The Lake George Winter Carnival: Plan the Whole Weekend With This Itinerary
What to Do, Where to Eat & Stay for the Carnival
There’s no better way to experience winter in Lake George than at the Lake George Winter Carnival, happening in 2025 on Saturdays and Sundays from February 1 to March 2. Explore more to do in the area in addition to carnival festivities with this Lake George Winter Carnival weekend itinerary!
Note: The Lake George Winter Carnival's various activities and competitions take place from 9am to 7pm on Saturdays (wrapping up with fireworks), and from 10am to 4pm on Sundays (ending with the Ladies Skillet Toss).
Where possible below, we've indicated the weekend hours of each recommended thing to do or place to eat at, so you can better carve out the perfect itinerary for you.
Find Exciting Outdoor Adventures
For those who embrace the cold and want to get in on more wintery adventures outdoors, check out these activities:
Carriage Rides
Take a scenic horse-drawn carriage ride with the Caldwell Carriage Company, who will be offering rides throughout the Lake George Winter Carnival.
Horse rides are situated on Beach Road, and run on Saturdays and Sundays from 12pm to 3:30pm.
The Lagoon Ice Bar
Located in the middle of all the Lake George Winter Carnival action, make sure to stop at the ice bar at The Lagoon, which will be open every day the carnival is.
The Lagoon is open 12pm to 10pm on Saturdays, and 12pm to 9pm on Sundays.
Ice Skating
Don’t miss out on free ice skating (rentals are $5) at the new Beach Road parking lot synthetic ice rink.
The rink is open from 12pm to 8pm on Saturdays, and 12pm to 6pm on Sundays.
History & Holidays
The Fort William Henry Museum, also right by all the carnival action, is hosting History & Holidays each weekend during the carnival (plus daily during Presidents Week). Check out interactive games, crafts, historical tours, and more.
History & Holidays takes place 11am to 5pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
Snow Tubing & Skiing
Head to West Mountain in nearby Queensbury to hit the slopes. They also have a snow tubing park, if you’re visiting with kids!
The area's prime ski mountain is open 8:30am to 6pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
Bonus tip: Fire on the Mountain is happening on February 15.
Snowshoeing
Explore picturesque trails at the Lake George Rec Center or Gurney Lane Recreation Area in Queensbury (bring your own gear), or at Up Yonda Farm in Bolton Landing (rentals are available; they also offer guided snowshoe hikes).
Up Yonda Farm is open 8am to 4pm on Saturdays, and is closed on Sundays.
Stay Warm With Cozy Indoor Activities
For when you need a break from the cold, check out these fun things to do:
Lake George Lanes & Games
More than just bowling, Lake George Lanes & Games has a bar and an arcade, plus if you have kids an indoor playground and laser tag.
Lanes & Games is open 10am to 12am on Saturdays (great for a late night after the carnival!), and 10am to 6pm on Sundays.
Adirondack Axe
Haven’t tried axe throwing yet? Now’s your chance! Adirondack Axe is located at Aviation Mall in Queensbury.
Check them out between 12pm and 8pm on Saturdays, or 11am to 4pm on Sundays.
Creative Jam
Creative Jam is a multi-use art studio situated in the Lake George Outlets, and offers an inviting space to paint, draw, write, or create. Check out classes and events they may have coming up!
Creative Jam is open 10am to 5pm on Saturdays, and they're closed on Sundays.
Wax ‘n Wix
Also located conveniently in the outlets with a second location right in the Village, Wax ‘n Wix is another way to get your creative, crafty juices flowing. See how to make your own candle to bring home.
Wax 'n Wix in the outlets is open 10am to 7pm on Saturdays and 10am to 6pm on Sundays; the Village location is open 11am to 6pm on Saturdays, and 12pm to 5pm on Sundays.
Fuel Up: Where to Eat & Drink
When you’re ready to duck inside a comfortable restaurant, we recommend the following:
Lake George Beach Club
They’re right by Shepard’s Park where the majority of carnival activities take place, and they’re open year-round with fabulous food.
The Lake George Beach Club is open 12pm to 12am on Saturdays and Sundays.
The Lagoon
The aforementioned Lagoon is more than just an ice bar - step into their restaurant to dine indoors.
As mentioned above in their ice bar section, the Lagoon is open 12pm to 10pm on Saturdays, and 12pm to 9pm on Sundays.
The Log Jam Restaurant
A long-time favorite of locals and tourists, you can’t go wrong with three fireplaces and the rustic decor at The Log Jam, which can be found in the outlets.
They're open 11:30am to 8:30pm on Saturdays, and 11:30am to 8pm on Sundays.
Lakeside Restaurant & Lounge
Located inside the Fort William Henry Hotel, the Lakeside Restaurant and Lounge is a top winter dining destination.
The restaurant is open 12pm to 9pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
Where to Stay: Book Your Lodging
For Families: A Vacation Rental Home
If you’re coming with the whole family, consider renting a vacation home to elevate the experience with Lake George Vacay or Northern Living.
Have room to spread out and make use of great amenities like a fireplace or Jacuzzi. Many homes are lakeside!
For a Romantic Weekend: A Luxurious Castle or B&B
Just the two of you? Consider an intimate escape to The Erlowest, just north of Lake George Village.
Rockwell Falls Inn, close by in Lake Luzerne, is another excellent option for couples that is a little off the beaten path - you’ll love their wine bar!
For a Front-Row Carnival Experience: A Hotel in the Center of the Action
Stay at Fort William Henry Hotel for comfortable lodging, top notch hospitality, and prime views of the Lake George Winter Carnival’s Saturday night fireworks!
Whether the lake is frozen or not, and whether you're up for indoor or outdoor activities, there's plenty to do in Lake George on winter carnival weekends!
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