As much as we’d like to attend each and every one of the festivals and events that are up and running during New York’s winter season, considering the size of our state and that there are only so many hours in a day, it’s simply impossible to make that dream come true. So, to ensure that you have the best year possible here in the Empire State, we’re going to point you in the direction of the one winter festival you should absolutely cross off of your bucket list during this time of year. See for yourself!
An event that’s been held in the Adirondack Park since 1897, the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival is a winter event that you have to experience at least once throughout your lifetime.
Saranac Lake Winter Carnival/Facebook
Towards the end of each winter here in New York, the carnival takes over the village of Saranac Lake - drawing in visitors from all around New York and beyond.
Matt McLear/Google
Over the course of this 10-day-long event, you’ll find things happening around town like spaghetti dinner fundraisers, Arctic Gold Build-An-Obstacle Contest, Chocolate Festival at Harrietstown Town Hall, Fry Pan Tosses at Riverside Park…
Rand Snyder/Flickr
…Winter Books Sales at the Saranac Lake Free Library, Snowshoe Softball at the Elks Field, Face Painting, Cookie Decorating Contests, and more going on.
Rand Snyder/Flickr
The shining star of the winter carnival though is the Ice Palace that sits out between River Street and Lake Flower where the ice to make the palace is harvested directly from by local Adirondack residents!
Saranac Lake Winter Carnival/Facebook
Impossible to miss as you drive through town, this season from January 31, 2019 through February 9, 2020 while the carnival is operating you’ll be able to see the magical ice castle on display.
Lorry Kirk/Google
Free for all to enjoy, visitors can walk right up to the Ice Palace to explore this one-of-a-kind castle that’s made up of hallways and tunnels that you can even crawl through.
Catina LaVare/Google
When you aren’t exploring the insides of the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Ice Palace, you’ll find other smaller ice structures set up all along the lakefront and in town like chairs for you to sit an, a lean-to, and even a miniature golf course made of ice!
John Kane/Google
Each year, the Ice Palace takes on a new theme, with this year’s being ‘Myths and Legends’, so you can be sure that you’ll have something truly magical waiting for you!
Kari Collins/Google
While at night, the palace is lit up by colorful neon lights that turn this castle into a whole new experience for visitors.
Jo Amelia Finlay Bever/Flickr
With the chance to see fireworks during their opening display at 7 p.m. on Saturday, February 1 and on Sunday, February 9 at 8 p.m. for the closing display, start planning your trip to Saranac Lake before the Winter Carnival passes you by!
robmadeo/Flickr To find out more about this year’s Saranac Lake Winter Carnival, click here and be sure to further stay up to date by following their official Facebook page!
When: January 31, 2019 - February 9, 2020
Ready to take on more of the Empire State’s most enchanting winter events? Then be sure to also read about how There’s A Chinese Lantern Festival Coming To New York And It’s Downright Magical!
Saranac Lake Winter Carnival/Facebook
Matt McLear/Google
Rand Snyder/Flickr
Lorry Kirk/Google
Catina LaVare/Google
John Kane/Google
Kari Collins/Google
Jo Amelia Finlay Bever/Flickr
robmadeo/Flickr
To find out more about this year’s Saranac Lake Winter Carnival, click here and be sure to further stay up to date by following their official Facebook page!
When: January 31, 2019 - February 9, 2020
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Ice Palace at the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival, 22 River St, Saranac Lake, NY 12983, USA
