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Lake Chelan Winterfest 2025 in Washington

A favorite event for the Chelan community

Dates: January 17–19, 2025 | January 24–26, 2025

Lake Chelan Winterfest, 2011

Winterfest is a fun winter event for the whole family, held every January in downtown Chelan, Washington. It runs over two weekends, featuring live music, wine tastings, beer and ale tasting, kids' games and activities, and a Polar Bear Splash.

Festival Highlights

The major highlights of the festival are an incredible ice sculpture exhibit, a huge beach bonfire, and a spectacular fireworks display to solemnly close the festival. Glacier Lake Chelan, surrounded by snow-capped hills, is a perfect backdrop for a winter festival. Ride a horse-drawn carriage, warm up by the fire, and immerse yourself in a real winter wonderland.

Ice Chelan Weekend

Ice Chelan Weekend, the first part of the Lake Chelan Winterfest, will take place from January 17 to 19. Celebrate the winter season in downtown Chelan with ice carving demonstrations, live music, and plenty of frosty fun. Take a stroll through the local shops, enjoy fine wines, and immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of the weekend. The Vendor Market will be open on Saturday, January 18, and Saturday, January 25, from 11 am to 5 pm.

Fire Mansom Weekend

Fire Manson Weekend will be held from January 24-26 as the second part of Lake Chelan Winterfest in downtown Manson. Embrace the warmth of winter with the Flames of Intention, enjoy drinks at the Fire Bar, and dance to live music on the Main Stage. With its cozy atmosphere and fiery celebrations, this weekend is the perfect way to ignite your winter spirit.

Activities

During the first weekend, make sure to take advantage of the Polar Bear Splash, Beach Bonfire & Fireworks at Don Morse Park on January 18. After the annual Polar Bear Splash, enjoy a massive bonfire and fireworks at 6:30 pm. On January 19, bring the family to the Kids Zone from 11 am to 3 pm for games and activities.

On the second weekend, join the 7th Annual Viki Downey Polar Bear Plunge at Manson Bay Park on January 26 at 1 pm. Warm up by the bonfire after plunging for a cause. Fireworks will light up Manson Bay Park on January 25 at 6:30 pm.

Tickets

Visitors can choose between separate event tickets or all-weekend passes. The Chelan All Weekend Pass includes the Winterfest Wine Walk, a Bubble Brunch ticket on January 19, 10 Ice Bar drink tickets, and a Winterfest Button for $175. The Manson All Weekend Pass offers 10 Ice Bar drink tickets, a Manson Bubble Brunch ticket, and a Winterfest Button for $125.

Practical info

Find hotels and airbnbs near Lake Chelan Winterfest (Map)

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