Lake Winter Carnival
Take part in a snowshoe relay race or a game of snow dodgeball, then watch the Ladies Frying Pan Toss and the chainsaw competition. You can also play a game of Ice Golf on the lake and there will be tons of games and events for the kids.
The Raquette Lake Winter Carnival takes place over Presidents Day Weekend in February. A bonfire burns all day and fireworks begin on Saturday at 7 p.m.
- Raquette Lake Winter Carnival 2024: February 17-18
6. Indian Lake SnoCade Snowmobile Festival
The town of Indian Lake celebrates winter in style with a full week of festivities. Plans for 2024 are still underway but previous events have included snowmobile races and guided rides, cardboard sled and kayak races, ice carving demonstrations, snowshoe hikes, and much more. And count on local restaurants for food and drink specials to keep you fueled up and warm!
- Indian Lake SnoCade Snowmobile Festival 2024: February 17-24
7. Brant Lake Winter Carnival
Have you ever seen a human foosball competition? How about a vintage snowmobile and parade? Those are only two of the captivating events at the Brant Lake Winter Carnival. The daylong event also features Outhouse Races, where outhouses are elaborately decorated, outfitted with skis, and raced for prizes that total $1,000. Many more events fill out the day, including broomball tournaments, Adirondack curling, ice skating, and sledding. Fireworks begin at dusk.
- Brant Lake Winter Carnival 2024: February 17
Final Thoughts on Winter Carnivals in the Adirondacks
Adirondack Winter Carnivals radiate joy and community during a season that many perceive as the bleakest of the year. So hop off that sofa, bundle up, and join the fun as you experience the warmth of Adirondack hospitality in the crisp mountain air!