McCall Winter Carnival 2025 in Idaho

The McCall Winter Carnival, held annually in McCall, Idaho, takes place between late January and late February. It is a lively celebration of winter, offering a variety of activities for families and kids. Key attractions include an impressive snow sculpture competition, live music performances, and beloved annual events.

Schedule of Events

The McCall Winter Carnival, held annually between late January and February, features a range of events based on a new theme each year, with 2025’s theme being "Carnival in Paradise." The festival offers a variety of entertainment, including snow sculptures, live music, parades, and fireworks over Payette Lake. Popular activities include the Mardi Gras Parade, the Children’s Torchlight Parade, Snowshoe Golf, and Grand Bingo. Visitors can also enjoy a craft fair, vendor court, and the McPAWS Monster Dog Sled Pull, along with local talent showcases. The festival also features McCall Starz on Ice, a Pancake Breakfast, and live music performances.

Ice Sculpture Competition

During the McCall Winter Carnival, one of the key attractions is the annual Ice Sculpture Competition. Local businesses bring their creative ideas to life with towering ice sculptures featuring everything from castles and pyramids to mythical creatures and more. The competition includes three categories: Professional, Amateur, and People's Choice. Participants compete for cash prizes ranging from $500 to $2,000. These stunning ice sculptures are displayed throughout McCall, adding an extra element of magic to the carnival's festivities.

Mardi Gras Parade

One of the most famous attractions at McCall Winter Carnival is surely the Mardi Gras Parade, marching through the streets of McCall on the first Saturday. It is typically the most crowded day of the carnival. The culmination of the carnival festivities is fireworks over Payette Lake and the ​festival's snow and ice sculptures.

History

The carnival, inspired by the Payette Lake Winter Games, has been a symbol of Idaho winter since 1924. The local winter tradition started with residents constructing the sculptures in front of their homes. Later on, the sculptures moved to downtown, where local businesses supported the spirit of winter fun. The first edition of the winter fest drew only 248 participants. Now, McCall Snow Sculpturing has grown into an event with national recognition and attracts over 60,000 attendees each year.