18 Dec Winter Fun in the Lake George Region
(The original blog post is from 2022 but has been updated to reflect 2023/2024 events)
While Lake George Campsites is not open during the winter months (opening day is 5/1/24!), it’s still a wonderful time of year to visit the Lake George region. From ice bars to outdoor igloo dining and a winter carnival, there are plenty of winter activities and things to do in Lake George. Not to mention all of the outdoor activities like winter hiking, downhill skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling. We’ve got your comprehensive guide to winter in Lake George to ensure you have a fun-filled stay in our backyard.
WINTER REALM
This brand-new event from Ice Castles is promising to be the hot ticket of the season! Located in Charles R. Wood Park right in Lake George Village, this interactive winter experience includes ice skating, a mystic light walk, an ice sculpture garden, and a Snowman park – where you can make and decorate your very own snowman. Plus, Santa’s Candy Court offers festive photo opportunities for the entire family.
Grab a beer or winter cocktail at the Polar Pub, and if you get hungry, head on down to Picnic Plaza for some sweet and savory treats.
Tickets for Winter Realm can be purchased online here. We are now in peak season, so tickets are $20 for general admission and $15 for children (4 – 11 years old). Children 0 – 3 years old do not require a ticket.
WINTER’S DREAM
Lake George Winter’s Dream by Moment Factory opened on December 8, 2023, at Fort William Henry Historical Fortress in Lake George. This 45-minute interactive multimedia experience immerses you in a dreamlike winter scene. Walking through this outdoor winter wonderland, you will experience a series of installations with lights, sounds, original music, and video content. It’s truly something you have to see to believe!
Tickets can be purchased online here. Tickets start at $23.90 for an adult ticket. Hurry up and book, as dates are filling up quickly. The event runs through March 31, 2024.
ICE BARS
Each year, the Sagamore Resort in Bolton Landing creates a winter wonderland with its Glacier Ice Bar & Lounge. The experience will be January 19, 20, 26, and 27, 2024, and is open to the public. Sip on winter-themed specialty cocktails like the Snow Shoe (vodka, St. Germaine, lemon juice, limoncello, cranberry juice), The Frosty Mojito, or Chocolate Martini, and when you need to warm up for a minute, grab a cup of New England clam chowder, or chicken corn chowder.
There are several other establishments in the Lake George Region that have an ice bar each year, including the Adirondack Pub & Brewery – Funky Ice Bar and The Lagoon. Check back for details on specific dates for these chilly events!
WINTER CARNIVAL
The Lake George Winter Carnival is a month-long, family-friendly celebration that takes place on the weekends during the month of February. Lake George Village is bustling all month long with locals and tourists alike who come to enjoy the plethora of parades, cook-offs, races, tournaments, games, and other fun and festive activities.
Activities include cook-offs, outhouse races on the lake, s’mores in the park, polar plunges, pony rides, sleigh rides, arts and crafts, fireworks, a keg toss, karaoke, and more. Something is happening every weekend! Keep checking back for a full activity calendar.
Pre-sale tickets are available and recommended for the cook-off events (2/2: chili, 2/10: BBQ, 2/17: chowder, 2/24: wings). There are also hot chocolate mugs available for purchase online, and you can register online ahead of time for the Polar Plunges & Outhouse Races. Other events will be added once they go live!
IGLOO DINING
Who says outdoor dining isn’t for winter? Reserve your own heated igloo this winter season and enjoy a delicious meal with your closest friends and family at one of these local Lake George establishments.
The Barrel Restaurant at Blue Water Manor features handcrafted food and beverage selections in several settings, including their heated outdoor igloos. Their menu includes everything from burgers to pasta, steak, fish, and seasonal cocktails like apple cider sangria and a cranberry mule. Reservations for igloo dining are strongly encouraged and can be made by calling 518-240-6118. Please note that igloo reservations include a $20 reservation fee.
The Inn at Erlowest offers outdoor heated igloo dining with stunning views of Lake George. Reservations are required for this unique dining experience and can be made by calling The Erlowest at 518-668-5928. Please note that a $200 food and beverage minimum is required for Thursdays and Sundays, and a $250 food and beverage minimum is required for Fridays and Saturdays.
