Saranac Lake Winter Carnival

About

Saranac Lake Winter Carnival

Thank you to everyone that visited in 2026! We look forward to seeing you again next year.

Winter Carnival 2027: February 5th-14th

The Saranac Lake Winter Carnival is a beloved annual tradition celebrating winter with 10 days of fun, featuring parades, live entertainment, outdoor activities, and the iconic Ice Palace. Rooted in history and community spirit, the carnival brings together locals and visitors for a season of magic, camaraderie, and classic winter festivities.

Theme: Wizards and Dragons

Parade: February 13th 2027

Ice Palace: The Ice Palace is built for the duration of Winter Carnival, weather permitting. It will be illuminated nightly from the lighting ceremony and fireworks until closing. 

History

Since 1897, our Winter Carnival has been a grassroots, volunteer-driven event that started as a celebration to break up the spectacular, but deep, winters. The extra impetus came from the village’s transition from a lively logging community to a wilderness research and cure center for tuberculosis. The treatment of the time emphasized lots of rest and few activities. But patients also needed a boost to their morale. And so Winter Carnival was born.

Like many communities in the area, Saranac Lake was in the “ice trade,” cutting blocks of frozen water to serve the refrigeration needs of turn-of-the-century cities. So the equipment and expertise was already in place to build the first Ice Tower. While there is now heavy equipment in use, the construction techniques are the same as the ones used over 100 years ago. Enthusiasm has grown over the years, and the original tower has grown into a magnificent palace made from the frozen waters of Lake Flower.

Make Winter Carnival your Adirondack getaway  

Leave your car behind — most of Saranac Lake’s lodging is located a short walk from the Ice Palace! You’ll want to head downtown after exploring its icy walls to participate in some of the lively, snow-centered activities and events, like the ski and snowshoe races, Ice Palace Fun Run, curling exhibition, and Arctic Golf. We keep tradition alive with the woodsmen’s demonstration of logging skills and add modern fun like the Ultimate Frisbee Games and Fireman’s Broomball.

Other don’t-miss Carnival happenings include the Arctic BBQ, the crowd-favorite Ladies Fry Pan Toss, and the world-famous Lawn Chair Ladies with their synchronized performance dancing. It wouldn’t be a Winter Carnival Parade without them!

Put a pin in it!

Every year, "Doonesbury" cartoonist, Garry Trudeau, designs a new, themed, collectible pin as a fundraiser for the event. Start your collection now! For just $5, pick up one of these awesome buttons at many Saranac Lake businesses, or during your trip to the Ice Palace at the new History Hut Gift Shop and Headquarters located at the Lake Flower Boat launch. For a full list businesses and more information, visit the Winter Carnival website.

Click Here for a printable schedule of additional community events, featuring a QR code for each event to quickly access and share more details. Note: It may take a few seconds to load the PDF - thank you for your patience.

For the most up-to-date information and Winter Carnival Committee sponsored events, visit the official Saranac Lake Winter Carnival website. Please keep in mind that all events are subject to change.