Winter Carnivals In Upstate NY: 10 Places For Fun In The Snowy Season
Winter Carnivals in Upstate NY will keep you cold, but also busy having a lot of fun in the snowy season. Each carnival and event takes place at different times and days, as well as in various places.
There are at least 10 areas where there are either winter carnivals, or places hosting winter events with a vast array of things to do in each one.
Yes, it’s cold, and sometimes very cold. However, each one of these events has its own charm, traditions, and fun activities that make winter feel lively instead of boring.
Most of these winter carnivals are run and hosted by volunteers to make these fun, but cold, winter events happen. Besides the activities themselves, this is what makes it so special. This not only brings the communities of these areas together, but it also attracts people in from all over the world to come and join in on the cool, clean, fun. (No pun intended.) Bringing people together for festive outdoor fun that has been part of Adirondack winter culture for decades.
If you’re looking for fun things to do in winter in Upstate NY, this list should keep you busy for the entire winter.
List Of 10 Winter Carnivals In The Adirondacks, and Winter Activities In Upstate NY:
( Be sure to click on the bold title for each respective website to get more details. )
Lake George-
Is one of the long standing winter carnivals that has taken place for over 60 years. The event spans for an entire month. Some events include: Polar plunge,(Yes jumping into freezing cold water is a thing), ice races, cook offs, dog’s got talent contest, and more.
Saranac Lake-
Has been one of the most long standing winter carnivals, and has taken place for over 100 years. The main attraction is the iconic Ice Palace. It has been taken down for 2025, and being ready to be rebuilt for 2026. Some other activities include local theatre, various hunts, ski races, meet and greets, snowmobile with sled rides, crafts, ice sculptures, and more.
Lake Placid-
Does not have a typical “carnival” but has many fun winter activities and events including the famous “Lake Placid Loppet”, a ski racing competition. Also, included are ugly sweater contests / party, cook offs, ski parties, sporting competitions, ice skating and more. Lake placid is closely tied to the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival. Even though they are separate towns, their events tie in together closely.
Long Lake-
Spans over a couple of days in January, and will feature games, sled rides, ice sculpting, live music, fireworks, and more.
Old Forge-
Depicts a skiing show, ice skating, fireworks, dinner specials at favorite local restaurants, and more.
Indian Lake –
Is another that doesn’t have a “Winter Carnival” that we know of, but has many great winter events we thought were worth mentioning. They are, however, closely tied into the Raquette Lake Winter Carnival (mentioned below). They have events such as snow mobile and sled races, various games and parties, fishing for the kids, and more.
Raquette Lake–
Depicts games contests, ice golf, competitions, fireworks, and more.
Brant Lake–
Has races, various competitions, skating, sledding, a parade, and more.
Ticonderoga–
Is normally a 2 day event including games, skating, campfire, fireworks and more.
Inlet-
Is a Winter festival (rather than carnival), held the last Saturday in February each year. It’s events include snow shoeing, cross country skiing, sledding, and ice skating.
Events are held in various places, and some are free to attend, while others require a ticket to be purchased.
This list will keep you busy with nothing but absolute fun for you and the family all winter long.
If you’re not from the area, be sure to check out all of the various places you can stay to make a weekend trip out of it.
See all the beauty of the snow capped mountains, sip hot cocoa by the fire, and breathe in the crisp, clean, cold air of the Adirondack Mountains.
If you’re looking for more great events in the Adirondacks, be sure to check out the Adirondack Balloon Festival, held each year in the fall.
