Saranac Lake Winter Carnival 2025 in New York State

If your idea of winter fun is to stay indoors under a warm blanket, you might change your mind after visiting the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival, taking place in the pre-historic Adirondack forest. The Winter Carnival unfolds every February at various locations near Saranac Lake. The festival's major attraction is The Saranac Lake Ice Palace, which is erected on Lake Flower's shores at Pontiac Bay.

Festival Program

With each new edition, the ten-day festival manages to up their game again and again with an innovative theme. Last year's theme was Creepy Carnival, where attendees embraced the spirit of Halloween in the middle of winter. The 2025 edition promises a jam-packed week of fun with the Music Legends, which showcases the greatest artists of all time.

Saranac Lake Winter Carnival features a busy program with sports, cross-country races, Gala Parade and Kiddie Parade, Arctic golf, performances, hockey tournament, skating, and three sets of spectacular fireworks. Each year, the festival also crowns a new King and Queen of Saranac Lake Winter Carnival.

Gala Parade (February 8, 2025)

The Gala Parade is a highlight of the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival. With the participants dressed to match the year's theme, it's sure to be a magnificent sight. Dozens of floats travel through Downtown Saranac Lake, from Saranac Lake Volunteer Fire Department on Broadway to LaPan Highway. Hundreds of spectators line the streets, hoping to witness a show of a lifetime, with local ensembles, bands, and businesses putting on performances and waving to the crowds. The event usually kicks off at 1 pm.

Tickets & Schedule

No fees or tickets are required to enter the famous Ice Palace, however, prior registration might be needed for some events, including parades. The hours vary, depending on the day, but generally, the carnival spans from 10 am until 10 pm, with some events lasting until midnight.

Location & Parking

The village of Saranac Lake lies in the Adirondack Park, with nearby Lake Placid and Tupper Lake it forms the so-called Tri-Lakes region, a favorite recreation spot during all seasons. The Ice Palace is situated on River Street, while other events unfold all throughout Saranac Lake, including Prescott Park, Hotel Saranac, Riverside Park, Saranac Lake Civic Center, and many others. The carnival can be easily reached from nearby highways. Parking is available at North Country Community College and Saranac Lake Middle School.

History of the Event

The Saranac Lake Winter Carnival began as a one-day winter carnival back in 1897, which later was expanded into the Pontiac Club Carnival in 1898. This makes it the longest-running winter festival in the eastern U.S. The signature Ice Palace made its first appearance at the carnival in 1899 and returned to the festival in 1955. Nowadays, this thrilling event is organized by the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Committee and has expanded into a ten-day celebration.