Attend the Lake George Winter Carnival 2025 for Cookoffs, Contests, Car Races & More
Weekends in February are Winter Carnival Time!
Lake George Village offers a month-long celebration of winter during this annual family-friendly festival. The Lake George Winter Carnival 2025 takes place each weekend throughout February!
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Relish the warmth of tasty samples during the chowder, chili, BBQ, and chicken wing cook-offs. Witness the always hilarious and fun outhouse races - a crowd pleasing favorite - as well as ATV races, polar plunges, fireworks, and more!
Kids can participate in children's activities, go for a pony ride, and sip hot chocolate. And that's just a sample; there's so much fun for everyone. View the complete list of events and activities below.
What Happens If There's No Ice?
Although Lake George is usually frozen solid by February, there are some years when mild temperatures cause the ice to be unsafe for the Winter Carnival's normal activities. If ice-dependent events need to be canceled or relocated, that information will be announced on the Winter Carnival's Facebook page or website.
There are plenty of activities that the ice does not effect! You can still enjoy:
- Fireworks
- Cookoffs
- ATV Poker Run
- Keg Toss
- Skillet Toss
- Hot Chocolate Bar
- S'mores
- Make Your Own Tie Dye Shirts
- Cupcake Decorating
- Glacier Golf
- Dog's Got Talent
- Polar Plunge
- Outhouse Races
- And more!
Where Should I Stay?
Planning a trip to Lake George during one of the four Winter Carnival weekends? There are plenty of places where you can stay overnight this time of year. From family-friendly hotels to cozy cabins, book your room and prepare for carnival fun!
Find Lake George lodging options that are open in winter »
What Else Should I Know Before I Go?
Pre-sale tickets are available and recommended for each Cook Off. There are also hot chocolate mugs available for purchase online, and you can register online ahead of time for the Polar Plunges & Outhouse Races.
Check out more insider tips to the Lake George Winter Carnival »
The Lake George Winter Carnival Schedule
Stay tuned for the full 2025 schedule!
The full schedule is coming! Here's what to know and what you can plan for so far:
Outhouse Races Registration
Outhouse races take place on the lake if it's frozen, and in Battlefield Park if not. There are five members per team, with a $50 registration fee per team. Outhouses must be 4 feet by 4 feet by 6 feet tall, and you must race upright.
Outhouse races are taking place on Saturday, February 1, and Saturday, February 22.
Register here: https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/lgwcfun/lgwc-outhouse-races
Cook Offs
Tickets are on sale now for the Lake George Winter Carnival Cook Off Competitions!
- February 1: Chili Cook Off
- February 8: BBQ Cook Off
- February 15: Chowder Cook Off
- February 22: Wing Cook Off
- March 1: Mac & Cheese Cook Off
How it works: Sample delicious dishes from local chefs and restaurants. Vote to help crown the winners!
Get your cook off tickets here: https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/lgwcfun/cook-off-competition
Souvenir Mug & Hot Chocolate Topping Bar
Limited quantities are available for the collectible Lake George Winter Carnival souvenir mugs, that of course come with a delicious mug of hot chocolate with your choice of toppings.
Purchase a souvenir mug here: https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/lgwcfun/souvenir-mug-and-hot-chocolate-topping-bar
Coming in from out of town? See which lodging venues are open in winter »
Watch our Winter Carnival video below!
Video Transcript
The village of Lake George offers a month long celebration of winter during the Lake George Winter Carnival, an annual family friendly event. The Winter Carnival is held each weekend throughout February. The same lake enjoyed for its many summer activities and views becomes the playground for a whole new season.
With the lake safely frozen over, people flock to the Winter Carnival to participate and watch a number of activities held on the ice and around the lake. The crisp winter air provides a lively sensation adding to the excitement. Snowmobiles and ATVs become the norm for traversing the lake. Many traditional activities are held both days every weekend, but each weekend includes new events and thrills. Many of the village restaurants and pubs are open providing a great view as well as a place to warm up.
The Lake George Winter Carnival, another part of your lakegeorge.com experience.