Park 26 at The Queensbury Hotel offers igloo dining overlooking downtown Glens Falls. The Park Patio has radiant heating, and they provide additional heaters and blankets in the igloos for the ultimate cozy experience. A few details on the dining igloos: there is a six-guest maximum, seating is for 90 minutes, and a $10/per person deposit taken at the time of booking that will be applied to the final bill. Reservations can be made here.
INDOOR FUN
If you’re looking to escape the cold and have some fun indoors, there are plenty of spots in Lake George Village and the surrounding areas. Visit Adirondack Winery’s Lake George tasting room and sip on their award-winning wines and ciders. They also have a tasting room in Queensbury, NY, if you want to avoid the crowds of downtown LG, where they offer wine tastings, charcuterie boards, winery tours, and more!
While you might think of Six Flags Great Escape as a summer destination, they have an indoor waterpark open year-round for all to enjoy in their lodge.
Escape LG challenges adventurers using clues, codes, and ciphers to unlock the secrets of the room. You’ll have 60 minutes to try and escape! Or head over to Wax n’ Wix for a candle-making experience.
Try something out of the box at Adirondack Axe, the Northeast’s premier axe-throwing venue, or enjoy golf simulation, bowling, laser tag, an arcade, and an indoor playground at Lake George Lanes & Games. If you want to take a more educational route, visit The Hyde Collection in Glens Falls, NY – one of the Northeast’s exceptional small art museums with distinguished collections of European and American art.
SKIING, SNOWBOARDING, AND SNOWSHOEING
Lake George, NY, is just a short drive from several top-rated ski mountains. Gore Mountain in North Creek, NY, is a 35-minute drive from Lake George. Gore’s terrain covers four unique peaks with trails for every level of skier. They have rentals and lessons available, and there are several on-site dining options to choose from. West Mountain in nearby Queensbury, NY, is a family-owned and family-friendly ski area only 15 minutes from Lake George. West Mountain offers 31 trails spread across 126 skiable acres, and they have a large snow tubing park that kids and adults alike will love. Be sure to book your tubing tickets in advance, as they book up quickly!
And for those who aren’t skiers but still want to experience the outdoors, snowshoeing is a wonderful option. It requires minimal equipment and no training or experience, and you still get to breathe in that winter air and get close to the snow-capped Adirondack Mountains. The Dynamite Hill Recreation Center & Nature Trail in Chestertown, NY, is a great place to go snowshoeing, as is Natural Stone Bridge & Caves in Pottersville, NY. Beaverbrook Outfitters in Wevertown, NY, not only offers snowshoe rentals but guided snowshoe tours – a great option if you want to try it out without committing to buying all of the required gear.
WINTER HIKING
Winter hiking is a great way to experience the Lake George region…if you can get past the frigid temperatures. There are trails all around that offer picturesque views of the lake and surrounding mountains, ranging in length and level of difficulty. Pilot Knob Preserve is a great family-friendly hike in Fort Ann, NY. The hike is a 1.8-mile trek round trip if you follow the loop, and you’ll be rewarded at the top when you reach the beautiful gazebo with views overlooking Lake George.
Buck Mountain is a moderately challenging hike located on the east side of Lake George. The climb to the summit is approximately 3 miles one way, and there are rocky and steep sections to this hike to be mindful of (it’s probably not the best for young children). Sleeping Beauty Mountain is another moderate hike that varies between 5 – 7.5 miles round-trip, depending on where you start and stop. It has some rockier sections, so take extra caution in the wintertime, but it is generally family-friendly. Just be sure to check the forecast and trail conditions before you head out on your hike so you are prepared!
LOOK AHEAD TO SPRING
Spring will be here before you know it! When do Lake George campgrounds open? Lake George Campsites opens for the 2024 season on May 1! We’ve got you covered for camping in the Adirondacks with RV camping, tent camping, and cozy cottages. If you’re looking for places to camp in the Adirondacks, it doesn’t get better than our corner of the Lake George region.